Christ Is Not Divided; One Church And Jesus -- He Is The Head - Part 2459

"Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliver will I give up to the sword. Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine." (Micah 8:10-18)

True religion, as defined by the apostles in Acts is when we take care of the orphans and widows, those who are down-trodden and broken-hearted, those who are sickly, and those seeking the peace which surpasses all understanding. This church which the apostles speak of was founded by Jesus the Christ -- that He is both the foundation (the Rock) as well as the head of the church -- which is His body. It is for this reason Jesus believers are referred to as members within the body of Christ church.

"For even as we have many members in one body ... so we, being many are one body in Christ." (Romans 12:4-5)

Before the Holy Ghost this signified, that the new could not begin while the old was yet standing, it is important to note that the good news gospel of the risen Lord Jesus Christ no longer applied to only one nation, as had been the situation under the law -- Israel. Rather, the redemption message has been extended to the peoples of all nations. (Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:36-41)

In other words, we have been given an opportunity to take hold of His free gift of salvation, wherein we can be born again, our minds and consciences renewed. (I Peter 3:21-22) For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." (Romans 3:23-25)

"For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ!" (I Corinthians 3:11)

" ... and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20-22)

"And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church -- which is His body." (Ephesians 1:22-23)

Note that the word church in the scriptures was never intended to mean a religious, man-made religious institution/denomination. Apostle Paul addresses this topic in detail in I Corinthians 1. Rather, the new testament church refers to what we might consider today as local congregations. For example, apostle Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia, or to the saints at Corinth.
(Ephesians 5:25)

"... as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Saviour of the body." (Ephesians 5:23)

Thus, the church is akin to a living organism, whose head is Christ. Therefore, when we are willing to base our faith on the New Testament teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, as He instructed the apostles and the early church, we begin to understand that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is an abundance of inner peace and joy and love that emanates from His abundant mercies.

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17) 

Most important to remember, the head of the body of Christ church is the risen Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Stand in the offering plate.