We Are the Body of Christ (Part 2)

"The church which is not a missionary church will be a missing church when Jesus comes." - F.B. Meyer

When we met last we discussed, albeit briefly, the relationship between Jesus and his church. Specifically, we saw it from the perspective of a marital relationship with Jesus as the Bridegroom, and the Church as His Bride.

We are at the present considered to be in an engagement period with the promise of a future marriage. There are certain assurances that are exchanged from Jesus to His Bride, the Church, and that is where our focus will begin this week.

Jesus was well aware of His limited time. And knowing that His time on earth was drawing to a close, Jesus wanted to prepare his friends (the apostles) for His appointment with Calvary, and the meaning of it all.

It is no secret that Jesus loved and gave Himself to his Church. Like any affectionate and devoted Bridegroom, He expressed his true feelings to his Bride. He promised that this marriage was definitely going to happen (Matthew 16:18).

As you read this verse, understand that Jesus is articulating in the future tense ("I will"). And that the foundations of that Church were not in the Apostle Peter, but rather in his confession that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).

The 4th century Bishop of Milan, Aurelius Ambrosius (Ambrose) wrote, "The Church's foundation is unshakable and firm against the assaults of the raging sea. Waves lash at the Church but do not shatter it. Although the elements of this world constantly batter and crash against her, she offers the safest harbor of salvation for all in distress."

Jesus promised that His Church would not fail. In Matthew 16:18, he says that, "gates of hell," that is, all of the unseen world, which includes all of the kingdom and powers that are joined together against God's people, will not overcome it.

Although the materials, so to speak, for His Church had already been gathered and prepared, the building process started at our Lord's resurrection. Jesus, the Architect of the Church, has been faithfully and steadily building it for centuries.

Thus, if we are the Lord's church today, we are there because He culled us from the first Adam, and placed us where we currently are. I feel this is a good place to pause for now. I hope that you will join me next time!

Scripture: Romans 4:21; John 14:27; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20; John 14:27;

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to change my difficulties and disabilities into opportunities for growth; so that I may be a blessing to others, amen

May the Lord bless,

Shawna