The Glorious Community

Takeaway: Skeptics have often viewed the church as an unfortunate byproduct of Jesus’ absence. It is regarded as a disappointing attempt to institutionalize Christianity and should be abandoned. Despite our often-cynical assessment of the church, Jesus’ farewell prayer envisions a glorious community. This community’s mission reflects Christ’s: The church is to be in the world, not of the world, but for the world. In what ways are you drawn to a “worldly” church? How can your cynicism about the church be a sign of worldliness?