"The Thing That Both Confronts and Frees Us" | GOOD NEWS - Week 1 | August 9th, 2026

In week one of our GOOD NEWS series through 1 & 2 Corinthians, Pastor Jason Britt dives into 1 Corinthians 1 to explore why the message of the cross is as revolutionary today as it was in the first century. Just like ancient Corinth, our culture promises status, significance, and self-reliance—yet true freedom is found only at the foot of the cross. Discover how a bigger view of Jesus dismantles division, humbles our pride, and frees us from the pressure to be impressive. 💡 Key Takeaways: A Bigger View of Jesus Prevents Division: The cure for an immature, divided, or culturally compromised church isn't better programs—it’s a bigger view of Jesus Christ. The Danger of Formative Culture: We are called to live distinctly different lives (holiness) right in the middle of our culture, rather than escaping it or letting society shape our faith. The Cross Confronts Pride: The cross isn't a self-help tool or a life coach; it’s a rescue operation. It confronts our self-reliance by reminding us that we were completely unable to save ourselves. The Cross Frees Us: God didn't choose us because we were wise, influential, or noble by human standards. The cross frees us from the exhausting treadmill of trying to be religiously impressive. 📌 Timestamps:   00:00 - Togo Mission Trip Video  01:43 - The Hope of the World: Global Impact & Welcoming Bethlehem 02:47 - Celebrating 25 Years of Marriage: The Butler Cabin Lesson 06:08 - Introduction to First-Century Corinthians & The City of Corinth 10:19 - Series Overview: Problem, Principle, and Path 12:43 - The Problem: Culture Forming Our Faith More Than We Realize 14:20 - 1 Corinthians 1:1–9: Sanctified & United in Christ 16:45 - The Cure for Division: A Bigger View of Jesus 19:28 - The Principle: When Identity Isn't Built on Jesus, Division Follows 23:11 - Division in Corinth: "I Follow Paul" vs. "I Follow Christ" 25:55 - The Golf Club Illustration: We Are Instruments 28:50 - The Path: The Way of the Cross Sounds Foolish to the World 34:58 - The Cross Confronts Us: A Rescue of Corpses, Not Self-Help 38:37 - The Cross Frees Us: God Chose the Foolish and Weak Things 42:38 - Boasting in the Lord & Closing Prayer 44:48 - Salvation Call: Committing Your Life to Jesus ✝️ Key Scriptures:   1 Corinthians 1:1-31 We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, based in Bethlehem, GA.   📲 Download the New Bethlehem Church App to stay connected, access resources, and take your next step with us today! 🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to connect with you. Click this link to let us know you’re watching! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1284381 If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/376703  We’d love to pray for you! Visit https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ to post your prayer request. Give Online: Support the ministry of Bethlehem Church at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/   #GoodNews #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #FirstCorinthians #TheCross #FaithJourney #BiggerViewOfJesus #Corinth #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline