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Our Scripture reading and sermon on Sunday are based on 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a. The Body of Christ is a common term used in the Christian faith. Some may think we are talking about the physical body of Christ, as in His human form on earth. But the term “Body of Christ” refers to the members of His church. {{more: continue …}}?The body of Christ is the Church, made up of all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Each Christian, then, is a part of the body of Christ.?
In Mark 14:22 we have the first biblical reference to this body, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.'” This symbolic act is the beginning of the communion service which Christians accept as a remembrance that they are a part of the body of Jesus Christ, due to Jesus’ death on the cross.
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The Body of Christ, like our bodies, has many parts. There are limbs, organs, and various members that, when left alone, are useless, but when assembled make up the entire body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 describe it like this: “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.” This means each Christian is an equal part of the body of Christ!?
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1 Corinthians 12:27-28 also says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.”
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Every Christian possesses a gift and is called to use it in service within the body to build up the body of Christ, to strengthen the body and to carry out its purpose within the world. Each member of the body of Christ is also called to serve the church through his or her abilities and natural gifts. This service is offered out of devotion to Christ for the sacrifice He made on the cross, providing them with eternal life in heaven. The diversity of gifts, each supporting the other, makes the body strong!
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As a part of the church, what can you do to enhance the body of Christ? The body is a holy entity and is to be respected and treated with complete honor and care. We are called to promote truth and unity. We are called to service and to share Jesus. We are called to worship. And we are called to love one another.?
Are you a contributing member of the body of Christ? Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are you contributing to peace and unity within the body? Do you worship regularly? Take a moment to evaluate your life in light of these principles and thank God for making you a part of His body.
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See you on Sunday!
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“I don’t know how, but I know WHO!”
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Peace,Pastor Nelda
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