One Body with Many Members

Hello everyone! One body with many members. There is one Church of the Living God, just one. Each member of the Church of the Living God constitute the Body of Christ. “¹² For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.1 Corinthians 12:12-13

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” Colossians 1:24

Many Parts, Yet One Body

There are not bodies of Christ all over the world. There is one body with many members. There is no such thing as multiple bodies of believers. “¹⁴ For the body does not consist of one member but of many. ¹⁵ If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? ¹⁸ But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. ¹⁹ If all were a single member, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” ²² On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, ²⁴ which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ²⁵ that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. ²⁶ If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. ²⁸ And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ³⁰ Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ But earnestly desire the higher gifts.” 1 Corinthians 12:14-31

Preach the Word

Preach can be defined in many ways, and has many synonyms. Here are several synonyms, spread the gospel, evangelize, proclaim, teach, spread, propagate, exhort, expound and there are many more.

Years ago, I had a brother say to me. That if any member of the congregation I was attending at that time, didn’t have a “position” or “title” and wasn’t working in outreach was wasting time. I remember being offended by his statement. How could every member of this organization be recognized in outreach, be a teacher, preacher, work in audio, computer staff and so on? Were we not all called to preach the word? To share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world? How could not having an official position in a congregation or religious group be a waste of time? The people of God are supposed to congregate together for the purpose of fellowship and the worship of our Almighty God, and our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. I am a living testimony to the Glory and honor of God. This I should share as the spirit of God inspires me to do so, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The Good News!

“1 charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: ² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ³ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, ⁴ and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. ⁵ As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Unfortunately, most religious groups or organizations are looking for members. So they can have a nice large member count. Many teach and enforce the false doctrine of Tithing. So high numbers of members increase income and bring financial success to that organization. We as people of God should have the freedom to visit and fellowship anywhere we desire being led by the Spirit of God. Instead we are told to not visit other congregations. The fear of losing members and money reign amongst many religious leaders and they teach in error because of their desires for personal gain and influence. I will never become a member of any man’s religious organization again in my lifetime. The only membership I desire and cherish is the membership in the Church of the Living God! A member of the Body of Christ!

Away with this superior mindset. It should never exist amongst the members of the Church of the Living God. Titles and Positions. You do think too much of yourselves. All over social media men and women claiming Christ Jesus, with users names flaunting their so called positions. Evangelist, Elder, Bishop, Apostle, Prophet, shame on you! I count it a great honor to be known as sister Brenda. To have my name written in the Lambs Book of Life. Instead of looking for praise and honor amongst men do what pleases God. Desire to do a work for the Lord and he will reward you.

There is much more I could say here and so many scriptures I could share. But I’m going to stop here. Do better my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Study the word of God and do better. Let God be Glorified and not you!

sister Brenda