• 1 Corinthians 12
• Acts 9
• Think about what we can offer if we understand our unity in the Body
• Proper relationship with one another, through Christ, strengthens what we can offer and grows our relationship with God
• Our love for one another speaks to who Jesus is
• 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4
• In this day, it’s easy for people to shop for church. A service/pastor/congregation that tickles their feels. The songs/liturgy/sermons/prayers that makes you feel good
• However, oftentimes what we need is not what we feel like we need
• Romans 7: 21-23
• The body, just like the Body, works together for the good of the whole
• If you feel tempted to withdraw and isolate from the Body, rebuke that spirit. It is not God’s
• If you feel tempted to compare or pass judgement within the Body, rebuke that spirit. It is not God’s
• If you feel tempted to diminish yourself like you have no value or nothing to offer the Body, rebuke that spirit. It is not God’s
• James 3: 14-15
• We spend too much time thinking we have to look out for ourselves rather than unselfishly thinking about how we can give of ourselves and our resources to God first
• Some of what we have rather than the best of what we have. Some, but not all. Some, but not the best. Some, but not at the expense of ourselves. How is that attitude like Christ? It is not
• This is what it means to understand and be a part of the “visible” church. This is how we operate within it
• But what about the “invisible”?
• The invisible church is a term coined by Augustine to describe God’s eternal church. His people past, present and future
• Hebrews 10: 24-25
• How do you show who Christ is by your love for one another if you forsake that relationship all together? You don’t!
• There are dangerous things that happen when we isolate in this way: discouragement, despair, doubt, depression, false narratives, bitterness, etc.
• When we forsake the fellowship purposes are missed: callings, prayer, etc.
• Through the Holy Spirit we come to understand our agency within God’s church

QUESTIONS:

• WHAT AREA OF YOUR LIFE ARE YOU HOLDING BACK THE PROMPTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
• HOW ARE YOU ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE CHURCH?
• WHAT AREAS OF YOUR LIFE DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE NOT EQUIPPED? WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT THAT?