Which One is Right?

FaithWalkDaily October 24, 2008

I won't be sharing my heart tomorrow morning as I'll be in a women's ministry conference all day. I hope and pray those of you who rely on this daily devotion will take it upon yourselves to choose a verse of Scripture and savor every word of it. Look at the context of the verse. What was happening at the time? Where were those involved? What were their struggles? What was their relationship with God? How does it apply to your life today? Look at it from every angle, as if studying a great masterpiece of art. Marvel at God's word as a masterpiece for our hearts.

Today's inspiration: That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13

I've been in correspondence with a young woman who was initially born-again in a Christian church and has since immersed herself in the Catholic institution. I have deeply mixed feelings about this, having come exactly the opposite direction - once confirmed and baptized as a Catholic and finding no connection to God but only trappings and rituals, the Lord eventually led me into relationship with my Savior and fellowship in the Christian church.

Needless to say, I've been forced to ask the question, where is it best to worship and is there a "true church" or only one way? Is the Catholic church the "true church?" The Mormons say the LDS have the "true church." The Jehovah's witnesses say theirs is the only "true church." Well, if you believe in truth, they can't all be the only true church. So how does a person know?

The question is posed more for the unbeliever than the the man or woman of faith, because there may come a time when someone who's searching will ask you, "how do I know?"

I'm no theologian, in fact, I'm an uneducated quasi-intellectual (being also a passionate, compassionate, deeply emotion-driven person.) Okay, that sounds preposterous I know. I was not formally educated, aced a G.E.D and have been schooled only in the arts. But I've had a lifelong hunger to learn and study everything that interests me to the point of saturation. My favorite subject is Scripture. I research commentaries, the Greek and Hebrew contexts, trusted teachers and a number of other resources, led by the Holy Spirit.

Having said all that, how would I know which church is right? I don't presume to know beyond a shadow of a doubt with any authority to say you should do what I tell you. But know this, I've done a ton of research because it's been on my heart and mind all my life - I've been in search of truth for as long as I can remember. I've practiced Nicheren Shoshu Buddhism, considered Hinduism, agnosticism, Unitarianism, the metaphysical, Catholicism and Anneism (turning my back on all faith.) In the end, I concluded Jesus is the only way (John 14:6.) There is nothing I want more than to follow Jesus, be obedient to the Holy Spirit and please God.

Having established Jesus is the way to connect with God, I had to consider what exactly that looks like.

I asked:

Did Jesus give a name to the church?

No.

What exactly is "the church?"

The word “church” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word, ekklesia, which means “to call out.” This is more a referral to go spread the gospel as far as I can tell, not gather in a building somewhere. However, that's not to say the local body isn't to share the gospel in a central location where the community of believers can point their neighbors to Christ.

The only two references to "church" in the Gospels are from Jesus. According to Ephesians 1:22-23 the church is the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ consist of all those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - (1 Corinthians 12:13) all who are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Within the context of the greater church, we gather in local fellowships for the edification of the body. There is no denominational reference or preference.

Did Jesus tell his apostles and disciples to come together to worship?

While there is no clear mandate about how to gather together for worship, Jesus Himself worshipped in the synagogues as he traveled. Our corporate worship emulates that example. Fellowship is also important in that it strengthens the body as we encourage, nurture, and minister to one another in love as commanded. (John 13:34, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:10.) It's just good common sense to associate with like-minded people. We help one another in troubled times and rejoice together in our victories.

When Jesus named the apostle Peter the "rock" upon which He would build His church, did he appoint him a priest or endow any other formal title?

No.

Due to time constraints, I must leave you on this note today. Next week I'll take this up again as I believe this is something God would have us devote ample time to understanding. We want to know we're where God wants us, in obedience to His will.

Meantime, may God bring you peace and joy as you continue to devour His word with your soul.

Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty.

Heavenly Father, keep us ever mindful that faith is about You, not about what we do. Let us bow down and worship our Almighty God, magnificent Creator and everliving Father. We love and adore you, seeking Your wisdom and discernment in Jesus Christ who died for us, amen.