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By stepping into the biblical setting and listening to the wisdom and guidance Paul offers to the Corinthians, we gain valuable perspective. What can we learn from their situation that will be helpful to the church in our day? Certainly, it seems that the task force report took direction from biblical texts, including Corinthians, and we would do well to study these texts alongside our reading of their report.

The task force’s report brings a word of hope to Christians today that is reminiscent of Paul’s words to the church in Corinth two thousand years ago. The reason for any of us to hope resides in Christ, and our hope in Christ is the basis of Christian unity. In spite of conflict and disagreements in the church, we are called, as members of Christ’s body, to live together in peace, unity, and purity. Our efforts to get along are our chief witness to the efficacy of the gospel. The world is watching to see and experience the truth of God—a truth that is embodied in the witness of the members of a denomination held together out of love for one another.

As you embark on your study of 1 and 2 Corinthians (or other biblical passages), pray for our churches. Pray that we would seek the peace, unity, and purity promised to us in Christ Jesus. As you dig more deeply into these Bible studies, may the Spirit help you discern the will of God for our denomination. Consider how the biblical witness supports the task force recommendation “that the General Assembly strongly encourage: a.) every member of the PCUSA to witness to the church’s visible oneness, to avoid division into separate denominations that obscure our community in Christ, and to live in harmony with other members of this denomination, so that we may with one voice together glorify God in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit . . .” (lines 1050–1057).

1 . The task force is a delegation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that began meeting four years ago. To learn more about the task force, its mandate, and conclusions, visit their Web site.

Tammy Wiens is editor of The Present Word and associate for curriculum development. She can be reached at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5496.