Friday, February 18, 2011

Explaining One Body

EXPLAINING ONE BODY
Isaiah 61:1-2
The Message: “The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of His grace—a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—and to comfort all who mourn.”

Bobby challenged Greg and Timmy to a roller-skating race. (See Universal Church of Individuals devotion). Sitting down for an ice-cream break, fourth-grader, Bobby had a question.

“What did you mean about our being one body, Timmy?”

“I was looking for a common link, so that we could have fun—despite our differences” Timmy said.

“What differences?

“Well, Jehovah’s Witness believers think differently from Methodists, or Episcopalians, for example.” Timmy explained.

“How so?”

“How we worship God is one difference…But that you embrace Jesus makes us one body in Christ.”

Timmy’s correct. As we learned in Universal Church of Individuals devotion, all believers of Christ around the world form one body. 1Corinthians 10:17 says, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (This concerns Holy Communion. The bread, or loaf, and the wine, or grape juice represent Jesus’ body and blood, in verse 16). Jesus is the head of our one body. He’s the glue that holds the Universal Church together, as Master of believers’ lives.

At salvation, (after trusting Jesus as Savior), we’re made one with Him. Regardless of individual church memberships, believers are linked together as living, breathing, active parts of Christ in His Universal Church. Followers of Jesus perform His work on earth as different parts of His body. His Gospel message is carried by our tongues, feet, and writing hands. (Internet carries it far and wide). As His arms, we uphold the weak, caring for those in need. His love is spread through our hearts.

The Universal Church body members are linked and united by our common mission through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel cannot be spread except through the strength and wisdom of Jesus Christ, the head.

I embrace you, reader, as another member of our body in Christ.

Take Home Nugget


The Universal Church’s body cannot expect an easy existence, however. Representing Jesus to a world which rejects Him isn’t easy. We expect ridicule and sacrifice because sin and accountability aren’t popular messages. If they were popular, our work would already be done…and Christ would be reigning on earth!

Finishing up their ice-cream, Bobby smiled at his new third-grade friends. “I didn’t realize the fun and friendship I could have with younger kids!”
Yes, our work is just beginning.

Embracing Christ is informational AND transformational.

J.D. Griffith
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