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How the Body of Believers Becomes Sick

How the Body of Believers Becomes Sick

We experience overall physical health when the various parts of our body are each healthy and are working together in harmony. Our health and ability to function are diminished if any part of our body is damaged or otherwise unhealthy.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a human body for the church:

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (12:12–27 NIV84).

The head of the church is Jesus (Ephesians 4:15; 5:23), so the most serious assault on the body of believers would be to sever our (the body) connection to Jesus (the head). Just as in the beheading of a physical body, if the body of believers become detached from Jesus, it will die.

In this blog, I won’t go into the multiple ways through which Satan works to undermine our living faith connection to Jesus and install himself (masquerading as Christ) as the head of the church—but he has done this throughout history—see our blog The Blindfolds and Veils Satan Uses to Blind the World. Instead, I want to focus on how Satan tricks the body of Christ into attacking itself, into a spiritual autoimmune disease in which various members work against each other.

Spiritual Autoimmunity

Our physical bodies can experience an injury or wound to a specific member—a broken arm, a cut finger, a sprained ankle. The injury/wound’s impact on the overall functioning of the body largely depends on its location and severity, but the rest of the body will attempt to rally to compensate, protect, and heal the wounded member, seeking to restore health and full function.

Likewise, if any individual member of the body of Christ is unhealthy—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—then their ability to fulfill God’s calling is diminished and the body of believers suffers and is less efficient in carrying out the Lord’s purposes. In a highly functional Christian community, the healthier members will rally appropriate supports and interventions to help compensate for, protect, and restore the struggling member to the highest level of health and functioning possible.

It would be destructive to our physical bodies if, with every injury we experienced, we simply cut off that body part. Likewise, it is injurious to the body of Christ to cut out from our fellowship every member who becomes spiritually wounded or sick. We amputate physical body parts only when they are beyond healing; we sever our fellowship with other people only when they have passed the point of being restored to godly fellowship.

Sadly, there will be times when an individual member’s heart becomes gangrenous with selfishness and they are bent in inciting division, conflict, and undermining Christian love and unity, resisting all efforts to restore them to healthy love and trust. In those rare instances, amputation is required—a tragic severing of the connection from the body is necessary (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Sometimes our physical bodies, rather than having an injury to a single part, can suffer systemic illness—a body-wide sickness that negatively impacts all the various parts.

In much the same way, the body of believers can become sick as a group with a systemic spiritual ailment. For instance, a congregation of good-hearted believers can fall into a group hysteria in which they all become terrified of some perceived external threat, often one they cannot themselves see or identify, but the threat causes everyone to become afraid. The fear itself then becomes a contagion that causes the church members to see fellow members as threats, and this causes them to isolate from one another rather than fellowship—to stop visiting the sick, stop evangelism, and even close the doors to their facility and cancel worship services. Such a body is no longer functioning as Jesus designed.

And worse yet, sometimes our physical bodies can suffer with an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself. When this happens spiritually to the body of Christ, church groups will devolve into factions who bicker among themselves, in which members become “orthodoxy and behavior police” of other members, gossips, and even bring accusations and slander against their own members.

Applying the Cure

The treatment for autoimmune disease of the physical body is some form of anti-inflammatory intervention that calms down the immune system and gets the body to stop seeing its own members as enemies to be attacked and destroyed.

Likewise, the only cure for a body of believers that has turned on itself is the presence of the Holy Spirit, who will bring the needed truth and love to bear in each individual heart so that members stop seeing other members as enemies and, instead, start working to heal and restore each other to health. This can only be done when Christ lives in the heart.

We can protect the body of believers from becoming sick in the first place by embracing and living out God’s wisdom for ourselves and our organization. God’s wisdom is lived out when we recognize that we are all different, just like the parts of the body are different. We have different talents, different gifts from God, and different life experiences, interests, personalities, abilities, education, and qualifications. This means we are not all equally fit to fulfill every position in a thriving church community. Some of us, even with the purest of heart, would drive out people from our meetings if we were to perform special music. Others would cause confusion if they were to teach. The body functions best when all individual members fulfill the function for which God has prepared them and for which they are called.

When we are converted to Jesus Christ and humbly submit ourselves to His service, we surrender our ego, our pride, our demands, and, instead of seeking to advance ourselves, we joyfully accept the role, job, position, calling that God knows we are best equipped to fulfill. In that place, fulfilling God’s calling for our life, we experience our greatest success, joy, and contentment; it is in carrying out God’s will for our lives that we thrive and find our true happiness. And when we see each member as being part of the same team, rather than as competitors, we rejoice when those who are gifted by God fulfill the duties for which they are best suited—because we know the team (body) is more likely to succeed at being a light to the world.

When the body of believers functions like this, every person values every other person and recognizes every individual as part of the family of God. We don’t become envious but rejoice in the successes of others, and we celebrate the fact that we are fulfilling God’s calling for our lives.

Satan tries to trick us by getting us to compare ourselves with others and, thereby, introduce division. Jesus had to remind the apostle Peter of this very truth. On the beach, after Peter was reconciled to Jesus, and Jesus tells him of his future sacrifice, Peter asks about John:

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” (John 21:20–23 NIV84).

Jesus was saying, “What difference does it make to you what I have called John to accomplish for me? The question for you is: Will you be faithful; will you be loyal; will you do your duty for my kingdom?”

This message was not just for Peter; it is also for you and me today. We each have a calling, a duty, a purpose in God’s kingdom. All the converted are part of the body of Christ, and our responsibility is to remain engaged in what God has called us to do in His cause—not to be distracted with what He has called others to do!

One of Satan’s traps is to get people to compare themselves to others and become dissatisfied with their own station, to become jealous, envious, discontented. This is the philosophy of the world, what the Bible calls foolishness. It stirs up division, conflict, hatred, backstabbing, gossiping, and evil surmising.

We become sick as a body of believers when we replace trust in God with self-promotion, when we exchange the methods of God for the methods this world, when we replace the design laws of God with the imposed rules of this world, when we exchange the principles of God for the principles of this world, when we replace objective reality with declarations, claims, and assertions.

If we want to be healthy as a body of believers, we must return to worshiping God as the Creator and living out His methods and principles in governance of ourselves. That means we must reject the philosophies of this sin-sick, self-centered world and live out the design-law truth as it is in Jesus. Each individual, if we want to thrive and experience the greatest fulfillment in this life, must surrender self to Jesus and seek His calling and purpose in our lives. We must fix our eyes on Him and not compare ourselves to others. We must carry out the duties God has given us to do to the best of our abilities and trust Him with how things turn out.

I encourage you to reject the self-exaltation, divisive methods of this world and to fix your eyes on Jesus, committing yourself to fulfilling to the fullest God’s calling for your life.

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Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

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Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA