I was thinking today about the Body of Christ as I read I Corinthians 11, 12 and 13. Interesting how each of these three chapters brings a very different perspective on Christ's body, yet they come together with such warm impact.
In chapter 11 we are given the words of our Lord quoted by Jesus at the Passover Meal. These words have been read countless times at countless communion services - to groups of 3 or 4 and to gatherings of thousands - believers who repeatedly join together in an act first experienced by the eleven apostles. "This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. --- This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this when ever you drink it in remembrance of me." I Corinthians 11:23 - 26
Paul moves from the picture of our Lord's physical, human crucified body, given for the salvation of the world to speak about the amazing reality that we his disciples now form Christ's physical body on earth. In chapter twelve Paul draws the wonderful parallel between the interdependence of the human body parts and the connectivity of believers. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; --- So it is with Christ, for were all baptized by one Spirit into one body ---." I Corinthians 12:12, 13 Each of us has an important part to play in this body. You can refuse to go to church but as a true believer, you cannot stop being a part of the church, His body. We are made to need each other and to serve together for the glory of our Head who is Christ.
But the organized institutional church disappoints us all with its divisions and failures. I understand why so many people give up on the local church. Far too often the church fails to live and love as Christ wanted. In fact sometimes our churches become as bad as the church to which this letter was addressed in the city of Corinth. So in chapter 13 we find the "love chapter." This was not written for romantic weddings - although the powerful verses are both a comfort and challenge to every married believer.
No, these words were first written to the sinful, divided yet very gifted Corinthian church. Read through this book and you can quickly see why they needed to be called to love in strong practical ways.
Paul challenges them not put an emphasis on spiritual knowledge, spiritual performance or spiritual gifts. Instead they need to recognize the surpassing importance of love. Practical Christ like love unites Christians and is the evidence of a healthy body, a healthy church.
We remember the great sacrifice of His body! We rejoice in being part of His body. We are called to love every unloveable part - every person in this Body.
Don't give up on the church, His people. You are stuck with us as we are with you. Let us love one another!
In chapter 11 we are given the words of our Lord quoted by Jesus at the Passover Meal. These words have been read countless times at countless communion services - to groups of 3 or 4 and to gatherings of thousands - believers who repeatedly join together in an act first experienced by the eleven apostles. "This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. --- This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this when ever you drink it in remembrance of me." I Corinthians 11:23 - 26
Paul moves from the picture of our Lord's physical, human crucified body, given for the salvation of the world to speak about the amazing reality that we his disciples now form Christ's physical body on earth. In chapter twelve Paul draws the wonderful parallel between the interdependence of the human body parts and the connectivity of believers. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; --- So it is with Christ, for were all baptized by one Spirit into one body ---." I Corinthians 12:12, 13 Each of us has an important part to play in this body. You can refuse to go to church but as a true believer, you cannot stop being a part of the church, His body. We are made to need each other and to serve together for the glory of our Head who is Christ.
But the organized institutional church disappoints us all with its divisions and failures. I understand why so many people give up on the local church. Far too often the church fails to live and love as Christ wanted. In fact sometimes our churches become as bad as the church to which this letter was addressed in the city of Corinth. So in chapter 13 we find the "love chapter." This was not written for romantic weddings - although the powerful verses are both a comfort and challenge to every married believer.
No, these words were first written to the sinful, divided yet very gifted Corinthian church. Read through this book and you can quickly see why they needed to be called to love in strong practical ways.
Paul challenges them not put an emphasis on spiritual knowledge, spiritual performance or spiritual gifts. Instead they need to recognize the surpassing importance of love. Practical Christ like love unites Christians and is the evidence of a healthy body, a healthy church.
We remember the great sacrifice of His body! We rejoice in being part of His body. We are called to love every unloveable part - every person in this Body.
Don't give up on the church, His people. You are stuck with us as we are with you. Let us love one another!
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