Soma

Piggybacking on Brian’s latest post, I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite quotes from Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands which we’re reading in class right now.  The biblical model of friendship and community is a radical call, and it takes hard work.  That’s why we offer the classes we do at Shoreline, and it’s even why I’m going to be out of town next week as I puruse another degree (so that, as pastors, we can best equip the entire body of believers for the work of ministry in the lives of each other).  This is from Paul Tripp:

Many of us would be relieved if God had placed our sanctification in the hands of trained and paid professinals, but that simply is not the biblical model.  God’s plan is that through the faithful ministry of every part, the whole body will grow to full maturity in Christ.  The leaders of his church have been gifted, positioned, and appointed to train and mobilize the people of God for this “every person, everyday” ministry lifestyle.

Is that how you view the church?  It’s how God does.

Check out this great short article by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck.  It’s a great comment on the powerful, imperfect, and always growing nature of the local church.

And if you’re in the mood for some reading…check out their book on the subject.  Haven’t read it yet, but it’s on my list.