How Can Church Today be a True Example of the Gospel?

The church in Corinth had a whole score of problems Paul addressed at length in 1 Corinthians. But we can take encouragement from this, knowing that the church today is not all that different from the New Testament church. It was filled with imperfect people—former sinners facing their own issues and challenges—all learning how to walk with Jesus day by day.

Here are some key take-aways from the book of 1 Corinthians that were relevant then, and are still equally important for the Church today…

—Unity should be our goal as Christians. We might not agree on the nonessential issues of doctrine like what style of worship to use during services, but we should be like-minded when it comes to the core teachings of Scripture, especially regarding Jesus. God uses common men and women to spread an uncommon message: the good news of Jesus Christ. That end goal should never fail to bring us together.

—Restoration of relationship should always be your goal, because it’s God’s goal. When someone wrongs you, is your first impulse to forgive and let it go? Probably not—that’s not natural. But as an act of your will and in compliance and obedience to Jesus (Matthew 5:39), it is supernaturally possible.

—The church should not mirror the world. Paul reminded us that we’re no longer to live in sin but instead live differently from the world around us (1 Corinthians 6:11). On one hand, we as the church need to take God’s commands seriously, not allowing sin to flourish in our midst. On the other hand, we also need to embrace God’s grace alongside His truth, love those who have fallen into sin, and do what we can to restore them to a right relationship with God and His church, being mindful that God loved us and bought us for Himself while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

—Navigate life’s gray areas biblically. As Paul said, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Consider two limitations: utility and charity. First, is what you’re considering going to help you achieve your ultimate goal of representing Christ, becoming more like Him, sharing about Him? Second, if you do it, will others be hurt? Don’t put your freedom ahead of someone else’s walk.

Without a doubt, the resurrection is the heart and pulse of the gospel message. It was the power that would enable the Corinthians to step up their game and follow Paul’s instructions for their improvement—and that same power lives in us today, both to save us and help us grow in faith.