1 Corinthians 12 is an oft-quoted passage with many points about the body of Christ, the Church. But today I want to focus on one verse. Here it is: "All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it." I am reading Kyle Idleman's book, Not A Fan. The book relates to the way folks often call themselves the people of God, yet they have issues when it comes to being followers of the Jesus they call their leader. He uses the example from last week's message in which our allegiance to Jesus is a bit like a husband who has his wife's picture in his wallet with pictures of other women he likes to hang out with. How do you think this will play out at home with the wife?
In this passage from Paul's first book to the Corinthians Paul is stating two basic facts. First, the Body of Christ (the Church) is made up of all the followers of Christ together. No one is better, more important, or more vital than another because we are a unit. If each part serves its function the body thrives. If a part goes on strike, chooses to function like another part, decides to take a year off or just says "Let all those other parts be the Church ... I'm just along for the ride"... the entire body fails to be and do its job. Second, if you are a Christian you cannot opt-out of the Body. You ARE part of the Body even if you choose behavior that is a poor witness or is detrimental to the whole Body.
Kyle Idleman asks "What'll it be?" Do you really choose to be part of this Body of Christ? Or, do you choose to be a fan of Christ (liking Him, believing He exists, thinking His Word is wise ... but failing to put His Word into your life)? God is waiting for your answer. Pastor Randy
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