We all talk about "my church", don't we? It's normal and in saying it we are reflecting a sense of family and belonging. I get it. However, at times it goes too far. You see, my church is really no better than your church, because they all are to be His church! After all, Jesus built His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail! (Matthew 16: 17-19)Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4: 20-24)
Trouble comes when our allegiance is more with the church and its leaders over allegiance to Christ. While we may differ in worship styles, service order, or preaching methods, we should not and can not differ in doctrine! If we are following a leader he must be following the sound biblical doctrine set out by Christ and apostolic teachings. As in Acts (Acts 2:1), no matter where we gather, we must be of one accord. We are one faith, one Lord, one baptism . . .(Ephesians 4:5-6)
I have been able to experience this while serving on numerous mission trips. Whether in New Orleans, LA, St. Vincent, West Indies, or most recently in Canonavas, Puerto Rico, I have felt comfortable in worship and fellowship. Different languages, different cultures, different worship styles . . . . same God and same family!
What about you? Whose church do you belong? I pray we can heal family fractures soon, as soon we will be one! He is coming soon!
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