Saturday, September 3, 2016

INCREASE OF THE BODY - By John Fredericksen




   INCREASE OF THE BODY
 By John Fredericksen 


Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:16

How does a local church and individuals within the local church continue to grow? Most Christian book stores have manuals with programs and contests that the writer assures will bring growth; but the real answer is not in human wisdom or fleshly activities, even when done with the best of motives. God's formula for corporate and individual growth in the Body is found in Ephesians 4:16.

Once again, the Apostle makes the comparison between the human body and the Body of Christ to parallel our instructions, First, we must understand that "the whole body [is] fitly joined together." God's marvelous wisdom has properly placed the foot, the head, the eye, and all the parts of the body in exactly the right place to function at its very best. This is also true for believers. In His wisdom, God sovereignly leads us to the place where we best fit in and where He can best use us in the cause of Christ. Secondly, we must see ourselves as being "compacted by that which every joint supplieth." In the human body, the joints connect different parts of the body together so each vein, each muscle, and each limb functions as intended. Every saint is to serve in a similar capacity. Through the use of our spiritual gifts, we are to supply a needed aspect of ministry which enhances the needs of other believers. Thirdly, we need to understand that it is ONLY when "EVERY PART" of the Body of Christ is functioning in this way that growth' is sustained. No one is excluded from this needed exchange of mutual ministry. No member is too obscure or feeble to contribute something that will benefit others. Therefore, when each of us seeks to edify other believers, this "effectual working ... [is what] maketh increase of the body."

If you or your church are not growing, perhaps it is because you are not doing the part God would have you do in the work of the ministry.


Dispensational Chart


How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4


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Friday, September 2, 2016

ABSENT FROM THE BODY - By Marvin Duncan




Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5: 8

There is much confusion today concerning the subject of physical death. Even Christians are not sure what happens when a person dies. Often, Christians will try to comfort the bereaved by assuring them that their loved one has entered into his eternal rest and is enjoying all the blessings of heaven. This isn't true. Paul uses this fifth chapter of II Corinthians to explain what happens at physical death.

Death, in the Scriptures, means SEPARATION. Physical death is the separation of the soul and the spirit from the body. The soul and spirit make up the "true person." The body is just the "house" in which the soul and spirit (the "true man") dwells. At physical death, the "true man" moves out of his earthly "house" and is seen as being "UNCLOTHED" (verse 4). Between death and resurrection, the saints, in their unclothed condition, go to be with Christ to wait in blissful comfort until the Resurrection. When Christ returns to take His redeemed unto Himself (I Thessalonians 4:13-18), the departed saints will receive their glorified body (their eternal "house") in which they will be "clothed" for all eternity. It is at the RESURRECTION that the saints enjoy the promised blessings of reigning with Christ in Heaven.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 addresses the receiving of the glorified body for the departed saints who have died during this dispensation of the Grace of God. The saints who will be living at the time of Christ's return for His Church will also need a new body that is fitted for dwelling in heaven.for all eternity. Paul tells us how the living saints will be changed and given their glorified body in I Corinthians 15:51-53.



How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4


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AT HOME IN THE BODY - By Floyd Baker



 AT HOME IN THE BODY
By Floyd Baker


Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5:6

"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst  we are at home IN THE BODY, we are absent from the Lord.  (For we walk by faith, not by sight) We are confident, I say,  and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be  present with the Lord." For all of us who have loved ones that  have died, this is a precious passage; and it has brought great  comfort into our lives. We cannot count the many times over  the years when we have heard, or said, "absent from the body  is to be present with the Lord." And to this we again say  Amen.

It is always good to look at our verses in their context, for  it provides a special blessing to us. The apostle Paul opens to  us a look into his own life and thoughts. He begins in II  Corinthians 4:7 by declaring, "But we have this treasure in  EARTHEN VESSELS." He then reveals the sufferings in the  body, and the hope, for the sake of the gospe\. In verse 16, he  refers to the body as "the OunVARD MAN which perishes,  yet the inward man is renewed day by day." In 5:1, he  continues by declaring, "We know that if our EARTHLY  HOUSE of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building  of God, and house not made with hands, eternal in the  heavens." Until then we are "at home in the body," but with  the prayer that we can say, "Wherefore we labour, that,  whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him" (verse



How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4


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YOUR BODY-THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - Dick Ware



Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 6:19-20

"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ" (I Corinthians 6:15)? The Scriptures speak of our human physical bodies, Christ's physical body that was resurrected, and Christ's spiritual Body "the church which is His body" (Ephesians 1:22-23). However, in the verse just quoted (I Corinthians 6:15), we see that not only are we spiritual members of the "Body of Christ," but our physical bodies are members of Christ as well. Therefore, one could say that there is a sense in which Christ has a physical body on earth today; and our physical bodies make up that body. Like one dear brother has said: "This truth has a very practical application to it." Give it some serious thought.

God made the physical body, that He gave us, "for the Lord, and the Lord for the body" (I Corinthians 6:13). Our passage would teach us that God has a claim on our bodies in this life and in the life to come. Sometimes we think because God has set us free, we are our own bosses .... My body belongs to me now, to do with it what I please. Are you your own boss? "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?" (Romans 6:16) ... Truly, someone else owns you; but you can determine which one you allow to own you. "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN? For you were bought at a price; THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY!" (I Corinthians 6:19-20) ... This is done by letting the Holy Spirit control your physical body. .



How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4


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MANY MEMBERS IN ONE BODY - John Fredericksen


Scripture Reading: Romans 12:4-5

There has always been a natural human tendency for people to exalt themselves over others. This is true even among believers. It often begins with an attitude of superiority, but it can quickly degenerate into cruel actions which convey the idea to others that they are unimportant.

To combat such a problem among the Roman believers, the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to pen the instructions found in Romans chapter twelve. First, they must see themselves properly. Especially among those of the Roman empire, there was a pattern of judging men according to their rank, wealth, or eloquence (just as many do today-adding "appearance" to the list). But one need "not think of himself more highly than he ought to think" if he recognizes all blessings being sovereignly given to him. Even spiritual gifts (or abilities) are given to us by God. There is no room then for inflated egos over these things.

Next, they must see others properly-and this is the key. God would have them understand that every believer is important. In the human body, there are many members of the body, but each one serves a vital role. The eyes are capable of seeing; but without feet to move and hands to grasp an object, the body can not function properly. Each member serves a vital role, is as important as the other, and effects the whole. So it is in the Body of Christ. Seeing ourselves as being individual members of one Body and dependant upon one another is God's cure for conceited thinking.

Has someone in your assembly been made to feel less important than others? Then share these truths with those who need them, and demonstrate your appreciation for those less esteemed by inviting them to your home for fellowship.


Dispensational Chart


How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4


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cspivey1953@gmail.com


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THE TEMPLE OF HIS BODY- By David Havard



 THE TEMPLE OF HIS BODY
By David Havard 


Scripture Reading: John 2:21

In the verses immediately preceding our text, Jesus had just purged the temple. As usual, the Jews wanted a sign. They wanted to know by whose authority He had done these things. Also in typical form, our Lord's answer went right over their heads. The Lord Jesus spoke of spiritual truths, but the Jews saw only the physical. Just as with the woman at the well who thought only of physical thirst, so these Jews were also blind to the great revealer of truth before them.

The temple of His body ... Think of it! Colossians 2:9 says, "that in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." By this time, the glory of God had long since departed from the temple. How the Jews longed for the glory to return! Yet here before their own eyes was the very "express image of His person" (Hebrews 1:3) and the "image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), and they failed to recognize it!

How often we also lose sight of spiritualtruths. We sometimes forget that ours is a spiritual, heavenly hope and calling. Yet how often we are Esaus, trading our spiritual blessings for a mess of earthly porridge! By God's grace may we not lose sight of our rich blessings which the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished and secured for us through the "temple of His body."




 Thank You Lord For Saving My Soul.
ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blCfzF1_3oY
 



How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4


(A 10 Minute Video)


 Posted By Cecil and Connie Spivey
cspivey1953@gmail.com


E-mail this BIBLE STUDY to all your friends 







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