The church.... what is the church? It's the BRIDE OF CHRIST, the BODY OF CHRIST. What does God want for his bride/body/church? He wants them to have the best & use what He has freely given to them to shine a light in this world in order to bring glory to Him. Romans 12:4-12a describes the church...
Paul talks also of the church in Ephesians 1:19-23:"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body (the church). We are all parts of His one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to do prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you."
"I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe in Him... the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand... far above any ruler, or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and He gave Him this authority for the benefit of the church... his body... filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence."(written 26 Jan 2011)
