And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:17-18)

The church is the grand organism whose head is the Lord Jesus Christ. A greater pastor could not be found. The head of the church is the Lord, our nourishment and our preeminence. He is to fill our speech, our thoughts, our worship, and our proclamation. Christ Jesus is to be the visible expression of the church.

Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee (Hebrews 2:12). When believers are filled with the Spirit of Christ, it is Jesus declaring and singing praise to the Father in the midst of the church. How urgent and important it is for all of us to come to church on the Lord’s Day filled with the Spirit. Let us come “right with God” in order to hear from God.

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (I Peter 4:11). The preacher is to be the oracle. This would extend to all who teach; deacons, Sunday School teachers, and children’s church workers. The declaration of our mouths is to be as if the Word of God is speaking through us. May we allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly in us so that others may receive our words are they are in truth, the word of God!

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name(Romans 15:9). The church can have a part in fulfilling Christ’s ministry to the Gentiles – a prophecy fulfilling ministry. What a glory and joy to know that as we lift up our voices for Christ – Scripture is being fulfilled!!!

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh (Ephesians 2:17). As we confine our witness to what exactly the Scripture says – then Jesus Christ is proclaiming through us to the souls of men. Is there not great gladness to be a VOICE!

Every believer is to strive to be the visible expression of Christ. May we come to our Lord’s Day services filled with His Spirit. If Jesus would sing through us, if the Jesus would preach through the preacher, if the principalities in heavenly places saw the wisdom of Christ, if our ears would hear what the Spirit says to the church, and if our feet would obey as we yield to the Spirit of Christ in us — then it would be brought to pass that the Father has glorified us in Christ so that we could glorify the Father. [Reposted from March 9, 2001]