Church of God (building or person)?

Church of God (building or person)?
Text: Matthew 16:18,Acts 2:47
Church has so many definition depending on what it is associated with;
The church could be a building used by christians for religious services or programs or it could mean a particular christian group;that is the whole body of christians-in terms of congregation or denomination.
When we talk about the church,we should be very careful because even the synagogue of satan have their own Church. The church we are interested in here is the church of God also known as the Body of Christ.
The church was not seen clearly by the prophets in the Old testament;they saw the first and second coming of Jesus; failed to see the era of the church (according to bible scholars).
Jesus Christ when he was on earth had a conversation with his disciples where he told peter that he would build his church upon this rock and the gates of hell shall not overcome it; matthew 16:18.
we noticed that a form of leadership and emergence of the church as a body of christ started from that premise between peter and Jesus; in came to fulfilment in Acts 2 on the day of pentecost when the Holy Ghost came down from Heaven to dwell amongst men. Apostle peter was the first to speak and the Lord added to the church daily those who would be saved.(Acts 2:47)
In the representation of the church in the Old testament was likened the tabernacle and temple worship of God among the jews, exodus 25; which had its origin from mount sinai where God called his people israel to follow him. Exodus 19;24;31;34,
The early church had a simple and humble lifestyle where people brought what they had by selling their possession to give to the church and it was given as people had needs accordingly. Acts 2:44-46.
The early church was on fire for God and the Holy Spirit was in total control of its activities;sin and disobedience was punished and the fear of God was on every soul;ananias and sapphira’s story gives us an insight to how the early church manifested power,discernment and authority as we read in acts 5:1-11.
Jesus christ is the head of the church ephesians 5:23; colossians 1:15-20, your pastor,bishop,pope is just his overseers and can be replaced,I rather call ministers overseers as brother paul calls you(acts 20:28) than figureheads.
The early church was fervent in making intercession like they did in the case of peter and the Lord heard and rescued peter who was kept in the prison by king herod. Acts 12:1-19.
The church of Christ in the early christian days were persecuted heavily by the Jews and herod who wanted to please the jews;saul before his conversion persecuted the early church so terribly that he was greatly feared by the christians of the early church. acts 12;acts 7;8.1 corinthians. 15:9,
The church today feels like God has deserted them when persecution arise,but the early church endured persecution.
The church of God which is also the body of christ has many ministries,members and calling as seen in 1 corinthians 12:28 ephesians 4:1-13.
Whether you attend a wealthy church or you attend a poor church,what you must remember is that God looks at the heart that serves him and not the outer appearance or the beauty of your church building,this is not an excuse to neglect the beatification and maintenance of your church building;this must not be done through hardship but contribution by members and ministers in charge altogether.
The body of Christ is stronger when it is united,since we are one body in christ,then we must worship in one spirit and in diverse manner of operations. Apostle paul in his first letter to the corinthians explained in 1 corinthians 12 that we are one body in Christ. Every unit of the church is relevant to the growth and advancement of the church.
He also talked about the gifts and the categories which are apostles, prophets, teacher, miracles, healings, helps, government,diversities of tongues,please read 1 corinthians 12:28; romans 12:4-5,ephesians 4:4-12.
It is the joy of the Lord to add to the church those who would be saved but it is done through witnessing to the sinner as the apostles with peter as the spokesman did on the day of pentecost; Acts 2:47.
To the ministers in charge who have been appointed as overseers by the Holy Ghost you are advised to feed the Church of God (Acts 20:28),you did not die on the cross your members but christ died on the cross and has purchased us with his blood,this is a sealed transaction. Hallelujah.
You must ensure as a minister of God to feed your flock so that they will not be prey for false prophet and teachers who are desperate to scatter the flock.
In the early church,there was never confusion because when it came up,the Holy spirit was ready to bring forth orderliness. I give two instances; first instance was in acts 6:1-6,when the number of disciples multiplied and there was murmuring of the greeks against the hebrews over neglect of the widows of the greek in the daily ministration.
The apostles were quick to settle the dispute by the electing of seven men full of the Holy Ghost, wisdom and of a good report.
And another instance is in the church at corinth,where some said they were for paul,others of apollos but paul was able to address the issue in his letter in 1 corinthians 3:3-8.
Apostle paul made us to understand in his first letter to the corinthians 14:33,saying God is not an author of confusion but of peace,as in all churches of the saints.
The problem we have in the church today is that we have allowed envying and strife into the church among each other; that has caused the confusion,division and every evil work. James 3:16.
You are in trouble,if you are one of the rebellious agent used to cause a church to split into groups,you will not go scot-free or unpunished before the throne of judgment of God.
Ministers of God today kill their fellow ministers all in the name of position,other donate their church members to evil covens all in the name of power,fame and miracles. Prayers:
1. Lord Jesus,don’t let me or my family members be sacrificed on the evil altars of bad ministers in the quest for fame,position or power.
2. Lord Jesus, in any way I have been responsible for causing or upholding confusion or splitting of your church,help me to make amends and don’t let me die without restituting my actions.
The church today instead of being a hospital for the sinners to be healed,has become a stadium for sinners to be glorified in their sins..Jesus is watching and Judgment is coming quickly.
Jesus christ is not coming for redeemed church,livingfaith church,Jehovah witness,cherubium and seraphim,Lord chosen,Holiness revival movement or any other famous church on earth but for all churches in general who have Jesus christ as their Head.
In heaven there will be no church denomination like we have on earth,all that is only useful here on earth. Remember there will be surprises in heaven on churches.
Brethren, don’t take the glory of the church you are overseeing to yourself but unto Jesus Christ so you won’t be disgraced. Ephesians 3:21.
You are the Church and not the building,Jesus is coming for us the church and not our church buildings. Jesus is Lord and Saviour
Oyewole Ademola Ojo
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Ibadan,Oyo State. Nigeria.
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