New Testament Vistas

CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

Colossians 1:18 NIVAnd he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Ephesians 1:20-23 NRSVGod put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Christ is head of

the church

Christ is head of

the church

Not a democracy

Christ is head of

the church

Not a democracy

We must submit to

him

Christ is head of

the church

Not a democracy

We must submit to

him

Leadership’s challenge

Christ is head of

the church

Not a democracy

We must submit to

him

Leadership’s challenge

God’s vision vs. Human

desires

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIVThe body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free –and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIVBut God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Human body has needs – walk, talk &

see

• Parts to meet needs• Feet, mouth, eyes

••

Human body has needs – walk, talk &

see

• Parts to meet needs• Feet, mouth, eyes

Body of Christ has needs

• Parts to meet needs• You and me

1 Corinthians 12:7 NIVNow to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Romans 12:4-8 NIVJust as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

Romans 12:4-8 NIVIf a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Human body:

Healthy – parts work as planned

Diseased – parts fail to work

Human body:

Healthy – parts work as planned

Diseased – parts fail to work

Christ’s body:

Healthy – symphony, balance

& harmony

Diseased – parts do not work

Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV84 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, (12) to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (13) until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

THE CHURCH IS A FAMILY

1 John 3:1 NIVHow great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Hebrews 12:7-8 NIV Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? (8) If you are not disciplined--and everyone undergoes discipline--then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Hebrews 10:24 NIVAnd let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Romans 8:5-6 NRSVFor those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Philippians 4:8 NIVFinally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

GOD’S FAMILY HAS A HOME

We are God’s Temple1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV84 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV84 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

We worship in the presence of God

We are called to holiness

WE ARE THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD – THE ASSEMBLY OF TRUE BELIEVERS