Presentation Transcript
THE CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST1 Corinthians 12:12-26Pastor Dan KeetonSeptember 14, 2008 :THE CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST1 Corinthians 12:12-26Pastor Dan KeetonSeptember 14, 2008
INTRODUCTION:One of the most striking word pictures of the New Testament, to describe US, the Church. :INTRODUCTION:One of the most striking word pictures of the New Testament, to describe US, the Church.
The Body of Christ has diverse members (vs. 14-16) :The Body of Christ has diverse members (vs. 14-16) All the parts of a body are necessary for it to function properly.
A diversity of ministries is necessary for a local church to function properly.
A diversity of personalities and dispositions are necessary for a local church to function properly.
A diversity of cultures, languages, races and nationalities is necessary for the local and global church to function properly.
The Body of Christ is one Body (v. 12) :The Body of Christ is one Body (v. 12) Though the body has many parts or members, it is one body.
Ephesians 4:4-6 offers the sources of the Body’s unity – one Spirit, one Lord, one God, one baptism, one faith, and one hope.
We also have one Bible, one Lord’s Supper and one Great Commission.
Our important source of unity is that we confess one Lord.
The Body of Christ is one Body (v. 12) :The Body of Christ is one Body (v. 12) Our unity means that we need each other.
We need each other to accomplish our mission to win the world to Christ and to meet the needs of others.
We need each other because God has created us for relationships.
The Body of Christ is one Body (v. 12) :The Body of Christ is one Body (v. 12) Our unity means that we care for each other.
Those who are weaker or have special needs receive special care.
We suffer together and we rejoice together as the Body of Christ.
The Body of Christ is both one and many :The Body of Christ is both one and many We cannot surrender either our unity or our diversity.
We provide room for differences yet never sacrifice our unity.
When we selfishly cling to our individuality and we reject the unity of the Body of Christ.
CONCLUSION:Open your heart to the Holy Spirit and allow him to point out where you cling to individuality rather than Unity. :CONCLUSION:Open your heart to the Holy Spirit and allow him to point out where you cling to individuality rather than Unity.