Shackles

1 Corinthians 9:22

God came down as a man and shared our sufferings so that we may be saved. He presented us with a key to release us from the heavy chains of sin. Why, then, would we stay in said chains if the key is right in front of our nose? Because the shackles are all we know.

You see, people refuse the key because they know they have to change after they're released from their bonds. Being stubborn and prideful often gets in the way of acceptance.

Pride also keeps us from introducing others to God's key. However, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 states that we are supposed to preach to others (share the gospel) to receive the gift.

Are you being called to receive the key? To share it with family, friends, or perhaps even a passerby? Don't let the chains confine you anymore. We can't do that on our own; we need a savior. Let the Lord break you chains off.

Divisions in the Church

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

A baby instinctively knows it has to eat.

If you never pick up your own spoon, you will never grow.

Take up your cross daily!

verse 3 "you are still worldly" because you are jealous and quarreling

Dumb things churches have split over

• the color of the proposed carpet
• whether or not to get a new piano bench
• the spelling of the word "Hallelujah"
• whether they should take offering before or after message
• whether or not it was a sin to check email on Sabbath
• the location of the front door

Do not quarrel
Do not be jealous
Do not remain on milk

If we are comfortable, we cannot grow.

Division distracts us from planting and watering 

"If you knew what was keeping you from following the One who died for you, what would you sacrifice to get back on track with the LORD?"