Module 9 · Spirit, Church, and Mission · Lesson 3
The Church Between Resurrection and Return
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Big idea
The church lives in the already/not-yet: Christ is risen and reigning, the Spirit is present, yet suffering, death, and evil remain until the King returns.
Learning objectives
- Explain the church’s location between resurrection and return.
- Describe church as body, temple, and holy people.
- Normalize suffering without glorifying it.
- Explain active waiting and Christian hope.
Primary text
Titus 2:11–13 — Grace trains believers in the present age while they look for the blessed hope and appearing of Christ.
Scaffolded Scriptures
- Acts 2:42–47 — The Spirit-formed community embodies worship, fellowship, and mission.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 — The church is Christ’s body with diverse members.
- Ephesians 2:19–22 — The church is a Spirit-built dwelling place for God.
- 1 Peter 2:9–12 — The church is a holy people called to witness.
- Romans 8:18–25 — Believers groan and hope with creation.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 — The church waits for resurrection at Christ’s return.
- Revelation 22:20 — The church ends Scripture with longing: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Teaching movements
Movement 1
The Church Is an Interim People — We live after resurrection but before consummation.
Movement 2
Body — Christ remains Head and believers belong to one another.
Movement 3
Temple — God dwells by the Spirit among His people.
Movement 4
Holy People — The church displays God’s character and mission.
Movement 5
Suffering Is Normal in the Present Age — The resurrection has begun victory, but death has not yet been finally removed.
Movement 6
Waiting Is Active — Holiness, witness, service, endurance, and worship characterize readiness.
Movement 7
Christ Remains the Hero — The church is not the climax of the story; it bears witness to the King.
Key terms / word study
- Church / ekklēsia
- Assembly or congregation; the gathered people belonging to Christ.
Christ at the center
The church exists because of Christ, is indwelt by His Spirit, represents His body, proclaims His gospel, and waits for His return.
Reflect
- What does already/not-yet explain about Christian life?
- Why is suffering not evidence that resurrection failed?
- How can a church confuse itself with the hero of the story?
Practice
Write a one-paragraph description of the church using only the metaphors body, temple, holy people, and bride/waiting community.
Remember
The church lives between victory begun and victory completed.