Community

Last night our "faith lesson" was on the importance of community. Here are some characteristics of the community of believers in Jesus Christ that can be found in Ephesians:

(all quotes are from the NIV and emphasis added)

1. This is where God's wisdom is revealed.
Ephesians 3: 10 -- His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

2. This is the domain for which you are gifted to serve.
Ephesians 4: 11-12 -- It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

3. This is where the inheritance is found.
Ephesians 1: 18 -- I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

4. This is the body for which Christ is head.
Ephesians 1: 22-23 -- And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

5. This is where you mature to become like Christ.
Ephesians 4: 13 -- until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.