One cannot have Christ without the church; one cannot have church without Christ.
Christ comes with a church. If one wishes to follow Christ, the church is not an optional add-on.
We must restore Christ to all we say and do and are at church.
Three concepts from Ephesians 1-3: the church is the place of salvation, a place of peace, a place of unity.
Ephesians 1-3 is the upper story ideal, “with Christ in the heavenlies.” Ephesians 4-6 is the lower story reality. God’s magnificent goals for the church must be lived out in the torn, broken world of human existence. It is easy to preach the ideal; it is harder to live the reality–every member of the body doing its part, live worthy, live holy (not as the pagans), live in love, light, and wisdom. Relationships hang us up. Be careful about the connection points (ligaments)–that’s where the church often gets in trouble. Be submissive as you deal with others. Be prepared for the difficulties–arm yourselves, and don’t stop reading at 6:17, arm yourselves also in prayer!