The Church: Body Central

Eph 1:17-23, 5:23-27

Colossians 1:16-18KJV For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 2:19KJV And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Our Amazing Body

- Note your hand (trace out a square inch)

- In one square inch of our hand

▪ We have nine feet of blood vessels,

▪ 600 pain sensors,

▪ 9000 nerve endings,

▪ 36 heat sensors

▪ 75 pressure sensors.

What Is the Church?

❶. Visible Proof of His Body

- I can’t see your sprit nor can you see mine

- But our bodies are alike – Visible

- A living body is evidence of a living Spirit

- The World cannot see the invisible Christ who dwells in His Body the Church

- It can see the body – Us

- We display the Living Christ

- How are we doing displaying Christ

❷. All of the Body’s Parts Make-Up the Whole

- Each part of the body has a purpose

- Eye for seeing, the ear hears, the hand grips, the feet walk

- Each is connect to one another & all to the head

- As the head controls the body

- So Christ ought to control the church

❸. Each Part is Dependent Upon the Head

- Finger to the hand, the hand to the arm, the arm to the body, the body to the head

- When the part is hurting it is the head that applies the care as the rest of the body springs into action.

Ephesians 2:19-22KJV Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

❹. Body Parts Have Different Purposes

Philippians 2:13KJV For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

- The body is the servant of the head

- The Church is the servant of Christ

- The head has no way of working out its purposes but through the body

- Your knee can’t grip a pencil nor does your hand have an eye

- Without a head the body would be corpse

- The body exists for the head & not the head for the body

- The head

- Each part is necessary for the body

- When a part is diseased or missing the body does not function as well

❺. The Body’s Purpose is To Glorify Christ

1. THROUGH WORSHIP

Psalm 62:8KJV Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 105:3KJV Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

- It opens the door to be in the presence of God

- It isn’t a spectator’s sport, something done for us

- It us being lead by the worship leaders into experiencing God’s presence…

▪ Through Song…

▪ Through the prayers…

▪ Through reading of the Word…

▪ Through proclamation of the word…

- It is dependant upon the body wanting to enter into the Lord’s presence

2. THROUGH MINISTRY

Matthew 20:28KJV Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 20:21KJV Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

- Christ met the needs of others and in turn God was glorified

- It was Mentally, Emotionally, & Spiritually

- Fellowship is a part of the Ministry

- Through Fellowship

3. THROUGH DISCIPLESHIP

2 Timothy 2:2KJV And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

- It begins with Evangelism

- Next Teaching/Training

- Finally Ministry

Matthew 28:19-20KJV Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

How is your Body Life?