United Faith Community Church

I CORINTHIANS  On a bed of grass a chameleon's skin turns green.  On the earth, it becomes brown.  It's natural to fit in and adapt to the environment.  But followers of Christ are new creations, born from above and changed from within, with values and life-styles that confront the world and clash with accepted morals.  True believers don't blend in very well.  The Christians in Corinth were struggling with their envoronment.  Surrounded by corruption and every conceivable sin, they felt pressure to adapt.  They knew they were free in Christ, but what did this freedom mean?  How should they view idols or sexuality, about marriage, women in the church and the gifts of the spirit?  Paul heard of their struggles and wrote this letter to answer their questions.

Unity is emphasized in this book. 

I Corinthians calls all Christians to be careful not to blend in with the world.  We must live Christ centered, blameless, loving lives that make a difference for God.

The Corinthians were rallying around various church leaders, Peter, Paul, and Apollos.  These loyalties led to intellectual pride and created a spirit of division in the church.

The Christian life was never promised as an easy way to live, instead, Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a plan because times will be difficult and Satan will attack.  But we never persevere without the promise of a prize--a promise God will keep.  We will be given a crown that will last forever, have eternal life.  We will live with Christ; we will reign with Him.  He is always faithful to us and always carries out His promises.