The One Church

This Sunday morning, in the third week of our series on "Things Most Surely Believed" - I am preaching on the topic - "The One Church." I usually do not write articles on the same subject as the sermon, but I am making an exception.

Of all of the things in the religious world today - it may be that people are most confused about the church. Denominationalism is the main cause of this problem. Mix in a lack of Bible study, and the general notion that God is going to accept whatever we do as long as we are making an effort - and you have a perfect recipe for an absolute mess.

Young Christian families and even some older folks are leaving the one church in large numbers today for churches that appeal to the senses - "non-judgmental" - "fits our needs" - "always loving" churches in the community. People in the religious realm realize this so much that they are changing the names of their churches from denominaional or traditional names to names they feel are more open and inviting.

Along with the changes in name, they are changing doctrine as well. They would rather not take a stand on doctrine in order to increase their numbers. Homosexuality, adultery, wordliness, and the like will not be disciplined. Issues like worship, unity, and fellowship are so open to personal opinion that it does not seem to matter what is going on, as long as everybody is having a good time and feels like they experienced something when they attended.

There is nobody on this earth that wants people to go to heaven more than me. There is nobody on this earth that wants the church to grow more than me. There is nobody on this earth that wants people to enjoy being in the kingdom of God more than me. There is nobody on this earth that wants people to be loved and appreciated and accepted more than me. The Bible teaches that Jesus created an institution through His death, burial, resurrection, and commission that makes all of this a reality. It is called the church. It is His body. The Bible teaches that there is only one church.

Regardless as to what anybody says or does, what the culture dictates, or what people think - I know the truth and will preach the truth concerning the one church. If we love and respect God and want to obey Him we will not try to "do church" our way. There is a peace that comes with obedience and pleasing God that is greater than any "feeling" new churches offer.

I am so greatly blessed and humbly overjoyed to be a part of the church that Jesus built!

"And God put all things under Christ's feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, which is His body..." ~ Ephesians 1:22-23