ACTS 8:5-25; MATTHEW 16:18-19
Message
Yesterday we learnt about churches that are actually empires and clubs, today we will continue with the two remaining kinds of churches:
A Cult: This arises when the devil or his agents start a church to deceive people. These kinds of churches are becoming more sophisticated by the day, but strange things are placed in their foundation that bring negative spiritual flows into the lives of people who worship there. Since the devil can counterfeit power, these cults always have a semblance of supernatural power. Unexplainable cycles of evil happen in these cults and it takes a discerning heart to be free from their lure. Some people notice a sharp downward trend after joining these churches; and they often have unbiblical practices among them.
A God-ordained Church: God starts a God-ordained church with three incontrovertible elements. The first element is God Himself; He has a purpose to achieve and that is the origin of a genuine church. Secondly, God calls a man to lead that church. Many times, God calls this man away from his agenda and gives Him covenants that describe the commitment of God in his assembly. Thirdly, God calls people to become members of that church to team up with the pastor to achieve His original purpose. This is the kind of church Jesus referred to in Matthew 16:18-19. While all the four may look alike, it is the church founded in the spirit of Christ that God approves of and would lead the people of God into His purpose and plan for them. Believers need to distinguish between churches to avoid being trapped in the wrong one.
PRAYER: Lord, build Your church through me; let my membership lead to increase of Your kingdom on earth in Jesus’ name. Amen.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Exodus 15:19-17:7, Matthew 22:1-33, Psalms 27:1-6, Proverbs 6:20-26