Growth Two with many members in each

[4afaithfulone]

We understand that the body of Christ is considered one person, yet made up of many members.
And since there are only believers and unbelievers in this world.
We must also then understand that all who reject Christ, are anti-Christ (oppose-The Word) and are the body of Satan being one with many members correct?
1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
God’s Word says that if any man (rather believer or not) who does not love the Truth of His Word enough to allow the Word to come into their flesh and able to walk according to it, then they are not of God. That is how we test the spirit of a man rather he is of God or not. For how can someone claim they love God, but yet hates His Word/Son and can not accept him as Lord and the Truth to live by? For God and His Word are one, they are exactly alike, just as you are exactly as your word. It is only by the Holy Spirit that one can say Jesus is Lord over my life. For without the Spirit you are not able to follow God's Son. When there are divisions of Christ saying I don't believe this scripture, but I like that one. They show that they are not able to accept the truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth, for there is only One Truth and His name is Jesus The Christ of God.
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. KJV

To just say you believe Jesus came in the flesh as a man, is not what is needed, for even the demons knew that, but it does not save them. If you have the Word indwelling you, then devils will see who you are and fear you as well.


Matt 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
KJV

 

[Edward]

Good post sister.

 

[4afaithfulone]

Thank you Brother Edward.. All glory unto God!

 

[Edward]

Thank you Brother Edward.. All glory unto God!

Amen sister! In a similar vein, I have noticed that the body of Christ seems to have many divisions and this should not be so. We all comprise the body of Christ. So when there is disagreement in the body (it happens), there should still be total respect and love for one another as members of the same body. All too often when Christians disagree, they wind up attacking each other and creating strife where there should be none. Would the toe attack the hand because the toe doesn't understand the hand and his job? No. We all have a different walk and are at different points in our walk with the Lord, but being of the same body there should be no division. We back each other up even unto death. That makes sense and is walking in love as we should.

Our Christian board is a prime example. Many things are discussed and disagreements are many. But what happens? Many times it devolves into bickering between brothers and sisters. What message is that sending to the world? There must be unity within the body. A concerted effort to be one. An attitude of, I may disagree with my brother, but will respect him and fight unto the death for him.

Like family. I'd back up my wife unto death even in a situation where I knew she was wrong. Because we have unity. I'm sure many members would agree with that. So what's different about the body of Christ? We're family. Satan must laugh his head off when Christians argue. I forget the scripture quote, but Jesus was inquired of about a certain Apostle and that he would not die. Jesus said, so what is that to you if I would that he tarry until I come?

The one Apostle wanted to know what was up with the other, and got put in his place by Jesus. So the one Apostle either didn't understand or simply had no need to know about that. What could have turned into a division, was curbed when Jesus essentially said, don't sweat the small stuff. Follow the Lord and walk the walk. It saddens me to see such division within the body.

Sorry if this strayed a bit off of your main course of discussion, but it's a real problem within the body that we all should work on within our own walk. I'm talking to myself too! Too many times have I popped off on impulse when I should have kept my eyes upon the Lord instead of reacting to another's statement. Forgive me Lord.

 

[4afaithfulone]

No need to apologize about going a bit of course, I am famous for it : ). The Spirit leads me where he will, when I write.
I agree that we are not to argue especially to the point of any dislike or hatred. We are not to speak evil nor slander, nor pit one against another. For Jesus said a house divided can not stand. Besides, those types of behaviors are not of the Spirit nor one of love of Truth, but of self centeredness and self survival of the fittest which is the carnal nature still clinging to us.
While we may not yet be a body untied, one without spot nor wrinkle, because we are still ironing and cleaning them out getting them ready for the wedding that we are hopefully going to be invited to, we should not be violent in anyway, but never compromise Truth to please the flesh.
But to reason from the scriptures, with the Spirit in prayer to guide us and to sincerely seek truth only, not just what we want it to say, but what it does mean. For to just hear what we want to hear benefits us nothing if it is not the Truth.
1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. KJV
1 Cor 3:2-6
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
KJV

Here is the verse you were mentioning. Yes, Jesus was saying for Peter to not be concerned about what Jesus hand planned for John, for we each have our own unique position in the body of Christ. But he also was revealing to us that if he wanted John to, he could remain alive until he returns. But he wasn't saying that he definitely would, but could.

John 21:21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
KJV
Have a blessed evening,
Diana