Christ thinks it is important - He is the head of it.
"He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything." Colossians 1:18
"For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body." Ephesians 5:23
We need the other parts of the body - we aren't complete without them.
"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Romans 12:4 & 5
"For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way." 1 Corinthians12:12-31
We are to have unity (Be one) in the church.
"For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:12 & 13
"So that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
"Therefore, laying aside falsehood speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." Ephesians 4:25
When we read about the church - Christ's body everything seems to point at people getting together, working together being a part of one another. Not just Christians randomly - disjointedly doing God's work but rather Christians working together. I think that biblical teaching truly points toward not only being a part of the body of Christ made up of all Christians world wide through the ages but also a local congregation where we can work together and do God's work better than we could have be ourselves.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the church.
4 comments:
I agree with you...unfortunately finding a decent church in this day and age is another problem altogether.
I don't see a way to contact you so I will ask an unrelated question here. Do you know of a good book for homeschooled elementary aged children that gives an overview of the USA? Even though we don't live there, I find that Canada and the US are so connected in many ways it would be beneficial for them to learn about where things are in the USA (this was never taught to me in school). I want them to learn where the different states are and a little about each state and its features etc. but I don't really know where to look for a good one (our library only has one outdated book on the USA that isn't very interesting). Anyways, any recommendations?
Nola, I totally hear you concerning churches. I do think it is very important but still at the same time you don't want to be a part of something that simply isn't teaching the truth in many areas. I hope if you haven't already you will be able to find one or start one that seeks to fully follow the Bible!
I have been thinking about your question on the book but I can't really think of one. We have gone through books state by state but I don't really know of any that are comprehensive and interesting like you are wanting. Sorry!
That's fine, I was able to find a few things online as I researched. Thank you for thinking about it!
Yes, we have been able to recently find a church that teaches the Bible. Unfortunately it does seem like there is not much fellowship that goes on there...people leave really fast, people aren't interested or are "too busy" to get together at times. However we are there to not just have our needs met and as I look around there are others who are wanting friendship if I reach out instead of myself wanting to be reached out to. Its slow going but who knows what will happen over time. We're hoping that our example (only by the grace of God) will inspire others and things will change.
That is wonderful that they teach the Bible. Hopefully they will be convicted from it on the need of fellowship! :-)
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