CWW Week 26 - Day 1 - What Is Church?
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1 Corinthians 12:12-13
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the
members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with
Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptised into one body—Jews
or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
This passage emphasises the Church as the body of Christ, with
many members working together as one.
The Body Of Christ.
Once again I reiterate that our lives are a journey of character
development. Imagine what it would be like to have Jesus himself
appear at the foot of your bed every morning with a list of the
things you could have done better yesterday so you might improve
today.
I know of no one who has had this experience in the worldly sense
yet if we think about it, He may be doing this through the people
we choose to have a relationship with.
It’s our interactions with others that help us develop. This is why
we must choose our inner circle very carefully.
We are told that iron sharpens iron and that it’s only when we rub
against one another that we refine and define our characters.
It is vitally important as believers that we are all of one accord.
Here I suggest reading all of the book of Acts chapter two.
When we earnestly seek the infilling of the one spirit, the Holy
Spirit, then it is He who will guide us into a unity of believers where
so much can be accomplished.
We can break this down in so many ways.
A nation develops a culture which is the sum of all those people
who abide as citizens of that country.
So can a state be described as can a community and even further
a church or family.
Todays first scripture tells us that we are all, regardless of
nationality or ethnic background, whether free or slave, black or
white, all baptised into the one spirit, the one body which is in the
character of Jesus Christ.
So does that mean that all churches are without politics and
turmoil?
When differences of interpretation and ideology takes over, a
church can become a toxic place because not all the members are
truly of one accord. It is no different to a family when this happens.
Satan thrives when this happens and often it is his main point of
attack as he tries everything he can to undermine the Body of
Christ.
We have a regular monthly gathering of believers at Church Without
Walls here where we live. People have been coming here for years
driving many hours to come when it’s on because they feel
challenged yet at home.
It has become a safe place for new believers to blend with many
who have been life long Christians in a harmonious recipe for
growth and mutual benefit. There are no politics because there is
no corporate structure. No committees, no boards, no pastor as
we are all pastors to each other. The leader is the Holy Spirit and
we give it over to Him and it works well.
You don’t drive hours to spend a weekend in a toxic dump. So the
people who come are all part of the one body.
Another scripture that illustrates this concept beautifully is this one.
Ephesians 4:15-16
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way
into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body,
joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped,
when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it
builds itself up in love.”
The Church is depicted as a living organism where every believer
plays a crucial role in growing and strengthening the body.
It’s a great concept and I see this scripture describing a symphony
orchestra. Some people tend to play one of the primary
instruments such as piano or violin. Others play less impressive
instruments like the oboe or the triangle.
So how does this play out with all who come?
It’s all about being in harmony. A cymbal or oboe are not as
impressive as a solo instrument but when played in harmony in a
well balanced orchestra, the music harmonises perfectly.
If you listen to a full symphony and then listen again minus the
oboe or triangle, the richness is often lost.
It always sounds better when all are in harmony. In this the oboe
players and the percussionists all feel as important as the piano or
violin because they all enhance one another.
I hope that by now you are starting to see that the church is a
family not a building or even a denomination.
If you are reading or listening to these devotionals and you are not
yet part of a group or community of believers, then now is the time
to ask God in prayer to guide you to one or even start one of your
very own.
If you are already a part of a church then seek ways to help it to
thrive. Become a part of the orchestra of believers and help each
other to perform a symphony in harmony around Jesus as the
composer and conductor knowing that you have a vital role to play
in creating a harmonious melody as you uplift each other and the
composer.
Amazing grace?
How sweet the sound.
Questions.
1. Are you searching for a life changing connection?
2. Do you feel you need to be a part of something that has value
and connection?
3. Is it time to church with the family of believers?
Prayer.
Dear Lord, Papa God.
I know I cannot do this alone Papa and I know that in order to grow
and feel connected that I need you to guide me where this can be
achieved. Lord help me to be discerning and to feel safe as I walk
guided by Your Holy Spirit knowing that You will meet all of my
needs if I surrender to your will.
This is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
