Crosses were dark in First Century Rome. Crucifixion was a horrific execution method reserved for the lowliest criminals. And yet, Paul writes his letter to the church in Corinth and organizes his theology and entire ministry around this object of shame.

In God's wisdom the cross has become the place, as D. A. Carson explains, where "God has supremely destroyed all human arrogance and pretension." (The Cross and Christian Ministry, 15). Indeed, this message is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who believe, the cross is the power of God.

1 Corinthians is a book about the cross. And like with Romans, we've tried to summarize the book in a series of tweets that we'll be posting on Twitter throughout the day. As long as we've got social media, let's use it to help one another live in the power of the cross, a day at a time.

Here's one shot:

1 Corinthians 1

The church is those in every place who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (#1Cor 1:1–3)

We're waiting for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will sustain us to the end, guiltless. He will. He is faithful. (#1Cor 1:4–9)

By the name of Jesus, agree with one another. Don't have divisions. Be united in the same mind and same judgment. (#1Cor. 1:10–17)

The word of the cross is folly to those perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (#1Cor 1:18–25)

Our life in Christ's is God's doing. There's no room for boasting. He made Jesus our everything. (#1Cor 1:26–31)

1 Corinthians 2

Our message is Jesus and him crucified. Here's where the Spirit's power is seen and why our faith is in God, not man. #1Cor 2:1–5

We have received the Spirit of God so that we understand his word. We have the mind of Christ. #1Cor 2:6–16

1 Corinthians 3

Some servants plant the word, some water, but only God gives the growth. Only God brings people to life. #1Cor 3:1–15

Why would you ever boast in man? All things are yours. The whole world, life, death, present, future. Yours! And you God's! #1Cor 3:16–23

1 Corinthians 4

What do you have you did not receive? And if you received it then why would you ever boast like you did it yourself? #1Cor 4:1–7

The kingdom of God isn't made up of endless chatter and grumbling. It consists of power. Power. #1Cor 4:8–21

1 Corinthians 5

The church is a body of regenerate believers who walk in step with the gospel, together. #1Cor 5:1–13

1 Corinthians 6

We were all immoral pagans. Lost. But God washed, sanctified, and justified us in the name of Jesus and by his Spirit. #1Cor 6:1–11

God made us the temple of his Spirit. We're not our own! We were bought with a price! So let us glorify him with our bodies. #1Cor 6:12–20

1 Corinthians 7

God has gifted his people in different ways. If you're single, it's good to be single. But it might be best you marry. #1Cor 7:1–9

Be intentional for Jesus' sake in whatever situation the Lord has called you. #1Cor 7:10–24

Stay single if you can. Marry if you must. The present form of this world is passing away. #1Cor 7:25–40

1 Corinthians 8

There is one God, the Father, from whom and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist. #1Cor 8:1–6

To sin against your brother or sister is to sin against Jesus. Do not make them stumble. Jesus died for them. #1Cor 8:7–13

1 Corinthians 9

Comfort is worth sacrificing if it means tearing down obstacles out of the way of the gospel. #1Cor 9:1–14

It is our reward to freely proclaim the gospel. For the gospel's sake, for our joy, we make ourselves everyone's servants. #1Cor 9:15–27

1 Corinthians 10

Don't desire evil. Realize that OT stories were written for our sake — we on whom the end of the ages has come. #1Cor 10:1–12

God is faithful and he always provides a way of escape. He makes you able to endure temptation. So flee idolatry! #1Cor 10:13–22

In everything you do, eating or drinking or whatever, do all for God's glory, giving up your comfort so others may be saved. #1Cor 10:23–33

1 Corinthians 11

God made men and women dependent on one another. Woman was man from man and man is born from woman. #1Cor 11:1–16

The Lord's table is to remember him. When you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim his death until he comes. #1Cor. 11:17–34

1 Corinthians 12

There are lots of gifts, but the same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God—gifts given to the body for the common good. #1Cor 12:1–11

The members are together. If one suffers, all do. If one rejoices, all do. #1Cor 12:12–30

Yes, earnestly desire the higher gifts. But there is still a more excellent way... #1Cor 12:31

1 Corinthians 13

We can have the most amazing gifts imaginable, but if we don't have love, we gain nothing. #1Cor 13:1–3

Church, this is what we're called to: Love. It bears and hopes and endures all things. It never ends. #1Cor 13:4–13

1 Corinthians 14

The point of spiritual gifts is building up the church, not drawing attention to yourself. Strive to build up the church! #1Cor 14:1–40

1 Corinthians 15

First importance: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, then raised on the third day. All in accordance with the Scriptures. #1Cor 15:1–11

Church, if Jesus has not been raised from the dead then we are all wasting our time. #1Cor 15:12–19

The end will come. Jesus will reign over all and deliver the kingdom to the Father. God will be all in all. #1Cor 15:20–34

Just like we've borne the image of the man of dust (Adam), we will one day bear the image of the man of heaven (Jesus). #1Cor 15:35–49

Death, where is your victory? Where is it? Thanks be to God! He has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. #1Cor 15:50–57

Because of this victory in Jesus over death, be steadfast, immovable. Abound in your work in the Lord. It's not in vain. #1Cor 15:58

1 Corinthians 16

Be watchful. Stand firm in the faith. Men be men. Let all you do be done in love. #1Cor 16:1–20

Maranatha, Lord Jesus! May his grace be with you all. #1Cor 16:21–22

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• The Book of Romans in 45 Tweets