READ 1 Corinthians 12:27

REFLECT

You probably grew up thinking of the church as something you go to. Like it’s an institution or organization. Like it’s something you either belong to or don’t.

Well, think again.

You don’t GO to church. You ARE the church.

That’s what it means for Jesus to be at work in you. He made you the church.

That’s exactly what the Apostle Paul was describing when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:27. He even took it a step further when he said “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Let that sink in…

Pretty amazing isn’t it? You. As in you of little faith. You who aren’t 100% sure of things. You who at times lacks confidence. You who often gets it wrong. You who offers the best of what you have but still feels like it comes up a bit short. You who knows you don’t have it all together. 

But that’s the powerful part of God’s grace. You probably have a picture in your mind of how much better you need to be for God to use you. Most of us have this perfect ideal picture that we need to look like. But the powerful part of scripture is this: God doesn’t use perfect pictures; he uses broken people.

I personally am completely excited about the launch of FOR The City at The Bridge. You may be tempted to think of this as something The Bridge is doing. Well, that’s both right and wrong.

After all, The Bridge can’t:

Have your next door neighbour over for a BBQ

Strike up a friendship with that person at the gym you see every Thursday morning.

Get to know your co-worker.

Love your unloveable family member

Throw a party for the single moms in your neighborhood

But you can.

And when you do that, you are the church. And when all of us do that … well, that’s The Bridge being the church.

So go be the church. Extend the love of Jesus to people you’re scared to love. Be a good neighbor. Be a good friend. Love people. You might be amazed at what God does.

Because you are the church. You really are.

BOTTOM LINE

You don’t go to church. You are the church.

LIVE

Imagine what might change in a year, or even in a month, when you reach out to four families and extend the grace and kindness that so many long for yet so few ever experience. If you haven’t taken time to write your four names down do so now. Begin praying for them. If you want someone else to pray for them with you send us your names. We will pray with you!

PRAY

Today, pray for courage. Because what’s standing between you and impact is likely a little fear. God, help me get over my fear of making some new friendships. Help me to move out of my comfort zone and extend the grace that you’ve extended to me.