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| All the people who gather to worship in churches around the world form one body - the body of Christ. Jesus is the head. Paul described Him as "the beginning, the first-born from the dead" (Colossians 1:18). He takes priority in the church and in the lives of every believer.
At salvation, you become a part of the body, no matter what your local church's membership rules may be. By receiving the Savior, a person is made one with Jesus. Therefore, if you're a believer, you are a breathing and active part of Christ, who is at work on earth through His followers. The church is Jesus' feet to carry the gospel message, His arms to care for those in need of love, and His hands to uphold the weak.
Christ's physical body underwent terrible pain and persecution. His church body cannot expect a cozy, easy existence either. Being Jesus to the world means making sacrifices, accepting ridicule, and loving our enemies (Hebrews 13:16, Matthew 5:44). God called us to spread the gospel, but that doesn't mean people always like what we have to say. Sin and accountability aren't popular messages. Yet being trendy and well liked is not the point. We're here to carry out the work and mission of God, even when doing so is uncomfortable.
The spiritual makeup of the church is linked to its mission. The gospel cannot be spread except through the strength and wisdom of Jesus Christ, the head. The body of believers is united with Him through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit. He reaches the world through His church and its members.
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Upcoming Sermon Series
The very basic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. As believers, we are to be have sanctified lives dedicated to living our lives for the sole purpose of worshipping and praising God. Next Sunday we will start a new series on how to live a sanctified life called: The Pattern of Sanctification.
Last Week:
The finale of this series is another challenging message. When we realize Who God is and His holiness, and see our own sinfulness, and then understand God's amazing grace, it should move us to say, "Here I am God, send me."
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will be starting a new series called the Pattern of Sanctification by delving into the first topic of Repentance.
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Upcoming Events
January 18, 2017 - Annual Business Meeting at 7 PM
February 5, 2017 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following AM Service.
February 11, 2017 - Trustee Meeting at 8 AM
February 12, 2017 - Deacon Meeting at 8 AM
March 31 - April 1, 2017 - Art of Marriage Seminar. More details to come.
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