The Biblical Model of the Body of Christ

The church of Christ is a community of the Holy Spirit. The community of believers “live by the Spirit,” reflect the “fruit of the Spirit,” and “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-26). As disciples of Christ we are Spirit filled, Spirit led, and function according to the Spirit’s gifts (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12). The presence and power of the Holy Spirit characterized the early church. The Holy Spirit is the life principle who animates, enlivens, and empowers the body of Christ. Without the Spirit the church is dead.

As the Spirit’s love is poured into us (Romans 5:5), we are identifiable by our love for one another as the Jesus community (John 13:34-35). A community characterized by love for one another is a wonderful thing indeed, and it will be attractive to others. A community of love will bring healing, help, and hope as it lives out the gospel in the world in which it resides. Such a community brings Jesus into the lives it touches, as it is the body of Christ Himself. Christ lives and abides in His communities. He is Lord, and all who are touched by His body are brought into this vital knowledge.

Comments

  1. Jim CrouchFebruary 23, 2010 at 4:43 PM

    Terry, I have enjoyed reading your posts on the concept of church community. I think of churches as being at different levels of group dynamic:

    (1) shared rituals;
    (2) rituals plus social interaction;
    (3) rituals, social ties, plus a sense of family;
    (4) rituals, social, family, plus personal ownership and commitment by the members to the function/health of the whole;
    (5) rituals, social ties, family, personal commitment, plus an understanding of divine purpose.

    The list could continue, but you get the point. For many churches, shared rituals is the limit of their fellowship; while for others, fellowship extends to social benefits. Few of our churches, however, are fully committed communities characterized by commitment to one another, submission to the lordship of Jesus, a sense of divine purpose, etc.

    The problem is not always laziness or rebellion, but simply a lack of understanding how to create and grow communities. Many have no sense of community in their town, school, or neighborhood; many live independent of strong family ties. There is no sense of community in any aspect of life--it is a foreign concept. Individualism is promoted and privacy is treasured. A lack of community is a nationwide epidemic that infects the church but is not limited to the church.

    I really appreciate what you hit on in this article: crucial to any Christian community is the life-giving Spirit of God. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

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  2. TerryFebruary 24, 2010 at 11:54 AM

    Thanks Jim. I agree with your insights. I think the fact that so few people in our society experience community, makes it important that the local church develops community. As people become exposed to the body of Christ and begin to see and experience true fellowship found in Jesus and His disciples, they will be attracted to the community and further investigate the Source of such love. Evangelism, then, becomes a natural product of true community. Like Jesus said, "The world will know that you are my disciples by the love you have for one another."

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