Imagine a cream-filled donut. Without the cream, it’s an empty shell. Without the dough, the cream would be a messy blob. This simple treat offers a profound metaphor for our lives, showing the need for harmony with our physical bodies and inner selves.
Many struggle with self-understanding, often torn between physical appearance and inner life—thoughts and feelings. This struggle isn't unique. The first-century Corinthians faced similar issues. Paul, an early Christian leader, reminded them and us that we are whole beings, created in God's image, though broken due to separation from Him.
Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 6 is timeless: our true selves are fully understood in Jesus. Created by God, our bodies and spirits are meant for Him. Separation from God leads to confusion and brokenness.
Using the example of sexual immorality, Paul illustrates how deviating from God's design distorts our sense of self. This distortion isn't just about sexual immorality; it’s about re-aligning our inner and outer selves; and this is only possibly by turning to Jesus for clarity and healing. God knows us completely and can restore our brokenness.
Paul reminds us that through Jesus, we can experience a whole, restored life. Jesus lived in perfect harmony with God, and through his death and resurrection, made a way for us to be healed. We can experience a resurrected wholeness like Jesus. We are called to trust in God and allow Him to guide us toward wholeness.
If you’re struggling to understand yourself, consider how Jesus can bring clarity and wholeness to your life. Reach out to trusted followers of Jesus for support. Experience your whole self in Jesus, knowing He understands every part of you and desires to bring you into complete harmony with His purpose.
Experience your whole self in Jesus.
Below, see further CCC updates and resources for participating in the body of Christ and God’s mission.
Continue to trust that God is present and active. See you Sunday if not before then!
If you missed the first Share Your Faith Workshop last Sunday, Sean Cronin shared a tool to share one’s transformation story with Jesus in 2 minutes, with the following framework:
Life before Christ (or personally surrendered to Jesus, if grew-up in a church-participating family) (what your life was like before Jesus changed it).
Process of coming to Christ (your “aha” moment in Jesus).
Life after Christ (what is different about you because of Jesus).
This Sunday, Mitch Knight will help you engage with another tool to assist you in sharing your faith in Jesus with others. Join immediately after worship, in the youth room (snacks and child-care available). Participation in previous weeks of the workshop is not necessary to participate in the workshop session this Sunday.
This past Sunday (May 26th), we reflected on the wholeness of life that Jesus can bring to our life. How has Jesus brought wholeness to your life? This Sunday, June 2nd, we’ll reflect and respond to what God’s Word in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 has to say to us. I pray you’ll be open to hear what step of faith God’s voice is directing you to take next.
Help guide your PreK-5th grade-aged kids to apply what they encounter about Jesus in Little and Big Impact on Sunday mornings by referencing or re-playing the lessons here: youtube.com/@cccimpactkids
In 2024, if you buy a product online or want to try a new restaurant, you’ve likely checked out an online review beforehand. Like it or not, reviews make a strong first impression and influence people's choices, including where they attend church. It would be a great help if you could leave a simple review about the impact CCC has had on your life and your growth in Christ. You can leave a Google review here, and help others be encouraged to take a step toward experiencing Jesus with us.