Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1 Corinthians 12.27

Life Together
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
“Not what a man is in himself as a Christian, his spirituality and piety, constitutes the basis of our community. What determines our brotherhood is what that man is by reason of Christ. Our community with one another consists solely in what Christ has done to both of us.”

How can we be Christ to one another? Only by denying ourselves, taking up the towel and basin, and looking for opportunities to express the love of Christ in ministry to one another. Because of Christ we are redeemed sinners and earthen vessels set apart to God for the purposes of His glory, which we bring to light as we follow in the way of Jesus and give ourselves in loving service to others. As believers, we stand together on the same ground: redeemed sinners, without hope in this world save in our Lord Jesus Christ. He has overcome all evil in us to make us part of His Body. Surely we can overcome every obstacle which hinders us from knowing true life together in Him. And He has called us to ministries of good works and love, especially toward our fellow believers (Gal. 6.9).

What do you understand by that term, “ministry”? Do you agree with Paul that equipping saints for the work of ministry is the way to build up the local church (Eph. 4.11, 12)?

T. M. Moore

Is your church growing?
If your church is growing, how do you know? What criteria persuade you one way or the other? Our free assessment tool, “Twelve Questions that Could Change Your Church,” provides a Pauline foundation for determining where your church is strong and where there’s room for growth. Download your free copy by clicking here.

Kingdom and Church
What is the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ? How does the Church advance the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven? What is my role as a member of that Body and a citizen in that Kingdom in bringing the Good News of Jesus to my world? These and related questions are addressed in our course One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview. Using videos, worksheets, study guides, and other resources, you can set your own schedule and study at your own pace through this free, online resource. For more information and to register, click here.

Thanks to those of you who support our work with your prayers and gifts. Our heavenly Father supports The Fellowship of Ailbe through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.