If you are a true follower of Christ it is essential that you understand the difference between the Body of Christ (the Church) and today's local church system. The following briefly outlines this difference.
What is the purpose of the Body of Christ (the Church)?
The purpose of the Body of Christ is to serve the kingdom of heaven here on earth. This includes reaching mankind all around this world making them disciples of Jesus Christ. All who are true disciples of Christ are commanded to love God above everything and also have an equal and uncompromised love for all of mankind regardless of who they are, where they are from, or what they believe. True disciples of Christ will seek daily fellowship, prayer, Holy Spirit inspired teachings, worship, exercising of the gifts of the Spirit, and unadulterated unity with other true disciples (in all things).
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47
What is missing in today’s local church system?
Today’s local church system, with its thousands of denominations and non-denominations, proclaim various doctrines and practices (divisions) that have strayed far from what Christ intends for His "Church" here on earth. These human-led establishments seek to point people to Christ by following their dogmas established over many years. These teachings are the staple of today’s church system whether they call themselves Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Protestants, Bible Believing, or whatever (Not the Body of Christ). Seminaries pride themselves in how they prepare men and women for a life in ministry within these local churches around the world. There are well over 26,000 different divisions in this system (no unity).
Moreover, there is a false sense of love displayed by these institutions as they will tolerate one another right up to the point they fringe on one another's various belief’s (manmade inspired teachings). These establishments spend way too much money on what they deem as necessary. For instance, they spend big money maintaining their numerous buildings scattered all around the world called churches. Furthermore, a great deal of money is spent on the many comforts within these church buildings deemed necessary to execute their weekly services. It goes without saying that collectively this accounts for millions upon millions of offerings, tithes, donations, etc. that are collected regularly. Truly, this money could be used to feed and care for millions upon millions of orphans, widows, homeless, and the poor around the world. Sadly, most of these institutions called "houses of God" are no more than sites for social gatherings. Without a doubt the most alarming and troubling reality is that the majority of all those who congregate in these local churches do not hear the true gospel, have not surrendered everything to Christ, live a religious life, and are very comfortable doing so. They are happy with this "arrangement" because it fits their needs.
What needs to happen to get it right?
This is simple, but not so easy. It is simple because all one needs to do is get back to the essentials taught to us by Jesus. If everyone would just focus their lives on the purpose of the Body of Christ as outlined above, the Holy Spirit will do the rest! It is not so easy because mankind does not respond well to change, and because truly living for Christ carries a cost too great for most! When these folks who have grown so comfortable within their "system" of Christianity have to consider departing from it for a life of sacrifice, selflessness, servitude, and humility seems too unbearable. However, this is the life Christ has called His true Body to live. Thus, it is no wonder mankind continues to embrace their manmade church system. (Note: this is explained in more detail in the Hen Soma Ministries YouTube message titled "Time to Get Back to the Essentials").
"The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all." Acts 4:32-33
What is the purpose of the Body of Christ (the Church)?
The purpose of the Body of Christ is to serve the kingdom of heaven here on earth. This includes reaching mankind all around this world making them disciples of Jesus Christ. All who are true disciples of Christ are commanded to love God above everything and also have an equal and uncompromised love for all of mankind regardless of who they are, where they are from, or what they believe. True disciples of Christ will seek daily fellowship, prayer, Holy Spirit inspired teachings, worship, exercising of the gifts of the Spirit, and unadulterated unity with other true disciples (in all things).
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47
What is missing in today’s local church system?
Today’s local church system, with its thousands of denominations and non-denominations, proclaim various doctrines and practices (divisions) that have strayed far from what Christ intends for His "Church" here on earth. These human-led establishments seek to point people to Christ by following their dogmas established over many years. These teachings are the staple of today’s church system whether they call themselves Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Protestants, Bible Believing, or whatever (Not the Body of Christ). Seminaries pride themselves in how they prepare men and women for a life in ministry within these local churches around the world. There are well over 26,000 different divisions in this system (no unity).
Moreover, there is a false sense of love displayed by these institutions as they will tolerate one another right up to the point they fringe on one another's various belief’s (manmade inspired teachings). These establishments spend way too much money on what they deem as necessary. For instance, they spend big money maintaining their numerous buildings scattered all around the world called churches. Furthermore, a great deal of money is spent on the many comforts within these church buildings deemed necessary to execute their weekly services. It goes without saying that collectively this accounts for millions upon millions of offerings, tithes, donations, etc. that are collected regularly. Truly, this money could be used to feed and care for millions upon millions of orphans, widows, homeless, and the poor around the world. Sadly, most of these institutions called "houses of God" are no more than sites for social gatherings. Without a doubt the most alarming and troubling reality is that the majority of all those who congregate in these local churches do not hear the true gospel, have not surrendered everything to Christ, live a religious life, and are very comfortable doing so. They are happy with this "arrangement" because it fits their needs.
What needs to happen to get it right?
This is simple, but not so easy. It is simple because all one needs to do is get back to the essentials taught to us by Jesus. If everyone would just focus their lives on the purpose of the Body of Christ as outlined above, the Holy Spirit will do the rest! It is not so easy because mankind does not respond well to change, and because truly living for Christ carries a cost too great for most! When these folks who have grown so comfortable within their "system" of Christianity have to consider departing from it for a life of sacrifice, selflessness, servitude, and humility seems too unbearable. However, this is the life Christ has called His true Body to live. Thus, it is no wonder mankind continues to embrace their manmade church system. (Note: this is explained in more detail in the Hen Soma Ministries YouTube message titled "Time to Get Back to the Essentials").
"The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all." Acts 4:32-33
