Tag Archives: Church

1 Corinthians 4- Church Family

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I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

There is a growing trend in Christianity where Christians no longer are members of a congregation. Many will use the excuses, they don’t agree with the doctrine, or they can’t agree with the pastor, or they just can’t get along with the other Christians, these are all personal issues and not a Church issue. 

Being part of a Church community is essential to your spiritual growth. If you can’t even be around other Christians now, what are you going to do in the New Heavens and Earth? Church families are never going to be perfect, because guess what, nobody is perfect, except Christ. The Holy Spirit will use these opportunities of differences to refine and sharpen you. But the main point is , nobody can go through this Christian walk alone

Notice how Paul addresses the Church here “ I write these things not to shame you, but as my beloved sons or children” Paul, being the Shepherd of this Church, feels like these people are his spiritual family. This is a concept throughout the New Testament, the Church is a family of believers

Recently on Twitter, a professing “Christian” criticized me for calling my fellow brethren, brothers and sisters. Brother Damon Gray quickly refuted this argument using the words of Jesus Christ “Whoever does the will of God, is my brother, sister, and mother (Mark 3:35) We are all brothers and sisters through Jesus Christ, this is why you should not neglect your local Church community, they are the family God has given you

Paul says “For this cause I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved son” now was Timothy the biological son of Paul? Of course not, Timothy was a gentile and Paul was Jewish, however Paul became Timothy’s spiritual father, as he did for many Christians he mentored over the years

This brings up another good point, we need to have spiritual mentors in our lives. Many Christians go astray because they are “lone wolves”, they don’t try to learn from a more mature Christians, they don’t use their gifts of the Holy Spirit with the rest of the body of Christ. 

If you are a Born Again Christian, you are my brother and sister in Christ, don’t neglect your Church family, they need you just as much as you need them, Amen!

1 Corinthians 1- Unite in Christ

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Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10-12

Since the beginning of time, there has been problems in the Church. Anytime you get a group of people together, there is always going to be conflicts and issues. That’s why Paul here urges the Church to “that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind” How did it work out? Well currently we have over 40,000 different denominations, including Catholicism and Orthodox.

So we know that there are alot of things that divide us, such as for example a Catholic and a Protestant, have alot of theological differences that keeps them from worshiping together. However let’s focus on what we do have in common, what do we all have in common with other Christians? Jesus Christ our Lord , Christ died for our sins, and Christ rose again on the 3rd day as according to the scriptures, and Christ will come again!

Many Christians like to keep arguing about tradition and theology, instead of sharing the gospel with non-believers. Back in the first century , there were believers saying they were followers of Paul, others said they were followers of Peter, and others followers of Apollos. Is this any different today? We have Christians today who are followers of the Pope, or followers of Luther, or followers of Wesley, but what about Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, Christ is our Lord and God, not any mortal human or faith tradition. Christ should be the foundation of our faith, and also the foundation that unites us together as brothers and sisters of God

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1 Corinthians 1:13-17

As the Apostle Paul states here “Is Christ divided?” No, there is only One Lord, One God, One Church, One Holy Spirit, One Faith, ect. There is not multiple Churches as we like to think here , when the Kingdom comes into full completion, there is only One bride of Christ, not multiple brides. If you hate your Catholic, Luthern, Baptist, brothers and sisters, then you need to repent and get over it, Christ is Lord of All, Amen!

Colossians 4- We Are The Church

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Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Colossians 4:7-14

Often when we think about Paul’s Epistles and all the Churches he has helped plant, we don’t think about all the workers behind the scenes that helped make this happen. The Apostle Paul was a great teacher, preacher, and writer, however has was just a human , just like us. He wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything , of course without God, but also without the rest of the body of Christ, the Church, his brothers and sisters in The Lord

Here we see Paul list several names just for the Church of Colosse, some recognizable like Luke and Barnabas. And some other not so familiar names like Tychicus and Onesimus. However, every one of these Christians played a vital role in building Gods Kingdom, because everyone of them are part of the body of Christ.

Paul does some extensive teaching on the roles in the Church , such as 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, ect. As Paul has stated, the hand is not greater than the foot, and vice versa. Everyone in the body of Christ, the Church, has a role and purpose. Nobody is greater than anyone else.

As Jesus said “Whoever desires to be great, must become your servant” (Matthew 20:26) This should be the attitude of the Church, its not about me , its all about we. Even in my own life, I noticed when I collaborate with other Christians, the Holy Spirit seems to be working more effectively. When we break off and try to accomplish things on our own, we struggle and usually fail. The body of Christ was meant to live and work together, not to separate and compete.

I love reading this acknowledgement from Paul of every brother and sister’s hard work and dedication to the Kingdom of God. As the Bible says “a three strand cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) We are the Body of Christ, We are the Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it in Jesus name , Amen!

Colossians 3-Bear One Another

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Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Colossians 3:12-14

The book of Colossians should be a manual for every Church, there is so much practical instruction and wisdom here. First notice Paul addresses the Church as the “Elect of God”, yes, if you are a Born Again Christian then you are the elect of God, you are a Child of the King, you are part of the Body of Christ. And that’s why this letter applies to all of us Christians, nobody is exempt from these teachings

The next part is Paul describes the fruits or characteristics we should be demonstrating or producing as Born Again Christians. Compassion, mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, and patience, does this describe you or your Church? If not, maybe you need to work on that, or maybe your Church does also. The Church is always an interesting entity, so many different people coming together for the same common goal, Jesus Christ. When we bring together all these different people, we have conflicts, however we need to learn to love one another as Christ loves us

As Paul instructs here “Bear and forgive with one another” There are going to be times when your Church family hurts your feelings or does something wrong against you, we are called to forgive them because Christ has forgiven us. Now this should be going both ways, we should forgive any quarrels or fights we may have with one another in the Church. I know this sounds easier then what it really is, but remember the battle doesn’t belong to you, it belongs to The Lord. The Church is the body of Christ, Jesus is the Head of the Church, those Christians who don’t act appropriately will have to answer to Christ himself, not just us

What is the bond of perfectness or unity? It’s love, as Peter said “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8) Remember even when we didn’t deserve mercy or grace, Christ gave it to us anyway, why? Because Christ loves us, our fellow Church family might not deserve to be forgiven however we forgive anyway, why? Because Christ loves us and demonstrated that love for us all on the cross

There is no perfect Church because there are no perfect people. So let’s stop making excuses why we hate everyone at our local Church, there are a million reasons why God could hate us, be God chooses to love us anyway, because God is full of grace and mercy. We need to be more like Christ , and love the Church as Christ loves the Church

Therefor , elect of God, the Church, bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and love and forgive one another, in Jesus name Amen!

Colossians 2- Set Apart

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And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:19-22

Continually we see the Church referred to as the Body of Christ (Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12) here Paul is using this example as, saying “not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered”. As we talked about previously, Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and everything is built upon his authority and teachings within the Church, or at least it should be. When we see false teachers and false teachings enter the Church, it poisons the entire Body. That’s why we cling to Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) , and Sola Christus (Christ Alone)

Many outside influences invade the Church and cause it to move away from God and from the authority of The Bible. That’s why Paul says here “If you are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why as though you’re living in the world” If you are Born Again through Jesus Christ, then why would you follow the practices of the fallen world? You have been set apart by the Holy Spirit, as the Apostle James said “Those who love the world, is an enemy of God” (James 4:4)

The Apostle Paul dealt with a large issue of Christians falling back into their previous religions when joining the Church. This is why there was so much discussion about Circumcision and The Sabbath, Jewish Christians wanted to remain in Judaism while following Jesus Christ. As the author of Hebrews stated “in that He(God) says a New Covenant, He (God) made the first obsolete” (Hebrews 8:13)

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Colossians 2:23

As Paul said to the Church of Corinth, “You are not your own, you were bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20) You belong to Christ, you are part of the Church, everything you do and say affects the Kingdom of God. While the false religions and ideology appear to contain some sort of wisdom, they are in opposition to Christ. They don’t honor God or the Body of Christ, instead they satisfy the carnal flesh with worldly lusts

If Jesus is your Lord, then Christ is your Master, you belong to Him. Set yourself apart from your old self and become transformed by the Holy Spirit, Amen

Colossians 1- Body of Christ

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Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Colossians 1:24-27

Think about how much God loves you, the Church! Christ suffered and died, to give you eternal life. This same love should be trickled down through the Church, starting with those who are shepherding or leading the Church. Notice what Paul says “Rejoice in my sufferings for You” Who is You? It’s the Church, the body of Christ, the Ekklessia. Paul suffered not only for Christ but also for the Church, why? Because Jesus Christ said the whole law is summed up in 2 commandments, Love God and Love your Neighbor (Matthew 22:40)

We love the Church because Christ loves us, it’s not because we like certain people or because it’s our job, we love the Church because its the body of Christ. As Paul says “The afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for His (Christ) body’s sake, which is the Church” As the Bible reveals clearly over and over again, the Church is the body of Christ. You are not your own, you were bought with a price, you were bought by the blood of Christ and belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Paul was made a minister or servant for Christ for you (The Church). We don’t get called to become Pastors, Preachers, Bishops, ect to exhort ourselves, we get called to serve The Church. Remember as a Born Again Christian, you belong to God, you are part of the body of Christ, you were called to fulfill your role in the Kingdom of God. 

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Colossians 1:28-29

What is the foundational role of our calling? We preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, as Paul says “We preach, warning and teaching everyone in all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ Jesus” We warn and teach everyone that salvation is found only in Christ alone. I know most of us Christians take that knowledge for granted, however when you talk to many non-believers, they don’t know the gospel. They don’t know Jesus is the only way to salvation, as Paul also says “How will they hear, unless a preacher tells them” (Romans 10:14)

Has God put a calling on your life? Answer the call, not just for the love of Jesus Christ, but also for the love of the body of Christ, the Church, Amen!

Colossians 1- Head of The Church

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And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:18-20

Alot of Christians will say “I go to this Church , because I love this Pastor” or they will say “I left this Church because I didn’t like this Pastor” or they’ll say “I don’t go to Church because I don’t like A, B, and C” Well the fact is Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. Doesn’t matter if you love or hate the Pastor, doesn’t matter if you love or hate the people, Christ is Head of the Church

Should it change our view of the “Church” knowing Christ is in charge? Absolutely, we don’t gather together because of your Pastor or because of the cool music that is played, we gather together on a Sunday morning because Christ is Risen, and all power and authority has been given to him, including Head of the Church

Those people who forsake the assembling of other Christians (Hebrews 10:26) are actually forsaking Christ. If Jesus is the Head, we are the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12) When you are joined with Christ you are joined with the Body, the Ekklessia. Forsaking the other parts of the body is not even an option, the only way the Body of Christ can function, is if all members are active and working together

Because of Christ we have been reconciled back to our Father God by his blood shed on the cross. As Paul said “Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things”. The Church , the Body of Christ, was formed because we are now Children of God through Jesus Christ.

Are you going to neglect your brothers and sisters in Christ? What about eternity, will you avoid others in God’s Kingdom? It’s time to get over yourself and get to work for God. You were called and chosen to fulfill a purpose for Christ, don’t run away from your responsibilities because there are a few tares, run and finish the race that has been chosen for you!

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, Christ is our Lord, Christ is the foundation we build our lives upon, and the gates of Hell will never prevail against us, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 3- Withdrawal Yourselves

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Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

We live in a generation where the Church is trying to normalize sin, where the Church is not only telling its members they don’t have to repent but they are also elevating them to leaders in the Body of Christ. What does Paul have to say about this “You withdraw yourselves from every brother that walk disorderly and not after the tradition that you received from us”

The Church today is trying normalize homosexuality and sexual immorality, is this in alignment or tradition of what Christ taught? Jesus said “From the beginning God created them male and female” (Matthew 19:4) This destroys any liberal nonsense that God is fine with transgenderism. Jesus goes on to say “The man will leave his father and mother, be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh” (Matthew 19:5) Jesus is quoting Genesis, the Covenant of marriage is between One man and One woman, period. This makes any gay marriage, totally illegal and void under the eyes of God. Secondly any sex outside the covenant of marriage is immoral. This includes heterosexual people “shacking up” or “hooking up” The only sex in the Bible that is permissible, is between a husband and a wife

Those who teach that Jesus is accepting of homosexuality or gay marriage are liars and blasphemers. They twist the word of God for financial gain. As the Apostle James taught “Not many of you should become teachers, because you will be judged more strictly “ (James 3:1) These false teachers and false prophets will be judged by God more severely on judgment day. So be careful what blasphemous propaganda you are supporting or promoting within your Church

What did Paul say “Don’t be deceived , neither homosexuals or the sexually immoral , will inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) Jesus and the Apostles made it very clear, sexual immortality will never be tolerated in the Kingdom of God, in fact Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) Is a homosexual Born Again? They can’t be, they are not regenerated, they are still depraved living in their old sin. As the Apostle Peter said “As a dog returns to its vomit” (2 Peter 2:22) How do we know if someone is not saved, they are like a dog going back to its vomit, they are people who continue to live in their sin, there is no regeneration, there is no change of heart, there is no love for God or obedience to Christ

I understand this is a strong message, however the Body of Christ is under a deceptive attack. Don’t be deceived, God will not ordain sin, Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) Do you really love Jesus? Then your actions or fruits should demonstrate this! (Matthew 7) Amen!

Matthew 18- Church Discipline

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Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:15-18

Church discipline is a topic basically not practiced anymore by todays Church or even spoken of. And for the Churches who do practice “Church Discipline” they are often mocked by the “Christian” community or called “Legalist” However it would probably surprise these “Christians” today, if they actually read their Bible, that Jesus and the Apostles taught Church discipline

We live in a culture today of “Don’t Judge Me”, this is often the response from most people when they hear the gospel or anything Biblical. However there is a a great Judgment coming for those who are not saved, so they might as well get used to being judged. Many Christians today have this thought that because we are “Under Grace” than there is no accountability for them, this couldn’t be farther from the truth

As a Born Again Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, therefore there is an expectation of Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4) . Part of the responsibility of The Church is to keep each other in line, accountable for their actions. There is actually greater judgment, or atleast there should be, within the Church then the outside world, why? Because as a Born Again Christian, the Law is written on your heart (Romans 2:15) You know right from wrong, you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, there is a greater responsibility and expectation for disciples of Christ

Jesus said “If your brother (Christian) sins against you, confront them privately” You as the Church are to address sin within the Church. If there is known sin going on in the Church, you as the Body of Christ, need to call out that sin, of course privately first. Jesus goes on to say “If they will not listen, take two or three  others (Christians, along so every matter can be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”

If the Church member refuses to repent, then you bring in additional Christians to hear out the matter. These are the Bylaws established by Jesus Christ himself. Many people would leave this Church if they were held to this accountability, but this is Biblical. The Church is supposed to be the spotless bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:27) We often hear the saying “The Church is a hospital for sinners” Yes that’s true but people get better while in the hospital, they don’t stay the same. The same with Christ, you come to Christ as a sinner, your going to be Born Again, regenerated, made new!

Lastly Jesus said “ If they neglect to hear the Church, then treat them as a Pagan or Heathen” If members of the Church are living in sin and refuse to repent, then they are to be kicked out of the Church! Most people don’t want to hear this, but these are the words of Jesus Christ!

Jesus is coming back again soon, and Christ is coming for his spotless Bride Amen!