Tag Archives: Church

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!

Matthew 5- Salt and Light

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Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matthew 5:13-15

What are our requirements as a Christian? The modern day version of Christianity is, you say you believe in Jesus, and that’s it you get a golden ticket into Heaven. This is not Biblical Christianity. There are requirements of those who are Born Again in Christ. You were bought with a price, you don’t belong to yourself and you are to Glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:20 ) Many people’s attitude today is “I want salvation and I want total control over my life also” You can’t serve two masters, for you will love the one and hate the other (Matthew 6:24) Question is who is your Master or Lord?

So what does a true Christian look like? Well Jesus said “You are the salt of the Earth” What does that mean? Well Salt , even in our modern times is used for several reasons, mostly to preserve and to add flavor. We “The Church” are to preserve righteousness and justice on this Earth. When the Church starts to act and look more like the world, that is when the Church fails. Don’t conform to the ways of the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind “ (Romans 12:2) The Church should never “fit in” with the world, the world should be looking at the Church as an example of Christ in a broken world. 

As Jesus said “But if the Salt loses its flavor what good is it”? When the Church loses it’s righteousness by compromising with the standards of today’s world, what good is the Church? If nobody ever becomes saved or Born Again by coming to the Church, then what good is the Church? It might as well be thrown out and trampled upon. The Church, as the Salt, needs to preserve the true gospel of Christ, to save souls not to make people comfortable with their sins

Jesus said “You are the Light of the World” again Jesus referring to us Christians as The Light and The Salt. So what does this mean? Jesus explains “A city on the hill can’t be hidden” if you’re truly a Christian then the light of Christ should be seen through you. If people can’t tell the difference between the Church and the world, then there is an issue. A true gospel of Christ should be offensive (1 Corinthians 1:18) and should convict people of their sin. As Jesus said “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15)

Maybe you are too afraid to share the gospel or don’t want to offend anyone, Jesus said “People don’t light a lamp and hide it under a basket” You are not filled with the Holy Spirit to keep the gospel to yourself, Jesus gave us a commandment “Go preach the gospel to all the nations “ (Matthew 28:19) This is your duty and requirement as a Christian, again who is your Master? If Jesus is your Lord then you need to do as he told you!

We the Church (Christians) are the salt of the Earth and Light of the world, if Christians don’t fulfill their callings and duties , then the Church becomes useless, and might as well be thrown out. Be The Light and Salt in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ , Amen!

Acts 20 – The Long Church Service

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And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. Acts 20:7-9

There are many who will incorrectly claim that the Catholic Church changed the Sabbath to Sunday. First off the Sabbath will always be Friday evening to Saturday evening, but secondly we see the 1rst Century Christians worshipping on Sunday (the first day of the week)  This is documented multiple times throughout the New Testament. Why do Christians worship on Sunday? Because Jesus rose on Sunday morning, period. Put all the conspiracy theories to rest, its that simple

Now if someone fell asleep while you were preaching, don’t feel bad , it happened to Paul also. While Paul was preaching for a long time, a young man named Eutychus, fell asleep and fell off an upper level and died. Talk about a dramatic Church service!

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. Acts 20:10-12

This event of the young man Eutychus, coming back to life, is very interesting and mysterious. It doesn’t say that Paul resurrected the man or even prayed over him, just says Paul embraced (held) the man and he was alive. Did the man die at all? We don’t know for sure, but a miracle happened that day and prayers were answered

Secondly we see Paul and the Christians “broke bread” before the service and the next day before he left. Having communion together was alot different back in the 1rst Century. Typically the Christians would have a meal together called an “Agape Feast” and have communion during that time. It would be nice to see the modern day Church get back to this practice of having “Agape Feasts” instead of just lining up to take the sacraments

When we study the book of Acts and other books of the New Testament, we get an idea of how the early Church worshipped…however we worship make sure Christ is the center of it all and the foundation Amen!

Acts 14- The Building Of The Church

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And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Acts 14:21-23

Now we are starting to see the structure of the Church take place, the gospel is being preached and spread far and wide. Many people are coming to Christ and small communities of believers are starting to crop up everywhere. Notice what the disciples say to the Church “We must endure many hardships and tribulations to enter the Kingdom of God” Wow talk about an entirely different message than we hear the modern day Church preach today

As Jesus said “Those who endure to the end, will be saved” (Matthew 24:13) Many Christians today don’t relate being a Christian with suffering. The early Church did, as stated, we must endure tribulation. Many people who claim to be a Christian today, once anything goes wrong in their life, they abandon their faith. This is signs of a false conversion.

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.  Acts 14:24-26

Earlier we noticed the Church began to put their leadership in order. As it says “they ordained elders in every Church” the structure was beginning to take place. And the Church continued to preach and spread the gospel everywhere, and the Church continued to grow

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples. Acts 14:27-28

Notice the Church gathered together, as many Christians today refuse to assemble at Church anymore. The early Church felt it was important to gather and they shared all that God has done for them! Imagine that, there was no gimmicks to get people at Church, no light shows or fog machines, it was just about glorifying God

It’s all about the New Covenant, God has opened the door for Gentiles to be his Children through the blood of Jesus Christ! Glory to God in the Highest , Amen!

Acts 8- Persecution of The Church

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And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. Acts 8:1-2

As we continue to look at the death of Stephen, we see that Paul consented or approved of his death. Saul began to persecute the Church, as it says “there was a great persecution” why did Paul do this? Well he had zeal for God, yet his zeal was misled. He believed he was honoring God with his work, however Paul was actually fighting against God, as he will later find out on the Road to Damascus

We see that the Church began to become scattered, remember how Jesus described us as sheep scattered without a Shepherd. Paul was actually doing the work of Satan and trying to destroy the Body of Christ, but what we found out over history is that the Church is unbreakable. The more you persecute the Church, the more it grows stronger and bigger in size!

Notice there was a great sorrow or lamentation over Stephen. As stated previously he was believed to be the first martyr of Christianity, but Stephen is now with The Lord as we seen in Chapter 7

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Acts 8:3-4

Paul tried to single handedly destroy the Church, he went from house to house , seeking Christians and putting them in prison or persecuting them. However the more he persecuted the Church , the stronger they became. As the Christians began scattered, it allowed them an opportunity to share the gospel to a larger audience. Christianity was actually spreading due to the persecution

This reign of terror by Paul was why the Church was reluctant to accept Paul when he became Born Again on the Road to Damascus. We must remember that Jesus has the power to transform even the worst of sinners!

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. Acts 8:5-7

Philip used this opportunity to head to Samaria and preach the gospel there. There he started a revival, performing miracles and healings by the Holy Spirit. Even though the Church was being persecuted, the Body of Christ was growing and spreading across the entire world

God can use what was meant for our harm and use it for our good, don’t live in fear, trust in Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you Amen!

Acts 4- What Is The Church?

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And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33

One of the reasons to study the book of Acts is because it gives you a great view of what the Church looked like in the 1rst Century. Often we hear people debate what is the Church? What does a real Church look like? What are the requirements for a Church? If you study the book of Acts, it will answer all these questions and ideas. First thing to note is the word Church is typically derived from the Greek word Ekklesia which means “group of called out believers” or more simply “Christians” the Church is a community of Christians

So when you first understand that the Church was not an organization or corporation but it was a family, it was a community of Christians who took care of one another. As it shows us in the scripture, the Church was united and everyone took care of each other. Nobody was in need of anything because the Church took care of each other as a family. 

Secondly their faith in Christ was the central foundation that kept them all together. They didn’t become a “member of the Church” for social or political reasons, they were believers and part of the Body of Christ that loved one another just as Christ commanded us to

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:34-35

Notice everyone in the Church , sold all of their possessions and shared the profits among the body of believers. Can you imagine your Church doing this today? Can you imagine your Pastor asking everyone to sell all their stuff and give the profits to the Church to distribute among the members? This shows you how far the Church has strayed from where we were. You would share your money or possessions with your family members, because you love and trust them. But how many people in your Church would you do this for? Alot of Christians won’t even talk to some members of their Church

We need to get back to the Church of Acts, we need to get back to a family of God. How do we do this? Its only through Jesus Christ that we can become Born Again and humble ourselves. This is why studying the book of Acts is eye opening , how far we have fallen as the Ekklesia

Jesus wants us to love one another, to forgive one another, to be a family. Remember if your going to Heaven, your not going alone, your fellow brothers and sisters will be there also. We need to get back to the 1rst Century Church in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 9- Who Is The Greatest?

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And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. Mark 9:33-35

While Jesus taught his disciples to deny themselves, carry their crosses , and follow him, they were arguing who was the greatest of the Apostles. Does that sound familiar? How many Churches or ministries have become more “self-centered” than “Christ-centered”? 

Jesus said “If anyone wants to be first then need to be the servant of everyone”, ouch, that should bruise the ego of many big named pastors and theologians. We need to continually remind ourselves to stay humble, regardless of what position we are in or how prosperous, we need to remain humble and remember we are servants of Jesus Christ!

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. Mark 9:36-37

Jesus used a child to demonstrate the humility and innocence that he expects from us, children are typically not egocentric or driven by power or money like adults. Children are typically innocent and are curious , they are willing to listen and learn new things. Children will typically be friends and play with anyone, regardless of your race or money status, wish we could say the same for adults or even Christians

Deny ourselves, carry our crosses, and follow Jesus, these were the simple 3 steps Christ commanded us, however for the human flesh they seem very difficult to obey. Take the example of a child, they are considered the greatest in God’s Kingdom Amen!