"Church". It's a common noun that gets used frequently, but what is it really? Some think of it as building, a place of worship, or perhaps just a place. Others might think beyond it being a place to see it as a religious group, organization or institution. It's my opinion however, that the true Church, far from being a building or a human organization led by men, is a living, breathing entity - originated, inhabited and led sovereignly by God Himself.
"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." Matthew 16:18 (NKJ)
I assert that the church that Jesus referred to - God's Church, lives without the necessity of a building. The true church is a living entity that survives by filling it's lungs with the breath of God on a regular basis while constituting it's life on the essence and edicts of His Spirit and heart. And that it naturally bears fruit born of honest desire and gratitude to please it's true source of life, providence and genuine love. The true essence of God's spirit and heart make "His Church" recognizable in a world that either attempts to imitate it or that contrasts with it darkly as it traverses through this place into eternity and an all-fulfilling and everlasting marriage to perfect Love.
"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them." 1 John 4:16 (NLT)
And perfect Love? For perfect Love (God) to be truly known is for Him to be both desired and adored. And as the Apostle Paul defined love ...
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)
... consider that Paul's told us who Love is in His essence and in relation to His Church, and that our true love relationship with Christ is our intended destiny from before time.
“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders." Acts 20:28 (NLT)
"There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone." 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT)Jesus Christ, the Son of God, paid a horrific price to ransom a people - NOT a building, a human established division, or a hollow religion. He ransomed a people willing to humble themselves before God, obediently confess and repent of their sins and accept the fact that Jesus Christ - their own Creator, paid the cost to reconcile them to Father God, making Him their Savior. They're a people who owe their all - their everything, to the One who saved them from God's wrath over their sin. They're a people who make their God and Savior the first priority in everything they do - wherever they go ... and a people who truly desire to understand and share the true nature and essence of disciplined Love.
In my opinion, this ... is "The Church" that Jesus spoke of.
How we get to it is by way of a road paved with His grace, our personal humility, honesty ... and true commitment ...
... while there's still time.
"No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 (NLT)
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