Tag Archives: Church

1 Corinthians 12- The Body of Christ Part 2

1 Reply

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:15-20

We continue to look at Pauls teaching on how the Church is the Body of Christ. As Paul taught earlier, we are all One Body (Church) by the Holy Spirit and we all have been given gifts as the Holy Spirit wishes. There are many different gifts and many different callings to Christians, but together we are One Body of Christ. When we put all these gifts and talents together, we are an unstoppable force for the Kingdom of God. Sadly many Christians neglect each other, and we don’t get to see all the potential that can happen with a united Body of Christ

Paul uses the illustration of a physical human body for us to understand our roles as Christians within the Church. If the foot shall say because I am not the hand, I am not of the body (Church), don’t we see alot of this today in the Church. Well your a Catholic, your not part of the Body of Christ, well your a Baptist, your not part of the body of Christ. We like to pretend we are the Holy Spirit and we can determine who is saved and who is not, focus on our mission as disciples of Christ and let the Holy Spirit do his work!

Now I know comparing roles and denominations is not an accurate portrayal, I was just trying to demonstrate the point, we divide and discriminate within the body of Christ, just because we don’t know or understand a brother or sister. The Church is a diverse family with many different talents and experiences. However we are all united through Jesus Christ, our Lord and God

As Paul is teaching here, one Christian may have a different gift or calling, where another has another totally different gift or talent, that doesn’t mean one is greater than the other, or one doesn’t belong to the Body. The foot is a valuable part in itself as is the hand is a valuable part, if they were removed from the Body, it would make a noticeable difference. The Body is more strengthened with a strong hand and a strong foot, with all the parts working together , the parts can compliment and empower each other

Not everyone is going to be called to be a Pastor, not everyone is going to be called to be a Sunday School teacher, however every role and part of the Body of Christ is important, nobody is greater than the Head of the Church, which is Jesus Christ! Amen!

1 Corinthians 12- The Body of Christ Part 1

5 Replies

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

It’s no secret there is alot of division within Christianity, if you don’t believe me, spend some time on your favorite social media app and ask a general question about Christianity. I see Christians spend more time arguing with each other than evangelizing to the unsaved. And some may believe they are doing the right thing or have zeal for God, but it’s complete disobedience to Christ and quenching of the Holy Spirit

The Apostle Paul says here “For as the body (the Church) is one, and has many Members (Christians) There is only One Church, the Body of Christ. There are not multiple denominations , this is a completely man-made idea. The fact that Christians can’t even tolerate each other enough to worship together, has to grieve the Holy Spirit. You confess to be part of the body of Christ, yet you reject parts of the Body of Christ, this is not Biblical. To me demonstrates the heart condition of many professing Christians

As a Born Again believer we belong to the Body of Jesus Christ, it’s not an organization membership. This is not a political movement, your soul was bought by the blood of The Lamb. You are not your own anymore, you were bought with a price. Yet we want to inject our power and authority into the Body of Christ. If you want to know why your “Church” is spiritually dead, it’s because of disobedience. The Holy Spirit has left most Church buildings already, because the reality is most of the people didn’t want the Holy Spirit there

Paul goes on to say “For by One Spirit (Holy Spirit) We are all baptized into One Body (Church)” I see black Churches, I see white Churches, I see Hispanic Churches, I even see Chinese Churches today, none of this is Biblical. Paul goes on to say it doesn’t matter if you are Jew or Gentiles (nationality) we are all One through Jesus Christ!

But we as Christians , segregate ourselves into different groups and call ourselves different names, so it can be more pleasurable to worship? This is blasphemy, the Church model we are using was not God’s design, and you wonder why it’s failing? And now today the modern Church has gotten so far away from the Word of God, most of the Churches are not even recognizable anymore, a den of thieves!

What denomination are you? You are either Born Again or dead in Sin, Amen!

1 Corinthians 5- Set Apart

5 Replies

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11

The Apostle Paul states “I wrote you in the epistle not to keep company or associate with fornicators nor sexually immoral” Now as we have been reading through the Epistle of Corinthians, this Church had a lot of issues, which is why it’s the largest letter to the Churches. Paul makes it clearer in his statements, he is referring to those who call themselves Christians, yet still live dead in their sins

Notice Paul says “Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters, for then must you need to get out of the world” Paul is saying you can’t avoid every sinner in this world because then you wouldn’t be able to exist in this world. However those who Paul is instructing to not associate with are those who claim to be Christians and yet still don’t produce the fruit of a Christian

In today’s Christianity, many Churches are being forced to inject LGBTQ people, not only as members of the Church, but also as leaders. Now anyone who knows the Bible or traditional Christian doctrine, knows this is in clear violation of God’s law. However it become unpopular to standby Biblical truth and many Churches are caving in to be accepted by the world, which is totally the opposite mission Jesus wanted for us

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13

Now I understand these statements may anger some people, however notice what Paul says here “But them that are without God judeth” Paul is saying we are not judging people who are outside the Church. People who are not Born Again, and don’t claim to be a Christian, we would expect them to be sinners, therefore we let God judge them. We can share the gospel with them, but it’s not our responsibility to pass judgment on them

However those who claim to be part of the Body of Christ, should submit themselves to the leadership of the Church, as Jesus Christ should truly be their Lord and Master. If someone who claims to be a Christian and refuses to repent or change their sinful lifestyle, they then need to be cut off from the body of Christ, Amen

1 Corinthians 5- Immorality In The Church

3 Replies

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 1 Corinthians 5:1-3

Often the theme among Churches today is “Come As You Are” and yes that’s a good saying and we should invite people to come to Christ, however does that mean we should stay as we are in Christ? Absolutely not, when we are Born Again in Christ, we become transformed, a new creation. The things of the past are the past, and we continually become sanctified by the Holy Spirit conforming to the image of Christ

So how do we deal with the sin that remains within the Church body? Well for the most part , the Churches typically don’t address or deal with sinful lifestyles of believers, but is this the Biblical model of the Church? Let’s see how Paul the Church of Corinth, here “It is reported commonly that there is fornication or sexual immorality among you” Notice Paul says this is a common practice, this is not a one time event where someone messed up, this has been a normal behavior of the Church to allow immorality to continue in the Church

Notice the Church’s response , Paul says “You are puffed up or proud, shouldn’t you be mourned or stricken with grief” The other members of the Church didn’t even care there was known immorality going on, however if they all truly were Born Again with the Holy Spirit, would they have this same response? The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin (John 16:8) This would be a sign of a healthy Church, the fact that the Church has no concern for sin among the Body, it’s a flag for false converts

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

See Paul’s response here “Deliver such as one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh” Now in today’s age they would say “Paul is a legalist” or “Paul is not very Christian” but notice why Paul is doing this, “that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus”

Is it unloving to rebuke someone of their sin? No, it’s actually unloving to allow people to die in their sins and eventually go to Hell. If you truly believe the gospel, then you would warn someone of the errors of their ways. Now are there more loving ways to approach this? Yes , we need to try to and reach people with the love of Christ and not with a hammer!

Tomorrow will continue to look at how Paul dealt with sinful practices within the Church!

1 Corinthians 4- Church Family

Leave a reply

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

There is a growing trend in Christianity where Christians no longer are members of a congregation. Many will use the excuses, they don’t agree with the doctrine, or they can’t agree with the pastor, or they just can’t get along with the other Christians, these are all personal issues and not a Church issue. 

Being part of a Church community is essential to your spiritual growth. If you can’t even be around other Christians now, what are you going to do in the New Heavens and Earth? Church families are never going to be perfect, because guess what, nobody is perfect, except Christ. The Holy Spirit will use these opportunities of differences to refine and sharpen you. But the main point is , nobody can go through this Christian walk alone

Notice how Paul addresses the Church here “ I write these things not to shame you, but as my beloved sons or children” Paul, being the Shepherd of this Church, feels like these people are his spiritual family. This is a concept throughout the New Testament, the Church is a family of believers

Recently on Twitter, a professing “Christian” criticized me for calling my fellow brethren, brothers and sisters. Brother Damon Gray quickly refuted this argument using the words of Jesus Christ “Whoever does the will of God, is my brother, sister, and mother (Mark 3:35) We are all brothers and sisters through Jesus Christ, this is why you should not neglect your local Church community, they are the family God has given you

Paul says “For this cause I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved son” now was Timothy the biological son of Paul? Of course not, Timothy was a gentile and Paul was Jewish, however Paul became Timothy’s spiritual father, as he did for many Christians he mentored over the years

This brings up another good point, we need to have spiritual mentors in our lives. Many Christians go astray because they are “lone wolves”, they don’t try to learn from a more mature Christians, they don’t use their gifts of the Holy Spirit with the rest of the body of Christ. 

If you are a Born Again Christian, you are my brother and sister in Christ, don’t neglect your Church family, they need you just as much as you need them, Amen!

1 Corinthians 1- Unite in Christ

8 Replies

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10-12

Since the beginning of time, there has been problems in the Church. Anytime you get a group of people together, there is always going to be conflicts and issues. That’s why Paul here urges the Church to “that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind” How did it work out? Well currently we have over 40,000 different denominations, including Catholicism and Orthodox.

So we know that there are alot of things that divide us, such as for example a Catholic and a Protestant, have alot of theological differences that keeps them from worshiping together. However let’s focus on what we do have in common, what do we all have in common with other Christians? Jesus Christ our Lord , Christ died for our sins, and Christ rose again on the 3rd day as according to the scriptures, and Christ will come again!

Many Christians like to keep arguing about tradition and theology, instead of sharing the gospel with non-believers. Back in the first century , there were believers saying they were followers of Paul, others said they were followers of Peter, and others followers of Apollos. Is this any different today? We have Christians today who are followers of the Pope, or followers of Luther, or followers of Wesley, but what about Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, Christ is our Lord and God, not any mortal human or faith tradition. Christ should be the foundation of our faith, and also the foundation that unites us together as brothers and sisters of God

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1 Corinthians 1:13-17

As the Apostle Paul states here “Is Christ divided?” No, there is only One Lord, One God, One Church, One Holy Spirit, One Faith, ect. There is not multiple Churches as we like to think here , when the Kingdom comes into full completion, there is only One bride of Christ, not multiple brides. If you hate your Catholic, Luthern, Baptist, brothers and sisters, then you need to repent and get over it, Christ is Lord of All, Amen!

Colossians 4- We Are The Church

6 Replies

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Colossians 4:7-14

Often when we think about Paul’s Epistles and all the Churches he has helped plant, we don’t think about all the workers behind the scenes that helped make this happen. The Apostle Paul was a great teacher, preacher, and writer, however has was just a human , just like us. He wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything , of course without God, but also without the rest of the body of Christ, the Church, his brothers and sisters in The Lord

Here we see Paul list several names just for the Church of Colosse, some recognizable like Luke and Barnabas. And some other not so familiar names like Tychicus and Onesimus. However, every one of these Christians played a vital role in building Gods Kingdom, because everyone of them are part of the body of Christ.

Paul does some extensive teaching on the roles in the Church , such as 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, ect. As Paul has stated, the hand is not greater than the foot, and vice versa. Everyone in the body of Christ, the Church, has a role and purpose. Nobody is greater than anyone else.

As Jesus said “Whoever desires to be great, must become your servant” (Matthew 20:26) This should be the attitude of the Church, its not about me , its all about we. Even in my own life, I noticed when I collaborate with other Christians, the Holy Spirit seems to be working more effectively. When we break off and try to accomplish things on our own, we struggle and usually fail. The body of Christ was meant to live and work together, not to separate and compete.

I love reading this acknowledgement from Paul of every brother and sister’s hard work and dedication to the Kingdom of God. As the Bible says “a three strand cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) We are the Body of Christ, We are the Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it in Jesus name , Amen!

Colossians 3-Bear One Another

1 Reply

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Colossians 3:12-14

The book of Colossians should be a manual for every Church, there is so much practical instruction and wisdom here. First notice Paul addresses the Church as the “Elect of God”, yes, if you are a Born Again Christian then you are the elect of God, you are a Child of the King, you are part of the Body of Christ. And that’s why this letter applies to all of us Christians, nobody is exempt from these teachings

The next part is Paul describes the fruits or characteristics we should be demonstrating or producing as Born Again Christians. Compassion, mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, and patience, does this describe you or your Church? If not, maybe you need to work on that, or maybe your Church does also. The Church is always an interesting entity, so many different people coming together for the same common goal, Jesus Christ. When we bring together all these different people, we have conflicts, however we need to learn to love one another as Christ loves us

As Paul instructs here “Bear and forgive with one another” There are going to be times when your Church family hurts your feelings or does something wrong against you, we are called to forgive them because Christ has forgiven us. Now this should be going both ways, we should forgive any quarrels or fights we may have with one another in the Church. I know this sounds easier then what it really is, but remember the battle doesn’t belong to you, it belongs to The Lord. The Church is the body of Christ, Jesus is the Head of the Church, those Christians who don’t act appropriately will have to answer to Christ himself, not just us

What is the bond of perfectness or unity? It’s love, as Peter said “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8) Remember even when we didn’t deserve mercy or grace, Christ gave it to us anyway, why? Because Christ loves us, our fellow Church family might not deserve to be forgiven however we forgive anyway, why? Because Christ loves us and demonstrated that love for us all on the cross

There is no perfect Church because there are no perfect people. So let’s stop making excuses why we hate everyone at our local Church, there are a million reasons why God could hate us, be God chooses to love us anyway, because God is full of grace and mercy. We need to be more like Christ , and love the Church as Christ loves the Church

Therefor , elect of God, the Church, bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and love and forgive one another, in Jesus name Amen!

Colossians 2- Set Apart

5 Replies

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:19-22

Continually we see the Church referred to as the Body of Christ (Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12) here Paul is using this example as, saying “not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered”. As we talked about previously, Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and everything is built upon his authority and teachings within the Church, or at least it should be. When we see false teachers and false teachings enter the Church, it poisons the entire Body. That’s why we cling to Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) , and Sola Christus (Christ Alone)

Many outside influences invade the Church and cause it to move away from God and from the authority of The Bible. That’s why Paul says here “If you are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why as though you’re living in the world” If you are Born Again through Jesus Christ, then why would you follow the practices of the fallen world? You have been set apart by the Holy Spirit, as the Apostle James said “Those who love the world, is an enemy of God” (James 4:4)

The Apostle Paul dealt with a large issue of Christians falling back into their previous religions when joining the Church. This is why there was so much discussion about Circumcision and The Sabbath, Jewish Christians wanted to remain in Judaism while following Jesus Christ. As the author of Hebrews stated “in that He(God) says a New Covenant, He (God) made the first obsolete” (Hebrews 8:13)

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Colossians 2:23

As Paul said to the Church of Corinth, “You are not your own, you were bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20) You belong to Christ, you are part of the Church, everything you do and say affects the Kingdom of God. While the false religions and ideology appear to contain some sort of wisdom, they are in opposition to Christ. They don’t honor God or the Body of Christ, instead they satisfy the carnal flesh with worldly lusts

If Jesus is your Lord, then Christ is your Master, you belong to Him. Set yourself apart from your old self and become transformed by the Holy Spirit, Amen