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 4:1-6

“A Proper View of the Ministry” • 1st Corinthians 4:1-6 – 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.

“Our Communion” • 1st Corinthians 11:17-34

“Our Communion” – 1st Corinthians 11:17-34
The Apostle Paul uses the communion service to teach the church at Corinth how to correct their errors and come together as a truly unified church. We can take these same lessons to teach us how we ought to conduct ourselves in worship practice and communion.
This sermon was preached on Sunday, August 28, 2022.