The world is full of Christians attacking each other. Instead of succumbing to fear, shame, and judgement, we can turn to love, grace, and compassion. The Lord is telling the church, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1) The world needs the image of God, but they can’t see Him through our church services. The goal of the church is not to meet; the goal is to look like Jesus. Beholding is the means of becoming.

The church Jesus is building is not centered on performance or hierarchy; it is centered on transformation and sonship. Identity in sonship becomes the soil of formation. Formation produces imaging, imaging reveals love, and love is the sign of maturity. Agape love is mature love.

1 Corinthians 13 is known as the “love chapter” in the Bible. In the beginning verses we find seven different types of churches represented:

•The Worship Church: ”Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels…” (verse 1) We make a lot of noise when singing, but true worship is sacrifice. Worship is not sound; worship is surrender.

•The Prophetic Church: “Though I have the gift of prophecy…” (verse 2) If spiritual gifts are not motivated by love, it’s not Jesus. A gift can be given and taken, but the fruit is who you are. We tend to pursue the gifts instead of the fruit.

•The Charismatic Church: “Though I understand all mysteries…” (verse 2) Pride makes sensations the measure of holiness instead of measuring by mature love.

•The Word Church: “Though I have all knowledge…” (verse 2) We are the most information-soaked generation, but we show the least love. Everyone wants a platform instead of the presence of God. Can you be satisfied with an audience of One?

•The Faith Church: “Though I have all faith…” (verse 2) Instead of using our faith to get more of Jesus, we attribute faith to gaining things. The world doesn’t need more earthly possessions; they need life found in Jesus.

•The Justice Church: “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor…” (verse 3) Justice powered by the flesh breeds division. Justice has to be accompanied with kindness and humility.

•The Mission Church: “Though I give my body to be burned…” (verse 3) The hard mission is to live for Jesus. You don’t have to save anyone; Jesus did that 2,000 years ago. Your job is to image Him.

Jesus “shows us a more excellent way”. (1 Corinthians 12:31) The Eighth Church has nothing to do with a new program. It is a people formed in the divine nature and imaging of Jesus through love. The Eighth church is not a people trying harder to love. It is a people yielded enough for the spirit to form love in them.