And When He Is Come, He Will Reprove The World Of Sin, And Of Righteousness, And Of Judgment - Part 2307

I heard an interesting question today. That is, would Jesus want to attend our church gathering? Further, would Jesus deliberately avoid the Pharisees and go a different route to join our assembling of saints, as He did before speaking to the woman at Jacob's well? (John 4:1-38) Would He feel welcome in our midst, or sadly, be ashamed of the many traditions that we have inherited?

When asked this way, I have to admit the question not only resonates, but brings heart conviction knowing that we can do much better. Moving to the scriptures, apostle Paul begins to address this topic, wherein one says they are of Paul, and another of Apollos. In today's language, we would say that we are of this denomination or we belong to that denomination. To such a profession, the scripture would interject that you are yet carnal, and walk and talk as men -- apart from the Lord.

Indeed, the scriptures ask, "Is Christ divided?" Is Christ fractured? No sir. Christ is not fractured. Unfortunately, in most religious denominations, both historically and in the modern day culture, they present fragmented truths of the Word of God. 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, the scriptures which were deemed the only true light had been extinguished and replaced by a demonic system of error.

John Wycliffe endeavoured to usher in the gospel requesting that the scriptures be hand written in the English language. Although we do not know the extent of his labours, we are informed in the translation of the King James Authorized version that much of the hand written translation of the 1200's was retained.

The main stream apparently attribute the reformation to a priest named Martin Luther. The first spark of the light of the gospel lighted on him. The verse that apparently was underlined to him being -- “for by grace are you saved through faith, not by works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8) Salvation is the gift of God. These particular insights were sufficient to kindle the fire, and to bring on unprecedented persecution by the demonic seated religious system.

Nevertheless, the idea of salvation by grace created a wind that blew upon the small fire, soon to be fanned throughout Europe and the islands. Horrendous inhumane tortures were exacted on any person or persons that were adherents to the seed of the Word of God retained in the written Word. That fire of light set the demonic system reeling, administering to the roman system of error such a deathly blow.

As the Word of God reached the masses, many different sparks were ignited by the unveiling of truths upon parched hearts. So sprung up denominations with each denomination clinging onto that part of the Word which had now become music in the inner chambers of their collective hearts.

Still, Rome asserted that they were the vine and the denomination branches. But this assertion was incorrect because Jesus said He is the true vine, and the Father the husbandman. (John 15:1) And as we know, Rome was both then and to this very day a withered vine. Their only branches are dead shoots from a dead vine -- and we would recognize this, if we truly believe that the scriptures are God’s Word.

Yes, JESUS is the vine and we who abide in the vine Jesus willingly bring forth life. Those who do not bring forth the fruit of the Holy Ghost are cut off and thrown into the fire. This is why we are the Jesus people! Christ has died and risen for our sins so that we might have salvation. We do not follow a religious denomination. We are not swayed by the traditions of men that don't bring abundant life and rejoicing to the soul.

Instead, we adhere to the Written Word of God -- the Spirit of Holies within the Word inspiring believers to continue therein in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:36-47) Abiding in this same Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our salvation.

And, as He saith, "Come out from her My people, so ye do not suffer her plagues."

Remember, the Word of God is the sole Authority for scriptural teachings and doctrine. Peace be to all, who are continually and earnestly contending for the faith, that was delivered to us of the Lord! Stand in the offering plate.