Body of Christ

The significance of 'Body' as it relates to Global Ministry

Paul's usage of the term 'body' in the Epistles [in a religious sense] is a consistent reference to the Universal Church, which is the Body of Christ rather than in reference to a single local church. Thus, the teaching found in Romans, First Corinthians, Ephesians and Colossians must be interpreted as a commentary on the inter-personal relationships which should exist between members of 'The Church" both individually and as corporate entities regardless of their geographical location.

It is the theology of the 'Body' which forms the basis for global ministry. Each member of the Church has an obligation to their localized manifestation of the 'Body' and then to other localized manifestations of the 'Body', whether in their own locality and country or around the world.

Each church, as a local manifestation of the universal church, has a responsibility to participate in the life and ministry of other local churches of like precious faith for the furtherance of the gospel and the building up of the body.

The primary model used by God to illustrate this truth is the community relationship which should exist within the body. This relationship is manifested at all levels of the body, from the community between two believers to the community between or more local churches which are located in vastly different cultures and geographical settings.

The heart of this community relationship is the spiritual unity that believers enjoy because of their salvation and new life in Christ. Each believer is a member of the body of Christ and because of this relationship has by extension a unity with other believers. The actual living out of this unity between believers in Christ can be limited by a variety of factors, some valid such as doctrinal differences, and some only seeming limitations such as distance, culture and language.

The biblical basis for an association of local churches, whether national or international, is found in the 'body' passages of the Word of God. And each member of the 'body' is responsible to minister to other members of the body whether on a personal level or a corporate level through partnering churches, educational institutions, or other support organizations.

The Bible establishes the scriptural mandate for personal and corporate body ministry between the various parts of the church as well as the foundation of all biblical fellowship, a mutually agreed upon statement of faith

An excellent summary of the use of body in the New Testament can be seen in an article written by David lackey, Implications of the Body / Church Metaphor in the Pauline Epistles.

The Church

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the body. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

The Path to Godliness Leads through the Valley of Suffering

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,.

The Church

Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

Rejoice in the midst of Sufferings

1 Cor. 12:24-25 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The Body

Romans 12:4-5 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.