Messy Church
Ephesians 5:27
so that he might present the church to himself in
splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such
thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Ephesians 5:27
Now in these days when the disciples were
increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists
arose against the Hebrews because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
Acts 6:1
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
• jealousy, strive, human behavior
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
• jealousy, strive, human behavior
• puff up in favor of one against another
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
• jealousy, strive, human behavior
• puff up in favor of one against another
• sexual immorality
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
• jealousy, strive, human behavior
• puff up in favor of one against another
• sexual immorality
• boasting and tolerating sin
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
• jealousy, strive, human behavior
• puff up in favor of one against another
• sexual immorality
• boasting and tolerating sin
• grievance against another
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
• jealousy, strive, human behavior
• puff up in favor of one against another
• sexual immorality
• boasting and tolerating sin
• grievance against another
• superior knowledge (puffs up)
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
• jealousy, strive, human behavior
• puff up in favor of one against another
• sexual immorality
• boasting and tolerating sin
• grievance against another
• superior knowledge (puffs up)
• come together for the worse
there is quarreling
among you,
my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:11
• devotion to men
• jealousy, strive, human behavior
• puff up in favor of one against another
• sexual immorality
• boasting and tolerating sin
• grievance against another
• superior knowledge (puffs up)
• come together for the worse
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
• Seek the good of his neighbor
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
• Seek the good of his neighbor
• Do all to the glory of God
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
• Seek the good of his neighbor
• Do all to the glory of God
• I try to please everyone … that they may be saved
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
• Seek the good of his neighbor
• Do all to the glory of God
• I try to please everyone … that they may be saved
• Love is the greatest
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
• Seek the good of his neighbor
• Do all to the glory of God
• I try to please everyone … that they may be saved
• Love is the greatest
• Pursue love
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
• Seek the good of his neighbor
• Do all to the glory of God
• I try to please everyone … that they may be saved
• Love is the greatest
• Pursue love
• All things be done for building up
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
• Seek the good of his neighbor
• Do all to the glory of God
• I try to please everyone … that they may be saved
• Love is the greatest
• Pursue love
• All things be done for building up
• God of peace
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
• All agree, united in same mind and judgment
• Servants
• God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you
• All things are yours
• Love builds up
• Known by God
• Seek the good of his neighbor
• Do all to the glory of God
• I try to please everyone … that they may be saved
• Love is the greatest
• Pursue love
• All things be done for building up
• God of peace
• Let all that you do be done in love
I give thanks to my
God always for you
because of the
grace of God
that was given you
in Christ Jesus,
that in every way
you were enriched
in him in all speech
and all knowledge
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
Ephesus abandoned the love
you had at first
toil, patient endurance, cannot
bear those who are evil, tested false
apostles, bearing up
Ephesus
Smyrna
abandoned the love
you had at first
toil, patient endurance, cannot
bear those who are evil, tested false
apostles, bearing up
tribulation, poverty, slander
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
abandoned the love
you had at first
toil, patient endurance, cannot
bear those who are evil, tested false
apostles, bearing up
tribulation, poverty, slander
idolatry and
sexual immorality
hold fast, not denied my faith
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Thyatira
abandoned the love
you had at first
toil, patient endurance, cannot
bear those who are evil, tested false
apostles, bearing up
tribulation, poverty, slander
idolatry and
sexual immorality
idolatry and
sexual immorality
hold fast, not denied my faith
works, love, faith, service, patient
endurance, latter works exceed
first
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Thyatira
Sardis
abandoned the love
you had at first
toil, patient endurance, cannot
bear those who are evil, tested false
apostles, bearing up
tribulation, poverty, slander
idolatry and
sexual immorality
idolatry and
sexual immorality
dead
hold fast, not denied my faith
works, love, faith, service, patient
endurance, latter works exceed
first
works, few who have not
soiled their garments
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
abandoned the love
you had at first
toil, patient endurance, cannot
bear those who are evil, tested false
apostles, bearing up
tribulation, poverty, slander
idolatry and
sexual immorality
idolatry and
sexual immorality
dead
hold fast, not denied my faith
works, love, faith, service, patient
endurance, latter works exceed
first
works, few who have not
soiled their garments
open door, little power, kept my
word, not denied my name,
patient endurance
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
Laodicea
abandoned the love
you had at first
toil, patient endurance, cannot
bear those who are evil, tested false
apostles, bearing up
tribulation, poverty, slander
idolatry and
sexual immorality
idolatry and
sexual immorality
dead
lukewarm, wretched,
pitiable, poor blind, naked
hold fast, not denied my faith
works, love, faith, service, patient
endurance, latter works exceed
first
works, few who have not
soiled their garments
open door, little power, kept my
word, not denied my name,
patient endurance
works
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
Laodicea
abandoned the love
you had at first
toil, patient endurance, cannot
bear those who are evil, tested false
apostles, bearing up
tribulation, poverty, slander
idolatry and
sexual immorality
idolatry and
sexual immorality
dead
lukewarm, wretched,
pitiable, poor blind, naked
hold fast, not denied my faith
works, love, faith, service, patient
endurance, latter works exceed
first
works, few who have not
soiled their garments
open door, little power, kept my
word, not denied my name,
patient endurance
works
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed
him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Galatians 2:11
Hebrews
Hebrews
drooping hands
weak knees
lame
Hebrews
drooping hands
weak knees
lame
bitterness
sexually immoral
unholy
Hebrews
drooping hands
weak knees
lame
bitterness
sexually immoral
unholy
strive for peace
holiness
grace of God
Hebrews
drooping hands
weak knees
lame
bitterness
sexually immoral
unholy
strive for peace
holiness
grace of God
lift
strengthen
straight paths
Hebrews
drooping hands
weak knees
lame
bitterness
sexually immoral
unholy
strive for peace
holiness
grace of God
lift
strengthen
straight paths
no root
no one is
no one is
You have come to Mount Zion
We implore you
on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Photo Credits:
All photos from 123rf.com, istockphoto.com, crestock.com, bigstock.com, dreamtime.com, thinkstock.com, and shutterstock.com are copyright protected. They are used by permission. Please do not reuse without permission.
https://www.123rf.com/photo_131803180_young-artist-draws-on-the-board-a-boy-in-the-open-air-among-the-
fl
owers-and-greenery-draws.html
Miscellaneous
#02
Messy Church
Ephesians 5:27
Compiled and Presented by:
Dave Stewart
2026 January 18
www.1corinthians1614.com
Synopsis: We are reminded by Paul that Christ’s church is glorious. But when we look at our own
congregation, and at many of the congregations in the New Testament, we see that they are also kind of
messy. Our job is not to be a group without
fl
aws. Rather we are to be sure that no one fails to obtain the
grace of God. With aid from Redbeard the Hilarious.
“Let all that you do be done with love.”
"Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway
Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Messy Church

  • 1.
  • 2.
    so that hemight present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27
  • 3.
    Now in thesedays when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. Acts 6:1
  • 4.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11
  • 5.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men
  • 6.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men • jealousy, strive, human behavior
  • 7.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men • jealousy, strive, human behavior • puff up in favor of one against another
  • 8.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men • jealousy, strive, human behavior • puff up in favor of one against another • sexual immorality
  • 9.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men • jealousy, strive, human behavior • puff up in favor of one against another • sexual immorality • boasting and tolerating sin
  • 10.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men • jealousy, strive, human behavior • puff up in favor of one against another • sexual immorality • boasting and tolerating sin • grievance against another
  • 11.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men • jealousy, strive, human behavior • puff up in favor of one against another • sexual immorality • boasting and tolerating sin • grievance against another • superior knowledge (puffs up)
  • 12.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men • jealousy, strive, human behavior • puff up in favor of one against another • sexual immorality • boasting and tolerating sin • grievance against another • superior knowledge (puffs up) • come together for the worse
  • 13.
    there is quarreling amongyou, my brothers. 1 Corinthians 1:11 • devotion to men • jealousy, strive, human behavior • puff up in favor of one against another • sexual immorality • boasting and tolerating sin • grievance against another • superior knowledge (puffs up) • come together for the worse
  • 14.
    I give thanksto my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 15.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 16.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 17.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 18.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 19.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 20.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 21.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God • Seek the good of his neighbor I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 22.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God • Seek the good of his neighbor • Do all to the glory of God I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 23.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God • Seek the good of his neighbor • Do all to the glory of God • I try to please everyone … that they may be saved I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 24.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God • Seek the good of his neighbor • Do all to the glory of God • I try to please everyone … that they may be saved • Love is the greatest I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 25.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God • Seek the good of his neighbor • Do all to the glory of God • I try to please everyone … that they may be saved • Love is the greatest • Pursue love I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 26.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God • Seek the good of his neighbor • Do all to the glory of God • I try to please everyone … that they may be saved • Love is the greatest • Pursue love • All things be done for building up I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 27.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God • Seek the good of his neighbor • Do all to the glory of God • I try to please everyone … that they may be saved • Love is the greatest • Pursue love • All things be done for building up • God of peace I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 28.
    • All agree,united in same mind and judgment • Servants • God’s temple, God’s spirit dwells in you • All things are yours • Love builds up • Known by God • Seek the good of his neighbor • Do all to the glory of God • I try to please everyone … that they may be saved • Love is the greatest • Pursue love • All things be done for building up • God of peace • Let all that you do be done in love I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
  • 29.
    Ephesus abandoned thelove you had at first toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, bearing up
  • 30.
    Ephesus Smyrna abandoned the love youhad at first toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, bearing up tribulation, poverty, slander
  • 31.
    Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum abandoned the love youhad at first toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, bearing up tribulation, poverty, slander idolatry and sexual immorality hold fast, not denied my faith
  • 32.
    Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira abandoned the love youhad at first toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, bearing up tribulation, poverty, slander idolatry and sexual immorality idolatry and sexual immorality hold fast, not denied my faith works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed first
  • 33.
    Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis abandoned the love youhad at first toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, bearing up tribulation, poverty, slander idolatry and sexual immorality idolatry and sexual immorality dead hold fast, not denied my faith works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed first works, few who have not soiled their garments
  • 34.
    Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia abandoned the love youhad at first toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, bearing up tribulation, poverty, slander idolatry and sexual immorality idolatry and sexual immorality dead hold fast, not denied my faith works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed first works, few who have not soiled their garments open door, little power, kept my word, not denied my name, patient endurance
  • 35.
    Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea abandoned the love youhad at first toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, bearing up tribulation, poverty, slander idolatry and sexual immorality idolatry and sexual immorality dead lukewarm, wretched, pitiable, poor blind, naked hold fast, not denied my faith works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed first works, few who have not soiled their garments open door, little power, kept my word, not denied my name, patient endurance works
  • 36.
    Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea abandoned the love youhad at first toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, bearing up tribulation, poverty, slander idolatry and sexual immorality idolatry and sexual immorality dead lukewarm, wretched, pitiable, poor blind, naked hold fast, not denied my faith works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed first works, few who have not soiled their garments open door, little power, kept my word, not denied my name, patient endurance works
  • 37.
    But when Cephascame to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. Galatians 2:11
  • 38.
  • 39.
  • 40.
  • 41.
    Hebrews drooping hands weak knees lame bitterness sexuallyimmoral unholy strive for peace holiness grace of God
  • 42.
    Hebrews drooping hands weak knees lame bitterness sexuallyimmoral unholy strive for peace holiness grace of God lift strengthen straight paths
  • 43.
    Hebrews drooping hands weak knees lame bitterness sexuallyimmoral unholy strive for peace holiness grace of God lift strengthen straight paths no root no one is no one is
  • 44.
    You have cometo Mount Zion
  • 45.
    We implore you onbehalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
  • 46.
    Photo Credits: All photosfrom 123rf.com, istockphoto.com, crestock.com, bigstock.com, dreamtime.com, thinkstock.com, and shutterstock.com are copyright protected. They are used by permission. Please do not reuse without permission. https://www.123rf.com/photo_131803180_young-artist-draws-on-the-board-a-boy-in-the-open-air-among-the- fl owers-and-greenery-draws.html
  • 47.
    Miscellaneous #02 Messy Church Ephesians 5:27 Compiledand Presented by: Dave Stewart 2026 January 18 www.1corinthians1614.com Synopsis: We are reminded by Paul that Christ’s church is glorious. But when we look at our own congregation, and at many of the congregations in the New Testament, we see that they are also kind of messy. Our job is not to be a group without fl aws. Rather we are to be sure that no one fails to obtain the grace of God. With aid from Redbeard the Hilarious. “Let all that you do be done with love.” "Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”