Chapter 16

The apostle Paul says that the church is the bride of Christ. It is not a pure and perfect bride. The church includes sinners. But Jesus has made those sinners, including us, into saints through his sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. He then calls us into fellowship with each other, as sinners who often do damage, as saints who still belong. The many that we naturally are becomes the ONE that Christ has made us to be. What do you learn about the church in the following texts?

I Corinthians 12:1-13; I Corinthians 1:14-31; I Corinthians 13; Ephesians 2:11-22; Romans 12

We have turned criticism of the church into a pastime, becoming more popular than sports. There is much about the church that falls short. Still, what would we do and where would we be without the church? Erase the church altogether. Eliminate it entirely from history. What would remain? What of the hospitals Christians (and by extension, churches) have founded? What of the hundreds of thousands of Christian non-profits? What of the hundreds of millions of hours of voluntary service? What of the billions of dollars of tithes and offerings given to worthy causes? What of the countless hours of service donated to schools, neighborhoods and places of work in obedience to Jesus? Your project over the next two weeks is to celebrate the church, and to do so every day. For example:

• Who are the “saints” of the church you know personally who have contributed to your spiritual growth?

• What sermons and lessons do you still remember that somehow changed your life?

• What ministries have contributed to the common good of society, and your own good too?

• What experiences have you had (retreats, for example) that turned your life around?

• What people have invested in you for the betterment of your life?

Pray for the church, both local and global: its leaders, its members, and its ministries. If possible, speak a word of gratitude to the people who embody the “best of the church” in your personal experience. And then, keep showing up, or showing up more often! And pray for your church, as specifically as possible.

What did you learn about the church from the chapter, the biblical texts, and the spiritual exercise? How has the church helped you? How can you make it more healthy and effective? Pray for the church!

I Corinthians 13:1-7