In my journey as a missionary, in every "Christian introduction" I am asked this question: "What church do you represent?" My answer: "I do not like to be branded as a ‘this or that Christian. I am but a small part in the Body of Christ that seeks to serve Him by pursuing the instructions He gave me." Is this the Body of Christ today? Are we so hung-up on denominations and doctrine that we forget what we are meant to be? The Body of Christ in UNITY. Surely this should be one of our main goals as Christians. Jesus prayed these words: "I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. John 17:20 - 21 Scripture tells us “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Eph 4:3-6 AND THIS IS THE PART WE MISS Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. Eph 4:7 Let’s look at some of the issues facing the Christian church today. (Please remember we are talking in general and are not discrediting any specific church or denomination ….although…. if the shoe fits.) UNITY It is without a doubt that we are not united in the war against evil. We will rather fight among ourselves about the silly issues. From doctrine to worship and prayer and oh so much more. And the devil is laughing at us all. Divide and concur from within. A very successful tactic it looks to be. Paul said: "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Co 12:27 EVIL In actuality, we invite evil into many of our churches. Preachers spray “Doom” into the faces of Gods children, eating snakes and rats, shooting evil spirits. This business we call church & religion is a highly prosperous one. (I will post some videos on our YOUTUBE Channel) FALSE Teachings Teachings that you will never find in the Bible are being taught every day, leading the children of God further and further away from the truth. Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. “- John 14:6 (KJV). Jesus is the only way, not "Do this and that and you shall be saved...." I wonder sometimes, SAVED from what because I do not believe they are talking about your sins and hell. ABSENCE Where is the church in the world? The devil is hitting the world with every kind of weapon we allow him to have. Abortions. Drugs. Starvation. Porn. Divorces. Fake religious. Every kind of weapon we allow him to utilse against or brothers and sisters…..against us. he has already lost and we are already "more than conquers through Him that loved us."(Rom 8:37) and yet it is our desire to rather feel comfortable, save and happy than to step into the warzone and fight. Relevance What is your church teaching you AND WHAT ARE YOU ALLOWING TO BE TAUGHT? Why are we so removed from the actual war raging in OUR street, in OUR homes, in our family that we do not even realise we are in a WAR! It is so easy for the enemy to come and slay Christians in masses, even in your home. After all, you have been taught in church about religion, doctrine, rules & regulations. How is this possible? Relevance!! Is it not true that most Christians would rather hear a message that is suiting to them, rather than the truth? And only on Sunday. Where are the Apostle, Prophets, Evangelists, Teachers, Pastors of God? (Eph 4:11) I can go on and on about what we see happening in churches all over the world but let's not and rather look at what church should be. According to God.
These are but a few of the instructions found in the Bible concerning the Church of Christ. I would love your feedback on this discussion. In part 2 we will look closer at practical issues we can address as Children of God.
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AuthorPhilip Coetzee Archives
February 2019
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