Back then, all other churches were "false", and the haughtiness we carried amongst ourselves, and neatly folded doctrinal materials, justified our judgmental behavior as we were true members.
I'd laugh looking back from where I stand now, except it's unfunny. Looking back, I see a sad desperate, situation. A group of folks with severe self esteem issues grasping at any resemblance of self-importance. Severe self-esteem issues, I say because it showed a true lack of understanding of God's grace and Christ's gift. One who is fully assured of HIM, is humbly confident in FAITH. And what a depth of lack of FAITH back then...
I was recently asked..."How do I become a member of the true church?" Inevitably, I'm taken back to the times I've just described. I will readily admit, it is difficult to think of the word "church" without scoffing, yet I'm aware that like so many important terms, the word church has been hijacked and misused.
What IS church?? Many Christians refer to church as building, a place where people come to worship. The general definition of church is a group of worshipers that are typically regulated by a select group of "professionals" be it pastors, priests etc. In this setting, members are taught by a person or persons who typically build sermons or messages from a few passages of scriptures. Typically, these members attend church to hear the word and learn. These members usually participate in social activities provided by the church for their members.
In summary, "church" is a place to present an "act"...worship.
Instead of asking whether or not a "church" may or may not be "true", should we not consider whether or not our worship may or may not be "true"?
Who better to ask, than God, the Father of Jesus Christ of Nazareth on how HE should be worshiped?
Testified of Christ and ordained of God, we are to worship HIM in SPIRIT and in TRUTH, as HE wills! The quest to find a perfect place, is a wasteful one, one filled with misunderstanding of what a relationship with God the Father really means.
The one TRUE place, we worship is in SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT, which was ushered in by Christ's death. The HOLY SPIRIT which is saying God's Spirit. We worship in SPIRIT because God is a spirit.
If we worship in TRUTH we understand that it is by FAITH we receive acceptance. Only by the GRACE of Christ are we reconciled to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob this way. It is in this stead we find peace... peace with God.
But if you want peace with God, a meaningful, loving relationship...
May you find peace with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Instead of asking whether or not a "church" may or may not be "true", should we not consider whether or not our worship may or may not be "true"?
Who better to ask, than God, the Father of Jesus Christ of Nazareth on how HE should be worshiped?
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. - John 4:23
Testified of Christ and ordained of God, we are to worship HIM in SPIRIT and in TRUTH, as HE wills! The quest to find a perfect place, is a wasteful one, one filled with misunderstanding of what a relationship with God the Father really means.
The one TRUE place, we worship is in SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT, which was ushered in by Christ's death. The HOLY SPIRIT which is saying God's Spirit. We worship in SPIRIT because God is a spirit.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. - John 4:24What we know as "church" today, has seriously evolved away from this remarkable phenomenon. The message of church membership is, one needs to go to a "place" to worship. And if you do not attend this "place" on a regular basis, then your {insert a noun/adjective here} is in jeopardy...or...as I was once told..."on a path to shipwreck". I will say this, this unspoken/spoken sentiment is legalistic and man-mandated. It is not of God.
If we worship in TRUTH we understand that it is by FAITH we receive acceptance. Only by the GRACE of Christ are we reconciled to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob this way. It is in this stead we find peace... peace with God.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. - Romans 5:1-2The bottom line is this...if you desire a religious experience in an organized setting, you won't need to look far to find a church that fits your criteria.
But if you want peace with God, a meaningful, loving relationship...
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. - Romans 10:8-10...it all starts with your HEART...
May you find peace with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
I’m thrilled to be able to review another product from 
My first try with the oil was on a staple in our home…Paninis. We have Paninis several times a week. The first time I used the oil, I coated the griddle with it. I didn’t taste a huge difference. I made a Panini the next day and this time I decided to drizzle the oil on both sides of the bread and sprinkle a bit of garlic powder like I usually do and what happened still stuns me! My delicious Panini went from great to gourmet in one sitting. My daughter raved about it!