The body of Christ in Corinth was as diverse in its composition (Jews, Greeks, slave & free) as it was in its giftedness—And Paul emphasized what brings the body together: “we are baptized into one Spirit and sustained by one Spirit”. (v. 13) We weren’t born into Christ’s body as infants. Paul’s explains, “For by one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body.” It was through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which was predicted by John the Baptist and Jesus and fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost that the church was created. It is through faith in Christ, who baptizes us in the Holy Spirit, that we become part of the living Christ.
Everyone is baptized by the same Spirit into one body—Jesus put that in a beautiful little formula: “You in me, and I in you.” When the Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ, he puts us into Christ, and we live in his power. In other words, the church is not simply a group of religious people who gather to enjoy each other’s company or certain mutually desired events (although we do!)—Rather, the church is a group of people who share the same life, who belong to the same Lord, who are filled with the same Spirit, who are given gifts by that Spirit, and who are intended to function together to change the world by the power of God. The image isn’t of every part of the body doing the same thing, but every part of the body contributing to the same purpose—Like a symphony, everyone plays different instruments, but they are all playing the same piece.
Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues a series of messages focused on “Spiritual Gifts” in a message entitled “Body Building”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring meaningful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.
You are invited TONIGHT September 14th! —To our “Second Friday – Family Movie Night” –Beginning at 6 PM. Dinner will be served before the movie featuring a special family recipe, salad, fruit, and always delicious desserts. This a FREE event so invite, pick up, and bring your friends and family—and of course, we will have movie popcorn, nacho’s and treats.
Sedona UMC will be offering a new six-week adult study beginning September 18th, based on the work of National Interdenominational Teacher Dr. Charles V. Bryant entitled “Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts—Building Up the Body of Christ Through the Gifts of the Spirit”. Two studies are planned—Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am at the church (110 Indian Cliffs Rd.), and Tuesday afternoons at 2 PM at the Gathering Place (1835 W. State Rte. 89A) in West Sedona. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
