1Corinthians Memory Acrostic by Joe Whitchurch
PROBLEMS IN THE CHURCH (16 letters, 16 chapters)

In acrostic memory (used by the way in Psalm 119 and elsewhere in Scripture) there are
three challenges.  First is titling the book by a title that uniquely fits that book. 
I believe ‘problems in church’ uniquely and most strongly fit the first letter to the
Corinthians.  The second challenge is having a title with as many letters in the title,
as there are chapters in the book.  This is important because thirdly each letter in
the title represents the memory tickler titles for that chapter all need to start with
the same letter as the chapter. Notice below that the title “Problems in Church” is in
bold print down the left side column and chapter one titles all begin with the letter P,
including Paul, Paul, and Power.  The functional point of this memory system is to get
the big picture themes of the book so that if one reads a verse or two in its paragraph
context, by knowing the acrostic, you can tell them the quote is from 1Corinthians, you
can easily remember the chapter number by mentally counting your title letters for “Problems
in Church” and most importantly you can remember both the immediate contexts in the book’s
chapter and in the context of the book as a whole. 
       
There is nothing inspired about my acrostic or titles. If you decide to make your own, feel free. 
If this one helps you summarize our learning together and can jumpstart moving the book into your
long range memory, that would be an answer to prayer and a blessing of great significance.  For
more info on creative Scripture memory see my booklet “Heart Treasure” located in its entirety
online and free at http://jwhitchurch.home.insightbb.com/heart.html -   JBW  5-5-04

P Paul to Corinth thanks and gifts, Paul on Cephas baptisms divisions, Power wisdom paradoxes 
R Real central message is cross of Christ.  Real wisdom from the Spirit not naturally perceived
O Our personality camps divisive, Our Lord’s agriculture, judgment seat, temple, and wisdom
B Bad pride against apostles when apostles serve, suffer, and lead by fathering faith.
L Leaders blind to incestuous sin, Lack of witness, Lack of church discipline even while ‘in world’
E Evil witness of trivial lawsuits, Evil practice won’t inherit heaven, Evils of sexual immorality .
M Marriage mutuality, Married unbeliever who departs, Marital calling and focus
S Stumbling block conscience issues, Some food offered to idols and communal principles

I Individual rights waved for gospel service, Intentional giving, receiving, and contextualizing
N Nation of Israel idolatry and sensuality flee. Never use freedom to destroy conscience

C Conviction about witness and husband wife authority, Communion issues
H Holy Spirit’s diverse gifting, Holy interdependent community in gift exercising
U Unconditional love, Unchanging love
R Revelations and prophecies valued, in order with discernment and for edification of others
C Concise gospel summary, Case for the Resurrection, Conviction that work now matters
H Hat passing for relief, Hospitality and mission partners, Holy Kiss and Heaven’s return

1Cor-memoryacrostic.doc