Body Of Christ #

Another important aspect of the church paradigm is that the church is the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church. He writes,

“For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ… Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”

This metaphor emphasizes the unity and diversity of the church. Just as the body is made up of many different parts, each with its unique function, the church is made up of many different people, each with their unique gifts and talents. Together, we form one body, working together to fulfil the purpose and function of the church.

Understanding the church as the body of Christ also emphasizes the importance of each member. Just as every part of the body is necessary for it to function properly, every member of the church is necessary for it to fulfil its mission. No one is unimportant or insignificant in the body of Christ.

So, when discussing the church paradigm, it’s important to remember that the church is not just an organization or a social club. It is the body of Christ, made up of many different people working together to fulfil the purpose and function of the church.

Royal Priesthood #

Yes, that’s another important aspect of the church paradigm. In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter writes,

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

This verse emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, which means that every member of the church has direct access to God through Jesus Christ and is called to serve as a priest. This does not mean that every member is a pastor or a minister, but it does mean that every member has a role to play in the work of the church.

As a royal priesthood, the church is called to proclaim the excellencies of God, to share the gospel with others, and to serve as ambassadors of Christ to the world. This means that every member of the church has a responsibility to share their faith with others and to live out the gospel in their daily lives.

Understanding the church as a royal priesthood also emphasizes the importance of each member. Just as every member of the body is necessary for it to function properly, every member of the church is necessary for it to fulfil its mission as a royal priesthood.

So, when discussing the church paradigm, it’s important to remember that the church is the body of Christ, made up of many different people working together as a royal priesthood to fulfil the purpose and function of the church.

The Church Is Mount Zion #

Sure, another aspect of the church paradigm is that the church is Mount Zion. In Hebrews 12:22-24, the writer compares the church to Mount Zion, the city of the living God. He writes,

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”

This comparison emphasizes the holiness and majesty of the church. Mount Zion was the location of the temple in Jerusalem, which was the centre of worship for the Jewish people. The writer of Hebrews is saying that the church is now the centre of worship for God’s people. This is not to say that physical buildings are Mount Zion, but rather that the church, as the people of God, is the spiritual temple where God is worshipped.

Understanding the church as Mount Zion also emphasizes the importance of worship in the life of the church. Just as worship was central to the temple in Jerusalem, worship should be central to the church. Worship is not just about singing songs or listening to a sermon, but it is about lifting up God and honouring Him with our whole lives.

So, when discussing the church paradigm, it’s important to remember that the church is the body of Christ, made up of many different people working together as Mount Zion to fulfil the purpose and function of the church, including worshipping and honouring God.

The Church is Light #

Another aspect of the church paradigm is that the church is light. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells His disciples, ”

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

This metaphor emphasizes the importance of the church’s role in the world. Just as a city on a hill or a lamp on a stand is visible for all to see, the church is called a visible and shining example of God’s love and grace to the world.

Understanding the church as light also emphasizes the importance of living out our faith daily. We are called to let our light shine before others by doing good works that glorify God. This includes serving others, loving our neighbours, and living a life that reflects the character of Christ.

So, when we talk about the church paradigm, it’s important to remember that the church is the body of Christ, made up of many different people working together as light to fulfil the purpose and function of the church, including being a shining example of God’s love and grace to the world.

Salt of the Earth #

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus tells His disciples,

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”

This metaphor emphasizes the church’s role in preserving and enhancing the world. Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times because it was used to preserve food and add flavour. Similarly, the church is called to be a preserving influence in the world, helping to maintain and enhance the goodness and beauty of God’s creation.

Understanding the church as salt also emphasizes the importance of being distinct from the world. Just as salt is distinct from the food it seasons, the church is called to be distinct from the culture around it, living out the values and principles of the kingdom of God.

So, when discussing the church paradigm, it’s important to remember that the church is not just an organization or a social club. It is the body of Christ, made up of many different people working together as salt to fulfil the purpose and function of the church, including being a preserving influence in the world and living out the distinct values of the kingdom of God.

Please stay tuned for the next part.

Blessings,

Shaliach.