“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eph 3:10-11 (NIV)
Who makes up the church? According to Paul, the church is made up of those who are in Christ. Their reality is that of being saints, blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, included, sealed, and secure. As believers in the completed work of Jesus on the cross, we are His body, the church.
The church is both local and global. The church has local expressions such as Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. The church also has a global expansion inclusive of all believers on the planet regardless of ethnicity. Jesus is the Head of the church and the One who creates unity in the midst of diversity.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matt 16:18 (NIV)
Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ. Jesus acknowledged that He would build His church, not on Peter, but on the God-revealed confession. Jesus is the Christ!
God’s desire is to manifest His manifold wisdom through the church. God’s glory will be revealed through the Body of Christ, the church. In other words, God’s church is the world redemption center.
Are you connected to the local church? Are you serving through the ministry of the local church? Make yourself available for God’s use. Become a conduit of blessing for the One who bestows the blessings.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care