Yahweh
God is our Father. Christians are family. When we receive God's Holy Spirit (His DNA), we
begin the process of being birthed into God's Family. As it is written: For it was fitting for Him (Father Yahweh), for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons (and daughters) to glory,
to make the captain (Jesus) of their salvation perfect through
sufferings. ~ Hebrews 2:10. Jesus suffered the cross, we only go through
labor pains.
After receiving the gift of salvation, by God's grace, in the New Testament, Believers are saved from the death sentence of sin, start the process of birth into God’s family, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a transformed life.
It initiates an ongoing process of spiritual growth, leading to good
works, the exercise of spiritual gifts, and a lifestyle of gratitude
rather than animal sacrifices and religious rituals.
Millions of
Christians worldwide read the same Bible, worship the same God, and
believe in the same Savior - yet will not fellowship with another church
group. The difference between a Church
member and a Disciple of Christ is: a Church member follows the
doctrines of their denomination, a Disciple follows Jesus Christ. ~ 1 John 2:3-6
Different
people have different callings. All Christians are called (invited) to
enter the Kingdom of God as born again family members. As in any family,
there are different personalities, different abilities, different likes
and dislikes. We readily accept those differences in our human family,
but we want to debate who is "right or "wrong" in our Church family.
Jesus put it this way: "I am the Vine, you are the branches." Trees and vines frequently represent people in the Bible.
Because both are created from the earth, grow, and bear fruit,
scripture uses trees and vines as a primary metaphor for human character, actions,
and spiritual condition. If you are Believer in Jesus Christ you may
branch out in another direction from the other branches but we are all
rooted in Christ. As it is written: “I am the vine, you are the
branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for
without Me you can do nothing." ~ John 15:5. Your Church is not the root. ~ Romans 11:16-18
Every
Church has false doctrines - some more that others - but who are we to
judge a Brother or Sister in Christ because they don't worship like we
do. Churchianity
says if you are not a member of our "one and only true church," you
have no hope of salvation. Jesus says in Mark 9:38-41..."if they are not
against us, they are on our side." Was Cornelius a member of any church? Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation (or denomination) whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."
~ Acts 10:34-35
These "one and only churches" remind me of Elijah who said to God, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; and I alone am left who serves you. God answered (paraphrased), "Elijah, don't kid yourself, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to organized religion (protestantism) and every mouth that has not kissed the big toe of St. Peter's statue or the Pope's feet" (paganism). KJV reads sightly different but the gist is the same. ~ 1 Kings 19:14-18
Today,
under the New Covenant, God has reserved many millions of zealous
people all over the world to be citizens of His Kingdom.
You Are Cordially Invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/
