THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOOK
We become outraged at murder, yet we Christians are guilty of the most grisly of murder, mayhem, maiming, mugging, and many multitudinous monstrosities!!!
Let me explain: There is a hideous problem among Christians today that must be solved, or, according to the last verses of the Old Testament, God is going to come and "Smite the earth with a curse"! That problem is disunity, criticism, back biting, and the sowing of discord among the brethren. The implications of this criticism are terrifyingly far reaching.
Someone has said that far more people have been murdered by the tongue than by all the other instruments of war combined! (See James 3).
We are called and dedicated to see healing of hearts and relationships take place in the body of Christ. Remember, Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have done it even unto one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me." Matthew 25.
They actually did it to Jesus!!!
Therefore this book is intended as a handbook on HOW TO RIGHTLY RELATE TO EACH OTHER in the body of Christ! The Army of God is described in Joel chapter 2. "They shall not break their ranks:" "Neither shall one thrust another; they shall march every one in his path... "(Verses 7b & 8a). I so wish that this could be said for us modern Christians. Jesus said, "By this shall all know that you are My disciples, If you have love for one another"! (John 13:35) Wow!
What a key for world evangelism! God commands, "Above all, love each other fervently, from pure hearts"! (1 Peter 1:22 & 4:8 - JB), and "Guard earnestly the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"! (Eph.4:3). In other words, it is not enough for us to simply accept, or tolerate or like or even love each other, but that we must love each other with a radiant fervent burning love that is pure.
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SELECTED SCRIPTURES ON CANNIBALISM
Consider the following Scriptures:
1. Take heed, my brethren, lest ye bite and devour one another, and are consumed of one another." (GaI.5:15) How cannibalistic!
2. If you cause one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better if you had never been born." (Jesus is talking to Christians! Mk.9:42)
3. Jesus said, "If you hurt one of these little ones, it would be better for you if you had a millstone hung around your neck, and that you be dumped into the deepest part of the sea." (Matt.18:6) I wonder why this is - - -.
4. If you call your brother (or sister) a fool, a liar, or an idiot, you are in danger of hell fire. (Words of Jesus in Matthew 5) Whew!
5. In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Jesus) Notice, it's NOT "like" doing it unto Christ, but DOING it unto Christ!!! (Matt.25:40)
6. These... things doth the Lord hate, yea, .... are an abomination unto Him...he that sows discord among the brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-20).
7 For if you will not forgive your brother his trespass against you, neither will your Heavenly Father forgive you." (1st promise after the Lord's prayer. Matt.6:15)
8. I John 3:15 "Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." Do you hate any of your brothers or sisters in Christ?
9. I John 3:14b "He who does not love his brother abides in death."
10. Railers...shall not inherit the Kingdom of God." (1 Cor. 6:10) Have you heard any "railing" (heavy criticism) lately? I was outraged one time upon hearing of the torture and dismembering and murder of a little girl. In the midst of my righteous anger, the Lord gently reminded me that far more serious crimes are daily done by outwardly sweet sisters and nice ladies and gentleman who verbally or spiritually or psychically murder and dismember others in the body of Christ! Have you heard the expression for Sunday dinner?" (Sweet smiles in church-critical of the preacher over the noon meal.)
11. Mark them who cause division in the body of Christ and have nothing to do with them." (Rom.16:17)
So, this book is a declaration of war against cannibalism in the body of Christ. Which side of this war are you on?
The second reason for this book is to present a clear vision of the Church of Jesus Christ as God intended for Her to be, and to clearly show how we can be a vibrant fruitful part of THE PERFECT BRIDE!!!
CHAPTER ONE - REVIEW
1. What do you think is the purpose of this book?
2. What are the two things mentioned here about Joel's Army, (Joel 2) that speak of unity in the body of Christ?
3. Who and what did Christ mean when He said, "When you did it to __________ you did it to Me!"?
4. What is the major proof of our discipleship?
5. What key for world evangelization is given here?
6. Why is it not enough for us to just "tolerate" or like or even love one another?
7. What do we mean, "Christian" cannibalism?
8. Who are the "little ones" we must not stumble?
9. What does it mean, "cause them to stumble"?
10. What does it say we deserve if we do stumble them?
11. What are we in danger of if we call our brother or sister what?
12. Who are "these My brethren" Jesus spoke of in the sheep & goats parable?
13. What was the one of the seven things God hates as an abomination?
14. Can you find a hidden potential curse in or near the Lord's prayer?
15. Whoever hates brother or sister is a __________?
16. What in the church is as bad as, or perhaps even worse than, the dismembering of a little girl?
17. Can you think of a time when you are to have nothing to do with a fellow believer?
18. Are you willing to try to do something to stop cannibalism in the Body of Christ?
19. How have you personally been injured by the criticism of others?