Today’s selected reading continues in the first New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints. More specifically todays passage is found in verses twelve through fifty-eight of the fifteenth chapter: “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ is be not risen, then is our preaching in vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are parishes. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:12-22).

 

            “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall say the do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. IF after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink? For to morrow we die. Be not derived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (! Corinthians 15:23-34).

 

            “But some many will say, How are the dead raised up? And with what body they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or some other grain: but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stats: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raise in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly” (1 Corinthians 15:35-49).

 

            “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the wrinkling of an eye,  at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written< Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The string of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth. Us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).

 

HOW IS IT THEN, BRETHREN? WHEN YE COME TOGETHER! Please don’t quickly glance over the words the apostle Paul uses to begin this particular section of Scripture for within them you will encounter something which we as the saints of God must needs recognize and understand. I am absolutely convinced there is something which warrants strong consideration when reading the words which are found here in this passage. Upon reading the words the apostle Paul uses here int his passage you will find him writing and speaking concerning their coming together—something which he had done previously within this epistle. It is absolutely necessary to recognize and understand the words and language the apostle Paul used here in the epistle written unto the Corinthian saints for these words speak directly to their coming together. Within and throughout the epistle the apostle Paul acknowledges their gathering and coming together. It is absolutely unmistakable and undeniable when reading the words presented in this epistle that the Corinthian saints didn’t gather together as the saints of God and as those who were the called by Jesus who is the Christ and Lord. What we find, however, when reading this epistle is that their gathering together was of greater detriment to themselves than it was for their benefit. The more you read the words presented within this epistle the more you can and will be brought face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding their coming together and how their gathering together actually did very little to promote and encourage their spirituality, their maturity and their growth.

 

I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the question which we as the saints of God must needs ask ourselves concerning our gathering together. While it might indeed be true that we might gather together on a weekly basis during a Sunday morning worship service the question must needs be asked what is truly being accomplished in our midst. Can it indeed be said of us when we gather together that we actually do so for the edifying, for the perfecting, for the maturing and for the growth of the saints and the spiritual body of the Lord Jesus Christ? When we gather together as the saints of God in His name within the place set apart to worship Him are we truly and indeed in a place where He alone is worshipped, where He alone is praised, where He alone is honored, where He alone is glorified and magnified? If we were truly willing to be honest with ourselves—and with the Holy Spirit—what is truly being accomplished among us in our midst when we gather together in the name of the Lord? We might indeed profess to be gathered together “in the name of the Lord,” however, the question we must needs ask ourselves is whether or not what is manifested among us is truly spiritual or is in fact carnal. Remember that when the apostle Paul wrote unto the Corinthian saints here in this epistle he declared unto them how he could not write unto them as spiritual but carnal—even as babes in Christ—because their was strife, contention and division among them. Pause for a moment and consider just how incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for the apostle Paul acknowledges that these Corinthian saints—despite the fact they were enriched in all knowledge and came behind lacking in no spiritual gift—were indeed carnal. I am absolutely convinced that in order for us to truly understand this there is a need to examine some of the other writings written by the apostle Paul—specifically in the epistle written unto the Ephesian saints, the epistle written unto the Philippian saints, and the epistle written unto the Roman saints. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in each of these epistles written by the same apostle:

 

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh: but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye though the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:1-17).

 

“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, 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. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligent; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:1-8).

 

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with t hem that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescended to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as m cut as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:9-21).

 

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up for above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelist; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:1-16).

 

 

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each other esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:1-19).

 

It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found within these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to our gathering together as the saints of God and as the disciples of Jesus who is the Christ and Lord. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand it’s that we have indeed been called to gather together in the name of the Lord Jesus and have been called to be those who experience growth, maturity and spirituality. I am absolutely convinced that if growth, maturity and spirituality are not present and do not take place within our gathering together as the saints of God then we are sorely and severely missing the point. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of it for it brings us face to face with the reality that when we gather together as the saints of the living God we must needs build each other up and edify one another as we have been admonished within the Scripture. If there is one thing this first epistle written by the apostle Paul demonstrates and reveals it’s the supreme importance of the body of Christ with its many members. I continue to be absolutely gripped and captivated with the fact that one of the best ways to describe the spiritual body of Christ is through the puzzles we buy in our local retail stores. I am not sure when the last time was you purchased a puzzle but if you have ever bought one you will know there are indeed two main components to the puzzle. The first and main component to the puzzle is the image on the front of the box for without that image you have no clue or understanding of what image you’re trying to put together. The second component to the puzzle is the pieces that are contained within the box itself for the individual pieces were specifically designed to fit together that they might bring forth and manifest the image displayed on the front of the box. With this being said, however, it’s important to recognize that if any of the pieces are missing it is absolutely impossible to create and manifest the image displayed on the front of the box. Oh it is true that you might have most—even a vast majority of the image displayed on the front of the box—however that image will be entirely and altogether incomplete.

 

I sit here today thinking about and considering this and how absolutely astounding and remarkable it is for each puzzle piece within the box not only has a portion of the overall image imprinted upon it but it was also specifically designed to fit and be joined together to at least two other pieces. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for when we look at putting together the pieces of the puzzle we need to recognize that each individual piece was designed to fit together with other pieces which were themselves designed to be joined together with that piece. What’s more is that the puzzle cannot and will not bring forth the image displayed on the front of the box if you attempt to join together pieces which weren’t designed to be joined together. How many times have you attempted to put together a puzzle and thought this piece might be able to be joined together to another only to discover that its size and shape made it impossible to be joined together to that piece? This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of when thinking about the overall objective of the puzzle for at the very heart of the puzzle is the manifestation and bringing forth of the image that is displayed on the front of the box. The single and sole object of each piece contained within the box is to be joined together to the other pieces that the image on the front of the box might be displayed and brought forth. The individual pieces exist for no other reason or purpose and were created for no other reason than to produce the image that was displayed upon the front of the box. Each individual piece contained within the box has a portion of the overall image upon it that when they are joined together that image becomes clearer and more visible. The more the individual pieces come together the more the image becomes visible and is manifested unto those who would look upon it.

 

It’s with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are presented in the thirty-seventh chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Ezekiel. If you turn your attention to the thirty-seventh chapter of this Old Testament prophetic book you will find the Spirit taking the prophet Ezekiel to a valley that was filled with very many dry bones. What would take place there in the midst of the valley would indeed be a powerful picture and image of what we understand concerning the house of Israel—and not only the house of Israel but also the spiritual body of Christ. I can think of no better picture and image in all of Scripture to help illustrate this point even further than Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones. It is this vision that helps us to understand that each and every bone was designed to be specifically connected and joined together to another bone or to other bones. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when speaking of the spiritual body of Christ for it brings us face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful reality of each and every member of the body of Christ being called and created to be joined together to other members within the body of Christ. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the thirty-seventh chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Ezekiel. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse:

 

“The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O LORD God, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: and I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin,a nd put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as a I prophesied, there was a noice, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the LORD God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breath upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, thy say, Our Bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the LORD God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own. Land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD” (Ezekiel 37:1-14).

 

“The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, Moreover, thou son of man, take thee on stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it. For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: and join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the LORD God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and thy shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks wherein thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: and I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse the: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children’s children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore” (Ezekiel 37;15-28).

 

Please do not miss the incredible significance of what is found within the thirty-seventh chapter of the prophetic book of Ezekiel for within this passage—not only do we find the coming together of the very many bones which were scattered across the valley of dry bones but we also find flesh and sinews coming upon them. After Ezekiel prophesied unto the bones there was a great shaking and a great noise that was heard in the midst of the valley as each bone came together unto his bone. What’s more is Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy to the four winds of the earth and prophesy to the breath of the Almighty God that it might breathe upon these slain that they might live. Ezekiel did as he was commanded and the breath of God came from the four winds of the and breathed upon these slain that they would not only live but might stand before him as an exceeding great army. With this resurrect army of the children of Israel and people of God standing before Ezekiel the LORD God would declare unto him that this represented the whole house of Israel and how the LORD would not only cause them to be joined together once more but would also cause them to become an exceeding great army. There was indeed a national idenity that was contained within these bones and that idenity and image would not be realized again unto the resurrection took place. When Ezekiel arrived in the valley according to the Spirit of the LORD and the hand of God upon him he would see nothing more than a valley that was filled with dry bones. Upon arriving in the midst of the valley all Ezekiel could see with his natural—perhaps even spiritual eyes—was a valley that was filled with a very many dry bones, however, where Ezekiel saw nothing more than dry bones the living and eternal God saw an exceeding great army. There was indeed an image that was contained there in the midst of the valley and yet that image could not be seen or realized apart from the bones coming together, without sinews and flesh coming upon them and without the breath of the Almighty being breathed into them.

 

I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the fact that when Ezekiel arrived in the valley he saw nothing more than a valley that was full of a very many dry bones. What’s more is that not only did Ezekiel see a valley that was filled with a very may dry bones but those bones were very dry. Upon arriving in the valley Ezekiel did not and could not see the image that was contained within the valley and the LORD would require of him two specific prophetic utterances and declarations before the work of joining together and resurrection could take place. With this being said we must needs recognize and understand that a portion of the image Ezekiel was a intended to see would indeed be seen when the bones came together and after sinews and flesh came upon them, however, even that image would be incomplete. Ezekiel would indeed see a portion of the image the living and eternal God had designed and intended on him seeing, however, the full image could and would not be realized and actualized without and apart from the breath of God being breathed into and upon them. Only after the breath of God was breathed into them did they then stand upon their feet an exceeding great army. I would imagine that prior to the breath of God being breathed upon they might have looked similar to the way Adam did when the LORD God formed him from the dust of the earth. Adam was indeed a form and a shape there upon the ground, however, he would not be a living soul until the breath of God was breathed into his nostrils. This is something which warrants strong consideration within our hearts and minds when reading this passage of Scripture for the image Ezekiel was meant to see would not be seen or realized until after the breath of God breathed upon those who were slain and they stood upon their feet an exceeding greater army.

 

There is something incredibly unique and powerful about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with an image that was contained within the valley—an image that Ezekiel did not immediately see when arriving. Upon arriving in the valley Ezekiel would see the whole floor of the valley filled and covered with a very many bones which were very dry and scattered across and throughout the valley. What’s important to recognize is that while Ezekiel did not and could not immediately see the image that was contained there in the valley the living and eternal God did. When the LORD God brought Ezekiel to the valley and showed him the very many bones which were dry and scattered the LORD saw the exceeding great army which was before Ezekiel. Ezekiel himself could only see the bones before and in front of him and yet as he prophesied the bones before him would indeed come together bone unto his bone. What’s more is flesh and sinews would come upon the bones as the floor of the valley would now be filled with these lifeless forms as far as the eye could see. This is something which warrants strong consideration when thinking about this encounter Ezekiel had for while it was indeed true he could not and did not see in the valley the exceeding great army which was the house of Israel the living God would show it to him. This, however, would only take place AFTER Ezekiel prophesied unto the bones that they hear the word of the LORD and come together with sinews and flesh coming upon them. Moreover it would require Ezekiel to prophesy to the four winds of the earth and the breath of God that these slain might not only live but come to life again. It’s worth noting that there were certain images which were displayed and visible within this valley as the living and eternal God brought Ezekiel into the midst of it. There would be the vision of the bones which were very dry and scattered throughout the valley. There would be the vision of the lifeless beings and forms within the valley before the breath of God would be breathed into it. There would be the vision of an exceeding great army standing before Ezekiel the living and eternal God would reveal unto Ezekiel that at the very heart of everything he saw was indeed the house of Israel which had been scattered throughout and upon the earth.

 

The more I think about the reality of the spiritual body of Christ in terms of a puzzle that contains the image of something the puzzle maker produced the more I am convinced that each and every one of us has been uniquely formed and fashioned in such a way that we are to be joined together to other members of the spiritual body of Christ. Much like an individual puzzle piece was uniquely designed to connect and be joined together to a minimum of two other pieces so also is each and every member of the body designed and created to be joined together to at least two other members which they were to be fitly joined together. What’s more is that each and every member of the body of Christ has indeed had a portion of the image of the invisible God and the image of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God imprinted upon them. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand concerning the spiritual body of Christ it’s that it was designed and created to display the works of the living God and to display the image of the invisible God who sits above the earth upon His throne. In addition to this each and every member of the spiritual body of Christ has indeed been called and created in such a way that when they come together they help manifest the image of the Head of the body which is the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Just as Jesus was the image of the invisible God in the days when He was the Word become flesh dwelling among us so also we as the spiritual body of Christ are designed and created to bear and manifest the image of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for the spiritual body of Christ exists for one reason and one reason alone within the earth and that is to manifest and display the image of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God in the earth before the eyes of men.

 

I am absolutely gripped with the fact that men and women who are part of the spiritual body of Christ have a portion of the image of the invisible Christ imprinted upon them and when they are joined together as the spiritual body of Christ that image begins to be manifested in the earth. It is indeed true that as individuals we have indeed and have in fact been given the ability to manifest and show forth Christ for it was the apostle Paul who instructed us to put on Christ and spoke of Christ in us who is the hope of glory. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth that we were designed and uniquely created that we might not only have a portion of the image of Christ within and upon us but also that when we come together and are joined together unto others that image is indeed manifested in an even greater measure. The spiritual body of Christ exists to display and manifest the image of the invisible Christ who is the Son of the living God and both Christ and Lord. We exist for no other reason than to display and manifest the image of the invisible Christ and only when and to the degree we come together as one body does that image begin to be manifested in the earth the way it was designed and intended. We should make it our sole desire and ambition to manifest the image of the invisible God whose image and likeness we were created in as well as the image of the eternal and only begotten Son of God who is the head of the body. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for to do so would be to ignore that for which we have been called to within the earth. There is absolutely nothing greater than being those in the earth whose sole purpose and sole ambition is to display and manifest the image of the only begotten Son of the living God. We exist to know Him and to make Him known in the earth which is something the apostle John clearly displayed within his first epistle written unto the saints which were at Ephesus.

 

With all of this being said I can’t help but think about the incredible truth surrounding the spiritual body of Christ and how the body is not made up of one or even a few members but is made up of many members. What makes this all the more intriguing when you think about it is that we don’t know how many members of the spiritual body of Christ there truly are in the earth. What’s more is that this spiritual body of Christ doesn’t merely include those who exist and are present upon the earth but also those who have gone before us. In the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul we find him writing of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ—and not only the resurrection of Christ but how the resurrection of Christ is the foundation and catalyst for the resurrection of the dead for those who have died in Christ and the transformation of those who are alive and remain at the time of Christ’s return and coming again. If you want to truly understand the spiritual body of Christ you must not only recognize and understand it in terms of what exists within and upon the earth but also that which exists in the heaven—that which the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews referred to as “the great cloud of witnesses which surrounds (encompasses us). When we speak of the spiritual body of Christ we must needs understand and acknowledge that this spiritual body is made up of many members which are indeed present within and upon the earth, however, the spiritual body of Christ extends far beyond the realm of time and space and into the realm of eternity. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the epistle written unto the Hebrews, the epistles written by the apostle Paul unto the Thessalonians, as well as the words which are found in this first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints. Consider if you will the following words which are found in each of these passages of Scripture beginning with the epistle written unto the Hebrews:

 

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a battery country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:3-16).

 

“And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barack, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:32-40).

 

“Wherefore seeing we also are compasseda bout with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

 

 

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevents them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a should, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

 

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief, ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11).

 

It is clear from these passages of Scripture that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses which have gone before us—those who were mentioned by name in the eleventh chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews and those whose names weren’t mentioned but whose names and stories are implied and suggested. What’s more is we must needs recognize that this spiritual body of Christ touches all those who have died in Christ and whose bodies have either been buried in a coffin six feet below the surface of the earth or whose bodies have been reduced to ashes via cremation. There are also those who have been lost at sea and whose bodies have been buried in the heart of the oceans, rivers, lakes, and seas of the earth. The apostle Paul writes and speaks of the dead which are in Christ rising first and then we which are alive and remain at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ will be gathered together with them to meet Christ in the air. Pause for a moment and consider what that sight would indeed look like when the whole spiritual body of Christ can and will be gathered together in the air to meet and stand before the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Stop and think about what that sight would and could look like as saints past and saints present are gathered together in the heavens to meet the Lord in the air where they will come together as one body—Jew and Gentile, bond and free from even nation, tribe and language within and upon the earth. How absolutely wonderful and incredible it will be to be gathered together in the air with all those who have gone before us and be gathered together in the presence of the eternal and only begotten Christ and the Son of the living God. How absolutely incredible it will be to be gathered together in the midst of the air together with Christ and with the saints of God—those who have gone before and those who were alive and remained upon the earth at the time of His coming and return.

 

Having said this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which the apostle Paul wrote in this first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints—first in the twelfth chapter of this epistle and then in the fifteenth chapter of the same epistle. It is in the twelfth chapter we experience the tremendous truth concerning the spiritual body of Christ while it is in the fifteenth chapter we understand and recognize that the spiritual body of Christ not only touches those who are alive in the flesh upon the face of the earth but those who have died in Christ and have gone before us. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful reality of the spiritual body of Christ and how it touches both the eternal as well as the physical and natural. The spiritual body of Christ isn’t only those who are alive and present upon the earth but the spiritual body of Christ touches those who have died in Christ and who are waiting for the resurrection of just. With this in mind I invite you to consider first the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the twelfth chapter of this first epistle unto the Corinthian saints before considering those words which are found in the fifteenth chapter:

 

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working or miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).

 

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also iS Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. IF the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body’s; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

 

As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to close and to leave you with the following word which are found in the fifteenth chapter of this first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth. In the first eleven verses of this chapter the apostle Paul not only declares that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures but he was also buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures. The apostle Paul sets as the foundation of the words in this passage of Scripture the death and burial of Christ for the remainder of this chapter deals extensively and exclusively with the concept of resurrection. The apostle Paul begins by writing and speaking of the resurrection of Jesus from the grave—and not only the resurrection of Jesus from the grave but also how He manifested and showed Himself alive after His resurrection unto others. The apostle Paul writes and confirms how the Lord Jesus showed Himself alive unto Cephas (Peter), unto the twelve and was seen of above five hundred brethren at once—most of whom were still alive and remained at the time this epistle was written. Within the first eleven verses of this chapter the apostle Paul describes the death and burial of the Lord Jesus before transitioning to His resurrection from the dead on the third day and how He showed Himself alive unto His disciples over the period of the next forty days. What’s more is that it is because Jesus was raised from death to life that we are able to experience resurrection and it is because He ascended unto the right hand of the Father in heaven we are able to experience the transformation of our physical bodies into spiritual bodies that we might dwell with Christ where he is together with the Father, with the angels, and with all those who have died and gone before. With this in mind I leave you with the words found in the first chapter of the New Testament book of Acts as well as the words presented in the fifteenth chapter of this first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints:

 

“The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he thought the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:1-11).

 

“But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raise din incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a. Natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul: the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earth, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly” (1 Corinthians 15:35-49).

 

 

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,a nd the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall b e brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).