Graham Old blogs :
Webber writes, in The Younger Evangelicals
The image of the Church as the “body” of Christ has resulted in a new awareness that the church is the continuation of the presence of Jesus in and to the world.
This may seem at odds with Jesus’ suggestion that it is the Spirit who is to act as his replacement, to continue his presence (Jn. 14:15-21). But it might be possible to understand the continuing incarnational ministry as fulfilled by the Spirit, through the community of disciples. Elsewhere, John has Jesus clearly insist on the need for the sent-disciples to go forth in the power of the Spirit (Jn. 20:21-23). So I think it’s reasonable to view the body of Christ as a continuation of the presence of Jesus on the earth – or at least as a locus within which the Spirit manifests the continuing presence of God (see Acts 1:1; 1 Cor. 12:7; 14:24-25).
~ this is exactly what I pray, hope and envision BLC will embody & express in this time, age and world!