United For The Cause!

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (I Coriinthians 1:10 NIV).

This appeal from Paul to all church leaders–was in response to those who thought they had a claim of superiority over others–simply because of who the leader was. For whatever reason–then as now–people tend to think that if they belong to a certain church or denomination that they have bragging rights and feel superior to any other Believers.

The truth of the matter is–if ALL claim to be Believers in the Work on the Cross, in salvation, repentance, spreading The Word and LIVING according to The Word–then NONE are superior or inferior. ALL are equal in the sight of God since He has no respect of persons.

People who have worship services on Sunday have no more access to God than those who have worship services on Saturday or any other day of the week–we all have equal access to God through the Son, Jesus Christ.

How a person is baptized is a matter between them and God, but if we look at the Scriptures and desire to be like Christ, who was submerged when baptized, then we would have to know, submersion is  the acceptable baptismal method. But this is not to argue, sprinkling or submersion–the act of baptism is supposed to symbolic of our “being buried with Him (to sin), and rising again (to live for Him)” to do the good works He said we would do. If we cannot do the works–ignited by love–for God and others–our baptism means nothing.

I can perfectly understand Paul’s response to the church at Corinth–it doesn’t matter who does the baptism or under what banner–it is the BAPTISM itself that matters–not who did it. If a person’s heart is not right–it won’t matter who does the baptizing. Some have gone into the water a dry devil and come up a wet one–there is no change of heart and so there can be no change of action.

Since none–but Jesus–has ever died for us–why do we pay so much attention to people in leadership positions? They have no heaven or hell for us. Their opinion of us–matters not–especially those who simply love to have authority over others, but have no relationship with God and it is evident in how they conduct themselves in their various churches. Having authority over people does not make them gods–it usually means God’s favor–but more often it means, someone has erred in judgment by putting a godless person over others. We know this happens because we see the results every day when they are reported in the media. Why can’t we choose leaders by praying until God shows us who is to lead?

Okay, that’s a topic by itself and I will explore it, but the important thing for all BELIEVERS is that we are saying what God says–in total agreement–without any division. When the Body of Christ (everyone who proclaims to be believe in Him) unites in thought, purpose and deed, we will indeed change the world for the better.

Until then, let’s not get caught up in people–who lead–but in the Leader we follow–Jesus Christ and learn to be united for the cause–encouraging everyone to live according to The Word of God!

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The Foundation!

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 3:10,11 NIV)

Paul admonishes those who are attempting to “teach doctrine” other than what they learned. He reminds them (the Corinthians) that everything he taught was based upon his relationship with Jesus Christ and who He is. He goes on to tell them in (subsequent verses) that if they attempt teach any other doctrine, their works will be tried with fire.

Now, for clarity’s sake, I must explain that in the subsequent verses, he mentions the building materials that will be tried and possibly burned up with fire. Paul uses the building materials–gold, silver, etc. in a figurative analogy. He does not mean that churches cannot use gold or silver in the buildings, as some have taught.

What is more important–the church (Body of Christ) or the building? I think this is where some err. The body of believers is the “Church of Jesus Christ” and the buildings are simply places where people go to worship, ideally. So, Paul is really concerned about the condition of the believers and the foundational truths they are taught and believe. When we change the foundational truths of God’s Word, then we subject our works to being judged by the fire. EVERY TIME WE CHANGE GOD’S WORD TO PACIFY FLESH, WE ERR AND ARE CREATING AN UNSTABLE FOUNDATION.

When a firm, stable foundation has not been laid for a physical building, it will not withstand, the moves of the earth as it settles and sometimes, the foundations crack, lean, or fall apart, causing the entire building to crumble. When a firm foundation has not been been laid regarding the truth of God’s Word, people lean, fall apart and crumble every time a crisis comes their way–their foundational knowledge is flawed and will not withstand the wiles of the enemy when the attack comes.

We should all aspire to be like Paul–as a wise builder–teaching and proclaiming only the truth of God’s Word so when He comes, we will be found blameless and not guilty of promoting false doctrine trying to make ourselves to be something we are not. God knows the truth of all and He knows when the foundation is His or ours. If we think we can fool Him, we only delude ourselves. Make sure the foundation laid regarding God’s truth–is His Truth!