The Church has been deemed many different titles:
1) Baptist
2) Lutheran
3) Non-Denominational
4) Charismatic
5) Hipster
And more…
And although these descriptions might give each congregation significance and identifying value, the only value we are called to seek is that found in Jesus Christ.
Somehow, we’ve allowed The Church to be branded with genre’s and selfish personalities, when the only personality The Church is to withhold, is one reflective of Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)
The Church is a reflection and example of Jesus’ love, grace and hope. But for some reason the world has turned it into a selfish construction of opinion and preference.
If someone were to ask you, “What Church do you go to?”. What would you say?
1) ” I go to a Lutheran Church.”
2) ” I go to a Baptist church.”
3) ” I go to a Non-denominational Church.”
4) ” I go to a Pentecostal Church.”
I’ll be the first to admit that my normal response is, “I go to a non-denominational Christian Church.” I’m not saying any of these responses are wrong, but do they coincide with biblical foundations?
After analyzing my response, I’ve begun to realize that my personal preference was getting in the way of the authenticity that The Church of Jesus was founded on. It’s The Church, not my preference.
The Church is called to be an authentic voice of Jesus Christ, not a personal opinion of human flesh.
How can we be the change? What can we do? What do we say?
God has called The Church to be an authentic voice of His love, and we are called to experience an authentic voice of spiritual intimacy. It’s time to ignore the labels. It’s time to just BE THE CHURCH.
Be authentic. Be true. Be The Church.
- Jarrid Wilson
We are the church. Church is who we are, not some place we go to. Church is NOT a building.
Very well said!
Amen Jarrid! GBY.
The true church is comprised of born again blood bought believers who have put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. For those, it doesn’t matter what the “label” is on the “bottle”. The Lord knows who are His. From a human standpoint however, considering the fact that there are thousands of different denominations, some heretical in nature, we can’t completely ignore the labels. The labels at least give us some bearing on what a denomination’s core beliefs are. Doctrine does matter. There are many Christ professors but few Christ possessors. I do agree with your sentiment. How can we be the change? Preach the gospel in love. God will make the change. What can we do? Share the gospel in love. What do we say? Speak the gospel in love.
Love this, 17 and ready to embrace my true self, thanks for the liberty God sent through this text!
We are supposed to be one body. But sadly a big part of denominations is causing division between churches. We need to remember that we are all worshiping the same Lord, even if we don’t agree with each other all the time.
I wish one day you could visit my church in Waco Tx, Family Worship Center
amen! i agree so what should i reply when someone asks me what church you go to question?..(i go to non demonational) but what would be the right response? LOL