Gospel of Grace Fellowship of Edina, Minnesota is a body of Christian believers, committed to sharing the gospel of God’s grace found in Jesus Christ. We strive to follow the important pattern of gospel preaching, fellowship, baptism, prayer, and remembrance of the Lord’s Supper, as revealed in Scripture and as practiced by the early church. We recognize that these ‘Means of Grace’ are ordained by God to bring us in conformity to the image of Christ.

“And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”  Acts 2:42
Find us at http://ggf.church

Gospel of Grace Fellowship

This sermon deals with how Paul confronted the Corinthian church with an appeal for them to imitate his way of living free from being status hungry. Paul had spent 18 months in Corinth and lived out the implications of the gospel. He accepted dishonor for serving Christ crucified. 
 
When he writes “I exhort you” this statement picks up the beginning of his appeal in 1 Corinthians 1:10 using the same word in the exact grammatical form. This forms an inclusio which is the bulk of his teaching against factions and false judgments while embracing the gospel message of Christ crucified. To illustrate the importance of this, we spend much of the sermon in applications dealing with incidents in Luke where the disciples argued about who was the greatest. 
 
In Luke’s gospel this creates tension and irony when these are juxtaposed with the majesty of God and Christ’s strong teaching about his journey to be rejected. The same issue shows up at the Last Supper. Jesus is determined to finish His mission to die for sins and ascend to the Father while His disciples debate their would-be greatness in relationship to one another. The final part of the sermon deals with the great unifying need of the whole human race: being dead in Adam. Only regeneration through faith in Christ will make a dead sinner alive. Looking for honor in this fallen world is foolish.

This sermon deals with how Paul confronted the Corinthian church with an appeal for them to imitate his way of living free from being status hungry. Paul had spent 18 months in Corinth and lived out the implications of the gospel. He accepted dishonor for serving Christ crucified.

When he writes “I exhort you” this statement picks up the beginning of his appeal in 1 Corinthians 1:10 using the same word in the exact grammatical form. This forms an inclusio which is the bulk of his teaching against factions and false judgments while embracing the gospel message of Christ crucified. To illustrate the importance of this, we spend much of the sermon in applications dealing with incidents in Luke where the disciples argued about who was the greatest.

In Luke’s gospel this creates tension and irony when these are juxtaposed with the majesty of God and Christ’s strong teaching about his journey to be rejected. The same issue shows up at the Last Supper. Jesus is determined to finish His miss

Paul’s Fatherly Exhortation: 1 Corinthians 4:14-16

Present Dishonor For the Apostles (1 Corinthians 4:11-13)

In this passage, Paul asks three rhetorical questions to confront the Corinthian problem. The questions are simply stated  who, what and why. The first concerned the problem of being “puffed up” (verse 6). Their false judgments, made beyond Scripture, caused them to think themselves superior. The second rhetorical question is designed to force the answer, “nothing,” and thus point to grace alone. What beneficial gifts they had were given by God. This sets up the third question, “why do you boast”? The word “received” is found three times in this verse, showing that it is thematic. Whatever claim of spiritual superiority anyone would make within the church, amounts to boasting which should never be. Recipients of grace have nothing to boast about and other than the Lord Himself who should be honored for His mercy and love. In application we point the gospel of grace as revealed in Ephesians 2:8-9. Salvation is a gift of God given to dead sinners through the means of the preaching of the gospel. We give other passages in application which point to boasting only in the Lord and never allowing ourselves pride or self-promotion.

In this passage, Paul asks three rhetorical questions to confront the Corinthian problem. The questions are simply stated  who, what and why. The first concerned the problem of being “puffed up” (verse 6). Their false judgments, made beyond Scripture, caused them to think themselves superior. The second rhetorical question is designed to force the answer, “nothing,” and thus point to grace alone. What beneficial gifts they had were given by God. This sets up the third question, “why do you boast”? The word “received” is found three times in this verse, showing that it is thematic. Whatever claim of spiritual superiority anyone would make within the church, amounts to boasting which should never be. Recipients of grace have nothing to boast about and other than the Lord Himself who should be honored for His mercy and love. In application we point the gospel of grace as revealed in Ephesians 2:8-9. Salvation is a gift of God given to dead sinners through the means of the preaching of the

Grace Alone Means No Boasting (1 Corinthians 4:7)

Do Not Judge Before the Time (1 Corinthians 4:3-5)

This message begins with the gospel from Romans 5:1-2 before expounding the promise that all those who know Christ by faith will ultimately be conformed to the image of Christ. The Romans 5 section speaks of being justified by faith and having peace with God. Peace with God is about the reconciliation of previous enemies, not inner tranquility. Many people think they believe in God, but reject the fact that they are God’s enemies and under His wrath (Romans 5:8-10). Only those who trust Christ and His once for all shed blood have peace with God. Believers are those who are assured that the His promises in Romans 8:28-39 mean that we cannot be separated from God’s love. Five verbs in the past tense are often called the “golden chain”: foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. Each one is about the certainty of God bringing each of His own into conformity to the image of Christ. They are in the past tense which here is proleptic—describing  future certainty. The context shows that nothing can separate believers from conformity to the image of Christ. We also see that Christ intercedes for us, as does the Holy Spirit. The various enemies that we might think will thwart God’s promises cannot and will not. This doctrine of God’s providence is Biblical and essential. God does keep His promises to His elect.

This message begins with the gospel from Romans 5:1-2 before expounding the promise that all those who know Christ by faith will ultimately be conformed to the image of Christ. The Romans 5 section speaks of being justified by faith and having peace with God. Peace with God is about the reconciliation of previous enemies, not inner tranquility. Many people think they believe in God, but reject the fact that they are God’s enemies and under His wrath (Romans 5:8-10). Only those who trust Christ and His once for all shed blood have peace with God. Believers are those who are assured that the His promises in Romans 8:28-39 mean that we cannot be separated from God’s love. Five verbs in the past tense are often called the “golden chain”: foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. Each one is about the certainty of God bringing each of His own into conformity to the image of Christ. They are in the past tense which here is proleptic—describing  future certainty. The context sh

The Believer’s Hope: God Keeps His Promises (Romans 8:28)

In this message taken from Matthew 5:31-32 we learn  that believers in Christ should develop a hatred of divorce in order that we don’t succumb to it in our own marriages. We begin this message by explaining the debate surrounding Deuteronomy 24:1-4 that was ongoing in Jesus’ day. Many Israelites falsely believed that the “certificate of divorce” referred to by Moses was an indication that God allowed divorce. We learn from Jesus that Deuteronomy 24 didn’t indicate God’s approval of divorce, but God’s desire to limit the damage caused by divorce. Come and hear for yourself how God desires marriages to preserve the “one flesh” union that is established in His sight.

Jesus’ Followers Must Hate Divorce (Matthew 5:31-32)

In this message taken from Matthew 5:27-30 we learn about the root cause of adultery. We learn that adultery, like murder, is a sin rooted in the sinful passions of fallen humanity. Jesus instructs us in this message to control our thought life so as not to be overcome by sinful lusts for those who are not our spouse. We also learn a biblical worldview for human sexuality in that God endorses sexual behavior only between one man and one woman within the confines of marriage. Come and hear for yourself how you can live a pleasing life before God through abiding by His parameters for human sexuality.

Jesus Defines The Root of Adultery (Matthew 5:27-30)

In this section, Paul uses two imperatives to drive home the point that those who think themselves to be wise by the standards of this fallen age, must become “fools” in order to become truly wise. We discuss the terminology “this age” and conclude that it refers to this current fallen age where God allows deception to continue. There will be future judgment, which is denied by the world. The only way out of self delusion is repentance and faith in Christ crucified. The problem today is that many centuries of “Christendom” have created the delusion that Christ and the cross are no longer offensive. This sermon warns that the truth is still offensive. Making Christianity seem popular with much of the world is the equivalent of removing the offense and also the power of salvation. If we embrace that fact that all sinners are facing God’s wrath against sin and that there will be future judgment, then we will be just as much at odds with the religious world today that Paul was in his day. The futile reasonings of man-centered religion still reject the significance of Christ crucified. The main claim of this sermon is that there is no valid process whereby the wisdom of God will be popular with the world. We show from Romans that the hostility to the truth by those deceived by the lie has never changed. If we do not turn to Christ and believe the truth, we are still in the clutches of the lie and face God’s wrath against sin.

In this section, Paul uses two imperatives to drive home the point that those who think themselves to be wise by the standards of this fallen age, must become “fools” in order to become truly wise. We discuss the terminology “this age” and conclude that it refers to this current fallen age where God allows deception to continue. There will be future judgment, which is denied by the world. The only way out of self delusion is repentance and faith in Christ crucified. The problem today is that many centuries of “Christendom” have created the delusion that Christ and the cross are no longer offensive. This sermon warns that the truth is still offensive. Making Christianity seem popular with much of the world is the equivalent of removing the offense and also the power of salvation. If we embrace that fact that all sinners are facing God’s wrath against sin and that there will be future judgment, then we will be just as much at odds with the religious world today that Paul was in his day. 

The Danger of Self Delusion (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)

In this message taken from Matthew 5:22-26 we learn from Jesus that the source of murder is hatred in the human heart. We learn in this message why God ordains the death penalty for murderers, and we also learn how we must guard our hearts from harboring contempt and hatred for others. We finally discuss Jesus’ admonition to readily reconcile with those we are angry in order that our hearts would be prevented from harboring contempt.  Listen and hear for yourself from Jesus why reconciliation is so important.

Jesus Defines the Root of Murder (Matthew 5:21-26)

This sermon examines the reality of Jesus Christ as the one foundation of the church. In the previous section, Paul used the analogy of the church as God’s field. Here he uses the analogy as God’s building with Jesus Christ as the one foundation. Paul describes himself as a “wise master builder” in his previous ministry in Corinth who had laid this foundation through the gospel. This harkens back to the divisions and schisms in Corinth which made no sense if indeed Christ was the only foundation. Since the existence of the church was a gift of God’s grace, then identifying with a favorite preacher made no sense. Paul had been given grace and it is only by grace that anyone is in Christ. We make the claim that church history is filled with divisions and schisms due to lack of concern for the forthright proclamation of the truth of the gospel. A false Christ cannot be a valid foundation. Paul uses an imperative which is translated “take care” which is applied to ministers who would build on the foundation. We point out that adding human wisdom, mixture, and worldly ideas show either a false gospel, or serious lack of concern for how one builds. Salvation is only through Christ crucified. This offends the Jews and is deemed foolish by gentiles, but is the only means of salvation.

This sermon examines the reality of Jesus Christ as the one foundation of the church. In the previous section, Paul used the analogy of the church as God’s field. Here he uses the analogy as God’s building with Jesus Christ as the one foundation. Paul describes himself as a “wise master builder” in his previous ministry in Corinth who had laid this foundation through the gospel. This harkens back to the divisions and schisms in Corinth which made no sense if indeed Christ was the only foundation. Since the existence of the church was a gift of God’s grace, then identifying with a favorite preacher made no sense. Paul had been given grace and it is only by grace that anyone is in Christ. We make the claim that church history is filled with divisions and schisms due to lack of concern for the forthright proclamation of the truth of the gospel. A false Christ cannot be a valid foundation. Paul uses an imperative which is translated “take care” which is applied to ministers who would build

The One Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)

Paul continues his correction of the errors in Corinth by showing that in regard to serving as God’s servants, Apollos and Paul are fellow workers who belong to God. They serve Him and God alone will judge the value and quality of their work. The “wages” refers to future reward. Verse 9 sets up the next analogy which is “God’s building.” This sermon emphasizes that since all who serve the Lord must not seek the approval of men in the fallen world system, but God who called them. To that end, much of this message is about future reward, the contrast between those who know God through Christ and the many false religions of the world, and the need to be reconciled to God. Only those who know Christ and trust Him alone are reconciled to God. The world is not evolving into paradise on earth but is heading toward judgment.

God’s Laborers Serve in God’s Field (1 Corinthians 3:8-9)

God Gives Servants For His Purposes (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)

This sermon deals with the key reason that Paul used irony to describe the Corinthian church as “still of the flesh.” They were making judgments about the relative value of various preachers which created “jealousy and strife.” The term for strife is used nine times in the NT, all with negative connotations. Some were making claims that would not be made if they understood that they are no longer “merely human.” cTheir slogans showed this confused thinking. In Luke, and elsewhere in the Bible, there were debates about who was the greatest. Those who come to Christ through the gospel already have received great honor as they are part of the family of God. When we compare gifts and make judgments about who is more or less important, we are in danger of bringing worldly status rivalry into the church. Some in Corinth made such judgments about Paul. The sermon ends with sharing the gospel based on 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22 and what it means to be in Adam where all die, or in Christ with the gift of eternal life.

This sermon deals with the key reason that Paul used irony to describe the Corinthian church as “still of the flesh.” They were making judgments about the relative value of various preachers which created “jealousy and strife.” The term for strife is used nine times in the NT, all with negative connotations. Some were making claims that would not be made if they understood that they are no longer “merely human.” cTheir slogans showed this confused thinking. In Luke, and elsewhere in the Bible, there were debates about who was the greatest. Those who come to Christ through the gospel already have received great honor as they are part of the family of God. When we compare gifts and make judgments about who is more or less important, we are in danger of bringing worldly status rivalry into the church. Some in Corinth made such judgments about Paul. The sermon ends with sharing the gospel based on 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22 and what it means to be in Adam where all die, or in Christ with the 

Status Rivalry Is Merely Human (1 Corinthians 3:3-4)

This sermon focuses on Paul’s use of irony as he address the Corinthian church, calling them “brothers,” which means, brothers and sisters in Christ. Many have taken Paul’s words literally to mean that the “fleshly” and “infants” were given very basic teaching that differs what Paul wished to teach. The problem with taking this literally is that those who reject God’s wisdom, i.e. Christ crucified, take it as “foolishness” and do not accept the things of the Spirit of God. So if they were literally “people of the flesh” they would be devoid of the Spirit and those who are lost. Paul’s meaning is not that they are lost but they are thinking and behaving as if they were lost. This is the irony. I cite various scholars who see this irony and describe the harm done when the ironic is taken literally. Paul does not address them as “brothers” when they are in fact lost and enemies of the gospel. Thus the ironic rebuke. In 1 Corinthians 2:14 Paul uses “could not” to describe those who refuse to accept the things of the Spirit of God. Here he addresses those who did come to Christ (not lost in sin) that he “could not” address “as” spiritual people but as “people of the flesh.” This is ironic and not literal.  I share ways that many have been hurt and confused by taking the gospel as an interesting starting point then looking for something more advanced to be the true “solid food.” The problem was not the message of the cross being too basic, simple, or unspiritual, but their schisms and divisions which will be covered in the next two verses.

This sermon focuses on Paul’s use of irony as he address the Corinthian church, calling them “brothers,” which means, brothers and sisters in Christ. Many have taken Paul’s words literally to mean that the “fleshly” and “infants” were given very basic teaching that differs what Paul wished to teach. The problem with taking this literally is that those who reject God’s wisdom, i.e. Christ crucified, take it as “foolishness” and do not accept the things of the Spirit of God. So if they were literally “people of the flesh” they would be devoid of the Spirit and those who are lost. Paul’s meaning is not that they are lost but they are thinking and behaving as if they were lost. This is the irony. I cite various scholars who see this irony and describe the harm done when the ironic is taken literally. Paul does not address them as “brothers” when they are in fact lost and enemies of the gospel. Thus the ironic rebuke. In 1 Corinthians 2:14 Paul uses “could not” to describe those who refuse 

The Irony of Fleshly Spirituality (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

In this message taken from Matthew 4:23-25 we examine the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. We explore how Jesus’ healings are proof that He is the fulfillment of passages like Isaiah 35:5-6 which predicted miraculous healings associated with the coming messianic age. We also learn that the point of Jesus’ miracles was to prove that He had the authority to forgive sins and give everlasting life. Come and hear for yourself how Christ’s miraculous deeds prove His messianic credentials.

Jesus: The Messiah Who Heals (Matthew 4:23-25)

In this message, taken from Matthew 4:18-22, we examine the calling of Christ’s first apostles. We learn that Jesus called His apostles personally and objectively. This calling stands in stark contrast to false apostles today who claim to be called as apostles but have no personal call by Christ. We also learn how God effectually calls His people to have a saving relationship with Himself. Come and hear for yourself the significance of Christ’s calling of His people.

Christ Personally Calls His Apostles (Matthew 4:18-22)

1 Corinthians 2:14 defined the natural man as the one who does not have the Spirit and therefore rejects the things of God (Christ crucified). This sermon covers the use and misuse of Paul’s categories which either leads to discernment or error. The spiritual person who judges rightly sees the various religious messages of the world to lead away from God’s one true message of salvation. Those who know Christ by faith alone reject any spiritual claim that leads away from the truth. However, some in Corinth already were making false judgments. They “judged” Paul to be inferior to others and refused to be corrected. Some of those who caused the schisms and problems considered themselves to be the truly spiritual. 
 
In the next chapter, Paul will use irony to show how fleshly they were. The true spiritual person will not judge other members of the body of Christ to be inferior to themselves. We show how through equivocation, many even today claim superior status and misinterpret Paul’s words. Thus they ironically repeat the error Paul wrote to correct. Paul cites Isaiah 40:13 to make an important point that is relevant today: no one can instruct God! The mind of Christ is God’s revealed purpose: salvation through His Messiah. The applications we make are focused on the person and work of Christ. False apostles get it wrong. World religions get it wrong. Those who turn to Christ through the gospel are part of His people. False spirituality rejects true apostolic authority and exalts deceived, religious leaders.

1 Corinthians 2:14 defined the natural man as the one who does not have the Spirit and therefore rejects the things of God (Christ crucified). This sermon covers the use and misuse of Paul’s categories which either leads to discernment or error. The spiritual person who judges rightly sees the various religious messages of the world to lead away from God’s one true message of salvation. Those who know Christ by faith alone reject any spiritual claim that leads away from the truth. However, some in Corinth already were making false judgments. They “judged” Paul to be inferior to others and refused to be corrected. Some of those who caused the schisms and problems considered themselves to be the truly spiritual.

In the next chapter, Paul will use irony to show how fleshly they were. The true spiritual person will not judge other members of the body of Christ to be inferior to themselves. We show how through equivocation, many even today claim superior status and misinterpret Paul’s word

The Spiritual Person: True and False Spirituality (1 Corinthians 2:15-16)

As we summarize Paul’s teaching so far in 1 Corinthians, it is clear that the theme is Christ crucified. Terms such as wisdom, mature, depths, mystery, and knowledge are not about special status that certain Christian have which lesser ones do not, but rather what God has “graced” each believer with through the Spirit. 
 
The tendency to divide the body of Christ into various groups based on secrets that only some have must be rejected. What anyone who has through the Spirit is given by grace alone. Paul uses a Greek word could be translated “having graced” to describe God’s provision for all who know Him by faith. These things are revealed and not found by mystics who know something ordinary Christians do not. The applications of the sermon are focused on the opposition of the “spirit of the world” to the things of the “Spirit who is from God.” The message of the world is opposed to the gospel of Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies about Christ, as Jesus promised. The clear teaching of the scriptures is that Jesus Christ intercedes for us at the right hand of God. The final application point about graced (used as a verb) is from Romans 8:32-34. We are safe because He intercedes for us!

As we summarize Paul’s teaching so far in 1 Corinthians, it is clear that the theme is Christ crucified. Terms such as wisdom, mature, depths, mystery, and knowledge are not about special status that certain Christian have which lesser ones do not, but rather what God has “graced” each believer with through the Spirit.

The tendency to divide the body of Christ into various groups based on secrets that only some have must be rejected. What anyone who has through the Spirit is given by grace alone. Paul uses a Greek word could be translated “having graced” to describe God’s provision for all who know Him by faith. These things are revealed and not found by mystics who know something ordinary Christians do not. The applications of the sermon are focused on the opposition of the “spirit of the world” to the things of the “Spirit who is from God.” The message of the world is opposed to the gospel of Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies about Christ, as Jesus promised. The clear teaching of th

The Spirit of God Reveals Grace (1 Corinthians 2:12)

This sermon deals with verses that have been misused in various ways in church history. To help put this in perspective, we begin with an overview of the context where Christ crucified is the unifying theme. Many have taught that “revealed by the Spirit” refers to secret or hidden things that some higher order Christians know and others do not. When Paul speaks of the “deep things of God” he is not making a contrast to the preceding teaching about Christ crucified, but rather a further explanation. The “things of God” means “things pertaining to God” which are revealed by the Spirit. If these truths about God’s plan of Messianic salvation through the crucified Jewish Messiah were not revealed, no one would know them. Some mystics have claimed that this section teaches intuitive guidance.  Others teach deeper life, higher life, secrets to power, and so forth using these same verses. We cite examples of this. However, Paul has not diverted from what God has provided through Christ. To show this, we review passages in 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 which show that slogans, schisms, and factions in the church are the problem. There are also previews from later in 1 Corinthians which warn against making judgments about matters that can only be determined by Christ after He comes.

This sermon deals with verses that have been misused in various ways in church history. To help put this in perspective, we begin with an overview of the context where Christ crucified is the unifying theme. Many have taught that “revealed by the Spirit” refers to secret or hidden things that some higher order Christians know and others do not. When Paul speaks of the “deep things of God” he is not making a contrast to the preceding teaching about Christ crucified, but rather a further explanation. The “things of God” means “things pertaining to God” which are revealed by the Spirit. If these truths about God’s plan of Messianic salvation through the crucified Jewish Messiah were not revealed, no one would know them. Some mystics have claimed that this section teaches intuitive guidance.  Others teach deeper life, higher life, secrets to power, and so forth using these same verses. We cite examples of this. However, Paul has not diverted from what God has provided through Christ. To sh

The Depths of God Revealed Through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-11)

In this message taken from Matthew 3:1-4, we learn how John the Baptist fulfills the prophecies in Isaiah and Malachi about a future prophet who would come in the spirit and power of Elijah in order to prepare the path for the Messiah. In this study we examine why it was important that John first met Israel in the wilderness. We also explain the relationship between faith and repentance. Come and hear for yourself the significance of John the Baptist’s ministry.

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