Loving an Imperfect Church - My study in 1 Corinthians

I just began a new series in 1 Corinthians called "Loving an Imperfect Church." I enjoy preparing for topical sermons but my favorite type of preaching is expository. When I work through a book I live in it longer. In my mind I have sailed into the Corinthian port, watched the ships being pulled over the Isthmus on the "haul across", I have made tents with Paul, spent time with Pricilla and Aquilla, listen to Paul preach and persuade people to believe that Jesus is the Christ. I've felt the opposition and rejection, watched him leave the synagogue in protest as he shook his clothes out and said "Your blood be on your own heads, from now on I'm going to the Gentiles." One night I heard Jesus say "Paul, don't leave, don't be afraid, I will protect. Stay and preach because I have many people in this city." I've seen the church grow strong. I've sit in their spontaneous and sometimes chaotic assemblies, I've listened to them prophesy, sing, speak in tongues, pray, commune, and love each other. The church become such a threat to the established Jewish religion that a united attacked was aimed at Paul. In my mind I witnessed Paul being accused before the Roman procouncil and watched Sosthenes get beat up. On and on I go imagining, envisioning what it must have been like for Paul. Paul is in Ephesus now but I'm going to stay in Corinth for the summer and learn all I can about how to love an imperfect church. I'm posting my sermons at http://sermonsbyjeffgarrett.blogspot.com/

From Siesta Key

Kim, Amber, Tori, Shayna, Mom and I are in Siesta Key. We are staying with (my sister) Susan and Bob. We got to visit with Heather. Hiedi and Jason are here with Scout and Gus. We have had a great vacation. Bob has taken us on his boat twice. Mom and Susan went on the first boat ride. Today, Hiedi, Scott and Gus went went and we all we swam in the Gulf of Mexico, two miles from the shore. The girls giggled and laughed. Mom brought Molly (her dog) and she loves it here.

Kim and I went out late last night and heard a couple of bands and went for a late night walk on the beach. The weather has been beautiful. Sunday morning we worship at Bob and Susan's church. Sunday night we walked to the beach and watch people drum and dance as the sun set. We've caught a few fish. We've walked and talked and ate and visited and laughed. Bob and Susan are living a dream in paradice. We are so happy they invited us. The rest of the family is coming to visit this summer.