Fidelity to the Body of Christ

Romans 15:7-13

When I consider how Jesus Christ accepted me, it makes me wonder how I could ever be like Him. Today in this year 2022, I suffer affliction for choosing Jesus Christ over the mark of the beast, but as the days progress where will I be? Will I be able to embrace other Christians when the consequences could bring more affliction. Will I be faithful to the body of Christ even in the face of death? Will I be accepting of other Christians even in the face of my next health appointment? Will my next recertification for housing assistance be more important than other believers? The next time I go to balance my bank account, will the body of Christ remain more important than the proper balance? Will I be able to accept other Christians as the affliction of the Spirit of Christ progressively worsens?

Jesus Christ accepted me, and for me He took a beating, was cruelly whipped, thorns driven through His scalp, nails driven through His hands and feet, and His heart pierced with a spear. He died for me to reconcile me to God, to wash my sins away. But He didn’t stay dead, but by the power of God He was raised from the dead and now lives for eternity. I too will inherit eternal life through Jesus Christ, and I must accept other Christians in the same way Jesus accepts me. That fidelity exists in the body of Christ.

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you,
in order to bring praise to God.”
Romans 15:7

In this year 2022, under the rule of the internal government of the mark of the beast, it is very important to maintain the hope of God through Jesus Christ. That hope is to live eternally with Jesus Christ in the New Jerusalem. All of us who live by the Spirit of Christ know that fidelity to other believers has nothing to do with good, pleasant, and comfortable feelings. The thing that has power over physiology makes sure to keep me as uncomfortable as possible. It is the mark of the beast. It opposes God and Jesus Christ in its ability to form thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My hope is in the power of the Holy Spirit, which enables me to remain faithful to the body of Jesus through these ungodly and painful times.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

Jesus Christ is the Lord of lords and King of kings but became a servant to the Jews. He never held a position as a Pharisee, Sadducee, Scribe, or any other seat of authority. He came in the capacity of the One who served truth, a service that no other Jew was willing to do. That service fulfilled the promises of bringing Salvation to the world, to those who believe in Him. Jesus is praised among the saved, Jews and non-Jews alike, and that brings a cause for rejoicing within the whole family of God’s people. Jesus Christ arises from the grave and lives to rule over the nations. He is our hope.

“For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth,
so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover,
that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.
As it is written:
“Therefore, I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of Your name.”
Again, it says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.”
And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol Him.”
And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up, One who will arise to rule over the nations;
in Him the Gentiles will hope.”
Romans 15:7-12

---

“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:11