A CHARISMATIC CHURCH THAT CARES
I Corinthians 12:21-27
A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick
Introduction: Summarized in this brief phrase is a simple understanding of what the church needs to be in the present day. I. First, the Church is to be "Charismatic" Often the term is associated with leadership: churches and cults are built around charismatic leaders; sometimes this is for good, sometimes for bad, as in the case of Jim Jones.
B. And we're not referring here to "charismatic worship" where they:
sing off the wall,
wave their hands when worshippers pray and
clap their hands when they sing,
fall down backwards,
sometimes cry when they pray,
laugh a lot, or shake, or jump up and down.
C. Rather, we're talking about the "Charismata"
2. The Principle of diversity (v.14f) is to be noticed - just because a part notices it is different, it cannot say "I am not part of the body". To put this in a positive statement would
sound like this, "I am an important part of this body".
3. This also means total involvement, not the usual 10% of members carrying the load:
One cannot say to another, "I have no need of you." Translated to the positive: "I need you." Think about it, why does the eye need the hand?
We must always remember that the church should not be divided between the "doers" and the "watchers".
B. It is not merely a group of people who have a lot in common, like:
a love of history, or golf, or fishing, or poetry, or who share a particular problem such as alcohol abuse, or enjoy the same kind of music, or even the love coffee and cake.
The only commonality is Jesus - that's why we are called "Jesus People"!
C. Church people are first of all Followers of Christ, gathering for mutual support in order to fulfill His Commission.
B. This "Care" is mutual, and a distinguishing mark of the Christian Community - others look on and say, "see how they love one another". This is what Jesus had in mind when he taught,
"By this shall all men know you are my disciples, that you have love for one another."
Mutual concern is "equal concern"; it's the Golden Rule in action.
Let me ask this question, when you're hurting, do you appreciate it when someone offers some care? Then you be the one to offer it to others.
C. But the church is not a closed society - the door is open, and this church is characterized by caring for whoever comes among us - we are accepting of whomever "the Lord adds to the church."
This is true even when ethnic or economic backgrounds differs; or when there is difference in dress, behavior, etc.
The example is that of the properly dressed deacon whom everyone watched when they saw the barefooted hippy walk down the aisle and sit on the floor in front of the platform in the wealthy
downtown church. The elderly Deacon slowly walked down the aisle and sat right down next to the young man with long hair, beard and dressed in T-shirt and jeans.
Or the negative example of an unruly young man being neglected by the youth pastor because he was worried about his influence on "church kids".
D. This "Care" is not mere sympathy, but true empathy, strength flowing out to the hurting member. It is sacrificial and joyful, patient and involving forgiveness. Always remember, "judgment
separates, forgiveness joins."
E. "Care" rejoices with those who are promoted, and suffers with those who hurt. It is non-competitive and refuses to accept the "scarcity mentality" - to rejoice in another's blessing does not
mean that I have less joy. Rather, like a muscle, joy grows as it is used.
2. Are there any changes that would need to be made in you for this identification to become a reality?
3. Can you believe that by faith in Almighty God, with the presence of Jesus Christ in the midst of His Church, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, this can become a reality?
That every member can find his or her place according to the Gifts of Grace?
That every one who gathers, whether here or in other church related settings will come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
That each member will come to honor each other member?
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