There Is No Best And Perfect Church
I always felt so sad whenever I behold brethren fighting in “The Names Of Church” Competing for the best and perfect church, then I began to tackle; is this church all about? Or perhaps they didn’t understand the meaning of church and her originality and vision.
THE HISTORY OF CHURCH.
Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" Revelation 1:11 "Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea"
There was never any name of a particular church in the Bible. We only have church in Corinth, Ephesus, Asia, Colossae, Philippi, Caesarea etc. Galatians 1:13b “that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it" Galatians 1:2 "And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ"
All this church has one name which is called "The Church Of Christ" They were organized and operated by the elders and the Apostles. Act 2:46 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart” Act 4:32 “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common”
THE MARTYRDOM OF THE APOSTLES.
The martyrdom of the Apostles and the elders kick-off through the great persecution in A.D 67; lead by Nero the sixth emperor of Rome. The persecution continues even to the 16th Emperor of Rome under Diocletian in A.D 303.
He was the tenth persecutor of the church of Christ. They eradicate the entire elders and Apostles and great fear came upon the church of Christ. It was indeed a great persecution and even while reading the martyrdom encounter of their suffering, pains, torture and horrible death pronounced upon them; it pierced and greatly hurt my heart. I felt like crying. Honestly, I almost shear tears because it’s so pathetic and outrageous.
However, in A.D 306, Constantine; the Great Roman Emperor brought to an end about 300 years of persecution of the Church of Christ. He also persecuted the church but not as wicked as his predecessor but yet through him the church lost his valor, vision, Holiness and righteous doctrine.
He struck an agreement with the Church. This stated that "If there should be free worship of the church, hence there must be unity between the pagans, heathen and the church"
The seal of that covenant between the pagans and heathen custom and the church of Christ was;
- December 25th [Roman Festival Celebration].
- The symbol of Queen Of Heaven [Mother and a child].
Thereafter, it was named as “THE ROMANS CATHOLIC CHURCH” This Romans Catholic Church dominates the whole land and crane for more than 1200 years. However, due to the abominable doctrine act that erupted in the Romans Catholic church; Martin Luther the first, in year 1517; arose with other brethren and oppose and also rejected several teaching and practice of the Romans catholic church.
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He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God punishment for sin could be purchase with money or by good deed [PURGATORY]. Luther taught that salvation and eternal life is not earned by good deeds but it received only as free gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ as redeemer for sin.
Martin Luther and other brethren later team-up and they protested against the doctrine of the catholic church, because it was not accordance to the earlier foundation lead by the apostles due to the immoral and evil practice; this later lead to the pulling-out.
Later-on, a new dimension of church was formed named “PROTESTANT CHURCH” Some couple of leaders still with Catholic confronted Martin Luther and told them; that after 30 years the Protestant church will definitely becomes as Romans Catholic.
Lo and behold, this prophesy came to past, this also gives birth to Protestantism Reformation which comprises the Baptist Church, Methodism, Anglicanism, Pentecostalism etc. They based their doctrine on divine standard teaching of the Apostles and of Christ.
Thereafter, new churches started coming-up into formation. You knew their names. All this churches forms are Private Enterprise Business, Been register by the Government. Today, you can see most of them owning industries, schools, hotels, housing estate, transportation network etc.
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My dear brethren, this was how the names of churches came into existence, there was never a Best Or Perfect Church because all this Churches are names. The early church was known as church of Christ and it was built in One Fold And One Shepherd and not what we are seeing today. John 10:16 “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd”
Just because your brethren are fellowshipping with a particular synagogue; automatically, he/she will seem to you as a demon reincarnate, all because he/she is not in same synagogue with you. What a vipers and envious generation. Moreover, if I may ask, “Is there any particular name of church in Heaven? There can’t be because none is best neither perfect but all in ONE FOLD AND ONE SHEPHERD.
Envy and hatred has crushed almost all the entire churches today. Canker-worms of jealousy have eaten her-up. The early church where One; they has one voice and stand by single doctrine and worship of God. If you are still competing that your church is the best or not; you are the most ignorant, unfortunate, frustrated, hopeless and helpless Christian because what we see today are just business enterprise.
THE DIVISION IN TODAY MODERN CHURCH.
Few months ago; a conference was held in Abuja the federal capital of Nigeria. It was pastors and minister conference. In the course of the meeting a young Lady ask a question and said "Why can't we produce and appoint a righteous and holy believer as a president of Nigeria, a fearless Christian who will eradicate and abolished the whole corruption in Nigeria"
A pastor stood up and said "My beloved sister it is Impossible" He continue; Christian in Nigeria can never appoint a Leader of their choice because of the present condition of the church. Moreover; my beloved which church did you fellowship?
The sisters reply "The Catholic Church sir. He point at another minister and asked; Sir, Please which church did you fellowship? He echoes “Deeper Life Ministry, sir. He said, "My beloved sister, did your church [Catholic] agree with Deeper life? She replies "No sir. He asked another Pastor who fellowship with "Watchman Catholic Movement" Sir did your Church agree with “The Lord's Chosen Charismatic” He reply "No sir"
Finally, he said, "you can see the reason why the church can't succeed in appointment of Presidency. The church has lost her ancient land-mark. Today Churches are filled with envy and back-biting. Brotherly Love, Unity and peace has departed from today modern churches. Caring for brethren and one another is very scarce from today churches"
The bible said, on that day; the church gathered in one voice and peter was release and set free from prison by an angel of God. Acts 12:5 "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him"
Before we can have true, best and perfect church is "When The Whole Churches Shall Agree In One Voice And Return Back As One In Christ” And in our next topic we shall focus the reason why Church is not a better place and reason why you have to make it better.