“One Body - One Church”   1 Corinthians 12: 12-27

To the few that actually have read my pastor’s desk over the years, I hope that it has brought insight and encouragement.  I don’t know what the Lord has in store for Becky and I at the first of the year but I hope to continue posting my weekly writing, it just may be called something else, maybe “just Rodney?”  In the words of the apostle Peter, “for this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.  Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you…” (cf. 2 Pet.1: 12-15).  So…as a reminder…

according to the Bible` there is only one King and Jesus is His name.  According to the Bible there is only one Kingdom that will last forever, that is the Kingdom of God.  There is only One Heavenly Father, One Savior, One Holy Spirit.  According to the Bible there is only One Heavenly Home comprised of all the redeemed, past, present and future - “the church” - “the body of Christ.”

The ekklesia (greek) - “the called-out ones!”  Or in Hebrew, Qahal, “assembly” or “congregation.”  The bible describes this “called- out ones” or “assembly” as ‘the household or family of God” - “Living stones” - “the bride of Christ” - “the body of Christ!”  According to the Bible there is only one head of the church and Jesus is His name!  I am growing increasingly anxious for the health of the church at large and its in these times I have to remind myself of the promises and sovereignty of God.  The bible reminds us “while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease” (Gen.8:22), this same God, has promised that  

He will always have a remnant of people. It is this remnant of people that the apostle Paul compares to “the body” in 1 Corinthians 12.  The ‘body-like’ unity of the church is not a goal to achieve - it is a fact to be acknowledged! 

“You are the body of Christ!” (cf. 1 Cor.12:27).  As a born again believer you are part of the universal church of the living God!  Have you seen the church?!  Have you looked in the mirror?!  She is beautiful!  She is glorious!  She is holy and set aside for His purpose!

Just as you only have one body and must take care of it as best you can - you must also take care of Her (the church), just as you do your own physical body.  Pray for Her. Nourish Her.  Encourage Her.  Support Her.  Bless Her with your presence, your gifts and calling.  Sacrifice for Her.  Discipline yourself for Her betterment!

“You are the body of Christ!”   What a glorious picture and responsibility!

God’s continued blessings and favor!

Pastor Rodney

“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” - Acts 20:27