“And he is the head of the body, the church.”
Colossians 1:18a
“At our church…” “Well, my church…” “At her church…” “At Rev. So-and-so’s church…” These are phrases simply referring to a church to which someone belongs. Yet unchecked, phrases like these can subtly affect attitudes about the church. We begin to think and act like it really is entirely our church.
Paul declared that Jesus is the head of the body and the Lord of the church. Jesus Christ has full authority over her because on the cross He paid the purchase price for her. He loved the Church so much that He “gave himself up for her to make her holy … to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle … but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Think about owners of sports franchises. They paid for their teams. Without their approval, no deal is complete, no contract offered, no trade made. Unfair? Not at all! They paid the price; they own their teams. Similarly, Jesus has the right to call the shots for His Church. As much as you might love the church you attend, never forget it is not yours; it belongs to Jesus.
Paul declared that Jesus is the head of the body and the Lord of the church. Jesus Christ has full authority over her because on the cross He paid the purchase price for her. He loved the Church so much that He “gave himself up for her to make her holy … to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle … but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Think about owners of sports franchises. They paid for their teams. Without their approval, no deal is complete, no contract offered, no trade made. Unfair? Not at all! They paid the price; they own their teams. Similarly, Jesus has the right to call the shots for His Church. As much as you might love the church you attend, never forget it is not yours; it belongs to Jesus.
Scripture Focus
Colossians 1:18-29
Insight
“The church’s one foundation /Is Jesus Christ, her Lord…/With His own blood He bought her, /And for her life He died.” (Samuel J. Stone, 1866)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 5-6
- Proverbs 13
- James 4-5