The expression, “the body of Christ,” has become such a common name for the church that we may not reflect upon what it means for the life of the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, we have the most complete explanation of the similarity between the human body and the church. Both the human body and the church are unities made up of many diverse members. Therefore, the church needs all of its members, and the members need to function as a unity.
God's presence in the early church produced awesome acts of community giving and healing but also an awesome judgment against hypocrisy and deception.
As opposition grew toward Jesus, he anticipated that it would reach his followers as well and prepare them for how to live.
After the Lord rejected Saul as king, he chose a man with a heart oriented toward the Lord.
