Unified by the Cross

Identity

Chris Wall • I Corinthians 5:1-13 In a culture that often tolerates and even celebrates sin, God calls His church to live differently. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul confronts the danger of unchecked sin within the body and reminds us that membership matters. The church is not a casual gathering—it is a covenant family where we are responsible for one another’s spiritual health. This passage challenges us to mourn over sin rather than ignore it, to pursue holiness rather than compromise, and to lovingly confront rather than passively tolerate. Like leaven in dough, sin that is left unaddressed will spread—weakening our witness, confusing our message, and compromising our mission. Yet even in discipline, the goal is never punishment—it is restoration. God calls us to be a people marked by sincerity and truth, walking together in accountability and grace. A counter-cultural church is a holy church—one where we are known, where we pursue holiness, where we stand on truth, and where we fight for one another’s restoration in Christ.

Palm Sunday

Chris Wall • I Corinthians 4:1-5 In a world where authority is often resisted and leadership is questioned; many have developed an allergy to being led. This isn’t new—it was alive in the Corinthian church, where pride and preference created division. But God’s answer isn’t the removal of leadership—it’s the installation of the right kind of leaders. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a clear picture of what faithful, Christ-centered leadership looks like and then challenges the church to follow those leaders. As an elder-led, congregationally ruled church, our unity depends on recognizing, affirming, and imitating the right kind of leaders. When we recognize biblical leadership, we overcome the Authority allergy—and live out a gospel adventure that changes the world, starting right here where God planted us.

Adulting

Chad Balthrop • I Corinthians 3:1-10 Adulting is hard. Everyone enjoys the freedom to stay out late, eat ice cream for dinner, and spend time with whomever they want. But no one likes buying tires, fixing broken air conditioners, or paying bills. Relationships make adulting even more difficult. We want what we want when we want it, and we want what we want right now! I’m not sure who you think you are to get in the way of me having it! In the book of First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul challenges us to spiritual maturity. He pushes us to milk maturity for all it’s worth and reveals that spiritual maturity is the foundation for practical unity. With three simple words, he helps us recognize when we’re the ones being immature and shows us how to grow up in every relationship. Ultimately, the most persuasive evidence that Jesus transforms lives is the unity of diverse people joyfully serving God and one another – and that’s the best “adulting” we’ll ever experience!

Unified for Influence

Keith Davis • I Corinthians 2:1-16 Paul reminds the believers in Corinth that when he first came to them, he did not rely on eloquent speech or human wisdom. Instead, he simply preached Jesus Christ and the cross, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the same way, he calls them to remain humble, united, and focused on God so that their lives would reflect His influence in the city of Corinth.

Unified by the Cross

Chris Wall • I Corinthians 1:18-31 At first glance, the cross looked like defeat. From a worldly perspective, the crucifixion of Jesus appeared to be the end — a failed movement and a silenced King. But what looked like weakness was actually the wisdom and power of God on full display. God has always worked this way. He takes what appears foolish and reveals true wisdom. He takes what seems weak and shows His strength. The cross divides humanity: to those who are perishing, it is foolishness, but to those who are being saved, it is the very power of God. The world cannot reason its way to redemption, so God chose what the world calls foolish — the preaching of Christ crucified — to save those who believe. Some demand signs. Others seek sophistication. Both stumble over a crucified Savior. But rejecting the cross does not remove it; it only deepens the fall. Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us,, that not many were wise, powerful, or noble by worldly standards. That is not a flaw in God’s plan; it is the strategy. God chose the weak and lowly so that no one could boast in themselves. In Christ we receive righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Our standing is secure, our transformation is underway, and our future is certain. Therefore, let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.