A Word for the Body of Christ: Recent Episodes
Mark Hornish
Church membership is declining because of the growing dissatisfaction with the modern corporate church model. The number of unchurched and unbelievers is on the rise as a result. The discontent is stirring a greater interest in discipleship and small groups meeting in homes, which is the original design of the early church. It is the model that turned the world upside down back in the day and will do so again before the day of the Lord. Now more than ever a word for the Body of Christ is needed.
The Good Shepherd accomplished the ultimate countermove. Much like the Maccabees, the Messiah turned the repudiation of the civil and religious authorities into the greatest victory against evil and the kingdom of darkness. By driving nails into the Lord of glory they literally nailed their own fate. The divine strategy won the victory and authority at Calvary, which has been given to the Body of Christ to continue the good fight in the cause of Christ.
References: John 10:11-18,22; 1 John 3:7-9; 1 Corinthians 2:6-8; Matthew 23:37-39, 24:1-2,34; Ephesians 4:9-10; Colossians 2:13-15; Genesis 3:15; Matthew 28:18-20.
Religion murdered Christ and rolled the stone over the opening of the tomb. Secret disciples stepped out of the shadows and prepared His body for burial. Little did they realize the body would rise again three days later. The modern church under the control of civil and religious authorities has found its way back to the tomb. There are secret disciples once again reclaim His Body and prepare it to rise again in the last of the last days. References: John 12:44-46, 19:38, 3:1-3,9-10; Luke 23:50-53; John 12:42-43.
The Sabbath healings are teachable moments Jesus used to instruct His disciples about the importance of breaking free from bondage and tyranny. They are practical lessons about doing good and showing compassion in the face of religious oppression, whether it takes the form of Judaism or Christianity. The Lord is challenging the remnant to choose your fate wisely and step across the line without fear or regret.
Always be ready to draw the “line in the sand” and obey God rather than men. The “line” delineates the place where obeying both God and authorities becomes a contradiction. Knowing where to draw the “line” isn’t the same for everyone. The difficult part is finding the courage to actually draw the “line” and do it with the right attitude.
Choices have consequences, especially when defying an authority becomes necessary. The apostles provide a great example of defiance seasoned with honor and respect and accepting the consequences for doing right.
It’s about jurisdiction, folks! Jesus declared His authority, delegated His voice and commanded His church to speak to the nations in His name. The eyes of the remnant need opened to their authority and the powerful link between authority and faith.
The modern church has truly missed a golden opportunity to take the lead during the 2020 pandemic. It is time for the Body of Christ makes a stand and obeys God rather than man without fear or intimidation.
The church is in desperate need for a renaissance. There is a growing dissatisfaction with the current church model and people are searching for more than skinny jeans, big screens and smoke machines (thank you Mario Murillo). They are migrating to small groups meeting in homes and other locations. The dissatisfaction is more than a feeling; its an unction of the Holy Spirit drawing the remnant back to the early church model. References: 2 Corinthians 6:17; John 15:18-19, 14:6; Ephesians 2:4-6,14.