I hope that you have been blessed and challenged by our look at the beautiful and sometimes difficult thing we know as the local church. As believers in Christ, we are part of the body… and if we are the body, what does that mean?
It’s difficult. It’s messy. It’s painful. It’s beautiful. – We opened our series considering how close the church is to God’s heart, and therefore how close it should be to our own.
The birth of the church – Sandra looked at the very beginning of the Church at Pentecost and reminded us that we can’t take a time-out. The church has a job to do!
From one church to many – We buckled our seatbelts and took a fast-paced overview of the development of the Church through Acts and the epistles.
What is “church?” – Kathy reminded us that the church is not a building and used Ephesians 2 to define for us what the church is really all about.
Why all these denominations? – Teri Lynne distinguished between religion and denomination and gave a broad overview of the differences between the denominations.
Can’t we all just get along? – Julie reminded us what really matters.
You need a local church – Sandra explained how God has provided the perfect environment for spiritual growth within the local church.
Connection is key to service – Stephanie taught us that we are saved to serve, and that we need one another to function as the body.
Sock shopping – Julie looked at how consumerism in the church is like sock shopping.
Sin causes pain in the body – Kathy tackled the tough topic of church discipline and why it is so essential for healthy body life.
Give grace – Teri Lynne challenged us to give grace to one another, whether we know each other’s life circumstances or not.
When is it ok to leave? – Kathy looked at Biblical principles to guide us through this tough question.
Welcome forgiveness – Julie shared her own personal story of welcoming forgiveness when rifts occur in the body.
It’s not what you think it is – Teri Lynne gave us a great picture of what worship really entails.
Service in the church – Sandra reminded us that the the body of Christ needs all of us and all of our gifts to function effectively.
Truth, justice, and the congregation’s way? – Teri Lynne challenged us to stand for the truth of the Gospel, recognize God’s justice in all things, and submit to God’s ways in all areas.
Loving lavishly – Stephanie asked us to examine whether or not we really love one another in the body.
This series has been fantastic. Thank you all for your work and insights!
Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
This has been so good for ME to take time to reflect on the Body of Christ. So good.
Great month of posts. I enjoyed every post!
~Blessings~
Marita