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Observe some points of importance connected with the Church as the body of the Redeemer.

I.  ITS VISIBILITY.

II.  IT IS A LIVING BODY.

III.  AS THE BODY — THE CHURCH JUST EXHIBIT CHRIST'S MIND AND CHARACTER.The body of flesh Christ had was under the control and hallowed influence of the Holy Spirit. It was the residence of the Deity. Now just so also His body the Church. It is to receive celestial influences and impressions from Christ, and then to show them forth.

1. Was Christ meek and lowly? So must be His Church.

2. Spiritual and holy? So must be His Church.

3. Self-denying and forbearing? So must be His Church.

4. Devoted and obedient? So must be His Church.

5. Compassionate and merciful? So must be His Church.The mind, and spirit, and life of Christ, must be reflected by the Church, the body of Christ.

IV. AS THE BODY OF CHRIST, IT MUST CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES AND WILL OF CHRIST.

1. The Church must be a teaching holy.

2. The Church must be a sympathizing body.

3. The Church must be an active body.

4. The Church must be a liberal and benevolent body.

5. It must be a heavenly body.It is of heavenly formation. He had heaven in His spirit, and words and life, so must the Church His body.

(J. Burns, D. D.)

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KJV: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

WEB: for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;