In what ways can the Church reflect Christ's fullness in the community? Christ’s body filled with His presence “...which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:23) Jesus pours all that He is into His Church. Our task is to let that “fullness” overflow into everyday life so neighbors glimpse what He’s like. living out His fullness together Christ’s character shows up when believers act in concert, each bringing a different reflection of Him (1 Corinthians 12:4-27). • Serve one another selflessly—people see the Servant-King (Mark 10:45). • Speak truth in love—people hear the Good Shepherd’s voice (Ephesians 4:15). • Encourage the discouraged—people feel the Comforter’s touch (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). displaying His light in daily conduct “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:14-16) • Honesty in business, purity in relationships, integrity in speech. • Visible joy and peace that surpass circumstances (Philippians 4:4-7). • Quick forgiveness that mirrors the cross (Colossians 3:13). serving practical needs with spiritual power Jesus fed crowds and healed bodies; the Church does likewise through Spirit-empowered compassion (James 2:15-17). • Food pantries, housing help, medical clinics. • Prayer for the sick and oppressed, expecting God to act (James 5:14-16). • Advocacy for the voiceless, reflecting the Good News to the poor (Luke 4:18). proclaiming the gospel clearly From “grace upon grace” we have received (John 1:16). We share it. • Personal testimonies of salvation. • Clear explanation of Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Invitations to repentance and faith, trusting the Spirit to convict (John 16:8). worship that points beyond us “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 3:16) • Christ-centered preaching, music, and sacraments. • Awe-filled gatherings that make outsiders say, “God is really among you” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). unity that defies division “There is one body and one Spirit.” (Ephesians 4:4) • Cross-generational fellowship. • Reconciliation across ethnic and socioeconomic lines. • Humble submission to Scripture over personal preference. anticipating His fullness forever “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.” (Colossians 2:9) Every glimpse of Christ in the Church today previews the day when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14). Until then, we keep overflowing His fullness into the community, confident that He “fills all in all.” |
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