As the human head does not operate without it's body, neither does Christ operate without his body. The body of Christ is the whole number of Jesus followers of every generation.
Just as we desire a healthy, growing body, so does Christ. His desire for you and I as his body is expressed by Paul in Ephesians 4:16.
Jesus desires a mature Church. A cohesive body joined and held together by supporting ligaments, every part functional, growing and building up itself in genuine love.
For this reason, he himself gave his body the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, not to make some greater than others, but to:
1. equip his people for works of service,
2. so that the body of Christ may be built up
3. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and
4. become mature,
5. attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Maturity or attainment to the full stature of Christ is evidenced when a child of God understands the voice and displays the ways of God. When they are no longer spiritual infants i.e. no longer tossed back and forth by the waves, or blown here and there by every teaching. When they able to discern the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. To the mature, the genuine God-kind of love (agape) becomes the standard - an abiding, guiding light. [Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV]
We were created to reveal God individually and collectively in all his glory and fullness to our world [Ephesians3:10]. But to display Christ, we must live in Christ. There is no way to become more like God or reveal him without spending time in his presence, building up your spirit with his word contained in your bible and by the holy company of other Jesus-followers.
Jesus is coming for his own soon. The trumpet will sound but that trumpet will be heard just as a loud noise by many. However to those acquainted with Christ, it will be heard distinctly as the voice of God in our spirits calling his children to gather up to him.
Will you recognise his voice? Do your friends, family or church group recognise his voice? Is Jesus known intimately enough to display him ? Or to discern his voice when he speaks?
Start today to take steps to grow in maturity by growing in your knowledge of Jesus Christ. Study the bible. There are many study aids and tools on the internet, in Christian bookstores and as mobile apps. Find them and use them. Also take active steps to preserve the unity of faith in his body by making the documented word of God( in the Bible) the foundation in all judgment and truth. Speak right about other Christians and the church - speak Jesus' perspective - speak life. Be a fisher and builder of men. Tear no one down but instruct and teach God's word so that when He comes, we individually, and as a body, may know his voice, be known by him and found faithful by him.
Even so come Lord Jesus [Revelation 22:20].
Amen..
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" Like an expert builder I built the foundation of that house. I used the gift that God gave me to do this. Other people are building on that foundation. But everyone should be careful how they build." 1 Corinthians 3:10 ERV
"In him you have been blessed in every way. You have been blessed in all your speaking and all your knowledge. He will keep you strong until the end so that on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes, you will be free from all blame." 1 Corinthians 1:5, 8 ERV
''On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,"
Revelation 1:10 NIV
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