In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul sees the church through the lens of Christ, not focusing on their failures or shortcomings. He writes that the church is generous to the needy — giving of their finances and belongings to help those that are less fortunate. The church is loving and involved in each other's lives. We're not only ministered to, but God also uses all of us to minister to others. Finally, we're to be devoted to the service of the Lord, helping in ministries that serve the church. The wellbeing of the church hinges on the members of the body being actively involved in giving, loving and serving, not just attending as spectators.

In the fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul shows us three truths we must lay hold of in order to overcome in this life. The first is the theology of the Gospel, which tells us that man is totally depraved and in need of a Savior. The "good news" of the Gospel is that, like Christ, we must die. Our old way of life must be crucified. The theology of Resurrection is the belief that Christ was raised from the dead — without it our religion is in vain. Like Christ, we are resurrected as new creations with the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. Lastly is the theology of the Second Coming of Christ. One day Jesus is coming back and we will have our final resurrection into new bodies. The hope of His return gives us eternal perspective, which helps us to persevere — knowing that our faith is not in vain.

It is a common occurrence for Christians to battle a sense of failure. This feeling is aided by our adversary, Satan. Satan is the ultimate failure. He chose ruin, sin and rebellion and was cast out of God's presence. He is a complete failure of the grace of God. We as Christians have a perfect redeemer, living inside of us, who never fails. All who trust Christ are not failures. He will spread His cloak of perfection over us and keep us from falling into utter ruin. We are reminded today that perfect love that never fails.

Many of us won't pursue something unless we know we have the ability or resources to see it through, but God often calls us to step out in faith and trust Him to bring the victory. If we think we can do it in our own strength, it robs God of the glory. When victory comes in such a way that only God could have done it, our hearts turn to worship and praise. Limited resources never limit God. Our trust is to be in the power and provision of God, not in our resources, finances or abilities.

Paul instructs us to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, not just allow or tolerate them. The church is called to use our gifts to build up the body and to bring the lost to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We're all called to be Holy Ghost preachers and prophets — proclaiming the Word of God in love so that it brings holy conviction.

We don’t mind if our life starts out small and ends big but what if it goes the other way. Are you discouraged because your life isn't matching up to your original vision? This message encourages us that the Lord will finish the work that He has destined to do through you, but it doesn't have to be great in your sight. Those who win in the Kingdom of God finish the race not the way they thought they should, but knowing inside they finished what God has purposed for them to do. Those who are faithful in a few things will enter into the joy of the Lord.

All of God's healing was done from the Cross. There is a saving love that pours forth from Jesus Christ. God chooses to save from the brokenness of the Cross and God chooses to use broken people. When we are going through painful seasons, it is not easy to reach out and help someone, but this is our Christian heritage and Jesus' sacrificial love is our example. When you are hurting and you don't understand what God is doing choose to take your focus off yourself and reach out and love someone. Supernatural healing will flow from your brokenness to those around you.

In Zechariah we see a picture of a people who are called to rebuild Solomon’s Temple — a place where God had previously glorified Himself — but as they set out to build the new temple they get discouraged. It doesn't become what they thought it would. Many of us can say the same about our life and ministry. We don't mind small beginnings, but we have great vision and expectation of ending big. Your piece may seem small, but God's puzzle is big. Some of us may not know just how important our “small” piece was until we get to Heaven.

Jesus said that His house would be known as a house of prayer. Charles Spurgeon said that the prayer meeting drove his church. Prayer must be genuine, authentic, focused and Spirit led. When we intercede for others we have one hand on them and one hand on God. We become the wiring connecting them to God. There is no situation or circumstance that is too big for God.

Through the Exodus story, Pastor Gary Wilkerson paints a picture of two houses. One is in doubt — not sure if they're safe. They question whether they did everything they were supposed to, and if they did it correctly. The other house stands in quiet confidence, secure in what God has promised. Sometimes we have to be silent and let the Lord work on our behalf. Moses stood and lifted his rod in faith. God did the rest.