There is a group of people walking this planet who seem to not belong…and they don’t.
They are the called-out ones, the ecclesia, the Church of the Living God.
They are from every nation, tribe and tongue and each one has a story of how the God of Glory met them…met them in their sin and released them into redemption.
They are bound together with heavenly bonds; there is a Book in their hands, (and their hearts) and a Name on their lips….JESUS.
At times they seem other worldly to those who observe them, and they are. They are citizens of Heaven. This current world and it’s events interest them… but not too much.
They don’t agree on everything, but they know a brother or sister when they meet one; and they love…love each other and what God has done IN each other.
They are not usually the wealthy or the noble or the influential by this worlds standards; they know their King chooses the weak things of this world to shame the wise. They may or may not be able to articulate it well but they understand that God has opened the eyes of their heart and enlightened their minds by His pure grace towards them.
They are called the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and although they don’t understand all that means, they accept it for these are the words of their King.
This people are the most influential group on the face of the earth; but their influence is not political, economic or through popularity, it’s the influence that comes only through heavenly means. They are meek and humble and often ignored (or despised) but they have weapons the worldling simply does not comprehend. Weapons that are not carnal and earth-bound but of divine origin.
Kingdoms rise and fall, rulers come and go but this humble band of brethren endure forever. Their message is eternal and changes the destinies of men and nations.
They are the temple of God, the Lords field, the sheep of His pasture and ambassadors of the highest Kingdom.
Their prayers are heard in heaven and their words are felt on earth. They are pilgrims on a sacred journey, worshipping warriors in a battle of love, sanctified sinners recruiting for Glory, passionate proclaimers of the provision of God. They’ve transgressions forgiven and righteousness given, prodigals returned to the household of faith. They are heirs of unimaginable wealth and brothers and friends of the strong Son of God.
They have been granted these honors through no credit of their own for it’s all been bought and paid for by Another…so with humble gratitude they sing praises to Him.
All the wealth of the ages can’t purchase a place amongst them and yet any can join if they’ll bow to their King.
They will stand in the judgement that all men must face and with thankful hearts see their Saviours face.
The Church of the Living God
Very encouraging message. A ‘come out from among them’ call–no longer under the Law of that 11 AM Sabbath Day gathering together as is the Church’s boast. But God is true–and every man a liar. Eventually, each of us will have to make a commitment to the Cross of Christ or else to the Institutional Church–either believe in the Gospel of the Cross, which is to die and live for Christ, being crucified to the World, flesh and the devil–or make a commitment to follow
the religious Institutional church, backsliding ino fulfilling laws, rules, rituals, consecrating buildings, holy days and festivals–which is of no profit to the soul because it is not works of Faith. Christ died to set us free to enter into a love relationship with Him–not keep us bound to fulfilling the Law–the “Church” severed herself from Christ and made meaningless His death! ‘Religion’ was first established by Emperor Constantine–who transformed the way Christians responded to the Gospel–he founded the Institutionalization of Christ–the False Church–and bound Christians to rules and regulations of various church laws which could not be questioned or else you were exiled! Today, you are simply ‘ignored’ or ‘slandered as disobedient’ to not have ‘joined a church’.
Born-again believers who are being lead by the Holy Spirit and pursuing Christ and His Righteousness will be ‘persecuted’ by those putting their trust in Constantine’s church ministers–who call for fulfilling the Sabbath Day Commandment in Consecrated Buildings with rites and rituals ‘religion’. The Catholic Church unified under Constantine–who considered himself the 13th Apostle–and his influence corrupted Christianity far greater than St. Paul’s letters to establish the truth!!! The god of this world has deceived millions for generations….
Blessed are you to have ‘overcome’ the evil one! And to have sanctified Jesus ALONE in your heart for the Praise and Glory of God! Welcome to the household of Faith!
Yep, indeedy deed! UNFORTUNATELY, the word ‘church’ has been bastardised especially in our neck of woods called Nigeria!