THE CHURCH vs ‘Church people’
“… I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.
Over the years, different doctrines and indoctrinations, has been established by men in power, men of influence, and men of position; somehow setting a trend, knowingly or unknowingly for how the Church is viewed.
Cultural beliefs and customs, have in some way been used also, in forming some of the religious clichés and practices, which have taken different forms, shapes and shades, all of which have either eroded, is eroding or have become obsolete, and are no longer in practice. Some are even evolving, and are being rebranded and re-introduced or newly introduced. These and many more strategies, has been used to undermine the essence of the Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ is not about Doctrine, it is not about religion, neither is it about denomination. You are the Body of Christ! Even though the Body was scourged and was wounded, though it died and was buried, Yet, it arose victorious and triumphant. Even though the scars are there, it has not stopped the glory of the Resurrected Body. There is no corruption in this Body, there is no decay. This, is the Church of Jesus Christ.
If you have chosen to still remain in the tomb, to still carry the shame; if you have chosen to leave the wounds from the scourge open, bloody and painful? Or your case has to do with how you are treating the Body; if you are the one now inflicting the scourge, pain and shame to the Body of Christ? Or maybe you are starving, and malnourished and stunted in growth, always waiting to be fed? Leaving your assignment unattended and allowing yourself to be distracted? Or maybe you are even dead! You are not living to your full potential, you will be easily tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.
Let go of petty things and begin to feed on the Word of God. Allow the Vinedresser in, let Him trim and prune you so you can indeed become a fruitful vine, and a useful vessel in the hands of your Lord and Master. Because the more you keep looking away from the Author and Finisher of your faith, you become weak and vulnerable. It is then you become distracted and can be easily led astray.
No matter how much the devil tries, the Church of Jesus Christ still marches on, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Do you want to be amongst the overcomers? Stop living by your feelings and on a whim, rather let the Holy Spirit lead you.
“Though we are many, we are one body, because we share in one Bread”. It is the Bread we eat and the wine we drink, that unites us and unifies us; One Body with One Lord!
Only TRUTH will stand the test of time. Any other thing added to it will fade away with time.
