As you examine the often messed-up church remember problems in the church aren't new - they began early in church history. John the apostle in Revelation noted the state of the early church in chapters 2 and 3.

Instead of learning from the past and correcting its errors, churches often invent new methods of division, ruin its witness, and generally present a poor image of Christ.

If you've wondered why and how the church focuses on everything but ministry, then Paul's letter to the Corinthians reminds you you're not alone - the church experienced divisions and lost focus in the first century; Paul's words remain as valuable today for the modern church as they did for the Corinthians.