Forum 1: Biblical Authority (Modules 2 & 3) Only Replies Nee
Forum 1: Biblical Authority (Modules 2 & 3) Only replies needed
This week, you have been studying the significance of the church as the body of Christ. In chapter 9 of Core Christianity, you read about what the church is supposed to look like within society. Some people have said that Christians, both individually and corporately, are not an accurate representation of Christ. On page 108 of Core Christianity, Elmer Towns asks, “What is it about local churches that so many misunderstand Christianity? What can churches do to become a better reflection of Christianity?" Then, he provides a brief answer to these questions on page 109.
Keeping this context in mind, respond to the following prompt: Provide 2 or 3 specific and practical steps Christians can take to help the church to reflect Christ better within their community/culture. Explain why you think the steps you have provided will help to change the perception of the church within society. Include at least 2 quotes from your assigned reading to support your points.
Paper For Above instruction
To foster a more accurate reflection of Christ within the community, Christians must undertake actionable steps that embody Christ’s teachings of love, humility, and service. Two practical steps include prioritizing authentic relationships and serving selflessly within the community. These steps can significantly transform societal perceptions of the church and its members.
Firstly, fostering authentic relationships rooted in genuine love and care is essential. Many misunderstandings about Christianity stem from superficial interactions that fail to demonstrate Christ’s love in action. Towns emphasizes that “the church must become a community where individuals are genuinely cared for” (Towns, p. 109). When church members actively listen, support, and build meaningful connections, outsiders see tangible evidence of Christ’s love. Genuine relationships break down stereotypes and showcase the church as a loving family that mirrors Christ’s compassion.
Secondly, serving selflessly within the community exemplifies Christ’s humility and servant-heartedness. Towns notes that “when churches engage in acts of service for the marginalized, it reflects the humility and self-sacrifice of Christ” (Towns, p. 109). Practical acts such as volunteering at homeless shelters, supporting local charities, or assisting in community clean-ups demonstrate Christ’s love in action. Such service not only addresses immediate needs but also communicates that the church’s motivation is rooted in genuine care and not self-interest. This visible commitment to others helps reshape societal perceptions, portraying the church as an active agent of positive change aligned with Christ’s example.
Implementing these steps offers a powerful way for Christians to influence societal perceptions positively. When relationships are authentic and service is selfless, the church moves beyond mere words to embody Christ's love practically. This transformation encourages the community to see the church as a true reflection of Christ’s character—loving, humble, and committed to others’ well-being. Over time, this consistent witness can diminish misconceptions and cultivate a more favorable view of Christianity in society.
References
- Towns, Elmer. (2018). Core Christianity. Baker Publishing Group.