We start our study through 1 Corinthians this Sunday. We'll be considering the whole of chapter 1.
Any time you spend familiarizing yourself with the book as a whole will help keep you from "losing the forest for the trees." A good study Bible (like the ESV Study Bible) can provide this kind of introduction and overview.
The Bible Project videos are another great way to gain an introduction and overview of any Bible book. Here's the one for 1 Corinthians:
In addition, I would encourage you each week to read over the upcoming sermon text several times before Sunday. Try to get a grasp on what it's all about. Write down any questions that pop up and see if repeated reading and thinking will yield answers. Take some time to pray over the passage and ask God to prepare your heart for it and pour out his blessing on our church as we meet together.
The Puritans used to talk about Sunday's as "the market day for the soul." We don't have "market days" anymore, but you can easily picture the old village "market day." All the farmers and artisans peddled their wares such that there was a rich supply of provisions to stock up on for the week. Sunday should be like that. A rich feast of grace and truth for the soul to stock up on for the week ahead. Pray that it would happen.
Chris, maybe you could ask a question and ask for comments here, it would be interesting to have a dialog with folks before the Sermon. I love to have probing questions to ponder and share with my wife and kids.
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