Body of Christ 10.07.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Matthew, please read Chapters 15-17 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. You can also cut & paste the link to your broswer: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2015-17&version=9

Today we will read about the rebuke of the Scribes and Pharisees; Jesus feeding 4000; Peter trying to rebuke Jesus; the transfiguration of Jesus; and the disciples disbelief. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that We are the Body of Christ.

Caesarea Philippi was the location of the famous worship center of the Greek god Pan, which paid tribute to all the gods in paganism, including the Canaanite's Baal, whom they considered to be a lord of heaven and earth. In the midst of the large number of idol worshipers, Jesus asked His disciples who the people think He might be. "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. " (Matthew 16:13-19).

For the first time, Jesus introduces the word, Church, a church is a community where Jesus is the Head of a group of caring brothers and sisters who fellowship with one another. These are people who have accepted Jesus with all their hearts and have been redeemed by His blood, they are commited to Jesus as their Savior and Lord under the discipline of the Word of God. They also recognize their responsibility to help one another in living their covenant relationship with Christ since the Church is the Body of Christ. The apostle Paul said, "through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." (Romans 12:3-5).

Caesarea Philippi was located about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee, it was situated at the foot of the southern slope of Mount Hermon, with it's snowcapped peak 9000 feet aboove sea level. This was the highest mountain in the promised land, which many believe to be where Jesus transfigured (changed His appearance). He brought Peter, James, and John along with Him to witness the amazing transfiguration, "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. " (Matthew 17:1-7).

We do not need to be afraid of the Power of God upon our lives, we may face difficulties, the loss of loved ones, and even tragedy, but always know that Jesus is with us and indwells in each and every one of us. He takes tragedy and turns it into triumph.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me not waste my time and energy on futile or wishful thinking, instead fix my thoughts upon You, Jesus. Anchor my soul in Your Word and when I am faced with difficulties give me the peace I need to endure them gracefully. Remind me that I serve an extraordianry God who is with me always and that You will never leave me. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God bless you,
Christina

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