Are you sure you know what the church is?

Are you certain what you believe about the church is right and true? These are questions at times we ought to think and ask ourselves. And surely, some or many of us might shrug it off these questions; Not really scrutinizing what the Bible says about the church. Nevertheless, understand that these questions has been a debate over decades of years now and sadly, most people neglect and care less about it. But the worst, are those who call themselves as Christians giving no importance to it or value.

I'm sure many will not desire nor take time to read my thoughts or beliefs on this matter. Nor, take the challenge to challenge their beliefs. But if at least one would reads this article, and take a moment to reflect and really be challenged to search the truth then that is something I would appreciate. More so, I hope it will be a blessing to whoever reads it.

Thing is, I am not saying one should accept my thoughts or my understanding of what a church is. But to really go through God's Word, the Bible, of what does it really say about the church, the Christian church. Let me lay these verses as our references first (I know it's long but I hope you have patience):

Ephesians 5:22-33 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.[a] 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves[a] or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts,[b] yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

There are more Bible verses we could cite if you like (try googling "church bible verses"), but we'll try just to cover about these verses. And on these verses, there is actually one point about the church that we or I will talk about. The church being compared to as a "body".. and Who is the head? that is of course the Lord Jesus Christ, none other. The Bible actually can speak more about the church, like the church being declared as the Bride of Christ and others. But we can't cover all those stuff.

Now, there are some who views differently as what I'm sharing which is Jesus being the Head of the church. But if we would look at the verses and I'm sure it's very clear that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church and no one can replace Him. You might ask, "But Jesus is not around to head the church!?" Sure He is not, but He is alive and well with the Father in heaven. And does that hinder Christ being the Head? Furthermore in the book of Acts, Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to be the Teacher,  the Comforter, the Guide for the church and as Jesus explained in the gospel, He will remind you ALL things Jesus taught them. Now, talking about the Holy Spirit is another whole big subject to talk about. But just to give understanding and by studying further, the Bible declares what when a person becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit in-dwells the person, as God's mark declaring His ownership and of whom God relates to be His child. Again, as I've said this subject is another whole new discussion or subject matter and possibility there are those who don't agree to it. Nevertheless, I hope the reader will try to see this perspective and try to compare it to God's Word, whether it be true or not.

Now, the Holy Spirit is actually very valuable and is very much connected with the church and the church's function which I hope will be discussed later.

Let us go first in the question, "Why Christ or the apostle teach that the church is like a body?" Well, these question is actually already answered by the verses read awhile ago. But it is important that we ask, to give much emphasis on "why"? The Bible declares that each Christian is a part of the body of Christ, and also declares that as the members of the body is important, so to with every members of the church. By the way, I hope we understand already that the church is NOT the building or the structure made where we worship or fellowship, but it's the group of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The church are the people, not just people but those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Now why is each member of the body or the church important? Because they actually have functions or work to do that others CAN NOT do. But it doesn't mean that one part or member is much more valuable or important than others. No! Each has its own value and each one must understand and acknowledge the value of each.

Furthermore, if we understand how our body works, we should understand that each member does not function on its own or for its own. It actually functions for the whole body. Just as our hands and feet are used. They do not do the things for themselves but for the body. Reflect on the heart or the lungs, they actually function to give something for the other parts of the body in order for the body to function well. So is the same with the church. The members of the church functions to serve others, not for themselves. Whether it be praying, giving, serving, teaching, preaching.. it is for the betterment of others.

One of the things that I believe (which I am unsure if others believe) is the concept that the leaders of the church like the pastor and deacons are actually part of the body or of the church. (This is just my observation) But it seems that most Christians think that pastors and deacons or the leaders are actually not part of the church but seen as the head of the church. Which I believe, shouldn't be. Pastors, deacons and leaders may lead, but they are not the head, Christ is! How can that be? See I Cor. 12:28-30 and Eph. 4:11-16. Pastors, deacons and leaders have a role, and they are actually gifts given by God or the Lord Jesus Christ to the church. Therefore, they are part of the church and still Jesus is the Head. Why Jesus is the Head? Because it is He who gives the Word or decision or direction on what the body should do. And pastors, deacons and the church as a whole fulfills or obeys it.

Now, my previous argument or declaration, it's possible that many would go against it. Why I'd say this because I've heard already some declaring "This is MY church!" and not "This is God's or Christ's church!".. while others do not indeed declare this, but by their actions they do. Well, you may say I'm judgmental or something but I hope we become more of a critical minded people observing what is happening around us. Comparing what the Bible is declaring to what our church is doing. Who do we really follow? is it the self-proclaimed righteous people or Jesus, the one Who became condemned and died for us? I do not wish that you think like me, but that you think like Christ. Because that is the whole concept of Christianity, to be like Christ.

Now, let me connect the connection of the Holy Spirit with the church. If one would actually study and understand one of the work of the Holy Spirit, is to enable God's people to do God's will like that of the great Commission. Reading through the book of Acts, we find fishermen who didn't really attain great education and yet stood up declaring God's Words with authority and was able to turn the world upside down. The greatest thing we could observe on their lives which we rarely see these days is that, they were able to give their lives (even to the point of death) for the sake of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ (The good news of Jesus Christ). These days? People (and I would include myself on this) would be satisfied and desire comfortable places when serving God or declaring the gospel. In simple terms, our fleshly desire / worldly desire have been overcoming the Holy Spirit's desire to plainly go and preach the gospel even in the most unpleasant places or circumstances. And most often, the church as a whole is forgetting why the church exist. While the church's one reason of existence is to furnish or equip God's people to be more like Christ (2 Tim. 3:16-17), the church's main goal of existence is actually the fulfilling of the Great Commission, which is to preach the Name of Christ! (Matthew 16:18-19, Matthew 28:18-20) and God has not given that responsibility only to the few, but to the church as a whole.

One of the saddest and sorrowful situation of a church are those examples written in the book of Revelations in chapters 2 and 3. Here we find that there are no perfect church but there are commendable churches. But worst, most examples given are a disheartening churches. Which we could actually reflect on churches of today. Many have forgotten what a church really is. There are many churches with great number of members, but does not reflect the early Christian church (see Acts chapter 2). Many look for what they acquire or benefit or profit... rarely does the church think of others. Many do things and reason out it is for others, but actuality in the long run, it is for themselves.

Now, what am I really hoping to impart with this? or main goal of sharing this? Well, if you have survived reading until here. And if you are a Christian, one who has personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, I hope you understand that you are important and valuable in the church, in the body of Christ. You may not know what exactly your function is, but simply pursuing towards Christ likeness, I'm sure you will find out. Because in all honesty, churches nowadays need to wake up from slumber. Because as I have shared early on, the examples of churches in Revelations pictures most of the churches these days. Like that of the example of Sardis church, declared by Christ as a dead church, yet there are few who remains faithful (See Rev. 3:1-6). If a church is in this state, even the simplest gift of encouraging the weak and few is a great service one could ever do. And even your presence as means of support can give much encouragement to the wounded and discouraged.

Do you know How Great God's Love is?

When I talk about God, I'm talking about the God of the Bible -- the Christian Bible.

Most often, I think God's love is so easily taken lightly or for granted, even for Christians. Why? or How come? Easy, we have limited minds to comprehend the unlimited, unbounded, incomprehensible and unequally love of the Almighty All-knowing All-present God of the Bible.

Nevertheless, let's consider some of the things revealed to men on the manifestations of God's love (I said some because I'm sure there may be more and these are just the things that have captured my thoughts on God's Love).

First, consider this:

God created the heavens and the earth and it was good. Everything was perfect, except that God created and prohibited the fruit of just one out of the many tree from being eaten and it was clearly stated that once they did eat, man shall surely die. Though even with that one prohibition, would that ruin what God has made to be perfect and good? No. I don't think so. Sometimes men like to see the negative side more than the positive side, nevertheless, it's not man's creation. It's God's and who are we to be the judge? We are nothing but mere creatures of Him who made all things. And we are part of that ALL things.

Next,

Everything was provided and was given for free in that garden of Eden (simple but I think should clearly emphasize how good and loving God is).

But then, man failed and decided to disobey His Creator, His Provider, His Love, His Everything. And still, God exercised His love towards men by not automatically erasing man from existence. Instead, God planned from the very start of man's fall that He will redeem man once again. The verse below foreshadowed or prophesied how God would redeem man:

 “And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you and the woman, and between your seed (offspring) and her [a]Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, and you shall [only] bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15 Amplified Bible)  

At first, it may seem gibberish or rubbish, but if one understands and looks at the event of Christ Jesus being crucified, this verse was fulfilled in Mt. Golgotha. "He shall [fatally] bruise your head" means Christ won the victory, while "you shall [only] bruise His heel" means Jesus' suffering was just part of God's plan and literally Jesus' heel was bruised in the cross of Calvary. There are other Bible verses from the Old Testament books which foreshadowed and prophesied the cross of Calvary like in the time of Moses when the Hebrews painted their doors on the sides and on top with blood. But God Himself declaring this from the very start and fulfilling it after almost 4000 years doesn't mean God was late or something but proved He was faithful in fulfilling it according to His word and time.

Now the question remains is "How would God redeem man through Jesus dying on the cross?" Well, let's go back to God's decreed law from the very start which is "If you shall eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, you shall surely die."  (paraphrased from Gen. 2:17). Death is the payment or verdict for the one who would disobey God's command and it cannot be reversed. Romans 6:23a says "For the wages of sin is death..." Now understanding this concept or truth, let me ask this question. "Can a sinner "A" die in behalf of another sinner "B" so that the sinner "B" will be acquitted or justified (meaning declared innocent)?" Of course NO! No one can do that or that is not logical or does not make sense. If the sinner "A" die, it's just "just" or "worthy" for the sinner "A" to die because that's the payment of his sin. You may say that what if sinner "A" never did sin? That would be true or possible but thing is, after Adam's sin, sin was passed to all men. And a very evidence of that is that all men or women will die in the appointed time. Romans 5:12 declares this truth.

Furthermore, little or small sin in our perspective or mind is still sin in God's sight. The best illustration of this is observing the light and darkness. If darkness is sin, even in the least of it or if there is such as we call "small darkness" and God is light: What happens if both comes in contact with each other? darkness fades away. Therefore, no sin done by a sinner can face the Creator of heaven and earth. That is why God's Word says all men are sinners and therefore all men will die. Therefore man is doomed!

Furthermore to clarify, death in reality and in God's perspective actually means to be separated. And an initial effect of death to man when Adam sinned was that man no longer can fellowship with God nor see Him like Adam before sinning. This is what the Bible calls "spiritual death". And of course, the other death we experience is what we call the physical death. We are separated from our love ones or from this reality of life on earth. And the most dreadful and awful death is what the Bible calls the "second death" in Revelations 20:14 which simply means everlasting / eternal death or separation from God forever. And it's not just about separation forever, but everlasting pain and sorrow in the lake of fire along with the devil and demons. (there may be more discussions about this but I would not expand on that portion for this time and let us focus more of the overview of God's love)

What God desires and what it means for God to redeem man is by making man once more to be sinless (no sin), white, pure, clean and like the light so that we can be able to see Him as He is. But again the question to ask is "How?" And that's the reason why Jesus came.

Another reason why God's love is sooooo unfathomable and amazing is that "Jesus, Who came, is also God Himself." Come again? What? Yes, Jesus is God! While some folks wouldn't believe that and use verses to claim their claim. We, Christians too, have verses to claim Jesus is God. Just try to google it and it's there. But let me share my thoughts and not just use a Bible verse (though I have a verse to also relate this thing to). Thing is, compare the love of God becoming man so that He would die for our sins in contrast to an angel or man or created being even if the creature is holy sent by God to die for our sins. Doesn't that distort our view of how God loves us? John 15:13 says in the amplified version "No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends." Now if you separate Jesus being God from God. Whose love is greater then? And who would you choose to love more? Wouldn't you choose to love the one who gave His life for you? But if "by faith" believing Christ as 100% Man and 100% God, died for you, then wouldn't that mean a very amazing love? And that's just a part of how God's love is sooo great!

Another magnifier of God's love I believe, is that the reality that Jesus was born in a virgin birth. That truth is very important and a treasure! Why? You see, the virgin birth will claim that Jesus Christ was born without sin! That's the reason why the Bible calls Jesus, the Second Adam! Now to understand what virgin birth means I have to say, "just try to google it". Cause it may take more discussion over that. But simple, as it was foretold, being the seed of a woman (Gen. 3:15), this is God's way on how to redeem man. Through the virgin birth, a sinless man is born. Therefore the argument a while ago where the sinner "A" was not really a sinner is fulfilled. And now, Jesus was not simply born, He lived for 33 years. He was actually even tempted by Satan as we all and thing is, HE NEVER SINNED. 1 Peter 2:22 declares this that even with Jesus' mouth no sin was found. Unlike man who sin as fast as our eyes can see.

Now, the biggest part of God's amazing love was that He was crushed, bruised, mocked, spit upon, beaten... every manifestation of condemnation and judgement for a sinner, Jesus received willingly. He never cursed or even retaliated. Instead, He willingly laid down His life even in the point of death. Why? So He could take the punishment of sin that is supposed to be for man. Now that is how God loves us! (John 3:16)

I John 4:19 says "We love Him because He first loved us." Simply states that man cannot unconditionally love God, because God already unconditionally loved us.

Now, here's the catch! Understanding how great God's love for us is not what really matters but how do we respond to that love. Because God's Word is also clear. God is love but He is also just or justice. It is not right to say that because Christ died for man, therefore all man are already clean and righteous and therefore can go to heaven. I don't think that is right and justice. When a man courts a woman so that they would be married, the woman has to say "yes" to the man before they do. If the answer is "no" then there wouldn't be a marriage. The same with God and His decreed law. Christ died because of man's sin so that He may make a "way", the only way for man to be brought back to Himself (John 14:6). How? Faith in Christ! If a person puts his/her faith, his/her trust in Jesus Christ as God's Word declares (John 3:16, Eph. 2:8&9, Rom. 10:9&10). And when we say "faith" it's surrendering everything even our life to Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:1&2). In simple saying, we believe that Jesus is true to what He declares Himself, God, our Lord, our Master, our Savior, etc. etc.. and of course manifested in our life. If we truly believe who Jesus is, then all His teachings and principles, is what we follow and obey. How? When Jesus no longer roams the earth? Read His Word, the Bible. I can discuss further more about these things, and more. But, may we focus on How Great God's love is and may we truly realize it and afterwhich, may we respond positively on God's Love, by believing on Who Jesus is. "Will you receive His gift of Love?"

BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS / TEACHERS

"But there were false prophets also among the people, 

even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, 

even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; 

by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 

And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: 

whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."
(2 Peter 2:1-3)

As I always share to those whom I teach or I preach to, "How do you know what I teach is true and not false?"

As a Christian, God's Word has warned us to be very discerning to which is true and what is not. The truth can always be twisted. Just a small twist, makes truth never a real truth. That's the reason why James 3:1 gave such a warning and much responsibility and accountability to the teachers of God's Word. Even the sincerest and trustworthy person doesn't guarantee that one could never twist the truth of God. How then can we guarantee that truths taught will always be true? The best thing we could do, is to compare it to Jesus, Who is Truth! But to a person who doesn't believe and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will never benefit from this truth. But if you say you are a Christian, then this truth should be the main truth one takes hold on to. Believing on Who Jesus Christ truly is, He being our Lord and our God as Philip also declared (John 20:28). 

Some believe Jesus as only man, and just a great teacher. If we do, then our faith in Jesus makes no difference in believing in any other man. It's pointless! But God's Word declares Jesus to be more! In fact God's Word plainly declares He is God, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End! And every knee will bow and mouth will confess that Jesus is Lord! (Phil. 2:10-11). Some don't logically understand this, but by Faith it can be understood and logically too! Because from the beginning God doesn't allow anyone else to be bowed down too except Himself. Doesn't that make logical sense that Jesus is God? 

Now, going back to the topic on falsehood and to the teachers of false teaching. One who has set Jesus as the standard of truth can now discern and compare other teachings to Jesus' truths. And one way to discern false teachers from genuine teachers of the Word of God, is by comparing one's life to Jesus Christ! 

True! None can actually be compared to Him or could really measure up to the standard of Jesus' life. Because even I myself would declare I can not measure up to Him. I can only say I am pursuing towards the likeness of Him, and anyone who rebukes and corrects me so I could be like Him, I shall gladly accept whole heartedly. Just as the apostle Paul always declare "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ" (I Cor. 11:1). Apostle Paul declared this, not because he was already perfect or matured. But he knows the center and focus is not him but Christ. 

In contrast, rebuke and correct the false teacher, be sure to receive scorn and he/she will hate you for it. They will become as wolves to destroy you as they always were! For Jesus already declared, "they come with sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves!" (Matthew 7:15)... They are very dangerous! Read the Book of Revelations on the seven churches. Most churches were condemned / judged by God. Why? Most of them were into false teaching (whether it be small or big false teaching). Only two churches were greatly commended and blessed by God. Why? Because they stood firm and hold fast on God's Truths and not a slightest false teaching made through!

Now, let's go back to the question "How do you know what I teach is true and not false?" or "How will you discern which is true from false?" This question should help us Christians to be alert at all cost. Because when falsehood is received, be sure to receive destruction in the end. May not be in this lifetime, but most grievous be is for eternity. How about your church? Is your church still standing for the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ? or has falsehood slipped through? A question worth pondering....