Those Who Use Words Without Knowledge Need to Know the Word of God

On January 12th, I saw a clip of a CNN news panel (aired the 11th), in which an individual made a shocking statement uncovering her complete ignorance of the Christian faith.  The statement troubled me, especially as there was no rebuttal to her words from anybody else on the interview.  You can watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=nS3fuu5aSz0&app=desktop-

Immediately, I was concerned on a number of levels, and sought find out who this person was and discovered that Kathleen Parker is a top correspondent and a Pulitzer prize winner.  I was amazed not not only that she made this blunder, and that she seemed confident of her understanding of "religion", but that none of the three others involved called her out on this blunder, or sought to clarify the actual meaning for the audience.  

Before I wrote this post, I wanted to reach out to her (and her staff), in order to declare the truth and give her opportunity to correct herself. It has been a few weeks, and I have received no word in reply.

Here was my communication to her:

Hello.  My Name is Kevan Myers.  The following segment from CNN was brought to my attention (here I supplied the link). 

You said, "I don't think there's any chance Ted Cruz can win a general and here's why...He said...'It's time for the body of Christ to rise up and support me.'  I don't know anyone who takes their religion seriously who would think that Jesus should rise from the grave and resurrect Himself to serve Ted Cruz.  I know so many people who are offended by that comment."

I am unaware with which, if any, religion you identify yourself.  I am concerned that you do know seem to know what Ted Cruze was meaning when he spoke of the "body of Christ".  If I can help clarify the Christian perspective, I would be delighted to be a blessing in this way.  

[Now it could be that you misspoke, and didn't mean to say what you did, and it came out wrong.  That would be completely understandable.  If this is the case, feel free to let me know.  But for now, I must assume that you believe what you stated on CNN.]

The "body of Christ" is a very common term for those who are believers in Jesus. It is title of the church--Christ's "body" is made up of local bodies, called churches, assemblies, fellowships.  This term, used widespread all over the world by Christians, is based in the Scriptures:

Romans 12:4-5 

4 "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:" 

5 "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

I Corinthians 12:12-14 12 

"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." 

13 "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." 

14  "For the body is not one member, but many."

Calling the church (those saved by faith alone in the payment of Jesus Christ on the cross) the "body of Christ" has been done from the infancy of the church throughout the centuries and up to today.  

Ted Cruze did not mean that it was time for Jesus Christ's physical remains to rise from the death and join his presidential campaign.  He meant that he desires for those who know and believe in the Gospel, to rise and support him and his campaign--as he believes that his stands and proposed policies are in line with the beliefs and values of Christianity. 

This brings up another error in which I cannot forget to mention.  One reason why Ted Cruze could NOT be saying that Jesus' physical body needs to come out of the grave now, is because Ted Cruze knows that Jesus has already come out of the grave.  It happened about 2,000 years ago, the third day after His crucifixion.             
                                

I Corinthians 15:3-4

3 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;" 

4 "And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"  

That grave was left empty, for the Saviour Jesus Christ is ALIVE.  Christ's physical body is already risen.  The resurrection is a central part of the Gospel, and understood by Christians.  

                                    

It not only concerned me that you did not seem aware of this, but also that the other three on the panel did not correct the mistake.  Perhaps they did not know it themselves.  I am further alarmed that many friends of yours, according to your statement, were offended at his words and interpreted them the same way as you did.   

Please understand that I am endeavoring to help make clear some points of the Gospel and Christianity.  I also desire for you to come to know Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour from sin.  Perhaps you consider that you are a good person, and don't need to be saved (here I supplied a link to a gospel to a presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

Have a good evening, Kathleen.  Please feel free to respond.

Brothers and sisters, let us consider the two points that I tried to make clear in my message to her. 

First, she does not know that the body of Christ is referring to  believers in Jesus Christ--the church.  Not only is this the biblical term, it is an international reference for the Church worldwide. As the Apostle Paul states, this is not "done in a corner" (Acts 26:26) making anyone who would agree or be offended along with her, ignorant of basic understanding.

Second, she thinks that Ted Cruze means that the physical body of Jesus Christ needs to rise and support him.  Christ's physical body is already risen.  The grave is empty!  Does she not know the great message of the Gospel, that Christ arose the third day?  That He is not in the grave, "but is risen, as He said?"  How has she missed the glorious declaration of the RESURRECTION?                                 

I marvel at the ignorance and folly of a civilized society historically influenced by Christianity, but recognize that it is the fruit to be expected when a people... 

1-forget the true God (Psalm 9:17), 

2-glorify Him not, neither are thankful (Romans 1:21), 

3-cast God behind their back (I Kings 14:9), 

4-forsake His wisdom for their own (Proverbs 1:7; 3:7), 

5-and seek after their own way (Psalm 4:2). 

I sincerely hope that hundreds of thousands watching the news that night recognized the error, and were standing up and shouting the correction at their screens.  However, it is a sad reality that most Americans are Gospel illiterate and probably didn't catch the error.  

Although Christians certainly should know these things, I wonder how many watch or listen to media/entertainment with attention, and test all things by the truth of the word of God.  These things are basic, and I do mean BASIC!

But, then again, maybe we who do know better are not doing our job, the ministry of reconciliation in the name of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to represent His kingdom, proclaiming His message, and modeling His life before them.  

Perhaps this and the many other examples of Biblical illiteracy in our culture is reflecting the lack of impact upon the culture by the people of God.  

Are we out about our father's business, to preach the Gospel that saves?

Are we loving our neighbors--born & unborn, clean & unwashed, saved & lost? 

Are we bringing the truth to bear in our society?

Are we standing for righteousness and living consistently with our said beliefs?

Are we digging into the word of God for ourselves and sharing with others?

Are we working to clarify truth & correct misconceptions about God & His Book?

Are we training our youth to not only know truth, but to know, fear, love, and serve God?

What are we Christians to do?  We need to repent of our sin, our laziness, our cowardice, our loathing of inconvenience, our callousness, and FOLLOW Christ!  We need to hear and heed the call of our God to be SALT and LIGHT!  

I Corinthians 15:34 "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."

We need to study to shew ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, and then live and preach it in OUR generation, being willing to speak the truth in a lost/rebellious/foolish world that loves lies.