1 Cor 1:10-2:2 is the part of the first essay that lays out the problem, which in a word is politics in the church, and the first part of the theological foundation on which we can build a solution. It is an essay about unity and the cross of Christ, nicely balanced by the fifth essay of the book about the resurrection of Christ. After all, it is upon the death and resurrection of Christ that we will build the solution to any problem we confront. And their problem is still a problem for us today. Even if we pretend that we do not divide up within the Church into ethnic groups, we still divide up into cliques. Pastors of megachurches have a following like rock stars, churches in rural America are called by the pastor’s name, and people shop around for the church where they feel the most comfortable or that offers what they want. These are all symptoms of following personalities, forming parties, and dividing into cliques. Often cliques are designed to promote my agenda and build my kingdom. If one person is slighted, the whole clique forms a new church or finds another one. But what unites bible believing Christians is the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross unites us — we preach Christ crucified.
New audio link (for the version preached at Niagara Presbyterian Church)
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