Some parts of the body are obviously important. Eyes and ears and arms and legs get lots of attention while other parts are ignored for years. But Paul saves the Church from arrogance and division by reminding those with obvious gifts of how much they need the less noticeable parts. Small parts of the brain help control those arms. Unseen mechanisms allow those beautiful eyes to see. This sermon is meant to raise awareness and appreciation as well as save our church from spiritual pride.

Feeling “less than” is one of the Devil’s best tricks. We notice what we’re not, what we can’t do, what’s uncomfortable, what’s out of our skill set. But Paul saves us from envy and discouragement by reminding us all that God didn’t design every part of the body to do everything. By his design you can’t do that. Let go of the guilt. Give up the competition. Embrace your importance in his grand design.

Scripture and experience teach us that people are different. Like different parts of the body, God intentionally decided to make you different from everyone else. That truth has the potential to make us better and stronger…or, if we ignore it, to make us frustrated at everyone who is not our mirror image.

As Paul begins his discussion of the “body of Christ,” he reminds us of the big picture. Baptism. Spirit. Spiritual thirst quenched by the gospel. What the Church has in common is exponentially bigger than our differences. He does the same in Ephesians 4, repeating the unity we have in Jesus—one Lord, one faith, one hope, on God. Therefore, before we talk about our uniqueness, we celebrate our unity in Jesus, no matter what our diverse wiring, quirks, or personality.

Do you have questions about God? Or about faith? Or about different religions, different churches, and different ideas? We all do, but often we are scared to ask them. That is why The CORE’s Q&A Sunday started. In place of a regular message, we will take time to anonymously ask questions and find the passages with Jesus’ answers. We hope you can join us for Q&A Sunday!

Big news - the Savior has been born!

There is little peace on planet earth. The headlines, now here at home, rob us of our peace and make us fear for the future. But Micah promised the baby born in little Bethlehem would have great power. His love would allow us to live securely and he would become our peace.

Christmas can be painful if people are far apart. Holidays are hard for the separated and divorced and for families whose bonds have been ripped apart by sin. But Jeremiah promised that Jesus would be “our righteousness,” the gift that makes our relationship with God right.

Some of us remember driving around town to check out the lights. In the midst of the dark season of winter, lights wow and impress us and bring joy to our hearts. Jesus did the same thing. Isaiah promised that those living in the land of the shadow of death would see a dawning light. Jesus is wonderful, a counselor, a perfect father who never leaves, a king over all governments, and so much more

One of the magical things about Christmas is being with people. From family celebrations to work parties to special services, we tend to gather with others who bring us laughter and joy (hopefully!). But the greatest part of Christmas is knowing that God is with us. The virgin gave birth to a child and called him Immanuel.