Ephesians 1:22,23 — And He put all things in subjection under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
What stands out most to me is the description of what true church is, which is His body. It is not a building. It is not a place we go on a certain day. Christ is the head of all of us who are saved by grace. We are the church.
I do not see separation in this statement. I do not see denominations, buildings, programs and formal services trying to get people to come to us. I do not see separated groups based on doctrine.
I see a living, active group of people going out into the world day by day in the love and strength of the Spirit. I see a united effort seeking to show the love of God to all we meet each day.
I see people looking to Jesus through the Holy Spirit for truth and guidance. No more looking to a man, woman or a group of elders for teaching and guidance. Christ is our head and the Spirit is our teacher. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, bishops, elders and any such leader mentioned are not positions of authority but are fellow believers who help encourage and build up their brothers and sisters through servant-hood example.
This leads me to think it is time to stop arguing over doctrines and interpretations. It is time to stop looking to other brothers and sisters whom we elevate into a higher position. We need to realize we are all kings and priests and able to teach and give a word to uplift one another. We need to allow God to live through us daily as we go out into the world and show His love to people who are hurting, who are outcasts and who need to be uplifted and encouraged. It is time to look past the labels we put on one another and see human beings who were created in the image of God and who need love, acceptance and fellowship with the Spirit and with one another just as much as the rest of us.
We are the Church, we are the people of God who are filled with the power and love of the Holy Spirit going out into our world showing that God loves them.
Good article. Thanks for posting.
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Check this out. Expands upon what you wrote, I think you’ll be amazed, as I was.. It seems the Spirit is revealing this to any who will listen:
https://firstthekingdom.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/body-or-bodies-our-body-pt-1/
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Thank you Jem. It is all about the love of the Father.
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Thank you Kris. It is certainly not me, so we both praise God for His leading
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I love what you say here, Jim. And I totally agree. We have to stop the doctrinal disagreements by not concerning ourselves with them, but focus rather on Jesus, the Father, the Spirit, and each other, in love, mercy, grace, deep concern for the hurting, the wounded, the sick, the hungry, the down-trodden, reaching out where we can to each other in the love of Jesus.
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I couldn’t believe when I read this. A friend and I just had this conversation earlier today! It so confirmed the message I was trying to share with her. I could not agree with you more! Thank you for sharing what the Holy Spirit lays on your heart….you never know just who needs the message! God bless you!
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