2/8/26 Pastor John's Sermon

In the Apostle Paul's correspondence with the Corinthian church, he proclaims the followers of the crucified and risen Jesus are now the "body of Christ." The church as the "body of Christ" is to be one, one in Spirit, one in faith, one in love, and one in hope. Connected as we are as the "body of Christ" we are to understand ourselves to be in loving and caring relationship to each and to all. We are to recognize Christ in our midst, to feel the presence of Jesus in our hearts, and to see the face of Christ Jesus as we look into one another's eyes. We are called to intently listen to each other, the stories of our individual and collective lives, our joys and hopes as well as our hurts and pains. 

So as the church, as the "body of Christ" it all comes down to how well do we know each other, how intentionally do we pray and work to foster connections of loving service and compassionate care for one another, how well do we walk the path that Jesus sets before us. 

The church that walks the walk of Jesus is a church that has received a calling, a calling to use the gifts we have been given to bring faith, hope, and love to the whole world so that all might come to know Jesus Christ as Lord of all. Therefore, it begins with knowledge of the cross, the cross on which Jesus hung. Paul stated that talk of the cross is often understood by some as foolishness and easily dismissed in a world where power and might are glorifyingly displayed. But Paul asserts that the crucified Jesus has meaning for us, for the whole world, and for the future of all humanity and throughout God's creation. 

That meaning is poured out upon each and everyone of us, for Christ Jesus' demonstration of love and care for all, though opposed by some which led to his death, is the love and care that God wills for all of us. That said, Paul proclaims that in Christ Jesus we are a new creation, so much so that Christ now chooses to dwell within us. 

Unfortunately though, many in the world still conduct themselves as if Christ Jesus is not present in their lives. They are driven by something other than the love of Jesus. Rather than bearing the cross of Jesus, they become intent on using cross-like weapons to cause hurt, pain, and suffering on others. Sadly, it happens not only out there in the world but also within the church, the present-day "body of Christ," as Paul himself recognized in the Corinthian church. 

So, how should we respond in today's world? Should we hand out hate for hate, hurt for hurt? Should we be driven to punish, to separate, to dismiss, to exclude? History has demonstrated many of these examples for us to emulate. Should we follow in suit? Paul stated that questions like these are intended rightfully to lead us back to the cross, to recognize how Jesus himself lived and loved, how he welcomed all into God's grace, mercy, and love. To be sure, many in today's world still think and believe such recognitions are foolish.

So, should we simply allow history to repeat itself, where hate, hurt, and suffering are not in short supply? Paul asserts that not only can we be a church in mission and ministry that lives and loves as Jesus, but also be the "body of Christ" that bears full and proper witness that God wills that we are one as the Father and Son are one. But this will take some work on our part. 

Here we are to follow the counsel that Paul provided to the Corinthian church: "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone." We can change the patterns from the past by entering into a future brought forth by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the ingathering of the Holy Spirit, a future of unity, of blessing, of everlasting hope. As we heed Paul's counsel: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." By the power of the Holy Spirit and in the presence of Jesus, God wills that we be connected, that we be one in love and care, that we recognize that when one suffers we all suffer. The hope that God brings to us: be the "body of Christ," love as Jesus loves, and bring an end hate and retaliation. Jesus believed it would work. Do we?