MCCF teaching series, Dr. Bill Morehouse, Topic 5
The Body of Christ, Universal and Local
Body of Christ has many parts, all of which are important, 1 Corinthians 12.12ff.
Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches, John 15.5 ff
Need to to be grafted in and abide in the Vine to bear fruit.
Tree of Life, many different branches with leaves, Revelation 22.2
Denominations (def: "under the name") as branches, for example:
- list some examples -
Communion of saints over time and space, throughout history and geography
Only one Body, Ephesians 4.4, entered through baptism, Ephesians 4.5.
Difficulties arise when we do not “discern the Lord’s body,” 1 Corinthians 11.29
Our witness to powers and principalities, Ephesians 3.8-10.
Our witness to the world, John 17.23.
Need for balance, correction, completion, equipping, cleansing
5-fold ministry, Ephesians 4.11-16; 5.19-21.
Cleansing through fellowship, 1 John 1.5-10
Become fitted in like “living stones” wherever we are, 1 Peter 2.4
Assembling together, Hebrews 10.23-25
Humble submission, 1 Peter 5.5-7
Honor and obey leaders, 1 Thessalonians 5.12-13; Hebrews 13.17