Jesus said, I will build my Church (Mat. 16:18) So, Let’s see which is the true and original Church of Lord Jesus Christ in earth. When people hear the word ‘Church’, suddenly an image of a huge building attached to Altar, Parish Hall, Bell and all kinds of amenities with a cross on the top of the building is coming to their mind. On the other hand, the image or understanding of non-Christians regarding a ‘Church’ is either Catholic or Protestant. If we take the history of the world, we can see that a countless number of churches built in different visions, fashions and dimensions all over the world according to that country’s culture, like Church of Rome, St. Peter’s Church, Church of England, St. Thomas Church and so on. However, truly, our Lord Jesus Christ meant the ‘Church’ in the earth according to a one mentioned above, built by stones, cement and other building materials? Surely, the answer is NO. Because, according to the Holy Bible, God had given always a pattern of the Church right from the beginning of man. Pattern in Hebrew is ‘TABNIYTH’, which means, a model, figure, form or likeness. In Greek, it is ‘TUPOS’, which means, a model, shape, type or die. The other word for pattern in the Bible is ‘Fashion’. Fashion in Hebrew is ‘MISHPAT’, which means form, manner, measure or order. Hence, the pattern of the Church (‘Ecclesia’ Called out or Separated for God) is started from the time of Noah (Ark Gen. 6:14-16), Moses (Tabernacle Exd. 25:9, 40), David/Solomon (Temple 1 Chr. 28:11) and Peter (Church Acts. 2 : 36-47) David received the pattern by the Holy Spirit (1 Chr. 28:12). Hence, we believe that Noah, Moses and Peter also received the pattern by the Holy Spirit. David says, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me even all the works of this pattern (1 Chr. 28:19). Peter was an illiterate Fisherman, while David was a Shepherd. The Holy Spirit made Peter to understand the pattern of the Church. Paul says to the Corinthian Church, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation and another buildeth thereon. But let every man, (any Elder/ Evangelist/ Priest/ Preacher/ Pastor/Bishops) take heed how he buildeth thereon (1 Cor. 3:10). The Lord spoke to Moses and said, make me a sanctuary (Exd. 25:9). The Sanctuary was not for Moses, but for the Lord. In another instance, the Lord spoke to David and said, Solomon shall build My House (1 Chr. 28:6). This house was not for David or Solomon, but for the Lord. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ said to Peter, upon this rock, I will build My Church, the gates of Hell (Hades) shall not prevail against it (Church). Here also, the Church is for Jesus Christ and the same is His Body. Hence, Peter laid the pattern of the Church. The same pattern was preached by Philip in Samaria and Paul among all nations (Jews and Gentiles). Thomas and Bartholomew preached the same pattern in India way back in A.D. 52 (History). 1 Cor. Chap. 3 [10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Eph. Chap. 2 [20] And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; First teaching of the Church The foundation of the Church we see first in Acts. 2 : 37- 47 [37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. [41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. [43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. [44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common; [45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. [46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, [47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV) Just read carefully the words, 41-Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 - And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers and 47 - Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. So, anybody who is not fitting on the above scriptures, God will not add him/her to His Church. Only God has authority and power to add souls to His Church. Rest all (worldly denominations/organizations/nominal churches/gatherings/fellowships/ groups/Trusts etc.) will be out of Church and God is nothing to do anything with them and He never cares who they are. The Jews never understood that Jesus was God’s manifestation in flesh when Jesus spoke to them for 3 years. They could not realize that the Pillar of Fire came in the form of Man. Instead of understanding him (Jesus), they misunderstood and crucified him. When Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost that, Jesus is both Lord and Christ, it pricked 3000 souls who repented and their sins were remitted after they gladly received the word (Act. 2 : 37-41). It was a revelation for only 3000 souls and the rest of the people never believed so. Many are called but few are chosen. On the day of Pentecost, many were gathered, but few, i.e. 3000 souls were chosen (Acts. 2: 41)So, the 3000 souls repented, saved and baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, by the preach of St. Peter, God added to them in His Church. This is the foundation and beginning of the first Church in the 1st Century founded by Lord Jesus Christ in the earth by His Apostles and the corner stone is our precious Saviour Lord Jesus Christ himself. So, the Disciples were confident enough on what they were preached and taught. Because, they seen him (Jesus) and his glory, heard from him, touched him, walked with him, slept with him, ate with him, witnessed miracles and wonders and Jesus revealed to them the mystery of heavenly Kingdom. Truth is hidden to wise and prudent (so called Bishops, Priests, Pastors, Bible Pandits, Teachers, Scholars and Scientists of this world) but truth is revealed to the Babes (Fishermen â“ Jesus Christâ™s Disciples). Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. [Acts. 4 :13]. Therefore, it is understood that there is no confusion or division among the Apostles about Jesus Christ and Church doctrine, because the Spirit they were received was one and same Spirit. Therefore, we can understand that, the Lord added to the members of His Church were, who followed the Apostolic Doctrines. If any church which is not continuing stedfastly in the apostles doctrines, they are not God’s. So, you judge yourself which is God’s Church in the earth and your position. The so called churches what we see today in the earth, who do not follow the Apostolic doctrines are merely organizations only, and not Churches according to Jesus Christ. Is it difficult to digest ? Do you agree with this ? However, any Church, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or nations follows the Apostolic doctrine rigidly, anywhere in the nook and corner of the world in any name, Lord add to them in His Church, as He did on Pentecost day, in the 1st century. Our Lord cannot change or deviate from his original activity. Because, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Heb. 13 : 8) Open your eyes wide and see, for what reasons, the Disciples were stoned, beaten, persecuted, tortured, jailed, executed and martyred ? Because the sake of Jesus’ Name. Therefore, St. Paul states that, We, (Apostles) or an Angel (Gabriel, Michael, Uriel, Raphel etc.) from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Gal.1:8-9) So, St. Paul and Apostles were very much confident in the gospel what they had preached, taught, practiced and administered. St. Paul says again says in Gal. 1: 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Therefore, anybody preach against of their doctrine, they will be cursed, according the above scripture. Otherwise, who have got the authority to change the original doctrines once delivered to us by Apostolic Fathers, chosen by our Lord Jesus Christ himself, when he was on earth ? Submitted for the glory of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. (Abraham)
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 13:15:44 +0000
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