Escape Denominationalism and Gain Freedom
Jesus Christ Leads His Church
Many point to the numerous denominations that exist. These are a result of men creating their own vision of God. Men being “head” of the church. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. He leads His people, and His sheep listen to His voice.
There are leaders in the Church of Christ, but ultimately all listen to the Great Shepherd. Our commitment is to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. God gave the Kingdom (The Church) into Jesus Christ’s hands, and the Holy Spirit was given as a Counselor. The Spirit and the Word work within the minds and hearts of the disciples of Jesus Christ.
Good intent or bad, denominations are not God’s model for the Church. They are created by men. A way to control the direction of large groups of people. This is not the role of God’s leaders. They are supposed to be examples to the Flock and the world. This requires profound trust. True faith in God’s model.
Foundation of the Church
Christ is the Cornerstone
The Bible uses many terms when describing the things of God. This is the case when the Church if described. Sometimes the Body is used, other times it mentions Church, and other mentions are Kingdom, The Way, etc. The Bible was written to seekers. People that study the word to gain a full understanding.
The following Scripture passages will help you better understand that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church.
Jesus describes His church – Matthew 16:13-20
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.
Highlight: Jesus Christ is building His Church
The Chief Cornerstone – Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Highlights: God’s Household. Holy temple. Dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
The Church is a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone.
Christ Cleanses the Church
Let Him Cleans You – Ephesians 5:22-33
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own 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 the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Highlight: Christ uses the word to sanctify and cleanse His church. Are you allowing the word to sanctify you?
Jesus Christ is Returning for His Church
Not Coming for any Specific Denomination
It is clear that there is only one church. The Church that Jesus Christ formed through the Apostle’s. One church that is made up of disciples of Jesus Christ that gathering in faith and listen intently to His voice. His instructions given through the Holy Scripture (The Bible). He is not returning for the largest denomination or the smallest. He is returning for His Church. The Church of Christ. Those that follow His word and live through the power of the Holy Spirit.
His Commandments Not Man’s – Revelation 22:12-17
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Highlight: Do His will (Obey His commandments). Only His word describes His commandments.
Denominations set their rules according to their wishes or organizational structure. The true Church of Christ listens only to the voice of Jesus Christ. They study God’s word and live according to the power of the Holy Spirit.
