We do not follow Jesus in isolation; we are part of a community. “When we claim and constantly reclaim the truth of being the chosen ones, we soon discover within ourselves a deep desire to reveal to others their own chosenness. Instead of making us feel that we are better, more precious or valuable than others, our awareness of being chosen opens our eyes to the chosenness of others. That is the great joy of being chosen: the discovery that others are chosen as well. In the house of God there are many mansions. There is a place for everyone – a unique, special place. Once we deeply trust that we ourselves are precious in God’s eyes, we are able to recognize the preciousness of others and their unique places in God’s heart.” (Henri J.M. Nouwen, Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World, 1932-1996)
At Westheights, we place a lot of emphasis on house churches where we can support, pray and play together in small communities. At the end of this service, Terry Kreutzkamp (House Church Director, Westheights Church) talks about the value of, and options for, house churches. To read more about our house churches, click here.
WHO AM I?
Message by Josh Mutter – November 11, 2018
I BELONG TO GOD’S FAMILY
1 Corinthians 12:12-21,27
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
1. IN GOD’S FAMILY, THERE IS UNITY IN DIVERSITY.
2. IN GOD’S FAMILY, THERE IS DIVERSITY IN UNITY.
3. IN GOD’S FAMILY, WE HAVE PURPOSE.
About Josh Mutter: Josh Mutter is the Lead Pastor at Westheights Community Church. Josh is married to Michelle and they have two very busy little boys named Silas & Isaac. Josh enjoys long walks on the beach and smooth jazz – well, not really. But he does enjoy time with his family, spending time outdoors, watching baseball, sipping coffee and reading a good book.
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