Gigantic buildings in the name of church are springing
up around us today in different places. There are many with smaller structures
while many are only striving to exist as mushroom churches. No matter how big
or small, churches are built with a sole purpose of gathering brethren to
fellowship with God in a cooperate manner.
However, when people are absent in the church, it
becomes an ordinary building (a structure with roof and wall) like the houses,
the shops or the offices where we work. One thing is certain, people
make up the church not the structure.
Unlike in the days of the Apostles, churches today are
built under different denominations. In fact, there are million denominations of
churches around the globe with different kinds of teaching and doctrine; yet,
one bible, one Jesus, one Lord and one Saviour of all.
Some are tagged Pentecostal
churches while many are tagged orthodox but there is only one church recognized
in heaven, the body of Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, “and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”
What does Jesus referred to as His church?
Is it the structure, or the people?
Scrutinizing this statement, we need to dissect and diagnose
every word that makes up the sentence in order to get the full gist of what the
master is saying.
Rock, according to the scripture is a symbol of solid
foundation.
Church as stated in this sentence totally belongs to
Christ as His body; and its building or growth is absolutely dependent on Him.
Gate represents a stronghold that may allow or deny
ones access to a city, street or a house.
Hell is a symbol of punishment as a result of sin.
Breaking down this statement however, we arrived at
something like this; and upon this solid
foundation, my body shall be built and no stronghold of punishment to sin can deny his manifestation.
Now, it is so clear the church is a living entity, it
is not a monument.
Jesus said He will build His church and even defend
him from every punishment allotted to him as a result of sin. Even
when a structure can be built, there is never a need for anybody to defend it
from being punished neither can it commit any sin for it is not a man.
We therefore conclude that the church is simply
referred to as the people of God.
Peter confessed that Jesus is the son of God and the
Master said; on this solid foundation, my body shall be built and become
extremely large for with this confession, all will be forgiven and every
stronghold of punishment to sin shall be redeemed.
Every man from the beginning has lost it but as many
that receive Him, to them the access is given to be joined to that body of
Christ without any further punishment.
It is good to build wonderful structures in the name
of church but God is more interested in building His body by adding more
members on daily basis.
Have you received Him into your life?
The opportunity is still there today, your sin is
already paid for provided you receive Him and believe that He is the son of
God. Accept Jesus today, forsake your sinful past and put on a new man that lives only to please the Lord.
We appreciate your visit to this blog today.
We believe you have been touched by this publication.
Please, feel free to make your comment.
Perhaps you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, we encourage you to do it now.
Please, visit our new convert page and follow the instruction thereof.
You can also visit our contact us page for your prayer requests.
We like to join our faith with yours in prayer.
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