BODY of CHRIST

 

Galatians 3:23-25

King James Version

23 But before faith came, 

we were kept under the law, 

shut up unto the faith 

which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster 

to bring us unto Christ, 

that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, 

we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Took me a while to write about the church, for I wasn't sure yet.

Until very early this morning, awakened from a dream given by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD.

The verses came.

Everything became clear.

Everything began to fit.

And now, here it is before you.

The church pastors spoke of.

The BODY of CHRIST.

Romans 12:5

King James Version

5 So we, 

being many, 

are one body in Christ, 

and every one members one of another.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

King James Version

12 For as the body is one, 

and hath many members, 

and all the members of that one body, 

being many, 

are one body: 

so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized 

into one body, 

whether we be Jews or Gentiles, 

whether we be bond or free; 

and have been all made to drink 

into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, 

but many.

15 If the foot shall say, 

Because I am not the hand, 

I am not of the body; 

is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, 

Because I am not the eye, 

I am not of the body; 

is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, 

where were the hearing? 

If the whole were hearing, 

where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members 

every one of them in the body, 

as it hath pleased him.

19 And if they were all one member, 

where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, 

yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, 

I have no need of thee: 

nor again the head to the feet, 

I have no need of you.

22 Nay, 

much more those members of the body, 

which seem to be more feeble, 

are necessary:

23 And those members of the body, 

which we think to be less honourable, 

upon these we bestow more abundant honour; 

and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

24 For our comely parts have no need: 

but God hath tempered the body together, 

having given more abundant honour 

to that part which lacked.

25 That there should be no schism in the body; 

but that the members should have the same care 

one for another.

26 And whether one member suffer, 

all the members suffer with it; 

or one member be honoured, 

all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, 

and members in particular.

Ephesians 3:3-6

King James Version

3 How that by revelation 

he made known unto me the mystery; 

(as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, 

when ye read, 

ye may understand my knowledge 

in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known 

unto the sons of men, 

as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles 

and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, 

and of the same body, 

and partakers of his promise in Christ 

by the gospel:

Ephesians 4:11-16

King James Version

11 And he gave some, apostles; 

and some, prophets; 

and some, evangelists; 

and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, 

for the work of the ministry, 

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, 

and of the knowledge of the Son of God, 

unto a perfect man, 

unto the measure of the stature 

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, 

tossed to and fro, 

and carried about with every wind of doctrine, 

by the sleight of men, 

and cunning craftiness, 

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, 

may grow up into him in all things, 

which is the head, 

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together 

and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, 

according to the effectual working 

in the measure of every part, 

maketh increase of the body 

unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 5:20-32

King James Version

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God 

and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves one to another 

in the fear of God.

22 Wives, 

submit yourselves unto your own husbands, 

as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, 

even as Christ is the head of the church: 

and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, 

so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, 

love your wives, 

even as Christ also loved the church, 

and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it 

with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself 

a glorious church, 

not having spot, 

or wrinkle, 

or any such thing; 

but that it should be holy 

and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. 

He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; 

but nourisheth and cherisheth it, 

even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, 

of his flesh, 

and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, 

and shall be joined unto his wife, 

and they two shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery: 

but I speak concerning Christ 

and the church.

Colossians 1:18-20

King James Version

18 And he is the head of the body, 

the church: 

who is the beginning, 

the firstborn from the dead; 

that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in him 

should all fulness dwell;

20 And, 

having made peace through the blood of his cross, 

by him to reconcile all things unto himself; 

by him, 

I say, 

whether they be things in earth, 

or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:21-22

King James Version

21 And you, 

that were sometime alienated 

and enemies in your mind by wicked works, 

yet now hath he reconciled

22 In the body of his flesh through death, 

to present you holy and unblameable 

and unreproveable in his sight:

Colossians 1:23-25

King James Version

23 If ye continue in the faith 

grounded and settled, 

and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, 

which ye have heard, 

and which was preached to every creature 

which is under heaven; 

whereof I Paul am made a minister;

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, 

and fill up that which is behind 

of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh 

for his body's sake, 

which is the church:

25 Whereof I am made a minister, 

according to the dispensation of God 

which is given to me for you, 

to fulfil the word of God;

Colossians 1:26-28

King James Version

26 Even the mystery 

which hath been hid from ages and from generations, 

but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known 

what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; 

which is Christ in you, 

the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach, 

warning every man, 

and teaching every man in all wisdom; 

that we may present every man 

perfect in Christ Jesus:

Galatians 3:26-28

King James Version

26 For ye are all the children of God 

by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ 

have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, 

there is neither bond nor free, 

there is neither male nor female: 

for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

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Image: Png Set

7 things JESUS asks of us

 

The LORD JESUS said:

Revelation 3:20

King James Version

20 Behold, 

I stand at the door, 

and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, 

and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him,

 and he with me.

In the FIRST three chapters of the BOOK of REVELATION, the LORD JESUS revealed much.

Here are SEVEN things He asks of us, in the third chapter, after having given His epistle to the seven churches of Asia, through His apostle, John:

1. Be zealous.

2. Repent.

Revelation 3:19

King James Version

19 As many as I love, 

I rebuke and chasten: 

be zealous therefore, 

and repent.

3. Hear my voice.

4. Open the door.

5. Sup with Him.

Revelation 3:20

King James Version

20 Behold, 

I stand at the door, 

and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, 

and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him, 

and he with me.

6. Overcome.

Revelation 3:21

King James Version

21 To him that overcometh 

will I grant to sit with me in my throne, 

even as I also overcame, 

and am set down with my Father 

in his throne.

7. Hear what the Spirit said unto the churches.

Revelation 3:22

King James Version

22 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.

The Lord truly desires to have fellowship with us, the body of His church.

The Lord knows my response.

What about you?

What is your reponse?

I agree with apostle John:

1 John 5:3

King James Version

3 For this is the love of God, 

that we keep his commandments: 

and his commandments are not grievous.

(Image source: Nathaelus)

JESUS introduces HIMSELF to the 7 churches

 

The LORD JESUS said:

Revelation 1:8

King James Version

8 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the ending, 

saith the Lord, 

which is, 

and which was, 

and which is to come, 

the Almighty.

How did the LORD introduce Himself to the SEVEN churches in Asia?

Why is it important to know that?

This BOOK is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

The HOLY SPIRIT wants us to know the might, and power, of the LORD.

It is time we acknowledged His power over ALL people, the churches, and over EVERYTHING God gave Him.

For greater emphasis, Spirit and I highlighted the words JESUS spoke of Himself, even as all words on these verses were His.

To the church of EPHESUS:

Revelation 2:1

King James Version

2 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; 

These things saith he 

that holdeth the seven stars 

in his right hand, 

who walketh in the midst 

of the seven golden candlesticks;

To the church of SMYRNA:

Revelation 2:8

King James Version

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; 

These things saith the first and the last, 

which was dead, 

and is alive;

To the church of PERGAMOS:

Revelation 2:12

King James Version

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; 

These things saith he 

which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

To the church of THYATIRA:

Revelation 2:18

King James Version

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; 

These things saith the Son of God, 

who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, 

and his feet are like fine brass;

To the church of SARDIS:

Revelation 3:1

King James Version

3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; 

These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, 

and the seven stars; 

I know thy works, 

that thou hast a name that thou livest, 

and art dead.

To the church of PHILADELPHIA:

Revelation 3:7

King James Version

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 

These things saith he that is holy, 

he that is true, 

he that hath the key of David, 

he that openeth, 

and no man shutteth; 

and shutteth, 

and no man openeth;

To the church of LAODICEA:

Revelation 3:14

King James Version

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; 

These things saith the Amen, 

the faithful and true witness, 

the beginning of the creation of God;

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REVELATION 1 to 3 describes JESUS

WHICH church are YOU?

 

Deuteronomy 5:32-33

King James Version

32 Ye shall observe to do therefore 

as the Lord your God hath commanded you: 

ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

33 Ye shall walk in all the ways 

which the Lord your God hath commanded you, 

that ye may live, 

and that it may be well with you, 

and that ye may prolong your days in the land 

which ye shall possess.

If you were a church, which church are you?

Although the Lord commended the SEVEN churches for some better traits, still, He admonished six of them.

He also wanted each church to take specific measures to correct themselves, or to hold on fast to what they have.

The Lord warned that He was to come quickly.

In summary, based on my simple understanding of the SEVEN churches, here's what I found regarding what they represented:

The church of EPHESUS -- unfaithful.

The church of SMYRNA -- dishonest.

The church of PERGAMOS -- unfaithful.

The church of THYATIRA -- corrupted.

The church of SARDIS -- imperfect.

The church of PHILADELPHIA -- faithful.

The church of LAODICEA -- lukewarm and proud.

Which one are you?

REVELATION 1 to 3 describes JESUS

 

Revelation 3:14

King James Version

14 And unto the angel of the church 

of the Laodiceans write; 

These things saith the Amen, 

the faithful and true witness, 

the beginning of the creation of God;

What a wealth of material on the Lord JESUS!

Here's how chapters 1 to 3 of the Book of Revelation describe the LORD:

The faithful witness.

The first begotten of the dead.

The prince of the kings of the earth.

Who loved us.

Who washed us from our sins in his own blood.

And had made us kings and priests unto God and his Father.

He will come with the clouds.

The Alpha and Omega.

The beginning and the ending.

Which is, which was, and which is to come.

The Almighty.

Standing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.

Clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

His head and hairs were white like wool, as white as snow;.

His eyes were as a flame of fire;

His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace.

His voice as the sound of many waters.

In his right hand seven stars.

Out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.

His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

The first and the last.

He is he that liveth, was dead, and alive forevermore.

He has the keys of hell and death.

He knows the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

He will kill Jezebel's children with death.

That all the churches may know it is he who searches the reins and hearts.

He will give everyone according to our works.

He will give the morning star to those who overcome.

He is the root and offspring of David.

He is the bright and morning star.

He has the seven Spirits of God.

He has the seven stars.

He has the key of David.

Whatever He opens, no one can shut.

Whatever He shuts, no one can open.

He will come quickly.

The Amen.

He is the faithful and true witness.

He is the beginning of the creation of God.

He rebukes, and chastens.

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JESUS is HEAD of the CHURCH

 

Ephesians 5:27

King James Version

27 That he might present it to himself 

a glorious church, 

not having spot, 

or wrinkle, 

or any such thing; 

but that it should be holy 

and without blemish.

What verses testify of this?

That JESUS is the head of the church?

Matthew 28:18-20

King James Version

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, 

and teach all nations, 

baptizing them in the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, 

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things 

whatsoever I have commanded you: 

and, lo, 

I am with you always, 

even unto the end of the world. 

Amen.

Ephesians 1:20-23

King James Version

20 Which he wrought in Christ, 

when he raised him from the dead, 

and set him at his own right hand 

in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, 

and power, 

and might, 

and dominion, 

and every name that is named, 

not only in this world, 

but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, 

and gave him to be the head 

over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, 

the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians 5:23

King James Version

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, 

even as Christ is the head of the church: 

and he is the saviour of the body.

Colossians 1:18

King James Version

18 And he is the head of the body, 

the church: 

who is the beginning, 

the firstborn from the dead; 

that in all things he might have the preeminence.

1 Corinthians 11:3

King James Version

3 But I would have you know, 

that the head of every man is Christ; 

and the head of the woman is the man; 

and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 1:10

King James Version

10 Now I beseech you, 

brethren, 

by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

that ye all speak the same thing, 

and that there be no divisions among you; 

but that ye be perfectly joined together 

in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Colossians 2:10

King James Version

10 And ye are complete in him, 

which is the head of all principality 

and power:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

King James Version

19 What? 

know ye not that your body 

is the temple of the Holy Ghost 

which is in you, 

which ye have of God, 

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, 

which are God's.

1 Corinthians 12:12

King James Version

12 For as the body is one, 

and hath many members, 

and all the members of that one body, 

being many, 

are one body: 

so also is Christ.

Ephesians 2:10

King James Version

10 For we are his workmanship, 

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, 

which God hath before ordained 

that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:14-22

King James Version

14 For he is our peace, 

who hath made both one, 

and hath broken down the middle wall of partition 

between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, 

even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; 

for to make in himself of twain one new man, 

so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God 

in one body by the cross, 

having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, 

and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access 

by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, 

but fellowcitizens with the saints, 

and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles 

and prophets, 

Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together 

groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together 

for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The LORD's command to the SEVEN churches

 

The LORD JESUS said:

Luke 5:32

King James Version

32 I came not to call the righteous, 

but sinners to repentance.

Do you know how the LORD JESUS wants His churches to be?

I think it's mighty clear in the FIRST three chapters of the Book of Revelation.

The Holy Spirit taught me, in all simplicity, merely summarizing the Lord's command, based on the verses we already tackled from the seven churches.

The church of EPHESUS

-- Repent, from having left your first love.

-- Do the first works.

The church of SMYRNA

-- Be faithful unto death.

The church of PERGAMOS

-- Repent, from having held the doctrine of Balaam, which caused a stumblingblock before the children of Israel.

-- Repent, from having held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

The church of THYATIRA

-- Repent, from having allowed Jezebel, who called herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce the Lord's servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

-- Hold fast to what you have already, till the Lord comes.

The church of SARDIS

-- Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain.

-- Remember how you have received and heard; hold fast, and repent.

The church of PHILADELPHIA

-- Hold hold fast what you have, and let no man take your crown.

The church of LAODICEA

-- Be zealous, and repent, from being lukewarm, and from being proud, miserable, and blind.

Does it matter that these seven churches of Asia existed a long time ago?

Are the commands of Jesus still relevant these days?

How are our churches these days?

Are they true to the Lord?

Churches who say they are of CHRIST, must:

1. Love Jesus.

2. Be faithful.

3. Repent.

4. Hold fast to what pleases the Lord.

5. Be watchful.

6. Strengthen the things that remain.

7. Be zealous.

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"Watch", 

for JESUS will come

unexpectedly.

Revelation 3:3

King James Version

3 Remember therefore 

how thou hast received and heard, 

and hold fast, 

and repent. 

If therefore thou shalt not watch, 

I will come on thee as a thief, 

and thou shalt not know 

what hour I will come upon thee.

Lastly, we reach the end of this FIRST 3-chapter series on the Book of Revelation.

Let's now have a look at what Spirit led me to on this third chapter:

Jesus has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.

Revelation 3:1

King James Version

3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; 

These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, 

and the seven stars; 

I know thy works, 

that thou hast a name that thou livest, 

and art dead.

Jesus has the key of David.

Whatever He opens, no one can shut.

Whatever He shuts, no one can open.

Revelation 3:7

King James Version

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 

These things saith he that is holy, 

he that is true, 

he that hath the key of David, 

he that openeth, 

and no man shutteth; 

and shutteth, 

and no man openeth;

Jesus said, the "hour of temptation" will come upon all the world, to try all who dwell upon the earth.

Revelation 3:10

King James Version

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, 

I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, 

which shall come upon all the world, 

to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Jesus will come quickly.

Revelation 3:11

King James Version

11 Behold, 

I come quickly: 

hold that fast which thou hast, 

that no man take thy crown.

Whoever overcomes will be made a pillar in the temple of God, where he shall stay.

Jesus will write upon the overcomer, the name of His God, and the name of the new city of God -- the new Jerusalem.

This new city will come down out of heaven from God.

Revelation 3:12

King James Version

12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar 

in the temple of my God, 

and he shall go no more out: 

and I will write upon him the name of my God, 

and the name of the city of my God, 

which is new Jerusalem, 

which cometh down out of heaven from my God: 

and I will write upon him my new name.

Jesus is the "Amen".

He is the faithful and true witness.

He is the beginning of the creation of God.

Revelation 3:14

King James Version

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; 

These things saith the Amen, 

the faithful and true witness, 

the beginning of the creation of God;

Jesus wants us to make a stand.

He rejects those who play safe.

Revelation 3:15-16

King James Version

15 I know thy works, 

that thou art neither cold nor hot: 

I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, 

and neither cold nor hot, 

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Jesus loves, but if need be, He rebukes, and chastens.

The Lord asks us to be zealous, and to repent.

He waits for us to let Him into our hearts.

Revelation 3:19-20

King James Version

19 As many as I love, 

I rebuke and chasten: 

be zealous therefore, 

and repent.

20 Behold, 

I stand at the door, 

and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, 

and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him, 

and he with me.

To those who overcome, Jesus will let him sit with Him in His throne, for Jesus went through the same thing.

He overcame, and now sits with His Father in his throne.

Revelation 3:21

King James Version

21 To him that overcometh will I grant 

to sit with me in my throne, 

even as I also overcame, 

and am set down with my Father 

in his throne.

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