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Autoimmunity in the Body of Christ

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Spiritual autoimmunity within the Body of Christ is a grave issue, surpassing physical autoimmunity in its power to debilitate and destroy. It manifests when parts of the Body misidentify other parts as enemies or view them with suspicion, causing tumult and inefficiency across various quarters of God's church. This often appears as boastful comparisons between ministers or groups, insinuations that another member is less spiritual for differing in administrative alignment, or leaders forbidding fellowship with members of other organizations due to mere differences in approach. As Paul writes, the Body is one with many members, yet all are united in Christ, and if one member suffers, all share in the suffering. In the spiritual Body, defenses are necessary against true threats, but the problem arises from improper discernment and a lack of forbearance, leading to the identification of enemies at every turn. Members blind to their spiritual state often assume the moral high ground, easily marking others as adversaries for minor disagreements. Paul emphasizes that leadership roles are given by Him for equipping the saints and edifying the Body of Christ, focusing on caring for those He places within it, binding wounds and healing sores. Yet, many seem to drag the wounded Body forward, with one part assaulting another, neglecting the needed healing. The cure for spiritual autoimmunity, though difficult to apply, is to focus more on the Head, Jesus Christ, and less on the offending parts. Let Him judge who belongs to His Body, who is suited for each responsibility, and what the Body should be doing. Beseech Him for the vision to see as He sees, including our own spiritual state. When the Body is in spiritual health, working in concert without attacking itself, then Jesus Christ is glorified.

The Church, One Body

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Body of Christ represents the church as a unified entity, composed of individual members who each have unique roles yet work together for a common purpose. As a super-organism, the church functions with each part contributing to the whole, much like a hive or swarm where individual needs are met by serving the collective good. We are called as individuals by God, known in our singular state, yet also called to be part of the Body of Christ, harmonizing with one another to move forward toward the Kingdom of God. In this metaphor, Christ is the Head, coordinating through His Spirit, ensuring that each member fulfills their role without interfering with others. We are placed into the Body as He pleases, tasked to perform our duties with gladness and unity, avoiding schism. If one member rejoices, all should rejoice; if one weeps, all should share compassion. As the Body, we must learn to get along, fitting ourselves as a worthy spouse for Christ, avoiding internal conflict or grudges, reflecting His harmony. The Body of Christ is also likened to a building, with Christ as the foundation, where each member and minister builds with care, knowing that their work contributes to the Temple of God. Every act must strive for perfection, as trials will reveal the quality of our contributions to this holy structure. Similarly, as a household or family, the Body includes all members—sons, daughters, and servants—each working for the benefit of the whole, remaining faithful to the Heir, Christ, to stay in good standing. Ultimately, the Body of Christ, seen in the 144,000 firstfruits, reaches its culmination as those who have overcome, worthy to follow Christ wherever He goes for eternity. We must rededicate ourselves to our individual roles for the good of the whole church, preparing for this glorious destiny.

What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

In the context of the Corinthian believers, the apostle Paul addresses a significant concern regarding their congregational meals in I Corinthians 11:29, stating that he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the body. This phrase, "not discerning the body," carries a profound meaning related to the spiritual Body of believers, the church. As highlighted in I Corinthians 10:16-17, when we partake of the bread that symbolizes His body, we become a part of the spiritual Body of believers who are in Christ and have the Father and the Son dwelling in them. This concept of the spiritual Body is first mentioned in I Corinthians 10, and the subsequent chapters elaborate on interactions and relationships within this Body. To discern the body means to separate or distinguish it in our minds from what is not part of the Body, showing partiality to the Body as a whole rather than making distinctions within it. Paul warns the Corinthians that by making distinctions among individuals within the Body, highly esteeming some and despising others, they risk eating and drinking judgment to themselves. They fail to treat all church members—all the brethren for whom Christ died—with the highest respect, thus partaking of the Passover in an unworthy manner.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Nine)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The marriage relationship and the family structure provide a workshop to learn the intricacies of the God-plane relationship between Christ and the church.

Four Views of Christ (Part 7)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.

Loyalty to the Body

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

When we consider the value of our calling, we must look at Paul's warning about discerning the Body more soberly, maintaining our loyalty to the Body.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eleven)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Our concept of marriage must be positive and more mature, modeled after Christ's attentiveness toward the Church, as opposed to the world's distorted concept.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Wives are admonished to submit to their husbands, children to their parents, servants to their overseers, and we all are admonished to submit to one another.

Remember the Christians

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God made the gospel available to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. The key to breaking down the enmity and animosity is to put on Christ.

The Unleavened Vanguard with Christ

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Christ's warnings to His disciples in Luke 12 may have been given during the Unleavened Bread season, giving us additional forms of leaven to guard against.

Is America a Christian Nation? (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The founding of the United States and the other nations of modern Israel was not random or accidental, but purposely orchestrated by our Creator.

Loving Christ

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Participation in Christ's life is the source of all good. Regardless of what church group we are in, we must establish a relationship with Christ.

What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

I Corinthians 11:29 says that whoever takes Passover unworthily fails to discern the Lord's body, which is composed of those whom God has called.

Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Because of the culture of deception fostered by Satan and his children, we must develop discernment to tell the difference between truth and falsehood.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

A Christian worldview includes the importance of our calling and the reality of God and His laws. Our worldview determines how we spend our time.

'By What Every Joint Supplies'

'Ready Answer' by Staff

One of our primary duties as Christians is to build strong, loving relationships with our brethren. What are you supplying to the growth of the body?

The Mystery of the Church (2005)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul's body analogy illustrates the interconnectedness of all members to Jesus Christ and to each other. Not one is unimportant or useless.

Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The One who sent forth His Spirit to create and breathe life into the physical world, also breathed on His disciples and endowed them with spiritual life.

Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

I Corinthians gives ready instruction in the order and decorum that is fitting for church organization, as well as the Passover and weekly service.

A View of the Work

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Judging the quality of our work by numeric standards is not a measure of spiritual growth, and to equate it with spiritual growth in rank Laodiceanism.

Go Not Out of the House

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

For Passover, Israel was commanded not to go out of their houses. This is also a warning to Christians when we understand the implications of the word 'house'.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The book of Hebrews clarifies that the persecution on the early church did not come directly from God, but He did stir the pot that caused the persecution.

In the Grip of Distrust

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

As our culture deteriorates, a deep-seated distrust exists, not just of government but of institutions like the church that people once had confidence in.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Each member has been gifted by Christ. We must not go beyond the gifts that have been given to us, but must use them humbly, employing them to edify.

Why Is God Doing This, This Way?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must learn to see ourselves and our function as God sees us—as a distinct, unique entity, a holy people, a special treasure.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ups and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.

The Need for Forgiveness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because it is more blessed to give than to receive, the things we desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forgiveness.

What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Neglecting to feed the flock has been detrimental to preaching the gospel to the world. Because of neglect, members succumb to feeling insignificant.

The Purpose of the Church

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The responsibility given to the church Christ has called out of this world is to expand His teachings, magnifying them and making them clear and honorable.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.

Little Things Count!

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

No act is insignificant because of two natural principles: the tendency toward increase and reaping what we sow. They play major roles in our lives.

Psalm 133

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

True unity comes from God via His Holy Spirit and requires humbly submitting to God's terms rather than our own agendas.

A Trustworthy Relationship

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We have been given an incredible privilege to be placed within the Body of Christ. This same privilege applies to our fellow saints as well.

According to the Blessing

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because we do not have an abundance of material blessings, we are gently forced to go back to Almighty God for our sustenance, much the same way as Israel.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Biblical wisdom (sagacity, quickness of perception, soundness of judgment) is achievable by anyone called of God because God is the source of this wisdom.

Unity (2006)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Like the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.

What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The easiest part of God's work is preaching the gospel to the world. Much more demanding is the feeding of the flock, producing life-changing faith.

Unity and Unleavened Bread

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

As members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.

Unity and Division: The Blessing and the Curse (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker

Unity seems to be 'godly,' while division is 'ungodly.' However, unity and division are not as black and white as we typically think of them.

It's Not About You

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Baby Boomer generation has taken on characteristics of narcissism, self-absorption, and excessive self-centeredness, leading to rampant materialism.

A Survey of God's Gifts to Us

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The apostle Paul inventories spiritual gifts that God has given for the edification of the church, including ministry of the word and practical service.

Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Thirteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God is at work producing leadership in an organization that will follow Him, calling people into His family, carefully crafting it into a perfect organism.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.

Who Are We and Where Do We Fit? (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If we really considered or believed in our hearts that our calling was truly a treasure, we would take extraordinary steps to prevent any loss of it.

The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.

It Takes a Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.

God's Workmanship (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Works are not the cause of salvation, but instead are the effect of God's creative efforts at bringing us into His image—a new creation.

Government (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.