MaryJane
Sep 16, 2013
The Church is not something you can join, you must be reborn into it. John 3:3
The Church is not something you can join, you must be reborn into it. John 3:3
True, but we must also consider Hebrews 10:25 and chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation. The church (kingdom) a spiritual entity but we are required by scripture to love and fellowship with fellow believers. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation were to regional fellowships. I know so many who have been hurt in church (fellowship) who are disillusioned with it altogether and are no longer attending. I recently bumped into the fellow God used to bring me into the church (kingdom) and when I asked him where he attended church (fellowship) he said nowhere. I said "James, how can that be possible? God used you to invite me to church". He responded with a smirk "I'm sorry". My heart sank. I know that he loves God but has allowed his heart to grow bitter with hurt. I pray that God restore his love for His people and allow him to love with His heart.
We must not forget we are children of the kingdom who are required to fellowship with other children.
Blessings
Christ is Head of the Church and one is plunged "into Christ" by "the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Tit 3:5
"But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." 1Co_6:17
Anyone can join themselves to an earthly organization, because the "joining" is of men.
The way each member of the Church is joined together with one another, is through Christ. If one is not joined to Christ, they have no part in the Church.
Eph 4:16 From whom (Jesus) the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
When someone comes to know Jesus, repents of their sins, is baptized, turns and flees from that sin, takes up their cross and follows after Jesus, lives in submissions to Him as Lord of their life, obeying His commands because they love Him, becoming a servant to demonstrate His love to and for others, and walks daily moment by moment in him and with Him, having been born again, are now living stones and members of His Church, and His body. There are no short cuts or work arounds. True believers of Jesus do not join the true church, they are reborn into His family when they come to the cross, die to the old man self. Through His blood they are washed and freed from their sins and made new, born into His church as a new creation. Such a person knows it is Christ who now lives in them. This is truth, it is not tradition its His truth and we are free to accept it or rebel against it but we can not alter it, or make it fit into or own agenda. His truth stands and is both inclusive and exclusive all at the same time.
What an amazing and awesome GOD we have.
Amen! No argument here. We can join fellowships/churches all day long and yet miss entering into the kingdom. Joining a church doesn't save a person any more than water baptism but I believe we are required by scripture to submit to both.
I'm not saying this is the context of your "thought" but there are those who opt out of the fellowship of the saints by declaring that it isn't the "church" anyways. In terms of salvation and entrance into the kingdom, it's true. In respect to obedience to scripture, I have a difficult time with it.
Blessings
I think those who are walking in close relationship with the Lord recognize Him in others and want to fellowship with them, thereby partaking of the Lord (in them).
It is hard to imagine those who are walking close with the Lord and then not wanting anything to do with other Believers.
I believe that those who are alienating others who have the Spirit of God and are walking in love and close communion with the Lord, probably have some issues. It is most likely the Spirit of God in people that are repelling them.
This does not mean that everyone who has the Spirit of God should run back to their local, corner religious institution because "they need you".
Some religious folk just won't receive you unless you "dance their dance" or "sing along with their songs". Even the Apostle John and disciples with him, had this problem.
3Jn 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
Jesus did not come to earth to "get along with people" and "mourn to their dirge" or "dance to their music" and neither should you.
Nebuchadnezzar's Flutes
http://www.apostasynow.com/tgd/flutes.html
Thought for today
Sin in the heart of a believer is as deadly as weeds in the garden. Left unattended they will grow and choke off life. Just as weeds must be uprooted and destroyed so must sin be dealt with. The best way to deal with the weeds of sin in the heart of a believer is by starving the sin, confess and bring into the light those things that offend HIM. Repent and seek HIM. Then once the weeds are dealt with in HIM, the soil is made ready, the garden will flourish, and so will the heart of the believer be made ready to sow "Good Seeds" and share HIS life with others.
Today as I wake may my very first thought be of You Lord.
May that thought remain with me as I walk through out this day.
Then Lord when I lay my head upon the pillow and close my eyes to sleep may You be the last thought I have
I pray each day I will begin, continue, and end with You LORD JESUS!
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