God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong

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God chose the weak things of the world to shame
the strong Paul 1 Cor 1.27
For when I am weak, then I am strong Paul 2 Cor
12.10
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• In theory there is no difference between theory
  and practice, but in practice there always is.
• Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut

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• the previous letter

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• the sorrowful letter

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You have become kings - and that without us!
Paul 1 Cor 4.8
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• initially impressive Christianity, but.

• arrogance (3.18)

• insistence on rights (6.6, 10.32)

• competitive attitude to spiritual gifts (14)

• disdainful attitude to rules (5.1,2)

• self-satisfied with being rich and having easy
  lives (4.8)

• keen to emphasise theological differences
  (1.12)

• whats in it for me attitude (11.17)

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• ultimately authentic Christianity

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• The preacher speaks in another language, a
  language not frontal but subtle, a voice not
  assaulting but surprising, speech not predictable
  but faithful in its daring. That other language
  of evangelical possibility with the gentle quiet
  of a dove, with the dread-filled cunning of a
  serpent
• Walter Brueggemann

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• Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I
  delight? Though I often speak against him, I
  still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for
  him I have great compassion for him
• Jeremiah 31.20

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• It is always the secure who are humble
• G K Chesterton

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• releasing the power of weakness

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• The slain lamb the symbol of weakness stands
  at the centre of Gods throne, the symbol of
  power. This is the universes greatest paradox
  and deepest truth
• Steve Chalke