1st Corinthians

1. “Sosthenes Our Brother” • 1st Corinthians 1:1

Sosthenes Our Brother • 1st Corinthians 1:1 – Elder Bryce Lowrance In this introductory message to the 1st Corinthian letter, Elder Lowrance takes us back to the founding of the church at Corinth as recorded in Acts, Chapter 18. One of the main reasons that the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Church at Corinth is because they were divided on many issues including, race, doctrine, practice, and church discipline. Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue when they unbelieving Jews tried to have Paul kicked out of Corinth. Obviously, sometime later Sosthenes was changed by the Lord and became a believer and supporter of the Apostle Paul. He mentions Sosthenes in the opening sentence of this letter to show that men can forgive, be reconciled to one another, and live in harmony. 

This sermon was preached on Sunday, September 25, 2022

2. “To the Church of God at Corinth • 1st Corinthians 1:2

To the Church of God at Corinth • 1st Corinthians 1:2 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Paul’s epistle is to a church that is in a location that no one would have ever imagined – Corinth! In this message, Elder Bryce sets the framework for the entire epistle showing that this church, and all other true churches belong to God because He chose the people before the world began in the covenant of election; He sent His Son to dies for them; He called them in regeneration by His Spirit, and the gospel calls on them to walk like Jesus Christ. The saints of God are set-apart for a holy purpose, and they should gather together in a church body to fulfill that calling here in time.

This sermon was preached on October 2, 2022.

3. “Enriched by God” • 1st Corinthians 1:3-9

Enriched by God • 1st Corinthians 1:4-9 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Continuing in the expository series on 1st Corinthians, Elder Bryce contrasts the uncertain and deceitful riches of this world with the glorious riches of God in Christ Jesus. The true riches are the blessings of God which included all the facets of grace, the gospel, and the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This message was preached on October 9, 2022.

4. “Divisions” • 1st Corinthians 1:10-16

Divisions • 1st Corinthians 1:10-16 – Elder Bryce Lowrance The Church at Corinth was a miracle of the Lord Jesus Christ but, like most churches, it had problems. Paul shows this church that the source of all their problems was that they were divided. These cliques were teaching different things and practicing different things. This made it easy for error in doctrine, practice, and discipline to get a foothold in the church. Contrary to liberal Biblical thinkers, doctrine does not divide. Incorrect doctrine, like that being taught at Corinth, divides. But the true doctrine of the finished work of Jesus Christ is the only thing that can unite the children of God in a church.

This message was preached on Sunday, October 16, 2022.

5. “Baptism” • 1st Corinthians 1:13-17

Baptism • 1st Corinthians 1:13-17 – Elder Bryce Lowrance The Apostle Paul makes an interesting statement when addressing the division in the church at Corinth. He says that Christ did not send him to baptize. What did he mean by this? Does this mean that baptism is not important? To answer these questions and others, Elder Bryce explains several passages regarding baptism found in the New Testament.

This message was preached on Sunday, October 23, 2022.

6. “The Cross of Christ Is Enough” • 1st Corinthians 1:17-24

The Cross of Christ Is Enough • 1st Corinthians 1:17-24 – Elder Bryce Lowrance The Church of God at Corinth was established on a very strong foundation of Biblical teaching by the Apostle Paul. They understood that the finished work of Jesus Christ was sufficient for their eternal salvation and that the simple message of that in the gospel was enough to give them hope of eternal life. However, after the Apostle leaves, the old tendencies and traditions of men crept their way back into their thinking. They had developed cliques and false doctrines that adherence to the law or men’s philosophies were also needed in addition to the cross of Christ. Paul sets the record straight – The Cross is enough!

This message was preached on Sunday, November 7, 2022.

7. “The Foolishness of God” • 1st Corinthians 1:21-25

The Foolishness of God • 1st Corinthians 1:21-25 – Elder Bryce Lowrance continues in the expository series on Paul’s first letter to the Church at Corinth. To the world God and salvation by Christ alone seems foolish, but to us who are already saved, it is the power of God and gives us peace. In this sermon, we see the importance of belief. It is an objective fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is King of all creation. Whatever a person believes about this does not change this fact. However, our perspective of this fact has a great effect on our lives. If we do not believe that Jesus is sacrifice for our sins, we will stumble in our understanding of Who He is and why He came. On the other hand, if do believe He is our Savior, we ought to be active in our service to Him.

This message was preached on Sunday, November 13, 2022.

8. “Glory & Shame” • 1st Corinthians 1:26-31

Glory & Shame • 1st Corinthians 1:26-31 – God’s sovereign grace in the salvation of His elect is unquestionable truth taught in the Bible. However, many think that the message of salvation by grace plus nothing does not give enough credit to the will of man. The Apostle Paul in this passage teaches us that the only One to be celebrated in the scheme of salvation is God Himself. Therefore, men’s desires, ideas, and philosophies will only lead to confusion and shame. It is good for God’s people to humble themselves and see the need they have in a complete Savior. When they do they will glory only the Lord!

This message was preached on Sunday, November 27, 2022.

9. “The Miracle of the Preaching of the Gospel” • 1st Corinthians 2:1-10

“The Miracle of Preaching the Gospel” • 1st Corinthians 2:1-10 Elder Bryce Lowrance. The Apostle Paul explains why some people believe and rejoice in the gospel message while others do not. It is not because that believers are smarter, more-learned, more righteous or more noble. The conversion of believers is also not based on the speaking or persuasive abilities of the preacher. Believers are only able to believe because God has performed the work of irresistible grace in their souls. They have have been given faith in the new birth and now have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to help them understand and rejoice in the work of God.

This message was preached on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

10. “Received” • 1st Corinthians 2:9-16

“Received” • 1st Corinthians 2:9-16 Elder Bryce Lowrance. Continuing his message on the miracle of the preaching of the gospel, Elder Lowrance finishes the rest of chapter 2 in the message focusing on the word “received.” There are two definitions for this word that apply in Paul’s writing. We receive the new birth and the gift of faith by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit without any help from us. Having been given faith, we are now able to receive the message of the gospel with joy and assurance of hope.

This message was preached on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

11. “Being Spiritually Minded” • 1st Corinthians 3:1-15

“Being Spiritually Minded” • 1st Corinthians 3:1-15 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Apostle Paul now begins to address the specific problem with the Church at Corinth. They were not growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact that they were divided into various parties was evidence that they lacked spiritual maturity. The remedy to this problem begins with a proper understanding of the role of gospel ministers. They are not lords over the church, they are servants with the same job. The focus in worship should not be on the abilities of the preacher but the glory and power of God.

This message was preached on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

12. “FOR the Church” • 1st Corinthians 3:16-23

“FOR the Church” • 1st Corinthians 3:16-23 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – Not only is each individual child of God the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the church collectively is the place where God dwells! Knowing this, we ought to understand the purpose of ministers of the gospel as servants to the church. Preachers should not exalt themselves and members should not exalt preachers because the most important thing in the church is the church as the Bride of Christ.

This message was preached on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

13. “A Proper View of the Ministry” • 1st Corinthians 4:1-7

“A Proper View of the Ministry” • 1st Corinthians 4:1-7 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Church at Corinth was divided into several factions. This was caused by an improper view and loyalty to the various preachers who had spoken there. Today’s message will explore the role of perspective of God’s ministers of the gospel. They are the “under-rower” which is an unseen servant position that simply does the will of the Master. They are also stewards of God’s word. This means whatever understanding they have been given about the Bible it is to be dispensed to God’s people not to gain fame or reward.

This message was preached on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

14. “Apostolic Authority” • 1st Corinthians 4:8-21

“Apostolic Authority” • 1st Corinthians 4:8-21 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Apostle Paul uses a series of Ironic statements and concessions to shock the divided parties at the Church of Corinth into repentance. He reminds them that they are believers in Christ because He first peached to them, and that they should continue following him as he follows Jesus. He ends this section with a question, “I am coming to visit with you. Would you like me to come with a chastening rod or in tender love?”

This message was preached on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

15. “Church Discipline” • 1st Corinthians 5

“Church Discipline” – 1st Corinthians 5 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The idea of church discipline is a foreign concept to most churches in our day. Paul’s teaching in this chapter shows us that this is a problem that needs to be rectified. The Church at Corinth was puffed up with their many gifts and good preaching. So much so, that they neglected to fulfill one of the church’s biggest responsibilities – teach and encourage righteous living. In this lesson, we see that the moral law of God declared in the Old Testament is still valid. We see that each church and each member of the church has the responsibility to live for Christ and encourage others to walk like Him as well. Finally, we see that church discipline is never to be done for punitive reason but to encourage repentance and holiness.

This message was preached on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

16. “Handling Offenses Within the Church” • 1st Corinthians 6:1-11

“Handling Offenses Within the Church” – 1st Corinthians 6:1-11 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The Apostle Paul continues to point our how the arrogance and pride of the members of the Church at Corinth has moved them to neglect their duties within the church. In this case, when brethren have a disagreement, they have been going to the courts of the world rather than following the instructions of the Lord to regain fellowship with their brothers. Elder Bryce begins this message by showing that, while we are citizens of heaven, we have a dual responsibility being sojourners here on earth. The church should have a positive impact on the world around it but the world should not be brought into the church nor church issues to be handled according to world standards and practices.

This message was preached on Sunday, February 19, 2023.

17. “A Misunderstanding of Christian Liberty” • 1st Corinthians 6:12-20

“A Misunderstanding of Christian Liberty” • 1st Corinthians 6:12-20 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The church at Corinth was guilty of misunderstanding and misapplying Paul’s teaching regarding Christian Liberty. They believed that, since they were saved by grace, they could partake in and enjoy any sin they wished without any consequences. Paul corrects them by telling them their liberty in Christ does teach that they are saved eternally and cannot be lost, but they are not at liberty to continue in sin. God’s moral law is still in place and has not changed.

This message was preached on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

18. “Paul Answers Questions Concerning Marriage” • 1st Corinthians 7

Paul Answers Questions Concerning Marriage • 1st Corinthians 7 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Elder Bryce continues a series of messages looking at the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth. Brother Bryce considers Paul’s instruction in chapter 7 regarding marriage, divorce and remarriage, noting that Paul mentions a “present distress” (v.26) for which the advice was primarily given. Brother Bryce provides historical context of the church at Corinth and what precipitated Paul’s opening statement at the beginning of chapter 7. He then goes on to consider other instruction provided in God’s word regarding marriage, including God’s view of marriage and the many purposes for which God gave us marriage.

This message was preached on Sunday, March 26, 2023

19. “Christian Liberty and Charity” • 1st Corinthians 8

Christian Liberty and Charity • 1st Corinthians 8 – Continuing in his expository series on the 1st Letter to the Church at Corinth, Elder Bryce discusses one of the questions the Corinthian brethren had about their liberty to eat meat offered to idols. The Apostle uses this question as a launching point on the subject of charity that he will discuss for the next several chapters crescendoing to a high point in Chapter 13. In the 8th Chapter, Paul tells them that he agrees they have the liberty to eat meat offered to idols because there is only one God. However, not all their brethren understood this, and so it was a sin to them. So, while Paul agrees that they have the liberty to to eat they should not if it offends their brother with them. Paul’s main point is that the knowledge that we have been given is by the mercy of God and is not just for us. We really do not have any knowledge without a charitable life with others.

This message was preached on Sunday, May 7, 2023

20. “Christian Olympics” • 1st Corinthians 9

“Christian Olympics” • 1st Corinthians 9:1-27 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Keeping in mind how the Apostle Paul is building up to the subject of charity in 1st Corinthians chapter 13, Elder Bryce considers the main points Paul makes in chapter 9. Brother Bryce shows how Paul references his authority as an Apostle and how Paul drives home that the work of the ministry should be supported. Then he notes the dramatic pivot Paul makes, how Paul says he isn’t commanding support of the ministry despite his authority to do so. He shows how Paul chooses charity over liberty and that Paul establishes the pattern that true gospel ministers today should strive to get themselves out of the way for the “gospel’s sake.”

This message was preached on Sunday, May 21, 2023.

21. “Flee from Temptation” • 1st Corinthians 10:1-14

“Flee from Temptation” • 1st Corinthians 10:1-14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Starting in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Elder Bryce Lowrance considers the Apostle Paul’s reminders to the church at Corinth that God takes care of His people and recalls specific occasions in which God was with Israel and delivered the Israelites time and again, sometimes with chastisement. Brother Bryce shows us how the instruction to the church in Corinth has application for us today, that we can learn from the examples Paul gives and that we can turn back to God when we stray away from Him, knowing He’s a God that chastens but also forgives. Finally, he explains just what exactly our Christian “liberty” is and how it should be used today.

This message was preached on Sunday, May 28, 2023

22. “Proper Authority in Worship” • 1st Corinthians 11:1-16

“Proper Authority in Worship” • 1st Corinthians 11:1-16 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Bryce points out that the debate over headcoverings is not the Apostle Paul’s main point. The cultural traditions of coverings point to a problem at Corinth regarding the order of authority in the church worship service.

This message was preached on Sunday, June 25, 2023

23. “Church Unity” • 1st Corinthians 11:17-34

“Church Unity” • 1st Corinthians 11:17-34 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Lowrance continues in 1st Corinthians showing the Apostle Paul’s instruction for the church to worship in unity. The first part of chapter eleven taught that there is a proper order in worship. The second half of the chapter teaches that there is a proper attitude for worship. We are called individually by the Holy Spirit into new birth, but our calling is to be unified in worship. In order to properly worship God, we must see ourselves united into one body, the mystical body of Jesus Christ.

This message was preached on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

24. “Spiritual Gifts” • 1st Corinthians 12

“Spiritual Gifts” • 1st Corinthians 12 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Even though the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased, the principle of church unity that the Apostle Paul teaches in this chapter still applies today. We have each been called by the sovereign grace of God individually, but we have been call into unity of the Body of Christ, the church. Therefore, whatever blessing a child of God has, it has been given to be put to use in the church for the benefit of others.

This sermon was preached on Sunday, August 13, 2023.

25. “Love Is the Greatest Thing” • 1st Corinthians 13

“Love Is The Greatest Thing” • 1st Corinthians 13 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Charity is a fruit of the spirit. That means it is a gift from God. But, unlike the temporary miraculous gifts of the first century, charity was designed as an eternal gift. The miraculous gifts ended int the first century. During our lives now we have faith and hope to help us. We have charity to help others. And charity is the greatest because God is love and charity “will still live one in all eternity.”

This sermon was preached on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

26. “Follow After Charity” • 1st Corinthians 14:1

“Follow After Charity.” •1st Corinthians 14:1 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Bryce teaches that all of our efforts in worship and in our day to day life should be in thankfulness to God for His grace displayed in our active love for others.

This message was preached on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

27.”Charity — The Purpose of God’s Gifts • 1st Corinthians Chapter 14

“Charity – The Purpose of God’s Gifts” • 1st Corinthians Chapter 14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. After a brief review of the first verse of the chapter, Elder Bryce teaches that reason that God blessed the 1st Century Christians with miraculous gifts was so that they could help others. God still blesses His children today for the same reason. If we have been blessed by God with understanding, love, or any other gift of the Spirit, it is not so that we may brag about being one of God’s children. We have been given these gifts in order to be of benefit to others in our church and community.

This message was preached on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

28. “Saved by Hope” • 1st Corinthians 15:1-50

“Saved by Hope” • 1st Corinthians 15:1-50 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The Church at Corinth had some people teaching that there is not resurrection from the dead. This doctrine, as well as the false practices at Corinth, grew out of a disobedience to the teaching of the Apostle Paul. Paul uses a lengthy but profound argument that the teaching of the resurrection is vital because it is the very heart of the gospel. When we forget or do not believe in the resurrection, the fallen world around us, sin, and death will lead us into despair. However, if we remember the gospel, and its foundation in the resurrection, we will be saved from despair into hope!

This message was preached on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

29. “A Mystery Revealed” • 1st Corinthians 15:51-58

“A Mystery Revealed” • 1st Corinthians 15:51-58 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. After a brief review of the first 50 verses of the chapter, Elder Bryce preaches about the details of the Lord’s return at the end of time and the general resurrection of the dead. With a hope in the fact of the resurrection, we can continue on through life’s trials and troubles. In the gospel, we have the mystery of what will happen on that great day opened up to us. When we remember that message we are saved by hope.

This message was preached on Sunday, October 29, 2023.

30. “New Testament Giving” • 1st Corinthians 16:1-4

“New Testament Giving” • 1st Corinthians 16:1-4 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. In the closing to the letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul instructs them to take up a collection to help the struggling saints in Jerusalem. Using this instruction, Elder Bryce teaches principles of New Testament giving. Paul links giving to worship. He says that it is the responsibility of every member. The amount we should give is a matter of faith between the individual and the Lord. And finally, organizations such as mission societies are not needed to fulfill their obligations.

This message was preached on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

31. “Our Plan and/vs. God’s Providence” • 1st Corinthians 16:5-12

“Our Plan and/vs. God’s Providence” • 1st Corinthians 16:5-12 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Using the example of three different preachers, Elder Bryce teaches how we should have a forward looking vision for our lives that conforms to the will of God. When we do this, there may still be times of uncertainty but we have been given faith to trust God in those times.

The message was preached on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

32. “Final Exhortations” • 1st Corinthians 16:13-24

“Final Exhortations” • 1st Corinthians 16:13-24 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. In his final message from the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, Elder Lowrance shows that the Apostle Paul’s purpose in the letter has been to charge the Corinthians brethren to put away selfish behavior and act like mature Christians by loving others. True manhood is a life lived for the benefit of others, not self pleasure or satisfaction.

This message was preached on Sunday, December 10, 2023.