body of Christ
Why Suffering? Part II
God created everything and called it good, so why is there suffering?
This topic was touched on before, so that part will not be repeated here.
Suffice it to say that God created everything good.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
It is sin that brings forth death.
Every day brings multiple decisions to everyone. When the wrong doorway is opened, sin brings forth death.
Genesis 4:6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
An alternate doorway exists through living in relationship to Jesus Christ.
John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
The actions … or inactions … of mankind have a lot to do with whether or not suffering continues in the earth. In the story of the Good Samaritan, it was the third person who walked by who helped the person who had been beaten and robbed. What if the third person, the Samaritan, had walked on as well?
Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
In “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens there is this exchange between Scrooge and those asking for charity for the poor at Christmas.
“‘At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,’ said the gentleman,
taking up a pen, ‘it is more than usually desirable that we should make
some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at
the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries;
hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir.’
‘Are there no prisons?’ asked Scrooge.
‘Plenty of prisons,’ said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.
‘And the Union workhouses?’ demanded Scrooge. ‘Are they still in
operation?’
‘They are. Still,’ returned the gentleman, ‘I wish I could say they were
not.’
‘The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?’ said Scrooge.
‘Both very busy, sir.’
‘Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had
occurred to stop them in their useful course,’ said Scrooge. ‘I am very
glad to hear it.’
‘Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind
or body to the multitude,’ returned the gentleman, ‘a few of us are
endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and
means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all
others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I
put you down for?’
‘Nothing!’ Scrooge replied.
‘You wish to be anonymous?’
‘I wish to be left alone,’ said Scrooge. ‘Since you ask me what I wish,
gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas,
and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the
establishments I have mentioned–they cost enough: and those who are
badly off must go there.’
‘Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.’
‘If they would rather die,’ said Scrooge, ‘they had better do it, and
decrease the surplus population. Besides–excuse me–I don’t know that.’
‘But you might know it,’ observed the gentleman.
‘It’s not my business,’ Scrooge returned. ‘It’s enough for a man to
understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people’s.
Mine occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen!'”
The attitude of those who left the man beaten by robbers and the attitude of Scrooge is similar to that of another man spoken of by Jesus in parable.
Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
In all these tales, it is man, or rather man’s refusal to respond to that which is before him, that prolongs suffering.
Paul talks about the body of Christ. Our human bodies only work well and accomplish when every part functions harmoniously. Likewise, in our families, our societies, and our nations it requires everyone to do whatever part God has given each to play to solve problems and lessen suffering.
Christ is the head of his body. We are the hands and feet and functioning parts of the body that need to function under the direction of Christ the head. Only in that way, can suffering be ended within the will of God.
For access to online church and other resources, click here for links to various Christian ministries.
Depending on the ministry, there may be online church services, YouTube videos, podcasts, radio programs, books, teaching, or more. You have to seek out what they have.
The Body of Christ
The Apostle Paul likened the Church to a body where there are different members or parts of the body, each with its own task.
I Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
In the human body there are: (Source)
- about 100 trillion cells
- 200 or more types of cells
- 80 known organs
Transposing that to life, it is easy to see that the person down the street, or down the pew in your church, might have a significantly different task from the Lord than you do.
This is why comparison and imitation never work. We are best at what God creates us to be.
II Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Sometimes a human body is injured. Other parts of the body are used in an attempt to compensate for the injury.
Sometimes people who are not best suited to do a job step in and do it because someone else can’t, or won’t.
The best scenario is when everyone functions in the gifts or talents God gives each one. It is best all around.
Even if one church is say, a “heart” church, there still will be differences between members. Think of a human heart. Some parts of the heart have valves. There are chambers. There are places that connect to veins and arteries. In other words, to say the word “heart” does not mean one organ where each cell and part of the organ are exactly the same…similar, yes…but not exactly the same. And each part is necessary for the functioning of the whole.
The Apostle Paul understood this principle and focused on running the race that God had given to him, not the race God had given to another.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
It is good to seek to understand our individual function within the body of Christ and then continue to tweak that at the Lord’s direction.
For access to online church and other resources, click here for links to various Christian ministries.
Depending on the ministry, there may be online church services, YouTube videos, podcasts, radio programs, books, teaching, or more. You have to seek out what they have.
The Body of Christ
I Corinthians 12:12 (KJV) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
In the human body, each part of the body operates to bring health to the rest of the body.
The heart pushes blood to circulate to bring nourishment and oxygen to the rest of the body.
The lungs operate to draw in oxygen that will be transported to the rest of the body because of the action of heart to circulate blood.
The little toe would be interested in the health of the heart, because it is only through the health of the heart that it can get the oxygen and nutrients it needs.
Paul likens the body of Christ to the human body. The body parts recognize, if that sentient verb can be used to make a point, that it can only operate as it is supposed to operate. A heart will always operate as the heart. The liver will always operate as the liver. And so forth….
The body works harmoniously. When it does not, it is called dis-ease, with the dis- prefix meaning “not”, it means not-ease. The body is not at rest when it is ill.
Among mankind, with free will, there can be an attempt to try to be some other part of the body. There can be an attempt to take the place of another part of the body.
In a healthy body, when a cell gets out of line and begins to grow abnormally, that is called cancer. It is not a good thing for the cell, or the body.
For access to online church and other resources, click here for links to various Christian ministries.
Depending on the ministry, there may be online church services, YouTube videos, podcasts, radio programs, books, teaching, or more. You have to seek out what they have.
The Body of Christ
I Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
In regards to the body of Christ, each church or church member will not function exactly the same.
Some may focus on missions.
Some may focus on local food banks and the homeless.
Some may focus on children’s church.
And likewise, various members within a church or within various churches might have different calls or focuses.
One of the callings of the church is the gift of “helps” and that can cover a wide variety of topics…anything from helping out in Sunday school to weeding a flower bed or sweeping a floor.
The world focuses on diversity.
Jesus focused on unity.;
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Unity does not mean being exactly the same. The human body is made of many different parts. The eye, for example, does not look or function like the hand or a heart. However, those different parts work in unity.
It is important to recognize and allow various members of the body of Christ within various churches to fulfill their particular calls, without trying to either imitate or criticize. If the lungs criticized the heart, for example, there would be a problem in the body functioning as a whole.
One of the tactics of the world, of the atheistic communists to gain power, is to use divide-and-conquer techniques. They try to find a division and focus on weakness and aggravate that flaw and thus weaken the opposition.
So it is necessary to remember to stay unified as one body overall, even if individual tasks are different.
When the church falls into focusing on differences it can be in danger of being manipulated by communists.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
You need a Bible-based church that preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.
II Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
For access to online church and other resources, click here for links to various Christian ministries.
Depending on the ministry, there may be online church services, YouTube videos, podcasts, radio programs, books, teaching, or more. You have to seek out what they have.