RD35

Q2. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; John 8:44) What are Satan's chief tools to keep people under his control? Why is the sharing and preaching of the gospel so threatening to him (John 8:31-32; Romans 1:16)? Why do you think it is so difficult to share your faith or preach in the world outside the church? Satan's chief tools to keep people under his control is Blinding them to see Gods truth and deception(lies). People think they see clearly, but they don't get it. Their minds seem veiled. They can't comprehend the gospel. It doesn't make sense to them. Instead of seeing in the gospel "the glory of Christ," it seems to them like a mere fairy tale. Satan blinds us by deceiving us. So long as we believe his lies, we remain blind. By sharing and preaching of the gospel people will be able to know the truth and the truth sets us free. Preaching dispels this darkness. That is why Satan opposes sharing and preaching of the gospel so viciously. Satan hates the gospel. He tries anything he can to prevent the spread of the gospel, since the good news of Jesus sets people free from his control. Satan deceives and puts fear in the hearts of people that they'll offend someone and appear "intolerant." and this makes sharing of our faith difficult in the world. But these are lies of the enemy to intimidate us, we must not let Satan's deceptions keep us quiet. It is these lies that have that have kept people in Satan's bondage for so long. We are engaged in spiritual warfare and we must fight with courage and faith in Jesus Christ.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Psalm 24:1) What is the difference between legitimate authority and usurped authority? Which kind of authority does Satan have? How can Satan be defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:14-15), but still be dangerous (John 10:10a, 44; 1 Peter 5:8-9)? Legitimate authority is authority granted by God. Usurped authority is not one's own. It means to seize and hold in possession by force or without right of something what you have not legal rights over. Satan has usurping authority. Satan has taken what is God's, what is not Satan's own. He is not in submission to God, but a rebel, a usurper of God's authority. Christ won the decisive battle on the cross (Colossians 2:14-15) and we have power through the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit to claim people for Christ's kingdom. Nevertheless, whether legitimate or not, Satan is able to exert power until it is taken away from him, usually forcibly. Satan is a "squatter" on God's property and must be forced off. He is still in the field fighting a guerilla war. He is a "thief" who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10a) what is God's. He retains power by deception, as "a liar and the father of lies" (John 10:44b).

Q2. (Acts 19:9-10) How did "all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia" hear God's word from one apostle, who taught daily in Ephesus and didn't travel around. What do you think was going on that caused this kind of expansion? Why is it vital to evangelize in our great cities? In Ephesus is a teacher named Tyrannus who owns a lecture hall. It seems that Paul would rent the hall every afternoon and teach classes there. Morning was the normal time for activity in Greek cities; they were in the habit of taking a siesta beginning about 11 am that extended far into the afternoon. The Western Text of the Greek New Testament indicates that Paul had use of the lecture hall from 11 am to 4 pm -- the time when most Ephesians were resting. So it seems that Paul's students would forgo their siesta each day to sit under Paul's ministry. "This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord." (Acts 19:10) Paul was not evangelizing in the Roman province of Asia. He is teaching daily. Rather his students, the missionaries he is training in his school of missions, are learning from Paul and then spreading the gospel over the entire province. Instead of deserting the great inner cities, we must work to have a powerful Christian witness there, for cities influence a large region around them.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 1:11-12; 2:1; 3:3-6) What seems to be the primary difference between Paul's ministry approach and that of Apollos? Why does this create competing allegiances at Corinth? How does Paul address the issue? Can you think of any divisions over style within the Christian community in your region? What should you do as a result of those divisions? The division is about style and training. Apollos is a trained speaker in the Greek tradition, while Paul has to defend himself against charges that he lacks the skills of formal Greek rhetorical oratory. Paul is a trained rabbi, a Bible teacher, and excellent at debate. But he is not formally trained in the Greek fashion. He lacks the style and polish that appeals to the Corinthians. It creates competing allegiances in Corinth as some want to follow Paul and some Apollos. There is jealousy and quarrelling among them causing division. Paul calls them worldly and acting like mere worldly men. He reminds them that after all Apollos and Paul are only servants of God through whom they came to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Lord had assigned to each his task. "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." Unity is the solution to divisions. Comparing one servant of God to another isn't useful (Galatians 6:4), and can be divisive. We must work hard to avoid comparisons and divisions, and work and pray for the unity of the church (Ephesians 4:1).

Q3. (Acts 18:7) How important are the economics of house-churches and bi-vocational ministry in the rapid spread of the first century church? What are the advantages of a house-church model? What are the weaknesses? House churches are the primary way the church manifests itself in the first century . Economically, house churches make gathering the church feasible in nearly any situation. Limited space can be a disadvantage.

Q2. (Acts 18:3; 20:34-35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 1 Corinthians 4:12) Why does Paul earn his living by skilled labor rather than through offerings from the church? Why do you think Christians believe that "full-time Christian ministry" is better than bi-vocational ministry? What lessons did Paul teach the believers by his example of working for his living? Paul isn't working at his trade only to earn money to support himself and his mission. He sees it as an example to the believers. The Church in Thessalonica, for example, had some trouble with lazy people trying to free-load off the church's generosity. Paul sets a deliberate pattern of work, of supporting himself, so he is a strong example to those who would take advantage of Christian benevolence. He had a right to support from the church , but did not exercise it because setting an example was more important. Paul works bi-vocationally as a tent-maker for several reasons: (a) to earn money to live and for others on his mission, (b) to set an example to people that preachers work hard and aren't idle, (c) to set an example of giving and not coveting money, and (d) to gain a reward for preaching "free of charge" (1 Corinthians 9:16-18). We must forsake a value system that promotes full-time Christian workers as more important than bi-vocational ministers (Acts 18:3; 20:34-35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 1 Corinthians 4:12).

Q1. (Acts 17:27-31; Romans 1:19-20; 2:14-15; Acts 4:12) How close is God to non-believers? Is he working in them? Since God shows forbearance for sins of non-believers, why do Christians act so judgmental? How should we act? Is faith in Jesus necessary for salvation? God is indeed very close to these Gentiles. God desires that they seek after him and find him. God is at work in non-believers through his Holy Spirit, for "he is not far from each one of us," says Paul (Acts 17:27). Non-believers have a conscience that can help them do right, even if they haven't heard the gospel (Romans 2:14-15). We shouldn't judge unbelievers by their sins, but rather look for where God is at work in them. In our day, we need to bring visibility to the gospel, not let it just hide in church buildings. We need to keep declaring the resurrection today, even though our culture isn't acutely interested in the subject. Yes faith is in Jesus is necessary for salvation. Jesus is the only door we know to salvation (Acts 4:12); we must declare Jesus as the answer.

Q4. (Romans 3:25; 5:6-8; 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 3:18a) What is the Substitutionary Atonement? How is this such good news? How does it give us assurance in our struggles with sin? The substitutionary atonement refers to Jesus Christ dying as a substitute for sinners. The Scriptures teach that all men are sinners (Romans 3:9-18, 23). The penalty for our sinfulness is death. Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The good news is that eternal life is available through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died in our place when He was crucified on the cross. We deserved to be the ones placed on that cross to die because we are the ones who live sinful lives. But Christ took the punishment on Himself in our place—He substituted Himself for us and took what we rightly deserved. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). We struggle with sin, and sometimes may wonder how God can forgive us again and again and again. God forgives us because Jesus the Messiah came specifically to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16) -- your sins and my sins. We may despair, but it is finished, Christ's death for sin, once for all. "It is finished!" Done! Over! And in sin's place, we have righteousness and the love of a Father for his redeemed children.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23-24; Romans 1:16; Acts 17:2-3) Why might Paul be tempted to underemphasize a "crucified Messiah" when preaching to the Jews? Why are we sometimes tempted to tell others how great it is to follow Christ while not telling them the other aspects of the gospel? Why is it so important that we are honest about the gospel? The Jews traditionally viewed the Messiah as a conqueror who would free the Jewish people from foreign domination and bring into being the promised Kingdom of God, reigned over by David's victorious descendant. You can see how "Victorious Messiah" doesn't seem to fit with "Suffering Messiah." A suffering, crucified Messiah is a contradiction in terms, an oxymoron. Paul's message could be difficult for the Jew's to accept and also mean persecutions to Paul and therefore he might be tempted to underemphasize a crucified messiah. Fear of rejection and persecutions can tempt us to tell others all the aspects of the gospel. Many time we don't want to offend people or loose them by telling the entire truth of the gospel. But it is important to honestly and truthfully proclaim the entire gospel because somebody's salvation may be at stake because of our folly. Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Q2. (Acts 16:25; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Why do you think we are commanded to "Rejoice always"? What is our natural tendency when we're under stress? What does rejoicing and thanking have to do with faith? In what circumstance do you find difficulty praising God? Christians are called out to live with rejoice always no matter what they face, because by doing so they overcome the enemy and do not succumb to his lies. When we rejoice no matter how tough our circumstances are the fruit of the Spirit 'joy' becomes evident in us for others to see. By rejoicing always we celebrate God, we trust in His promises, that He will never fail us. Our Natural tendency when we are under stress is to be sulking, grumpy, grouchy, whining, irritable, cantankerous, cranky, edgy, depressed or sad . We will do anything but rejoice. Rejoicing and thanking God always shows that we have faith in God even through tough times, believing that He is in control and can use even the most trying of our situations to bring about good. it does not reflect well on Him, when we as His children live a gloomy life. It doesn’t make sense to say God is your Father, and yet live a miserable joyless life filled with fear, depression and unhappiness. Faith in God gives us the confidence that He will bring us through the storms in life. Hence God wants us to be cheerful no matter what, and this also sends across a positive message to unbelievers about Him. Sometimes when things do not go the way i had planned, when someone hurts me I find it difficult to praise God.

Q1. (Acts 16:1-3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy, even though his principles don't require him to? Why does Paul "become all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)? In what ways does the path of serving Jesus require humility rather than demanding our rights? Paul wants to make Timothy part of the apostolic team. But to have an uncircumcised Jew in his party, Paul would have been viewed by Jews as supporting "apostasy and would no longer have been allowed to appear in any synagogue. Paul circumcises him as a practical matter, so as not to distract seeking Jews from the core message of the gospel. Being humble as we serve Jesus will help us to be at peace with others and be an example of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself did not think of his rights but became humble so that He could be obedient to the Father's will and execute Gods plan of salvation to the whole mankind. Philippians 2:5-11 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ...

Q2. (Ephesians 2:8-9) What is a simple definition of "grace"? Why aren't legalism and "works" to please God compatible with grace? What part does our faith have to do with our salvation? Grace is God's favor, pure and simple, that has nothing to do with how good or bad or deserving we are. We receive grace by faith. Grace is the favor of God given against all odds, against all of our self-centered, rebellious history. Legalism, following a rule-based religion, isn't the way of faith but following rules and doing works. For it is by grace we have been saved, through faith.

Q1. (Acts 15:1,5) What is the essential demand of the Judaizers? How does that contradict the idea of salvation by grace? What is the danger of excessive legalism in our Christian congregations? The essential demand of the Judaizers is that you have to become a full Jew before you can be saved as a Christian. And to become a full Jew, you go through various steps (such as circumcision) and take upon you various obligations (to obey the Mosaic law). It contradicts the idea of salvation by grace because salvation is only in the believing of the finished work of Jesus on the cross not by any work of man or following the law. Legalism threatens the very message of the gospel of Jesus Christ! It does not allow a person to depend entirely on God and receive freely what Jesus has done, but to depend on works. There will be confusion and discouragement because none can keep the law wholly.

Q4. (Acts 13:43b) Why is "continuing" or "abiding" in the faith so important? What does Jesus' Parable of the Sower teach about "continuing" (Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21)? Why do new believers need basic instruction and discipling before the task of evangelism is complete? (Acts 14:21b-22) Continuing or abiding in the faith is important because our connection with God is not transactional -- we believe, pray the sinner's prayer, and we are "in" (as some teach). It is, rather, dynamic, continuous, relational. Yes, salvation comes instantaneously and completely; we "pass from death to life" (John 5:24). Yet, faith is a relationship. We are "kept by the power of God through faith" (1 Peter 1:5). If we say we are disciples, but don't "continue in the grace of God," we deceive ourselves and others. Jesus parable of the sower teaches us that if we do not continue to abide in God then we will be like the seeds which fell on rocky soil, they wither in the face of persecutions because they have no root. New believers need basic instruction and discipling because they come from various backgrounds and are new to the Christian faith. There are chances that persecutions thrown by satan will discourage them and they may tend to go back to their old ways. They need to be taken care of like babies till they become mature in faith and start sharing their faith with others.

Q3. How do Paul's gospel presentations to pagans in Lystra (Acts 14:16-17;) and Athens (Acts 17:16-34) differ from his typical message in the synagogues? What common ground does Paul build on with pagan audiences? How will you need to contextualize the gospel in your particular area to build on common ground? In Athenes, with the Jews, The Hebrew history is the common ground the gospel has with Judaism. The captivity in Egypt, the Exodus, the wilderness and entry into Canaan, Samuel and King David and the Messianic promise that a descendant of David will sit upon the throne of David and restore Israel. Paul builds up on this common ground saying Jesus Is the Promised Messiah Descended from David and that Jesus was rejected by the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem who pushed for his execution. Then he proclaims the astounding fact of the resurrection. The Jews are people of the Book, so Paul supports his declaration of Jesus' resurrection from Messianic passages in Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:10; and Psalm 16:10. David died and his body decayed, Paul argues, but God's Holy One (Psalm 16:10), "the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay" (Acts 13:37). In Lystra Paul looks for common ground with the Gentiles - The Creator. The cross isn't mentioned here. The hearers must first understand monotheism and that God is invisible, or the cross will not make sense. So he tells them: Creator. A living God made everything (verse 15c). Idols. In contrast, idols are worthless, lifeless objects (verse 15a). Repentance. Therefore you must turn from, repent of, idol worship (verse 15b). God's forbearance. In the past he "let all nations go their way." Later, to the Athenians he put it this way: "In the past God overlooked such ignorance" (Acts 17:30a), even though all were still under sin (Romans 1:18-24). I think he is saying that God's focus then was on his own special people, the Jews. Now he is calling the Gentiles to repentance. God's goodness. God shows you his goodness with (1) rain, (2) crops, (3) food, and (4) joy. To be faithful, we must teach the full gospel, not just those things easiest to understand and accept. But we start with the common ground.

Q2. In evangelizing people, how does God use power encounters (in Paphos, Crete, Acts 13:6-12) and signs and wonders (Acts 14:3 in Iconium)? Are miracles enough to produce saving faith on their own? If not, what else is needed? Have you seen signs and wonders with evangelism? If not, why do you think that is? Signs and wonders are indications that God is present. In Paphos, there was a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul. He was also known as Elymas. He was probably one who used magical healing remedies, such as amulets and incantations, astrology, and general quackery, and by them gains power and access as a member of the proconsul's entourage as court magician. Elymas did not want to allow the apostles -- whom he senses are powerful in the Spirit realm -- to ruin his status with the island's ruler. Paul confronts him directly, "filled with the Holy Spirit," in the presence of the awed proconsul. The sorcerer is struck blind. As a result, the proconsul believes. In Iconium the apostles are bold in their speaking, and God brings significant miracles that demonstrate the truth of their message. Miracles are not enough to produce saving faith on their own, a person must believe in his heart the Jesus's finished work on the cross and accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour to produce saving faith. This conviction is brought by God the Holy Spirit in a persons heart. Yes I have seen signs and wonders with evangelism.

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) The Hebrew history is the common ground the gospel has with Judaism. The captivity in Egypt, the Exodus, the wilderness and entry into Canaan, Samuel and King David and the Messianic promise that a descendant of David will sit upon the throne of David and restore Israel. Paul builds up on this common ground saying Jesus Is the Promised Messiah Descended from David and that Jesus was rejected by the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem who pushed for his execution. Then he proclaims the astounding fact of the resurrection. The Jews are people of the Book, so Paul supports his declaration of Jesus' resurrection from Messianic passages in Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:10; and Psalm 16:10. David died and his body decayed, Paul argues, but God's Holy One (Psalm 16:10), "the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay" (Acts 13:37). The essence of the gospel is that salvation comes not through the Law, but through faith in Messiah Jesus -- justification by faith.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 9:16-17) How does Paul view his call to preach? How much choice is involved for him? How much honor? How should this understanding affect our understanding of God gifting and calling us for ministry? What is the opposite of faithfulness when it comes to using God's gifts? To Paul, his apostolic ministry is everything. It defines him. In a sense, he tells us, he has no choice but to fulfill his call. His ministry is a matter of great grace as well as obedience. Christ has sent him; he must obey. Two words stand out in this passage. Paul preaches both out of necessity, as well as the fulfillment of a sacred trust. We must remember that we are servants who are called to be obedient. We may not be apostles or prophets, but God has entrusted each of us with gifts and opportunities that we are to use for his Kingdom. This is not optional, but what disciples take on themselves when they commit their lives to serve Jesus. It is often a great joy, since we tend to excel when we are doing what we are made to do. But it can also entail suffering -- much suffering -- as it did for Paul, Jesus, and Stephen. Nevertheless, serving Jesus, and completing the tasks he gives us, is our joy and our portion. And it fulfills our lives. The opposite of faithfulness when it comes to using God's gifts is unfaithfulness, rebellion and disobedience. Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and the Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27) to help us understand that a good and faithful servant uses what he is given to advance his Master's cause and Kingdom. Those who neglect this for whatever reason are considered evil and unfaithful servants.

Q3. (Acts 13:1-3) Why are the church leaders in Antioch seeking God through corporate prayer and fasting? How does God respond to their seeking? Why do you think we don't do more of this sort of thing today? What was the importance of this to the church at large? To the chosen missionaries? In humility the leaders in Antioch were seeking God through corporate prayer and fasting, to draw close to Jesus and to listen from Him. In response the Holy Spirit speaks to them through prophecy. Paul and Barnabas are named in the prophecy to be set aside for special purposes of God. The reason why we don't do more of this today is because the church as such is not taught more about this, or less importance is given to fasting and prayer. Even when taught, to some it may sound very difficult task to do as the present world is of instant flesh gratification. People tend to rely more on their flesh to fast than to depend of God to help them. The importance of fasting and prayer was that as they humbled themselves and sought the Lord, He answered and directed their paths. To the missionaries, they see their calling from God in the ministry and the way to go ahead.

Q2. (Galatians 2:11-16) Why does Paul call out Peter publicly in Antioch? What is the reason for Peter's hypocrisy? What is the central issue on which Paul feels they must not compromise? Why is it so important? When the Jewish Christians from Jerusalem aren't around, Peter and Barnabas eat with the Gentile Christians as brothers and sisters. But when the Judaizers come, they separate themselves. This is why Paul calls out Peter publicly to show their hypocrisy. Peter tries to stay clear of offending the Jerusalem believers to avoid their biting censure and this is the reason for Peter's hypocrisy. The central issue on which Paul feels they must not compromise is We are "justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified". It is important because this is the central theme of the gospel, the salvation plan of God through Jesus.

Q1. (Acts 9:30; Galatians 1:15-17) Why do ambitious Christians struggle so much when they don't seem to be doing anything important? Why is patience with God's plan so important to growth? Why is a period of spiritual formation so important to future leadership? To listening for God's voice? Ambitious Christians want to be recognized by their work and struggle to be seen and recognized by their deeds. That is why they struggle when they don't seem to be doing anything important. God says his plans are the best for us, they do good to us and are not to harm us. Spiritual growth is a long journey which occurs as we read, meditate and apply God's word in our life daily. Most of the time God's plan for us is very contrary to the plans we have for ourselves, also God's plans involves rebuking and correction from God. That is why patience with God's plan is important for our growth. Spiritual formation is a period of learning and hearing from God. It is during these times God will teach us through His Holy Spirit how to wait on Him, get direction from Him. This period also involves different experiences of life with its lessons which we will help us understand people in similar circumstances later when we will be used by God. Like our Physical life, our spiritual life also needs to grow, mature and be formed properly to be used by God for his purposes. Spiritual Formation period helps us strengthen our relationship with God and helps us to clearly discern the voice of God. It is a training period in which we get properly trained before handling leadership positions.

Q4. (Philippians 3:9; Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4) Abraham had been a moon-worshipper. According to Genesis 15:6, how does he come into right relationship with the God who created all? How can a person today become righteous by faith? What is involved in really "trusting" Christ? Abraham is a moon-worshipper whom God has called and who has believed enough to obey. God counts this faith as righteousness, or right-standing before him. Righteousness by faith considers a person righteous because God has declared it so and, as Judge, considers that person righteous (that is, having a right standing before Him). Here's how it works. God agrees with our confession of sins that we are guilty and that there must be a penalty for sin. Once the penalty has been paid then we are free. That penalty has been paid by Jesus Christ on the cross. Thus, God declares the penalty paid in full and that we are righteous, that is, in a right standing with God once more. The core of the Christian faith is that we believe Jesus died for our sins on the cross and was raised from the dead for our salvation. Though Christ has died for the sins of the whole world (John 1:29; 3:15-17; 1 Timothy 2:4, 6; 4:10; 1 John 2:22; 4:14), that salvation takes effect only for those who put their trust in him. Faith confirms what God has done and activates this salvation for oneself. He is no long under a yoke of obedience to the law, but is saved by faith and walks by the Spirit.

Legalism is the conviction that law-keeping is the ground of our acceptance with God. This makes us proud thinking, that we are biblically right and better than the others. Legalism makes us fail to remember that we are sinners saved by grace. We become stubborn and are not humble to be satisfied in the grace of God through Christ. Legalism reduces Christianity to only a set of rules and there is no relationship with Jesus Christ.

Q2. (Acts 9:10-18) Why do you think God sends Ananias to Paul rather than revealing directly? Why does Ananias argue with God? Why does it take courage to obey? What does Ananias do and say? Have you ever had God guide you to talk with someone and minister to him or her? Have you followed through? God sends Ananias to Paul to do something God wanted him to do in Paul's life as a Christian brother. Ananias argues with God because he knew the reputation of Paul as a persecutor of Christians and maybe he was afraid. It takes courage to obey because many times what God wants us to do is completely out of our agenda and our plans for our lives. We fear to do something which we are not prepared for and this requires courage and strength which comes only when we depend on God. Ananias obeyed God and went to the house where Saul Stayed and did exactly what God asks him to do in obedience. Yes God has guided me to talk and minister to many people. Sometimes I have followed boldly, sometimes with doubts and fear.

There is a strong bond between Jesus and his people, between Jesus and his Church. We are one with him and he with us (Ephesians 5:31-32). For this reason, a person who attacks the Church, attacks Jesus personally. The Church is often viewed as a human institution -- flawed and often disappointing. But it is more than that, and if we treat it as merely human, we err. The Church is Christ's own body, and we must treat it with the reverence due Jesus himself (1 Corinthians 3:17).