His Body: The Way of the Cross - 1 Corinthians 1:10-31

The first item on Paul's lengthy agenda in 1 Corinthians is the subject of unity and division. He addresses this first, because the mission of the Church was so very contingent on the ambition of the Church. The people at Corinth were dividing up into factions, quarreling with each other over what made one right and righteous. Paul quickly reminded them about the Cross. Each faction was boasting of their beliefs and positions, but their posture and behavior were far from Christian. If we are to fulfill our role as the Body of Christ, we must always bear His cross. The way of the cross, is a lifestyle of humility and selflessness. This is where the power of God is found, because this is where Jesus is found. We cannot find our glory in what we know or what we bring, but rather in what God has done. If we all bow at the cross and bear the cross, we will live up to our name. If we keep the cross at the center of our church, if we unite together around the cross - we will constantly be reminded of the equal ground around it, and the love that should always be radiating from it, and through us.