NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

Unity and building up the body of Christ.

REFLECTION

Building up the body is the theme for our reflection. Another name for the Church is the body of Christ. Paul urged the Church of Ephesus to see themselves as the body of Christ and grow in a manner desired by God, they must “… walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which they have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

It is important to note some of the enemies that pose a challenge to the building up of the body of Christ. Unfortunately some members of the body of Christ are influenced by “the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”(Ephesians 4:14). It is for this reason Jesus “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,”(Ephesians 4:11-13). It is rather sad to note that in some churches some leaders and members engage in unwholesome politics, unnecessary competition that cause division in the church of Christ instead of working together to build up the body of Christ. Church leaders must avail themselves to guide in the teaching or studying the Word of God to help members of the church gain spiritual knowledge that will inure to the growth of the body of Christ.

Both leaders and church members must understand that “there is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:4-7). The lent season creates an opportunity for us to eschew all manner of divisive conducts in the body of Christ even we prepare to commemorate atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross . We need to preach reconciliation, forgiveness, peace and repentance even as we continue to be equipped by the Word of God through the ministry of the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers. Shalom

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, empower us to grow in love and unity even as we build up the body of Christ through sound Biblical teachings. Amen

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)