The Body of Christ: Living in the Spirit

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what it means to be part of the Body of Christ? We often hear about salvation, about living victorious lives, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What does God expect of us in this life? What is our role in His Kingdom here on Earth? In this blog post, we’re going to explore how we, as the Church, are meant to be the active Body of Christ, living out His Kingdom on earth right now, not just waiting for the future.

The Church Is Being Shaken for a Greater Purpose

There’s a stirring happening in the Church today, and God is shaking His Body for the better. But what does this mean for you and me? What is our role in this process?

You might wonder: How can I start to see what God is doing in the world today? I’ve found that keeping a notebook close by helps me capture the wisdom and pieces of the Word that God reveals during church services. It’s in those moments, when I write down what I’m hearing, that I begin to understand more about God’s heart for His Church.

As I reflect on what the Lord is showing me, I’ve been thinking a lot about His Church—the Ekklesia, the Body of Christ. In Ephesians, we’re reminded that “we are all members of one body.” But are we truly living out the fullness of what it means to be part of that body?

Living Out God’s Kingdom on Earth

Lately, I’ve been feeling a deep urgency in my own life to actively live out the Kingdom of God. As children of God, we represent His Kingdom here on Earth.

But here’s the question: Can we honestly say that our lives reflect God’s Kingdom?

For many years, the focus in the Church has been on preaching the Good News of salvation, and while that’s incredibly important, we’ve missed the larger picture. The Kingdom of God isn’t just about getting saved—it’s about bringing heaven to earth now.

The Gospel: More Than Just Salvation

What is the Gospel? It’s the Good News—not only about our salvation in Christ, but also about God’s Kingdom here and now.

For a long time, these two messages—salvation and the Kingdom—were treated as separate things. We often thought salvation was for us now, but God’s Kingdom was something for the future. But the truth is, God has saved us so that His Kingdom can be manifested through us here and now.

In the beginning, Adam and Eve didn’t lose heaven; they lost their authority and rulership on Earth. But through Jesus, we’ve been reinstated to rule and reign as God originally intended. God’s Kingdom is not just for one day in the future—it is for now. And it’s through us, His Church, that His Kingdom is being advanced.

Why the Church Is Silent and Powerless Today

So, why is the Church so silent and powerless in our world today? The reason is simple: We’ve believed the lie that God’s Kingdom is for later, not for now.

But we have been called to demonstrate God’s Kingdom on Earth, and it starts with us. We have to take hold of the world around us, and that begins with taking care of each other in the Body of Christ.

The Role of the Church in Advancing God’s Kingdom

Paul shares an important perspective in Ephesians 3:8-11. He explains that it is the Church’s purpose to display the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. God’s plan from the beginning was to use the Church to reveal His wisdom and to advance His Kingdom.

But if we, as believers, are not stepping into the fullness of our calling, we can’t expect to have any real influence on the world around us. We need to start taking responsibility for our own roles in God’s Body.

Taking Back Territory for the Kingdom

How do we start taking back territory for God’s Kingdom? It begins right here, with us—in our homes and in our relationships with each other.

We need to become the active Body of Christ (Read More Here: The Body of Christ in Action) , which means stepping beyond the superficial pleasantries of “Good morning, how are you?” and truly engaging with one another. When was the last time you took someone’s hand, looked them in the eye, and asked how they were really doing? How can we expect to bring God’s Kingdom to earth if we can’t even care for one another within the Body?

The Church as One Unified Body

You see, the Body of Christ isn’t a machine; it’s a living organism made up of many parts, each with a unique purpose. But for the body to function properly, all the parts must work together.

If one part of the body is struggling, the entire body feels it. If we’re not truly connected to one another, then the Body of Christ is not functioning properly.

The Power of Community: Caring for One Another

One of the most powerful ways we can advance God’s Kingdom is by taking care of one another. We are called to love, serve, and provide for each other because that’s what a healthy body does. The Church isn’t just a building or an organization; it’s a family. And families take care of each other.

A Call to Action: Become the Active Body of Christ

If we want to see God’s Kingdom advance in the world, it has to begin with us. It’s time for each of us to step into our roles in the Body of Christ and become the active hands, feet, and heart of Jesus in the world today.

We have to stop ignoring one another and start truly caring about each other’s well-being. We have to move beyond casual acquaintances to genuine relationships. When one part of the Body suffers, we all suffer. But when we come together, supporting and loving one another, we create a powerful force for the Kingdom of God.

So, are you ready to play your part? It’s time to be the Body of Christ, active and alive in the world today.

Conclusion: Let’s Live as God’s Kingdom on Earth

The call to advance God’s Kingdom is not just a future hope—it’s a present reality. As the Body of Christ, we have been given the authority and the responsibility to manifest God’s Kingdom here and now. Let’s begin by loving one another, serving one another, and actively living out God’s will in our daily lives. Only then can we expect to see transformation in the world around us.

Be Blessed,

Barry.