Author: Kevin Corbin

Yesterday, Kathy and I picnicked at a lovely park beside a lake.  When we arrived, I noticed two large families of Canadian geese swimming not far offshore. That’s not unusual; there are plenty of geese here.

A few minutes later, we heard the raucous honking of another flight of geese coming in for a landing. Then silence for a minute or two as the original flocks swam in their direction.

Then the lake came alive with the honking of fifty or more geese. The flocks were merging, and it seemed that everyone was talking, glad to see one another. They chatted for a while, then things settled down to relative quiet once again.

I have no idea what the geese were actually talking about. It seemed friendly. No one left in a snit, and they all hung out together afterwards. Certainly, they had plenty to share.

Their joyful reunion got me thinking about when we arrive in glory, when we experience the new heaven and new earth. The kingdom of heaven has already arrived here, albeit not in full. We live in the post-cross era, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Still, there will come a day when all believers are united.

What a day that will be.

The Bible doesn’t definitively tell us how that moment will go, but I’m sure we won’t be standing in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.

I’m looking forward to seeing my Lord and Savior face-to-face. I can hardly wait to see the man who died for me.

Then I’m looking forward to seeing all the other believers.

In Revelation, we read:

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:6-10

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10

The singing and rejoicing in that moment will put my happy geese to shame. We will be overwhelmed with joy immeasurable to be with believers from every era in history, everywhere on the globe, and from every culture.

Oh, the stories we will share about God’s love and mercy. The testimonies that we will hear about God’s goodness.

I’ve got my ticket.

How about you?

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

This past weekend was the annual Abbotsford Air Show. It is a celebration of flight that draws aircraft and visitors from across the continent, and at times around the world.

Our home is located on the flight path, so for days before, and during the event, we are treated(?) to the sights and sounds of supersonic aircraft (usually military jets) roaring by at low altitudes. Everything shakes, and the noise is deafening.

I watched (and heard) a pair of fighter jets go screaming past. I wondered what some primitive tribe would think of the sight. 

There are some incredible events and visions recorded in the Scriptures that must have been very confusing to the receivers. What Ezekiel saw (read Ezekiel 1) had to have been overwhelming. Here are some excerpts.

As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness… Ezekiel 1:4:5

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning. Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them.As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were a wheel within a wheel… Ezekiel 1:13-16 

And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire;[g] and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.  Ezekiel 1:26-27

We know Ezekiel saw some heavenly beings and had a vision of the Lord, but much of what he saw defies understanding even today. The image today is a woodcut from the 1571 Zurich Bible that attempts to illustrate what Ezekiel saw.

I can’t begin to envision what the ancient prophet saw, much like some Stone Age tribe might not be able to describe or imagine the fighter jets adequately.

Fortunately, while parts of the Bibles might be obscure or difficult to understand, most of it is so clear that even a child can understand it. 

Don’t give up on reading and studying the Word because some parts are obscure or seemingly irrelevant. Understand what is clear and keep working on it. God has written it for us to know Him, don’t ignore the Book

Praise God that He has given His Word.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Here in Canada and the United States, we have a very complex  system of courts, laws, and people to fill those roles, supported by a myriad of agencies with the mandate to enforce those laws.

We both have legal systems, based on following the laws of the land and their interpretation by supposedly wise and learned men and women. 

Often, these systems get things right. Equally often, perhaps more often so, the courts get it wrong.

We do not have a justice system. The dispensing of justice is secondary to following the law.

Sometimes the courts dispense justice, but that is a secondary goal. It explains why serial offenders are often released within hours, murderers go free, the wealthy have one form of protection, and the poor another.

Our systems are still far better than those found in most nations. I’m grateful that we have them, but I am under no illusion that they can be counted on to give us justice.

True justice is only going to occur when the Lord returns. It is there that every deed and motive will be revealed. It is there that justice from an omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), perfectly wise judge will rule. 

There will be no hiding, no loopholes, no high-powered attorneys to obscure the truth. The judge will ensure that everyone receives the just reward (or punishment) for their actions.

True justice will prevail.

Christians will escape the wrath of God for our sin and rebellion, but not because we deserve to. It is because Jesus has already paid the price for us. Without His sacrifice and God’s mercy, we would stand condemned with the rest.

As one source describes it, “God embodies both justice and mercy, meaning He is committed to doing what is right while also showing compassion and forgiveness. These attributes are not contradictory; rather, they work together to reflect His perfect character and desire for restoration.”

It’s why Paul could write: I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:12-16

True justice will prevail. Rights will be wronged. The wicked will be punished. What a day that will be.

Praise the God who will make all things right and yet has compassion and mercy on those who will accept His gift.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

As I walked around the lake recently, I watched a heartbreaking scene. A single duckling, either separated from its family or orphaned, was swimming along the lakeshore and in obvious distress. It kept peeping for its mother.

Suddenly, it spotted a mother mallard with its ducklings and peeped out in excitement, heading up onto the bank to be with them. It was obvious that the duckling was older than those with the mother, but it recognized a mother and went for help.

As soon as he got close, the mother attacked him and drove him away to protect her own babies. The last I saw of him, the little lost duck was swimming down the lake even more panicked than when he had spotted the family.

Sometimes the church acts like that mother mallard. Lost, hurting, and frightened sinners see the church and come for help. They don’t know the rules, they don’t know the dress code, they don’t know anything except that they are in a mess, and somehow the church might be able to help.

They arrive, and we ignore them because they’re dressed differently. We look down on them because they are sinners (conveniently forgetting that we’re sinners too, just forgiven). We shun them because they don’t “act Christian” (forgetting that only Christ can change a person, and they haven’t had that blessing yet).

When we do so, we drive them away from Jesus. When we do that, I’m certain He’s not pleased with us. I know He’ll forgive us, but it makes a mockery of His sacrifice.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Perhaps you have felt like that lost duckling, hurting and rejected. You tried “church” and felt driven away. Don’t give up, that’s not what Christ teaches His children to do. 

Those that drove you away will be answerable to God for their sin, just as you will be for yours. Look directly to a personal relationship with Him and get right with Him. He’ll never reject you or drive you away.

What do they think of our “love” when we drive them away? What do they think of our Lord?

Until next time, when the little lost duckling comes in the door, don’t drive it away. Love it instead.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

It’s forest fire season. Fires are burning all across Canada and  many other places in the world as well. 

One of the first plants to return after a fire is fireweed. This prolific and beautiful plant colonizes areas where the soil has been disturbed. It usually reaches its peak in about five years before being slowly choked out by the return of other grasses, shrubs, and trees.

Fireweed is prized for its beauty and its medicinal qualities. The raw stem is used by some people groups to treat infection. The young leaves can be eaten as greens. The flowers are often used to make jelly. The older, mature leaves are dried to create a form of tea. The roots can be roasted and eaten. 

Fireweed is a crucial habitat for many insects and is loved by hummingbirds. It’s also a favored food by bears and elk.

The fireweed colonies are often seen as a sign of renewal after a fire, a reminder that the forest will return in time.

Seeing fireweed reminds me that there is a coming fire that will make all the forest fires combined pale in comparison. The cleansing fire of the Lord is coming.

For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1

Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest. Psalm 50:3

For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24

After the fire will come the renewal. Believers will be in the eternal presence of the Lord. There will be no more sin, shame, or suffering. We will be freed from the presence, practice, and penalty of sin.

We will be all that He has created us to be. We will be fully human, without the problems of sin, each of us reflecting his image.

The next time you see a stand of fireweed, remember that the forest will regrow, and remember that because of Jesus, we do not need to fear the wrath of God. We can look forward to being with Him.

Hallelu Yah,

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Basic training in the military is something I’m glad to have done, but wouldn’t want to repeat. There were moments of great camaraderie, even fun, but many hours of drudgery and repetitive tasks. 

I grew up a lot in those short months. They took an undisciplined teenager and helped shape me into a much more disciplined man.

I remember the events of one day towards the end of training. We climbed the tower in full military gear and awaited our turn down the zip line. The climb came after a forced march and a rigorous run of the obstacle course, and everyone was hot and tired. 

The zip line had a simple handle that you held on to, and it carried you across a long and filthy pool of water. The smell of sour mud and algae was strong even from the tower top. The water was there in case you lost your grip. It was a lot softer than hitting the ground.

It was my turn. I grabbed the handle with gusto and stepped off the platform. Zip … I was off and traveling … but I didn’t have a solid grip, and it was too late to change my hand position. I got about two-thirds of the way before slipping. The fall was quick.

I hit the water with a splash and a thud. The water was every bit as rank as it looked from up top. The only good things about it were that it was cooler than the air and softer than the ground. Hitting it was a mixed blessing.

That isn’t me in the photo. It’s a stock photo of some soldier zip lining. The water is far too clean.

I was not the only one to fall that day. Some fell deliberately to cool off. Others fell despite their best efforts to hang tight. One fellow even fell because he lost his balance at the top of the tower as he reached for the handle.

No one who fell enjoyed the filth of the water. Everyone who fell was grateful it was there.

Something similar can happen in our faith walk. We can end up amid something we do not enjoy. Yet, it happens for our own good. Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times. Sometimes, He permits us to go through things we would rather not face.

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:7-11

Life can be hard, but Father walks through it with us. Discipline can be unpleasant, but it brings rewards. The circumstances might be smelly, but the rewards are worth it.

Until next time, rejoice in the hard times. God walks with you.

Hallelu Yah,

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

During a discussion on theology, I was asked if I believed that  “conversion” to Christianity was a process or if it was a sudden event. My answer was yes.

“Now wait a minute,” my friend said. “I gave you an either or choice. It cannot be both.” Technically, both positions are correct. 

You see, along the way, the Lord is preparing our hearts to be converted. That is done through people and circumstances in our lives that point us in His direction. It is that uncomfortable feeling that we need something more. It is the gradual realization that we cannot do it on our own. It is the prompting and calling of Holy Spirit, beckoning us towards salvation.

There comes a point in time when that process comes to a head, and we accept Jesus. Whatever your theology, be it Calvinist or Arminian, or something completely different, there comes a point where we cross the threshold and Christ becomes our Lord. 

Just like birth, there is a moment of conception, a time of preparation, and finally the birth itself. The birth is sudden. Ladies, I know that two, six, twenty, or more hours of labor do not seem “sudden”, but I think you still understand the concept. 

The birth itself is “sudden,” but the pre-birth process is protracted. You cannot have the birth without the process.

Jesus’ metaphor of being born again is an apt one. Not only are we literally reborn in spirit, but we have also undergone a spiritual birthing process.

No matter which way we look at the moment of conversion, whether you agree with my thoughts that the rebirth is both a process and a sudden thing, or not, the fact remains that we must be born again.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-8

Why do I frequently come back to write about the need to be reborn? It is a foundational truth that everyone needs to hear, and many, even in the “Christian” world, still have not heard. They are pinning their hopes for salvation on other things.

They hold on to good works or being nice people to get them into heaven. They hope that by not being as “bad” as some others, they can skate by. 

They cling to their baptism as a child or membership in a church as their hope. They pray that being religious is enough or that confession of their sins to a man will suffice. 

Good intentions and sincerity are not enough. Belief that there is a God is not enough, even the demons believe in God. You need Jesus and you must have that rebirth.

Jesus is our only hope. Have you trusted Him in faith and been born again? If not, this is your call to do so.

Hallelu Yah,

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

I’ve never met a person who didn’t want to be blessed in one  way or another. Did you know that there is a clear-cut prescription for how to be blessed in the Bible?

You are likely familiar with the Beatitudes (the blessed be’s) found in Matthew 5:3-12 in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. That’s a summary of sorts of what the Bible teaches about being blessed. The Bible has a lot more to say on the subject.

Now, we need to be careful when speaking of blessing, as the term is often misused. There is a form of pseudo-Christianity out there that teaches God wants you to have whatever you want in this life. That’s a heretical lie. God is more concerned about our holiness than our temporary earthly happiness.

To be blessed is to find peace, hope, and joy in the Lord regardless of what is happening in our earthly circumstances.

Here is a sampling of what the Bible teaches about finding your blessing.

And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. Psalm 119:1

I could carry on and list dozens of verses. From Genesis to Revelation, the Word speaks of the blessing of the Lord resting on those who are His.

Jesus is the prescription for blessing. His way is narrow and not always easy, but it is the only pathway to true hope, peace, love, joy, and blessing.

Turn to Him. Know Him. Trust Him. Put Him first and follow Him.

Hallelu Yah,

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

The summer is slipping away. It’s hard to believe that it’s already  August. The older I get, the faster the months seem to go by.

Two days ago, I mentioned that I was reading through Paul’s first letter to Timothy and wrote about the reason Jesus humbled Himself and came to earth. He came to save us from ourselves and the consequences of our actions and sin nature.

This morning, I want to share some more from 1 Timothy.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-7

God wants us to pray. He wants us to pray for all people, even those we disagree with and those in power.

That’s hardly earth-shattering news. If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you know that. Yet, if I’m honest, I struggle with my prayer life, particularly for those in power.

I can get really wrapped up in the problems being created or worsened by politicians, and find myself whining and grumbling about them.

I often forget to pray for them. I can easily forget that my battle isn’t with people but with the powers and principalities of the dark side. I can forget that my “enemy”  isn’t the politician. They are simply humans who need Jesus and His guidance as much as I do.

The Lord often changes things when we pray. One huge change that happens when I begin praying for others, particularly those I disagree with or don’t like, is that He changes my heart. I start to see them more as people and become more compassionate.

It doesn’t mean that I change my views and accept their worldview. It means that despite our differences, I can begin to love them. If left to my own devices, my heart would not change.

Pray for others. It can change circumstances, but even more importantly, it can make us more like Jesus.

Hallelu Yah,

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Can we talk? What is the purpose of the church? 

Contrary to what many Christians think, the church doesn’t exist to meet all of our personal needs, preferences, and desires. At times, the church can and does do that, but that is a benefit of being in the church, not the reason the church exists.

The church exists to be the hands and feet of God on earth, to serve together for His glory. In fact, that’s the chief purpose of humanity. According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. 

For this morning, though, we’ll stick to the church.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it,that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 1:12-27

Within that body, “the church,” we are to proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 3:15). It is where we are to observe the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:22-23).

It is where we are to love, serve, minister, and be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10, 15:14, Ephesians 4:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 John 3:11).

It is where we teach and learn sound doctrine (Ephesians 4:14, Acts 2:42).

I could continue listing things like prayer, learning stewardship and generosity, encouraging each other, being disciplined, and more. There could be further categories like singing, corporate worship, and prayer.

The church fulfills a multitude of tasks in its job of fulfilling the Great Commission. If it meets our preferences, that’s a bonus.

As the church, we are to glorify God in all that we do. How are you doing at keeping up your end of things?

Hallelu Yah

Be blessed,

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”