Greetings of love to everyone. Today was the beginning of our Mass Indoctrination November edition. I was privileged to be part of it to learn the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ by the help of Brother Eli Soriano. I would like to take this opportunity to share my humble reflection.
1 John 4:1 KJV
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
We learned that in order to believe and follow a person or an organization, we need to scrutinize them to determine if they truly represent the teachings of God. We must find out whether they are promoting the doctrines of Christ or the doctrines of men, as we have learned in:
Matthew 17:5 KJV
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
God has commanded us to heed the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, any doctrine that deviates from what Christ teaches should not be accepted and followed. This guidance was also heeded by the disciples.
This scripture also shows the God's recommendation about whom we should listen to and follow, which is the teachings of Jesus Christ. That's why it's crucial for us to study the doctrines of Christ, as Brother Eli teaches, so that we can discern between those who are deceiving us and those who are speaking the truth, and then choose to follow the teachings of Christ, who was appointed by God as our ultimate source of guidance.
Listening to doctrines other than Christ's has negative implications. It can be dangerous when we lend our ears to the wrong teachers.
Mark 7:7-8 KJV
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. [8] For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
We can observe from the scriptures that when we adhere to a doctrine that is not of Christ, our acts of worship becomes in vain. Hence, before affiliating with any religion or denomination, it's important to find out whether they are teaching the doctrines of Christ.
Brother Eli Soriano helped us to understand from the scriptures that there are two major things that need to be done to become a member of God's Church.
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
So to be saved, we are taught, baptized, and instructed to observe His commandments.
Galatians 1:13 KJV
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
1 Corinthians 1:1-2 KJV
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, [2] Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Galatians 1:23 KJV
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Acts 22:15-16 KJV
For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. [16] And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
We studied the life of the Apostle Paul, who initially followed Judaism. The first action he took after receiving the word of God was to undergo baptism. We learned that baptism is the formal means of joining the Church of Christ and cleansing a person's sins.
Acts 2:41-47 KJV
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. [43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. [44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common; [45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. [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, [47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Do you see from the scriptures?
After these individuals had heard and accepted the teachings of the Gospel, they underwent baptism. As a result of their faith and baptism, they were included as members of the church.
We observed that there have been claims circulating, suggesting that a person doesn't need to become a part of the church; they just have to accept Jesus Christ. However, upon studying the Holy scriptures, we discovered that this isn't accurate.
Ephesians 3:6 KJV
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Colossians 1:18 KJV
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Ephesians 5:23 KJV
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Romans 12:9 KJV
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Based on the scriptures mentioned, it becomes evident that God has issued a command for us, the Gentiles, to become a part of His body, which is represented by the Church of God. Christ serves as the head of the church, so rejecting the church essentially means rejecting Him. Additionally, the book of Romans advises us to "cleave to that which is good," and in this context, we have received the instruction to be a part of the church.
Acts 20:28 KJV
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
This scripture highlights the importance of the church to God. He bought it with His own blood, and the price someone pays for something reflects how much they value it. So, when we consider that He used His own blood, it truly emphasizes the significance of the church.
Ephesians 5:25 KJV
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Let's also examine this scripture:
Ephesians 3:10 KJV -11
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
The Word of God teaches us that the church will serve as the instrument through which God will reveal His manifold wisdom to all people, and this will continue as long as the world exists. So, dear brethren, we recognize that the church holds great importance to God and should also be significant to us as a place where we dwell. Let's recall what Christ said to Peter:
Matthew 16:18 KJV
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.
In addition, churches were advised to name themselves in alignment with the name of God. For instance, like MCGI (Members Church of God International), rather than something like "Lutheran Church." This is because when you say that, are you signifying that the people belong to Luther? This understanding is derived from our exploration of the scriptures.
Isaiah 43:7 KJV
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Daniel 9:19 KJV
O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.
Ephesians 3:13-15 KJV
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. [14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
I trust that reading this has been a blessing to you. I encourage you to tune in to the rebroadcast on YouTube, and I assure you that it will bring you blessings. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow for Day 2 as we continue to delve into the true Doctrines of Christ. May the peace of God be with you.
