He is the One who gave some the gift to be apostles. He gave some the gift to be prophets. He gave some the gift of preaching the good news. And he gave some the gift to be pastors and teachers. He did it so that they might prepare God's people to serve. If they do, the body of Christ will be built up. That will continue until we all become one in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son. Then we will be grown up in the faith. We will receive everything that Christ has for us. We will no longer be babies in the faith. We won't be like ships tossed around by the waves. We won't be blown here and there by every new teaching. We won't be blown around by the cleverness and tricks of people who try to hide their evil plans. Instead, we will speak the truth in love. We will grow up into Christ in every way. He is the Head. He makes the whole body grow and build itself up in love. Under the control of Christ, each part of the body does its work. It supports the other parts. In that way, the body is joined and held together. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Christ's physical body underwent terrible pain, torture and persecution. Therefore, His church
body cannot expect a cozy, easy existence either. Being Jesus to the world means making sacrifices, accepting (and expecting)ridicule, and loving our enemies (Heb. 13:16, Matt. 5:44). God called us to
spread the gospel message, not the world's message, so that means people won't always
like what we have to say. Sin and accountability aren't popular messages. It is seldom accepted with open arms. Yet being trendy and well liked is not the point. We're here to carry out the work and
mission of God, even when doing so is uncomfortable and unpopular.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20)
No pain . . . no gain!
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