Admittedly, this instruction we hear often from those around us. Indeed, it is often a criticism levelled against those who believe in Jesus by faith -- by those whose hearts only desire is to accuse the brethren. We see the same example when the Grecians criticized the apostles for not doing enough for the less fortunate in society.
This is why it is important to read scripture in context, line upon line, and comparatively with one another because God is not the author of confusion but rather peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (I Corinthians 14:33)
What Paul is stating then is that he did everything (and more) required of religion, even when his exceeding zealousness of the traditions of the fathers was contrary to the good news gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, as the scripture state, Paul went so far as to think he was doing God a favour by ridding true believers from society. "As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison." (Acts 8:3)
To this end, note that James wrote in the scripture immediately preceding the one above that -- "if any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26)
Again, let it be restated that pure religion is to visit the f/Fatherless and widows in their affliction, and also, to keep himself unspotted from the world. Apostle Paul (the Pharisee of Pharisees) repeatedly addresses this subject by observing his own personal experiences within the religious culture, saying that if those who knew him form the beginning would testify, they would say that Paul (as Saul) "after the most straightest sect of our religion ... lived a Pharisee." (Acts 26:5)
Continuing, Paul writes, "For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers." (Galatians 1:13-14)
Continuing, Paul writes, "For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers." (Galatians 1:13-14)
Yes, in his religious mode, Paul admits to before being "a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious ..." (I Timothy 1:13) "So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the Name of Jesus of Nazareth." (Acts 26:9)
This may be why Paul asks the question, "Is Christ divided?" so that we who believe in Jesus by faith don't ignorantly add another mediator (i.e. such as religious culture) between God and our own hearts, rather than our One and Only Mediator JESUS, who is able to save us from our sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Moreover, "is Christ divided?" Is Christ fractured? No sir. Christ is not fractured. Unfortunately, in many religious denominations, both historically and today, there is an intention to unify apart from the Word of God. Thus, the religious culture is intent only on presenting fragmented truths interjected with man's earthly wisdom. Most certainly, we understand that historically the pagan Roman so-called church had the majority of people hypnotized by the seated power of demons, transforming themselves into messengers of light. During this time (and now), the scriptures which were deemed the only true light are being extinguished and replaced by a demonic system of error. But I digress somewhat.
Paul addresses this question, and it is important for us to understand. From I Corinthians 3:
"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, "I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?"
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
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. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." (I Corinthians 3:1-18; Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Isaiah 28:14-22; 1 Peter 2:4-12)
Moreover, "is Christ divided?" Is Christ fractured? No sir. Christ is not fractured. Unfortunately, in many religious denominations, both historically and today, there is an intention to unify apart from the Word of God. Thus, the religious culture is intent only on presenting fragmented truths interjected with man's earthly wisdom. Most certainly, we understand that historically the pagan Roman so-called church had the majority of people hypnotized by the seated power of demons, transforming themselves into messengers of light. During this time (and now), the scriptures which were deemed the only true light are being extinguished and replaced by a demonic system of error. But I digress somewhat.
Paul addresses this question, and it is important for us to understand. From I Corinthians 3:
"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, "I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?"
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
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. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." (I Corinthians 3:1-18; Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Isaiah 28:14-22; 1 Peter 2:4-12)
When we get stuck in religion, and not focused primarily on our Lord God and Saviour with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (as Paul points out herein) we are still carnal minded -- earthly, with our eyes focused on this world and not the Lord of hosts. But salvation is a gift of God. He willingly paid the price with His precious holy blood -- for a Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.
Therefore, JESUS should be our all in all. As the scriptures also state, JESUS is the vine and to those of us who abide in the vine Jesus bring forth life. This is why we are called the Jesus people, for we recognize from whence comes our salvation! Yes, Christ both died and arose from the dead so that we might have salvation in Him.
This is why we do not follow any particular religious denomination. Instead, we adhere to the Written Word of God -- the holy Spirit of Jesus within the Word inspiring believers to continue therein. This does not mean we should forsake the assembling of ourselves, because within the body of Christ church, we do need one another. But JESUS is the Head of the body of Christ church, and we need (more than ever in these last days) to spend all of our energy devoted to His good news gospel, and how He came to this earth to heal the broken-hearted.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," (Luke 4:18)
Indeed, the Word of God is the sole Authority for scriptural teachings. Peace be to all, who are earnestly contending for the faith, that was delivered to us of the Lord! Stand in the offering plate.
Therefore, JESUS should be our all in all. As the scriptures also state, JESUS is the vine and to those of us who abide in the vine Jesus bring forth life. This is why we are called the Jesus people, for we recognize from whence comes our salvation! Yes, Christ both died and arose from the dead so that we might have salvation in Him.
This is why we do not follow any particular religious denomination. Instead, we adhere to the Written Word of God -- the holy Spirit of Jesus within the Word inspiring believers to continue therein. This does not mean we should forsake the assembling of ourselves, because within the body of Christ church, we do need one another. But JESUS is the Head of the body of Christ church, and we need (more than ever in these last days) to spend all of our energy devoted to His good news gospel, and how He came to this earth to heal the broken-hearted.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," (Luke 4:18)
Indeed, the Word of God is the sole Authority for scriptural teachings. Peace be to all, who are earnestly contending for the faith, that was delivered to us of the Lord! Stand in the offering plate.
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