In
today’s society due to erroneous religious teachings and beliefs, when one
hears the word CHURCH, one of the very first things that come to mind is that
of a building, an edifice or some sort of structure. Notwithstanding that when
Yahshua Messiah (a.k.a. Jesus the Christ) made mention of church
(Matt.16:18)
by no means was He referring to an edifice or some building structure.
In
the Greek the word Church is:
Ekklesia, Ek-klay-see'-ah; which
means (1) a calling out / a popular meeting, (2) congregation, (3) a community
of members on earth or saints in heaven or both.
Today’s
distorted religious view / concept of the church have literally given a real bad
name to the true concept and meaning of church. As religious leaders both far
and wide have constructed edifices various sizes and shapes of which they call
“The
Church” these churches are normally identified by the builders name or
a point / place of reference in the bible.
Have
you ever asked someone the question
“What church do you attend?” And
have them answer
“I go to Bishop Do Dad’s church or Prophet Run Run’s church”
This
form of church that has been birth by religion and its leaders is often fill
with much division and strife; To the point that at times physical altercation
and legal proceedings takes place for its ownership. This type of church is of flesh
and blood, and is often ran / operated in most cases, liken to that of a family
business; where the proprietor hands the business / church down or over to his
/ her ( son, daughter, etc;).
Think
it not strange that in various communities one can find at least three to five
different religious / denominational powerless churches; whereas in these same
communities there are also other edifices (Web-Shops, Night Clubs / Bars,
Drug-Houses, etc;) that are making more impact than the religious churches. When the enemy / Satan and his kingdom of
darkness; the gates of hell wreaks havoc in any community (murders, other
criminal activities and gross social ills, etc;) where there’s a church or a few
churches then the only logical question one can ask is
“Are these churches really & truly
of God or the religious leaders?)
The
church as we see and know it today really doesn’t reflect the true church of
the Messiah; but rather that of a powerless, organized religious institution
where various religious rituals and social events are held. The church today is that place where most
people go to make business contacts and deals; just about any and everything is
sold in the religious church (The man-of-God books, cd’s, tapes, chicken
dinners, concert tickets, cars, etc;).
If
the Messiah were to walk in many of the churches today He would do and say the
same as He did and said in
“Matt.21:12.
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold
and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and
the seats of them that sold doves,
:13. And said unto them, It is written, My house
shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Based
upon the revelation given to Peter by the Father in heaven concerning his Son
(Matt.16:16);
here’s what the Messiah said
“Matt.16”
18. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it).
Again,
here’s what Yahshua Messiah said to his church
“Matt.5:
14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is
set on an hill cannot be hid.”
The
true church / ekklesia (community of believers of Yahshua Messiah) is one that’s
called of and empowered by God / Yahweh through his Spirit to impact the
community or area wherewith it exist for the kingdom of God.
This
church / body of believers is (not a religion organization), but rather an
alive organism that can begin with two or three believers gathering in His name
to further advance the kingdom of God on earth, as it is in heaven. In this body of believers burdens are removed
and yokes are destroyed through the power of the Holy Spirit; in this body the manifestation
of the fivefold ministry and its operation / proper functioning can be found to
the honor and glory of God; and not that of any man or religious denomination.
An
example of the church operating as being led by the Holy Spirit is clearly laid
out in the book of Acts by the early church.
Acts.2:
42. And they continued steadfastly in the
apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
:43. And fear came upon every soul: and many
wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
:44. And all that believed were together, and had
all things common;
:45. And sold their possessions and goods, and
parted them to all men, as every man had need.
:46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in
the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with
gladness and singleness of heart,
:47. Praising God, and having favour with all the
people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
AND:
Acts.4:
32. And the multitude of them that believed were
of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things
which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
:33. And with great power gave the apostles
witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them
all.
:34. Neither was there any among them that lacked:
for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the
prices of the things that were sold,
:35. And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and
distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
:36. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed
Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and
of the country of Cyprus,
:37. Having land, sold it, and brought the money,
and laid it at the apostles' feet.
The
early church / believers HAD ALL THINGS COMMON, AND NETHIER WAS THERE ANY AMONG
THEM THAT LACKED:
Today’s
Religious Church, a Cash-COW for The Religious Leaders who have perfected the
art of twisting the word of God and manipulating the people into giving of
their finances or as it’s often called
“Sowing into the life of your Mand-of-God” meanwhile lack and poverty remains at
an all time high among the faithful followers.
What
church are you apart of? The Organism /
alive church of Yahshua Messiah or The Organized Religious church of the Bishop
or Religious Organization?
Pastors
Matthew & Brendalee Allen
Kingdom
Minded Fellowship Center Int’l
