Is there anyone out there in the whole wide world that knows the identity of the Lord’s body, the church? Is there any way of identifying the true church of the living God? The answer to both questions is yes. But first, let’s clear the air and at the same time possibly infuriate some of the people who may read this lesson and the ones that will follow. Any group that adds to by using their man made doctrines or takes away from the scriptures that which they contend isn’t important, isn’t part of the body of Christ. The scriptures are very clear on the identity of Christ’s body and the requirements for becoming a member of the family of God.

The purpose of these next few lessons is to jolt the reader enough to search the scriptures to see if the words they will read are the truth. The people of Berea, according to Luke’s record in Acts 17:11-13, These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. Those who want the truth will search for it; those that want to maintain the status quo will become upset and try to stop the truth in various ways. Jesus said, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34) The people of that day thought Jesus was going to bring an earthly or worldly peace, when in fact he had come to make it possible for mankind to make peace with God. He said he brought a sword knowing that his teaching would upset people, including families, with one exception which will be explained. But that is the way of the truth of any kind, especially the truth of God versus what people think is the truth.

The word cuts as the writer of Hebrews wrote in Chapter 4:13-13: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.  No matter what one may think he or she is and no matter what one believes, God knows that and the relationship or no relationship to him. If that which one believes isn’t based on the bible, there isn’t any relationship. Those aren’t the words of this writer, but of the Bible message as will be seen. The whole purpose of the Bible is so that all can know God’s requirements for salvation.

There are two ways of life, that of God and that of Satan with nothing in between. That is plainly taught when the activities of Adam and Eve in the Garden are studied. Satan beguiled Eve and made her believe that God was depriving her and Adam of things they should know. God banished them from the Garden which should be proof enough that there isn’t any in between.

When Peter tried to disagree with the impending death of Jesus, he rebuked Peter with, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:23) Previously Jesus said, He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (Matthew 12:30) Those who disagree with Jesus and the teachings of the scriptures are called workers of iniquity. (Read Luke 1313:24-28)

The choice that each one must make is simple. Will it be God’s word and God’s word only, or will it be the commandments of men; men who proclaim doctrines not found in scripture? It’s as Jesus told the Pharisees in Matthew 14:8-9, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. The doctrines of men have fractured the unity that God wants for those who believe as will be seen in this series in discussing the church.

© 07-04-2009 DEC

                          Next Lesson The One True Body Part II

See two other lessons on this site on the church: The Meaning of Church and What Is the Purpose of the Church? There will be some overlap in the One True Body Series with the previous lessons.