There is only one God, one Christ, and only one word, therefore there should be only one church.
As for the church you belong!
There is so many in the world, but there is a few that teach about the full aspect of Jesus.
We are blessed to be in one of those churches and it is getting harder to find a Jesus inspired church.
No one is there, if you find a church that is HOLY, please stay away as we as sinner will make it unholy.
Church! Denominations!
The following is something put together not too long ago in a discussion I was having with someone who is Catholic and believes there's the only one true church. In looking at this subject, it became apparent that church in scripture is identified specific to locations, but more importantly to a body of believers at said locations. Even Revelation in the letters to the churches (multiple) deals with the behaviors of the congregations, not one shoe fits all as is the inclination with most denominations. The church I currently attend, never did answer this question when posed to them
So through reading and praying the conclusion to me is that there is a Universal Church (My term only.), but not one which has ceilings, walls, or any worldly attributes we look to infuse in it.
My suggestion, if one is looking for one, is to seek one that is founded, and adheres to the Holy Bible, is willing to answer questions put before them, one that prays, does and not just talks about the Great Commission, in charity, service and exhibits the Love that God has shown us through His Son Jesus, to a lost and dying world.
I pray that this post may be for the edification and not a hindrance to anyone. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask this Amen.
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I have to first start defining certain words so we can see if we’re actually using the same Dictionary. It’s easy to use the same words, but as I’m coming to find out is that at times we are using different dictionaries, which might create difficulty in understanding each other. I hope you don’t mind that I tackle it in this fashion. I will attempt in every case to identify scripture or the lack of scriptural reference. Lord willing within the context of what God would have us comprehend we will find His truth.
Church
First one must define church as used in scripture. Easy to automatically provide the definition from our current perspective of what a church must be. Many people today understand the church as a building or denomination. This is not a complete biblical understanding of church. The word “church” comes from the Greek word ekklesia which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of “church” is not that of a building, but of people. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they usually identify a building. The following verse I used to show Paul addressing "the church" as a body of believers and not a building/denomination.
Romans 16:5 says “… greet the church that is in their house.” Paul refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.
How does one come to this? First one must see who the Creator of the Church is.
Jesus Christ Co-Creator
You can see this clearly that the church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head in the following scripture reading.
Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Colossians 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
Holy Spirit Co-Creator
Keep in mind as well that the Holy Spirit was co-creator of the church.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Where is this "...habitation of God through the Spirit."?
Body of Christ
The phrase “the Body of Christ” is a common New Testament metaphor for the Church (all those who are truly saved).
Romans 12:5 So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
1 Corinthians 10:17 For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.
Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Ephesians 4:3-6 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.
Our need to name things I believe is a Godly direction, that goes all the way back to Genesis. So in this light, for lack of giving the church a specific name or one so general as just "church" which might not be so bad as long as we know the builder and who resides there, I'll add one.
Universal Church
The universal church consists of all believers in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or - Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
2 Corinthians 6:16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
John 2:19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
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One consistency I've seen which crosses all denominations, languages, race, what have you, of believers and that is Jesus Christ. That He lived, died on the Cross, and He has Risen! I seen this to be true, just by mentioning His name, to a couple who did not know English, so were distrustful of me, didn't understand a word I was saying, until I said "Jesus Christ", pointed up with my finger and tapped my heart. Truly One Body! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! As I mentioned when I first started, I pray this does not become a hindrance to anyone.
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
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