The Nature of the Church

THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH

07/05/2026; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Richie Pendred; Christ Proclamation Church

Sermon Theme: God has uniquely arranged His diverse blood-bought saints into one body. The beauty of the Church shines forth through unity in diversity as we care for one another and for those in the world. Therefore, every member is called to genuinely love and serve as Christ has loved and served us!

I. THE CHURCH IS DIVERSE – (1 Cor. 12:11)
   A. Declaration of Diversity – (1 Cor. 12:11)
   B. Examples of Diversity – (Acts 16:11-34)
      1. A Businesswoman – (Acts 16:11-15)
      2. A Slave Girl – (Acts 16:16-24)
      3. A Jailer – (Acts 16:25-34)

II. THE CHURCH IS UNIFIED – (1 Cor. 12:12-24)
   A. Declaration of Unity – (1 Cor. 12:12-14)
   B. Examples of Disunity – (1 Cor. 12:15-24)
      1. Diminishing Members – (1 Cor. 12:15-20)
         a. The Equality of the Body
         b. The Unique Functions of the Body
         c. The Orchestration of the Body
      2. Dispensable Members – (1 Cor. 12:21-24)
         a. Each Member is Necessary
         b. Each Member is Valuabl

III. THE CHURCH IS ON-MISSION – (1 Cor. 12:25-27)
   A. We Care for One Another – (1 Cor. 12:25-27)
      1. In Suffering – (1 Cor. 12:26a)
      2. In Rejoicing – (1 Cor. 12:26b)
   B. We Care for the World – (Acts 16:11-34)