1 Corinthians 11 As the Apostle Paul sought to heal some of the problems in the Church at Corinth, he tackled the issue of misguided worship.  Some in the church had lost focus on what was most important in a Christian fellowship.  Even the communal meals at which the Lord’s Supper was observed were, in Paul’s words, “doing more harm than good.”  What seems to have gone wrong? Rituals had become more important than relationships.  Matthew 5:23-24 Freedoms were used for selfishness rather than servanthood.  Galatians 5:13 The focus had become pleasing themselves rather than pleasing God.  John 4:23-24

“Flee from sexual immorality.  All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body.”  1 Corinthians 6:18-20 The Apostle Paul was very concerned when Christians ignored immorality in their own lives and within the fellowship of the church.  Confronting the “elephant of immorality” is necessary for several reasons:

• To help those who have fallen into a sinful lifestyle.
• To protect the integrity and the future of the church.
• To strengthen the witness of the church in a fallen world.

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”  2 Corinthians 7:1

LORD’S SUPPER RESPONSIVE READING THE BREAD Pastor:   For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: People:  The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, Pastor:   And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, People:  “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of  me.” THE CUP Pastor:   In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, People:  “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Pastor:   For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Genesis 28:10-22 As Jacob, the son of Isaac, was traveling alone from Beersheba to Haran, God gave him a vision during the night.  Through an image of angels going up and down a staircase reaching to heaven, God revealed the good work He would do in that barren land through Jacob and his descendants.  God often uses us to do His work in strange places , as well.

• God often works in strange and desolate places.
• It’s God’s prerogative to call us into that work with Him.
• God gives us everything we need to be a blessing to others.
• In following God’s plan for our lives, we are forever blessed.

“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”  Genesis 28:16

Mark 6:45-46 The Gospel of Mark highlights how hectic life was for Jesus during his ministry.  He was always busy preaching, teaching, healing and traveling.  Crowds at every stop demanded his attention.  But even as Jesus lovingly reached out to those around him, the gospels point out that he habitually found time to be alone for prayer and communion with the Heavenly Father. In the rat-race of our lives, it is also very important for us to “interrupt” our busy schedules for time alone with God.  As with Jesus, it gives us an opportunity to spiritually “recharge” - allowing Christ to equip us for the tasks ahead. An Opportunity for Quietness & Rest An Opportunity for Prayer & Meditation An Opportunity for Scripture & Reflection An Opportunity for Recharging & Refocusing