Body Works Anew

Where are We Going? (updated 11/21/08)

I have been struggling to put my thoughts into words as far as what I see happening with the Body of Christ at large* (*this means all who have called on the name of Jesus for salvation). This site is dedicated to the promotion of a healthy Body of Christ which, in my understanding, means continually pressing to know more of God: His purpose & His VISION for us in these days of trial, testing, stripping, standing ... pursuing God, pursuing His purposes, His methods, His design into deeper territory. Anyone agree? Disagree?

Regardless of our intentions, over the years, to many "outsiders", the image of the "church" has become one of an arrogant, narrow, spiritually elite click of wounded, stifled people who, for the most part, have yet to learn to walk in the power and victory of Jesus. Either that, or the "church" is just plain impotent. Sound harsh?

Just this morning, I read a blog article that was terribly concerned with the "pirating" of church members, as if church membership was the #1 priority. The fact is, many churchgoers have yet to apprehend a realistic taste of God's love - exactly Who God is and what He wants from and for His kids ... His Bride ... His Church. Yet many have developed an arrogance based on a "we're saved and you're not" mentality. It didn't happen overnight, but like most wrong attitudes, it moved step by step into our thinking and even our praying. It seems to me, we have lost sight of the absolute fact, that God loves the sinner as much as the saint. He loves each one perfectly and longs for fellowship with each one ... intimate fellowship! God's love for me is no greater than, nor any less than His love for Billy Graham, or Smith Wigglesworth or St. Peter, or Deborah (the Old Testament prophetess), or Anna (the widow who blessed the infant Jesus at the Temple) or Ted Bundy, or Saddam Hussein ... etc. Every human being ever born, has been the focus of God's love sacrifice. So ... where does this leave the church?

Well, ... I do NOT claim to know all or understand all! But I do think I have a small glimpse of where we are going. I found it in John 17:21. Jesus prayed that we (who is we?) would be one even as He and His Father are one.

The day of exclusive Christianity is coming to an end, by God's grace.

God will have One body, united in purpose. This does not necessarily mean we have to agree on everything. No, I am not speaking of an ecumenical, politically correct Body, either. Not one of us can claim to have complete understanding of the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 13:9-13 tells us that we see in part, we understand imperfectly. I bet, though, if I share what I understand about the Church's vision, and you share what you understand, and we each share what we understand - not as FACT but as our personal interpretation or understanding, God, by His Holy Spirit will bring correction and direction. We cannot go on as "Lone Rangers". We need one another. We need the gifts and talents God has deposited within His people to be released and embraced.

We are not clones, but followers of Christ; not puppets, but children of God. The Baptists need the Methodists who need the Pentecostals who need the Roman Catholics ... all who have called upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus will have One Bride!

I am NOT saying there are no absolutes. Not everything is gray ... yes, there are some issues that are very, very clear.

• All humans are born sinners: sin is at the root of our nature.
  
• Our sin separates us from fellowship from God.
  
• God loves each individual so much He desires intimate fellowship with each one.
  
• So ... God prepared a plan, before the foundation of the world ~ a way for sinful mankind to be restored to ... Jesus. Fellowship broken by our sinfulness can now be restored. The way has been make in Christ Jesus. He can actually live His life through ... in me, US ... His Church, transforming little by little our base sin nature.
  
• Only the sacrificial blood of Jesus can atone for our sin and restore us to fellowship with Father God.
  
• Every knee will bow at the name of Jesus to the glory of God the Father.
  

There are also many issues that are vital to us today that are not so clear.

• What do we do with the homeless,
• those with AIDS,
• illiteracy in this nation
• lottery prizes of $300 million dollars (or more) is a starving world?
• How do we ask God to bless our nation when babies are legally slaughtered daily?
• Is there a place for homosexuals within the Church? or same-sex unions?
• What is sin?
• What is grace? and how far does it reach?
• Why are there so many believers outside the local congregation?
• What are the Biblical roles of man and woman, husband and wife?
• What makes a family?
• What do we do with the poor, the mentally ill, the dying?

What is the purpose of the CHURCH? (Check out "Let This Sink In ..." by Rick Joyner) What is the function of the local congregation? Are all believers of equal value to God and the Body of Christ, really? These are just some of the questions I have been wrestling with over the past few months. Anyone else?

These are the same issues Body Works Anew will be investigating further through the Word. I encourage your feedback. Let me know what is on Your minds and hearts.

For additional, varied writings by VelvetDreams, check out her blog at Mindsay. Be sure to say hello & introduce yourself!

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Shake up your Faith!!!

New & Past Articles for "Body Works" "God, Without Walls" updated 6/22/08 "The JOB of the Believer updated 6/22/08 Let This Sink In ..." by Rick Joyner "A Woman's Place" "Body Equality" "God's Good Intentions"  "Law v. Grace" "Walk Satisfied" "It's About Respect"  "The Three Little Pigs--A Modern Day Parable by Kathi Pelton " "Making a Joyful Noise" "What is SIN?" "Sugar or Vinegar?" "Healthy Churches" by Gil Caan "10 Lies the Church Tells Women" by J. Lee Grady

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Rik Berry is the painter of this anointed piece called "Prodigal Daughter". Click his name to visit his site and view more anointed paintings.





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