"God has put the body together; giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so there would be no division in the body, but that its members should have equal concern for each other." (1 Corinthians 12:24-25) History has shown how divisions weaken the Body of Christ and damage our testimony to the world. That is why our challenge today is the same as was for the Corinthians; learning to walk in true unity despite our differences. One day, when we stand before God, He won't ask if we were conservative or charismatic. He will ask if we loved each other, if we cared for each other, and if we chose unity over division. So this is our calling: #1 To choose unity, even when we disagree. #2 To choose humility, even when we're convinced we're right. #3 To choose love, even when our interpretations differ. This is how we become a strong, healthy, and united Body...just as God designed us to be!
1 John 3:2-3 (TPT) says "Beloved, we are God's children right NOW; however, it is not yet apparent what we will become. But we do know that when it is finally made visible, we will be just like Him, for we see Him as He truly is. And all who focus their hope on Him will always be purifying themselves, just as Jesus is pure." So when Jesus actually appears, we will be like Him! John is saying here we are not shining as we will one day. We are both children of God and reflections of God! We will be transformed. We will have a new resurrection body, and be transformed into an eternal being! In His resurrection body Jesus was able to appear to His disciples, walk through walls, eat a fish supper. We will be just like that: 'we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.' Because we have this hope, we also need to purify ourselves, just as He is pure. There is a purifying hope that transforms us.. This is more than the second coming. This is the hope of g...