“But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God. Even to them that believed on his name” (John 1:10).
In the beginning was the Word. The scripture tells us the Word, Jesus, walked among us and was made flesh, yet when He came unto His own they didn’t receive Him. However, verse 12 tells us that those who did receive Him, He gave them power (or the authority, right, and privilege) to become the sons of God. So the only way for us to get the benefits of Jesus is to receive Him.
Now before we go further, let’s ask ourselves this question from a scriptural standpoint. Who is Jesus? Ephesians 1:16-23 gives us some revelation about Jesus.
First, the scripture tells us that Jesus conquered Satan. Secondly, it tells us that when Jesus was raised from the dead all things were put under His feet. Then it tells us that Jesus is the head of the church.
So that means that Jesus and the church are one. I mean, your body doesn’t walk around without its head – does it? The head is always attached to it – right? That’s because they are one. Well Jesus – the head, and the church – the body, are one. And when the body is separated from the head the only thing left is death.
Verse 23 says that the church is the fullness of Him that fills all in all. The only way for us to receive the fullness of God is that we receive all of the church. The church is anyone who has received Jesus Christ as Savior. Therefore, if we talk about the church, then we’re talking about Jesus.
The Scripture says, “ye are the body of Christ and members in particular…” The church has different members just like a body has different members, which all make up one body. So if a leg is cut off and put somewhere else in the city, it’s still a part of that body.
Well, every Christian is a part of the body of Christ no matter where they are or who they are. We all get our orders from Christ, the head. You see, God designed this thing so that we all need each other.
In other words, there are things in the Body of Christ that you and I can only receive through other parts of the body. That’s why we are to receive the whole Body of Christ, every race and nationality, in order to receive everything God has for us.
Scripture References: Ephesians 1:16-23; 1 Corinthians 12:26-27
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).