Introduction
We will attempt to discuss what the Church
is and is not. Our focus is a Christ-centered church, not a man-centered
denomination, and how Denominationalism has put the Church in danger.
· The
Church is NOT Our Church
· The
Church is NOT a Denomination
· The
Church is NOT Land or Buildings
· The
Church has NO Human Leader on Earth
· The
Church CANNOT make a Saint
· The
Church CANNOT fellowship with Willful Sinners
· Jesus
Christ is the Head of the Church
· Jesus
Christ OWNS the Church
· Jesus
Christ DIED for the Church
· Jesus Christ Rise
from the Dead to Save Humanity
· The
Church ARE people NOT a Building
· The Only
Denomination is Christianity
· The
Church is the Moral Compass of a Nation
· Conclusion
Why is Christianity the only correct
choice over Denominationalism?
The
Church is NOT Our Church
For far too many years, individuals
in the Church have bickered back-and-forth that the Church belongs to them.
This concept showed by the many denominations that exist today. So, the obvious
question then to ask is, who is the valid owner of the Church?
The Word of God is clear on this
issue and tells us it is not our Church and that it belongs to Jesus Christ, as
stated in Scripture. Jesus asked Simon Peter a question, and this was his
response.
Matthew 16:16-18 says,
Simon Peter answered, You are the
Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus said to him, Blessed are you,
Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My
Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will
not overpower it.
It was the statement about Jesus,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter is not the Church’s
cornerstone; as the Catholic Church would have one to believe, but it was his
statement about Jesus. Jesus is the one real cornerstone. Jesus followed this
statement with, “Upon this rock, I will build My church.”
Jesus is saying the Church is mine,
and one must need to understand this. If one does not understand the actual
ownership of the Church, there will always be turmoil. Therefore, the Church must
be one in unity, as the Scripture teaches.
Acts 4:32 says,
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and not
one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things
were common property to them.
Jesus wanted this unity displayed to
the world today in a new commandment given by Him.
John 13:34-35 says,
“A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one
another. By this, all men will know that you are My disciples; if you have a
love for one another.”
With this love for each other, the
world will come to the knowledge Jesus Christ came into the world to save all
who come to Him.
The
Church is NOT a Denomination
The Church of Jesus Christ is not
and never has been a denomination as some would have one to believe. The Church
is people as there can exist a communion only between people. Denominationalism
simply separates this union among believers.
Denominationalism is a curse on
Christendom, producing over 35,000 denominations in 238 countries throughout
the world. All these denominations have one thing in common, their different
views on the truth of Holy Scripture.
Paul, the apostle, tried to
eradicate Denominationalism in the first century, but it failed. Satan, now
filled with happiness because now he had a ready-made tool to cause turmoil in
the Church. In their infinite lack of knowledge and wisdom, men have produced
35,000 embarrassments in the Church of Jesus Christ, aided by Satan.
Paul attempted to stop Denominationalism.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 says,
Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there
be no divisions among you, but that you be made
complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this,
that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of
Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for
you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
Paul wanted no division in the
Church, and he did not desire to see 35,000 denominations, showing a
significant division among the people of God. One can see many religious groups
seem fixed on their human founder’s teachings if one looks carefully.
Each denomination has its statement
of faith that everyone must abide by to be a member of that Fellowship in good
standing. Therefore, the problem is whatever happened to only following the
Holy Scriptures. Why cannot a statement of faith be simple, “we believe in the
word of God from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21,” not including the Apocryphal
Books and leave it there? No complication and no problems for if a problem
arises, see what the scriptures say, not a man. The biggest problem in
understanding the Scriptures is the elders of the Fellowship will spend only a
little time in the Word of God; their excuse is because we have no time.
The
Church is NOT Land or Buildings
The Church is not a building; the
people inside this structure is the Church. Jesus Christ did not die for an
empty and soulless building. Christ came to save the people, and God’s people
make the Church of Jesus Christ.
The destruction of the Jerusalem
temple by the Romans in 70 AD shows we need no building to worship and praise
God. The Prophets were the first preachers, and they did not always teach in a
building, but outside, why? The answer is, the Church is people, not a
building.
Jesus did the same in the sermon on
the mount, training them out in the open.
Sermon on the
Mount
Matthew 5:3-12 says,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be
comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the Earth. Blessed
are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure
in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall
be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake
of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when
people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against
you because of Me. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great;
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The desire of Satan is not to
overthrow an empty building. Satan’s mission is the destruction of God’s people
in the Church. Christians must clearly understand this; the Church is people.
Satan is using the property as a weapon against God’s people, so be on guard.
God does not require His Church to
have a building to praise Him. If the Church had a building, it should be at a
minimum cost. The Church must remember there are many people in need throughout
their community. The Church should never have millions in the bank, for where
is their faith, in the money or the Lord. Mother Teresa has given the Church
the authentic example of love. Mother Teresa was out there to ease pain and
suffering in her country.
We must ask a question, where is the
Christian love in America placed today?
The sad thing is that a large bank
account for the Church is standard procedure in America today.
The Church uses the excuse the money
is for our Church property maintenance, so do people still care for one another
as they should. Individuals in need will shun the Lord; if neglected by the
prosperous. The Church in America seems to focus on buildings instead of
people.
The Church must learn these next few
verses and apply them to their heart before it is too late.
Matthew 6:25-34 says,
“For this reason I say to you, do not be
worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor
for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the
body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow,
nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are
you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a
single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how
the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to
you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But
if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is
thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or
‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these
things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But
seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be
added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for
itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Maybe
buildings or land should not be owned, but use this money to care for the
homeless and others in need. The cost of a building could feed the hungry with a soup
kitchen. There are always needy individuals within the community that a
fellowship should help.
People should come first, to care
for the widow, the orphan, and the sick, but somehow forgotten in wealthy
America. Let the social programs care for them were too busy to help. We spend
how many billions of dollars on buildings every year while there are people who
need help?
Acts 6:1 says,
Now at this time while the disciples
were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the
part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their
widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.
The early Christian Church neglected
the needy. However, the leadership within the Church quickly resolved this
problem. Today the Church, with all its social activities meaning parties and
such, seems to have little concern for the needy. So, the question is why?
The
Church has NO Human Leader on Earth
There is only one head of the
Church, Jesus Christ. However, the Roman Catholic Church expresses the idea the
Pope is the Vicar of Christ on Earth.
The Catholic Church’s Spiritual
Leader is the Pope and believed that the Catholic Church is the one true Church
of Christ. Affirming the Pope is the representative of Christ on Earth with
so-called equal powers.
The question, if the Pope has all
this power, then why has he not commanded peace in the land or healed the sick?
However, there is killing all over the globe and people dying from strange
maladies. The Pope is a fraud.
To reiterate, Jesus Christ is the
only true leader of the Church. He founded it; He died for it, and He rose from
the dead for it and one-day return for it.
Yes, some elders help interpret
Scripture and guide the Saints. These are wise in their counsel and the
knowledge of God’s Word. Sad to say that many elders today only become elders
because of power in the Fellowship and nothing more, as they prefer their
“comfort zone.”
Even though we understand this
intellectually, our ego hinders God’s communion with us. Could this be how Denominationalism
comes into perspective with its damaging effects on the true Church?
Acts 17:10-11 says,
The brethren immediately sent Paul
and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the
synagogue of the Jews. Now, these were more noble-minded than those in
Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the
Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
Christians must seek the truth.
However, this seeking responsibility seems to fall on the Pastor or a Bible
teacher on Sunday. So many Christians lack a genuine desire to understand the
Word of God. Hence, one comes up empty and with no desire to know God and help
others. Many will often say, “I have no time to study,” but they have time for
anything that will distract them. There is a time; it is a matter of setting
priorities to accomplish this goal to study.
The
Church CANNOT make a Saint
The Roman Catholic Church has an
exceptionally long and complicated process in selecting an individual to be a
Saint. This process can often be centuries in the making. However, one becomes
a Saint the moment he or she comes to Jesus Christ through their salvation.
According to the Word of God, at the
moment of sanctification in Christ Jesus, one is a saint.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 says,
To the Church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been
sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call
on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sanctification in Jesus Christ
through His blood makes us a saint. Sainthood does not come through the Roman
Catholic Church, the Pope, or anything else.
An Individual Becomes a Saint when
He or She Believes
No individual on this Earth can make
someone a Saint. One is a Saint at the moment of his or her conversion
experience in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7 says,
To all who are beloved of God in
Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Paul refers to all the believers,
not just in Rome, as saints, no mention of an individual making them a Saint.
We are Saints because of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and His redemptive
work on the Cross.
Acts 9:13 says,
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have
heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at
Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who
call on Your name.”
Ananias says Paul was persecuting
the saints at Jerusalem. Again, there is no mention of an individual making
them a Saint.
Acts 26:10 says,
“And this is just what I did in
Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having
received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to
death I cast my vote against them.
Here Paul is talking about how he
locked up the saints in Jerusalem. Again, there is still no mention of an
individual making them a Saint.
Romans 15:25 says,
But now, I am going to Jerusalem
serving the saints.
Now, Paul is talking about serving
the saints, no mention of an individual making them a Saint.
Acts 9:32 says,
Now as Peter was traveling through
all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
Peter shows that all believers living
in Lydda were saints. Once again, there is still no mention of an individual
making them a Saint.
The blood of Jesus Christ makes one
a saint, not a denomination and not the Catholic Pope.
The Church CANNOT fellowship with Willful
Sinners
Is there room in heaven for a
willful sinner? All individuals who continue to abide in Sin after claiming to
have had a salvation experience may have a rude awakening on the day of
judgment.
Could these individuals be the “wolf
in sheep’s clothing” working for Satan by trying to convince others that “once
saved always saved?”
John 10:12 says,
He who is a hired hand, and not a
shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves
the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
Heaven is there to all, admitting
their Sin and seeks the mercy of God through Jesus Christ. Everyone who wishes
eternal life in Christ must go through this process; there are no exceptions.
There must be a turning away from this sinful life to a sacrificed one through
Jesus Christ as their strength.
1 Corinthians 5:5-7 says,
I have decided
to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord
Jesus. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens
the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven so that
you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact
unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.
Paul is saying we must handle any
individual living in willful Sin according to the Scripture’s teaching. Paul’s
action was swift on the accused, and most Fellowships lack the speed throughout
America today to punish the accused.
The Church today lacks the courage
to implement such measures for fear; they are judging the individual. There
seems there is more trepidation for a man than for what God can do if they
continue to act cowardly.
There was an incident while attending
a Christian college involving an individual caught in adultery. Many indulged what she was doing by truly not
punishing her according to Scripture—she had little to no punishment for this
crime against her husband.
Hebrews 10:31 says,
It is a terrifying thing to fall
into the hands of the living God.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 says,
I wrote you in my letter not to associate
with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this
world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you
would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to
associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous,
or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with
such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge
those who are within the Church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove
the wicked man from among yourselves.
Scripture has commanded us to judge
the Church and the actions of our fellow believers. However, we must be careful
with our judgment as we could fall into the same Sin.
Galatians 6: 1-2 says,
Brethren, even if anyone is caught
in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of
gentleness; each one is looking for yourself,
so you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says,
Or do you not know that the unrighteous
will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators,
nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves,
nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the
kingdom of God.
1 John 1:9 says,
If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
Willful Sin is like cancer if not
tended to as it will eat the foundation and eventually cause a collapse.
Satan’s goal is to destroy the foundation and watch the destruction.
Jesus
Christ is the Head of the Church
Jesus Christ is the beginning and
the end of the Church. Jesus founded the Church; Jesus suffered for the Church;
Jesus died for the Church. Jesus rose from the dead to save the Church, and
without His resurrection, there would be no Church. Jesus Christ is the head of
the Church, as stated in the Scripture.
Ephesians 5:23 says,
For the husband is the head of the
wife, as Christ also is the head of the Church, He Himself being the Savior of
the body.
Matthew 16:18 says,
I also say to you that
you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates
of Hades will not overpower it.
The salvation call goes to all humanity;
however, many refused to accept and choose an eternity in Hell. Only
individuals who chose Jesus Christ will enter eternal life.
Matthew 22:14 says,
For many are called, but few are
chosen.
The decisions of Christ are final;
there is no United States Supreme Court for one to appeal their case, for they
will seal their eternal destination at death. The last word will come from the
Lord Himself. When we all stand before Jesus Christ on Judgment Day, God will
show everyone when and where they accepted the truth or reject His gift of
eternal life in glory.
Jesus
Christ OWNS the Church
The Church owner is Jesus Christ, so
it is not “our church” or “my church.” Jesus Christ owns the Church, for it was
His blood spilled for the redemption of humanity. Until the return of Jesus
Christ, the Church will survive through persecutions as it has for centuries.
Matthew 16:16-18 says,
Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ,
the Son of the living God. And Jesus said to him, Blessed are you, Simon
Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build
My Church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Jesus says He will build His Church.
So the Church will win and be victorious over the evil on Earth. At the coming
of Christ, He will take His Church into glory, where the Church will live
eternally. Jesus does not need us, but we need Him, and at our death, we enter
eternity with the Lord.
Jesus
Christ DIED for the Church
Jesus Christ’s death on Calvary was
not for some inanimate object; it was for humanity. The demise of Jesus was not
a random act but preordained before time as we know it.
The death of Jesus was to bring life
to the Church. However, many ignore this reality when problems emerge in the
Fellowship. Believers rarely articulate the problem, and a split occurs. The
written word of God gives real wisdom and counsel. But this beautiful book is
closed when issues arise in the Fellowship, and they seek counsel in the
secular world.
Why is the Word of God ignored in
the Fellowship of believers when a problem rears its ugly head? Does one ignore
the Word because of fear that one will discover the correct answer and not like
this solution? Something keeps believers from the Word.
Christ shed his blood for unity, not
division. However, with over 35,000 denominations worldwide, one sees a
significant division within believers’ bodies. This division is the most
effective tool used by Satan to keep the Church in a feeble state.
Denominationalism causes division and is destroying the Church from within
itself. This division has almost resulted in the death of Jesus Christ to be a
moot point today.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 says,
Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there
be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and
in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning
you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there
are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am
of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ
been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in
the name of Paul?
We thrust that spare into the side
of Jesus Christ, and we too are as guilty as that Soldier of crucifying the
savior of humanity.
We are the ones spilling the blood
of Jesus every day because of a lack of trust. Our sins executed Jesus Christ
on the Cross 2,000 years ago. Let us remember Jesus died for the Church. It was
not us, and when we use the word church, let us reminisce it is the people, not
a building or denomination.
Jesus Christ Rise from the Dead to Save Humanity
Matthew27:63 says,
And said, Sir, we remember that when He
was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’
Jesus did not stay in the grave on the
third day he arose to show he has power over life and death, and this is our
God.
The Church Is
people
The Church is PEOPLE saved by grace
through the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. The Church is not and never has been
a building or any inanimate property.
One question that comes to mind is
why the fuss on paying one’s fair share of taxes. Remember, buildings are not
the Church, it is people, and we pay taxes all the time. Jesus even paid His
taxes, according to the scriptures.
One could assume that the Church
wants all this money to pay taxes left in the bank for a rainy day. Hogwash,
there are hundreds of people in every community that the Church could and
should help but neglect them.
All these Fellowship halls should
pay taxes, which helps the very community where we find this building located.
Fire, Police, and Ambulance services are costly today, and Christians should
pay their fair share.
So, the Church must pay its property
taxes as it helps the community. The Church must stop being selfish and care
for others. The tax that one pays will return, NOT hundreds but thousands of
goodwill comments from the community. However, the question is, does the Church
want this goodwill or the money?
Matthew 17:25-27 says,
He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the
house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom
do the kings of the Earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from
strangers?” When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the
sons are exempt. However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and
throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its
mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”
God’s people must set the example by
paying their taxes to the ruling authorities. The Church should pay their
property taxes on all the buildings owned if they have property. Many oppose
the Church because of not paying their share of the tax load. By the Church
paying their tax burden, they render to Caesar the thing that is his.
Matthew 22:19-21 says,
“Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.”
And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and
inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then
render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are
God’s.”
If the people of God understood the
Church, they would see they are already paying taxes on their income, for we
are the Church. If God’s people saw the building for what it is and paid their
taxes, eventually, this would silence the complainers about this tax issue.
Remember these taxes pay for fire, Police,
and ambulance protection. Why should this building not the Church receive these
services for free while others pay for this protection? Not Paying one’s taxes
is a significant hindrance to the ministry of the Gospel message.
The Church is people, not a building;
buildings will not enter heaven, only people will walk through Heaven’s gates.
The
Only Denomination is Christianity
The name Christian, first given to
believers in Antioch, has been with the followers of Jesus Christ ever since.
Using the title, Christian one says we belong to Jesus and are not frightened
to speak out in His name.
Acts 11:26 says,
And when he had found him, he brought him
to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the Church and taught
considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in
Antioch.
The only title we should concern
ourselves with is the term Christian, taking the name of our savior. Christians
around the world must return to their roots and throw off these human-made
titles. When done, maybe one can see no color or sex. Then we are equal
according to the Scripture in the order of creation.
Over 35,000 denominations are
worldwide, with most putting their name first, which is sad. Here is a list of
the 15 largest Protestant Denominations in the United States alone.
This
information comes from The Christian Post.
●
Southern
Baptist Convention: 16.2 million members
●
The
United Methodist Church: 7.8 million members
●
The
Church of God in Christ: 5.5 million members
●
National
Baptist Convention: 5.0 million members
●
Evangelical
Lutheran Church, U.S.A.: 4.5 million members
●
National
Baptist Convention of America: 3.5 million members
●
Assemblies
of God: 2.9 million members
●
Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.): 2.8 million members
●
African
Methodist Episcopal Church: 2.5 million members
●
National
Missionary Baptist Convention of America: 2.5 million members
●
The
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod: 2.3 million members
●
The
Episcopal Church: 2.0 million members
●
Churches
of Christ: 1.6 million members
●
Pentecostal
Assemblies of the World: 1.5 million members
●
The
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church: 1.4 million members
The
Church is the Moral Compass of a Nation
The rejection of Jesus Christ has
done excessive damage to the United States of America’s moral compass. The moral
compass decay has led to crime, homosexuality, family violence, and other
problems in America. The United States Government’s removal of Jesus Christ
from all areas in our life, we have once known, has been the primary culprit in
the degradation of society.
This moral decay has left the
country open almost to total control of Satan. The Church must get out of its
comfort zone and fight the good fight. The Church of Jesus Christ is to never
just pass-the-buck to a cooperative program of their denomination and says they
will handle the problem as we do not have time.
We have a moral obligation and duty
to stop spreading a corrupt society for future generations and their souls. The
Church must shout loud about the moral decay happening in America today. That
means every Christian must talk or face Jesus Christ on this issue on Judgment
Day.
The law may protect the homosexual plan
though having done extreme damage to American society than any single sin. The
homosexual can say all they wish, and it is their Constitutional right to be
queer, but it is God’s Word that says they are sinning and bound for Hell.
It would be hard to believe the
founding fathers intended for this to happen to a nation that once believed in,
“In God, We Trust.”
Matthew 7:13-14 says,
“Enter through the narrow gate; for
the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many
enter through it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to
life, and few find it.
For the Church to remain in silence
only shows its apathy toward Sin. It gives credence to Satan’s rule, declaring
Satan’s power is more significant than God, so why even try.
Is this what the Church has become
in America today, lacking the endurance to fight the enemy of God? All
Christians have the Power of Heaven at their beckoning, yet; we cringe at the
sign of hostilities.
There is still a chance for the
Church to stand up and do the right thing. Trust Jesus Christ, and He will give
you a battle cry straight from Heaven, and life will change for the better.
Matthew 12:25 says,
And knowing their thoughts Jesus
said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and any city
or house divided against itself will not stand.
The Church needs to have a new
awakening, and if not, the results will only bring disaster. The Church is
quiet on morality issues in America, which may be their desire to stay in their
“Comfort Zone.”
A fat bank account and a big
beautiful building will not impress the Lord Jesus Christ when He returns, but
faithfulness will.
Conclusion
The Church belongs to Jesus Christ,
as He is the founder for Denominationalism has caused far too many problems in
the Church today, causing a division.
· The Church is People, not some
object.
· The one true leader is Jesus Christ
for the worldwide Church.
· One becomes a Saint at the very
moment of conversion.
· No human person can make one a Saint
that includes the Pope.
The Church cannot have Fellowship
with an individual in willful Sin. Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead for
the Church and will return to claim His Church. The Church should be the moral
compass of the nation.
Remember,
the Church is individual people, not a building.
Sola Scriptura–By Scripture Alone
Sola Fide–By Faith Alone
Sola Gratia–By Grace Alone
Solus Christus–By Christ Alone
Soli Deo Gloria–Glory to God Alone
Copyright George L Gallant, ©2021
New American Standard Bible: 1995
Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995)