This is a continuation of sorts from the last blog so read it first. God chose the idea of a body to illustrate the connection between Jesus and the Church as well as well as the connection between the individuals that make up the Church. Jesus is the head and those who are true followers of Jesus Christ make up the parts of the body.
Before I go any further, let me say that not all “church-goers” are truly followers of Jesus Christ. To be one, there must be the understanding that we have sinned against a Holy God. Either we have done something that we were not supposed to do as it pertains to God’s commands or either we have not done something we were supposed to do. I have hardly ever had to convince someone that they have done something wrong. However, I have had to help them understand what the “wrongs” they have done are in relation to. When a person understands that they have sinned against God it is vital to understand the penalty for that sin was taken by Jesus Christ on the Cross. When that person believes on the Lord Jesus Christ and accepts by faith that Christ paid that penalty asking God to forgive the Bible says that person is “saved” from their sin and its penalty. At this point the Spirit of God changes that person and comes to reside in them. Change is definite and will manifest itself outwardly in the person’s life.
The Spirit of God is sent into everyone who truly believes. So, it not only changes them but also eternally connects them to the Lord Jesus Christ and to other believers.
Paul said it this way “so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” – Romans 12:5
The implications of this truth are astounding and often missed. We as believers are vitally connected to one another. Here is the deal…We are all members of one another…Just like a hand is connected to fingers on one end and a wrist on the other so we are connected to each other. Just for fun, let’s say you and I are fingers on the same hand of this “body”. What if you decided you didn’t want to be a part of the body. A couple of things would happen. First, you would be a dead finger on the sidewalk of life. Fingers cannot live detached. (unless you are a part of some freaky cryogenic experiment) Second, the rest of us on the hand would be at a disadvantage and would not be able to function with the strength and dexterity we would have had with you. We might be able to get it done but with more difficulty.
Another thing is that with you not living in the context of the body, I am missing something that I need…you. Likewise you are missing something that you need…me.
It is vital that you understand your commitment to Jesus Christ and therefore your commitment to His Body, The Church. Think about it.
Before I go any further, let me say that not all “church-goers” are truly followers of Jesus Christ. To be one, there must be the understanding that we have sinned against a Holy God. Either we have done something that we were not supposed to do as it pertains to God’s commands or either we have not done something we were supposed to do. I have hardly ever had to convince someone that they have done something wrong. However, I have had to help them understand what the “wrongs” they have done are in relation to. When a person understands that they have sinned against God it is vital to understand the penalty for that sin was taken by Jesus Christ on the Cross. When that person believes on the Lord Jesus Christ and accepts by faith that Christ paid that penalty asking God to forgive the Bible says that person is “saved” from their sin and its penalty. At this point the Spirit of God changes that person and comes to reside in them. Change is definite and will manifest itself outwardly in the person’s life.
The Spirit of God is sent into everyone who truly believes. So, it not only changes them but also eternally connects them to the Lord Jesus Christ and to other believers.
Paul said it this way “so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” – Romans 12:5
The implications of this truth are astounding and often missed. We as believers are vitally connected to one another. Here is the deal…We are all members of one another…Just like a hand is connected to fingers on one end and a wrist on the other so we are connected to each other. Just for fun, let’s say you and I are fingers on the same hand of this “body”. What if you decided you didn’t want to be a part of the body. A couple of things would happen. First, you would be a dead finger on the sidewalk of life. Fingers cannot live detached. (unless you are a part of some freaky cryogenic experiment) Second, the rest of us on the hand would be at a disadvantage and would not be able to function with the strength and dexterity we would have had with you. We might be able to get it done but with more difficulty.
Another thing is that with you not living in the context of the body, I am missing something that I need…you. Likewise you are missing something that you need…me.
It is vital that you understand your commitment to Jesus Christ and therefore your commitment to His Body, The Church. Think about it.
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