Why organized church?

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.  Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. (1Corinthians 11:1-2; ESV)

I came across this in my reading the other day. Paul is saying to use him as an example of how to be like Christ. What a bold statement! But Paul knows he is not a perfect example, so he is saying to imitate him only so far as he imitated Christ. But how are they to know how well Paul imitates Christ?

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The only way is by reading the scriptures (or by asking another apostle, but we don;t have any of those still at hand). But if we can just read it ourselves and imitate Christ via the scriptures, what do we need Paul's example for?

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Because sometimes we just need a concrete example. The message is: Imitate other Christians in so far as they imitate Christ.  Sort of reminds me of:

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25; ESV)

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29; ESV)

Patrick Parker, is a Christian, husband, father, judo and aikido teacher, Program Director for a Cardiac Rehab, and a Ph.D. Contact: mokurendojo@gmail.com or phone 601.248.7282

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