Oh Saints of God, please do not aspire for more of that Old-time Religion that may have been good enough for our Parents and other kinfolk. But rather, let’s move beyond mere religion and seek a transformative, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Happy Sunday Saints of the Most-High God!
Every born-again Christian, including every person in this Service today, should pause and answer this most important and fundamental question: What Church are you membered to? Sadly, when asked, most Christians likely will reply with the name of the Church-entity they attend. Or, even perhaps proudly identify themselves as membered to one of the highly fragmented 200 to 300 distinct Christian-denominations (Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Pentecostal, Catholic, and Seventh Day of Adventist, and so forth) in the United States; and they also tend to restrict active fellowship within their respective denominations and Churches.
I’m not trying to offend anyone, but this is “deeply flawed thinking” that is far apart from the Mind of God. When our thinking is contrary to God’s, we experience “spiritual misalignment” and “blindness” that prevents us from seeing the Truth of God’s Ways and Works. Jesus Christ said, “…If the blind lead the blind, they both will fall in the ditch.” (Math. 15:14) As we move away from God’s Perspective, we distance ourselves from the “Perfected Peace” of Jesus Christ given to us to overcome all tribulation in the world (John 16:33), and open ourselves up to evil thoughts and actions authored by Satan that take us away from God’s Promises and expectations for His People. Great troubles are in and surround our Houses of Worship today because many are blind to the Truth of who they are in Christ Jesus.
Limiting our Christian-affiliation and fellowship to a specific denomination or Church-entity obscures our identity as “One Body in Christ. To prioritize a sectarian label over universal brotherhood is a fundamental misunderstanding of the Church. Furthermore, “denominational” pride often blinds us, leading us to see other Christians as “the other” rather than as brothers and sisters in the same spiritual family. Also, it witnesses that Christians’ Peace of Mind, unknowingly has been disturbed by the enemy Satan; with everyone proclaiming their own brand of “religion” as the right way to Worship God, separate and apart from other Christians who do not share their own theological perspectives.
Frankly speaking, from Heaven’s Perspective, at this time the American Christian Church resembles in its practices “an evil and insidious hew of blue and red;” sorely divided along political lines bringing shame and dishonor to the name of Jesus Christ before God.
When Christians confine their identity to a specific denomination or Church-entity, they often develop a narrow view that elevates their local worship traditions to the sole font of divine Truth, creating “spiritual strongholds” that restrict them to favorite leaders and practices. These Christians often when invited to fellowship with other believers stubbornly resist, saying things like, “I only attend my church.” “I only enjoy listening to my Pastor preach and teach.” “I only want to hear my church choir sing.” Or, when Church-congregations are invited to Worship Services outside of their religious organizations, they may respond saying things like: “Thank you for the kind invitation. However, we have set tradition and theological structure that we adhere to, and we feel it is best for our congregation to worship within that framework.” But, doesn’t this all sound “covetous” and “idolatrous?” Anywhere in Scripture does Jesus tell us to avoid fellowship with other believers?
Saints, we cannot achieve Perfected Peace of Mind (within the human brain-thought life), lasting “tranquility,” by abandoning the Community of faith. Our New Covenant in God in Jesus Christ is a “Body;” a community of many members needing each other for strength, encouragement, and spiritual protection. I should repeat this for every born-again Christian to learn and adopt to practice: We all need each other for strength, encouragement, and most importantly spiritual protection! Neglecting opportunities for assembling all brothers and sisters in Christ together in Worship of God breaks this divine arrangement and shudders our collective and individual Peace of Mind! (Heb.10:24-25)
Dear Saints of God, let me emphasize there is only “One” Church, the Church of Jesus Christ in which we all are members of His Body. There is only One Church that Jesus Christ established during His Public Ministry on earth, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it! (Matt.16:18) Every person who confesses with their heart and mouth in Jesus Christ and His finished works on the cross, is born of God, belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ, and has their citizenship within the Kingdom of God. (Rom.10:8-13)
While we all weekly gather in many different “edifices” for Worship Services, we all belong to the “Church of Jesus Christ.” For this congregation, by faith, let us all say: “I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, and attend worship services at Exousia Ministries, Inc.”
To correct our thinking, we must align ourselves with God’s Word, which identifies us as “One Body,” bringing our thoughts into submission to Christ. For how can the People of God worship God in “Spirit and in Truth,” as God requires, (John 4:24) if we willingly decide and choose to see ourselves as separate and unequal in each other’s common sight? (See References: Rom.12:5, I Cor. 12:12-13, Gal. 3:26-28, Eph. 4:4-6, 5:23 & Col.1:18)
How is it even possible to have Peace of Mind (within the human brain-thought life) knowing that we openly neglect and refuse fellowship with all the brethren in Christ, starting with those who worship in edifices on streets within our same neighborhoods? How is it that we can all claim to pray, praise, sing, preach and teach, and serve Jesus Christ having our citizenship within the Kingdom of God, and yet not hear and obey Christ’s Voice of Perfected Peace calling us to come together in fellowship and unfeigned love for one another regardless of denomination or Church-affiliation?
Moreover, do we not all know and rehearse the Words of Jesus Christ, that He is the “True Vine,” recorded at John 15:1-8. Jesus exclaimed:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
In this Passage, Jesus Christ declares, that He is the “True Vine” and God the Father is the “Vinedresser;” (Gardner) using this metaphor to explain that He is the sole-source of spiritual life.
Jesus instructs His followers to abide, or stay connected to Him, like branches to a vine, to bear fruit, warning that separation leads to spiritual withering and death. God the Father prunes branches that bear fruit so they will produce even more, and removes those that do not bear fruit. To “abide” in Christ means to remain in a close, dependent relationship with Jesus, which is necessary for producing spiritual fruit, such as “love and obedience” along with the many other Gifts of the Spirit and Fruit of the Spirit.
When we remain close to Jesus, He speaks the vital Words of Perfected Peace to us, to “go and reach out with love, to forgive, and be kind to all people, especially with all those membered to His Body.” Saints, you can even test this Truth within your own selves. Be still now for a few moments, and listen to the Holy Ghost speak Perfected Peace to you, for He directs you to strive to live in harmony and tranquility with every believer in Christ. He exhorts and encourages you to, with open arms and a cheerful heart, to go and seek fellowship with Christians of like precious faith in Jesus Christ to lift up holy hands without wrath and doubt and worship and praise God together in the beauty of Holiness.
Branches that do not remain in Christ, the True Vine, and bear fruit are described as drying up, being gathered and burned. Thus, Jesus’ teaching here emphasized that “spiritual life” is “impossible” apart from Him, and highlights the necessity of an ongoing relationship with Him in love and obedience to His Word. As born-again Christians, we cannot say that we “Love God and Jesus Christ,” if we do not obey His Commandment to love one another as He has loved us. (Luke 6:46 & John 13:34-35)
We all possess the “Mind of Christ” within our born-again hearts, which is characterized by humility, selflessness, and obedience to God. The Mind of Christ revealed by the Holy Ghost seeks to guide us to prioritize spiritual Truth over “worldly wisdom,” thereby allowing us to love, serve, and forgive others, while viewing life through God’s Lens and Perspective. Surely, if the Body of Christ was “Minding” the things of God, we all would be compelled by the Power of the Holy Ghost to see each other, both Jew and Gentile, (regardless of Melanin Concentration: black, brown, white, or red in complexion) male and female, bond and free as “One” in the same, and “One” in God in Christ Jesus, as the Lord petitioned God the Father before entering His Passion. (John 17:20-23)
If we employed the Mind of Christ, as the Apostle Paul begged in the name of Jesus Christ in his writing to the Saints at Corinth who had contentions among them; we should, “all speak the same thing,” and that there be no “divisions” among us, but that we should be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement.” (I Cor.1:10-11)
Yet, throughout much of the Body of Christ, there is little active fellowship/connectedness across Christian denominational and nondenominational lines, and as a result many of the branches within the Vine are unknowingly functioning as “broken” and snapped off; as so many in “deception” claim to be autonomous/independent branches (denominations or privately affiliated Churches) and produce little to no spiritual fruit for the glory of God.
Human-made divisions within the Body of Christ create a “house” divided against itself, stifling the flow of the Anointing and bringing miracles to a halt. As Spiritual Power requires “Unity” to operate, which God manifests when wholehearted love and fellowship flows among and between all brethren. (Mark 3:25 & Ps.133:1-3)
Let’s be honest Saints. Throughout Christian Circles today we all wonder why in our Worship Services, we rarely if ever, see and experience the kinds of miracles recorded in the Holy Bible performed by Jesus, the Apostles, and the early Church. Jesus Promised that all who believe in Him would do His same works and greater works. (John 14:12). The reason for the absence of miracles within our Houses of Worship are largely a two-fold failure to obey Christ’s Commandments to:
(1) Collectively as “One” united Church of Christ, to preach the Gospel in accordance with the Great Commission (Mark 16:15-18), and
(2) Continually spread brotherly love and fellowship with Christians, regardless of denomination and Church-affiliation throughout the United States and the world. (Heb.13:1)
Tell me Saints, when was the last time you saw Christians of divers denominations come together and walk along the streets of communities, not picketing and protesting, but preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ? And, when was the last time you participated in such an endeavor?
When we allow division, which breads discord to remain, we become merely “religious,” and neutralize the Power of the Holy Ghost in worship, effectively exchanging Pentecostal Power for “powerless programs!” We are trading the Power of the Gospel for the praise of men, prioritizing humanitarian efforts, which other world religions and secular non-profit organizations perform, over the supernatural Commands of Christ in fulfillment of the Great Commission. (John 14:12 & Mark 16:15-18) By falling into a spirit of division, we have allowed the diabolic, the tearing apart, to diminish our witness to the world that Jesus is Savior and Lord of all people. Our infighting has created a chasm, and evil perpetrated by Satan is walking right through it.
- We have major divisions stemming from ideological, theological, and relational issues, including disagreements over homosexuality and gender roles have caused major splits, setting conservative and liberal factions against each other.
- Political Polarization with alignment of Churches and denominations with specific political parties or ideologies has caused significant conflict. With even a movement to “nationalize” Christianity seeking the backing of the Government of the United States favoring a specific ethnic group over all others.
- Worship and Cultural Differences in which fights often erupt over changes to worship styles, such as music styles, service times, and the use of technology.
- Leadership and Power Struggles with disagreements with Church leadership, including the role of women in Ministry, abusive leadership practices, and a lack of clear decision-making authority.
- Doctrinal Differences with disagreements regarding the Authority of Scripture verses tradition, and specific doctrines like the “Prosperity Gospel.”
- Internal Negative Behaviors in individual Churches with gossip, slander, cliques, and a lack of forgiveness among and between members. Increased meetings are held on church parking-lots, where individuals complain in “secret” rather than discussing issues openly with Church Leadership and the assembly.
- Decreased Fellowship resulting in reduced attendance at Church events and fewer visitors, as members stop inviting guests due to internal tension and an intentional lack of adherence to the Great Commission.
- External Stressors where many conflicts in the Church are exacerbated by external pressures such as economic difficulties or personal stress is carried into the Church environment hindering Worship Services and the flow of the Anointing.
With so much division within the Body of Christ, we must use our Perfected Peace from Jesus, and say to the Lord’s Church “Peace be Still,” or “Quiet, Be Still!” I know this All Powerful Command of Christ was appropriated by Jesus our King during the tumultuous storm that He and the disciples faced on the high-Sea of Galilee, when he awoke from sleep and stood and rebuked the wind and waves thereby causing an immediate calm. (Mark 4:39) However within the Body of Christ today, we also are experiencing tumultuous storms of “division” that cause many congregations within denominations, and other Church-entities to walk contrary to God and break asunder the bond of Peace. I cannot overstate the importance of walking in Perfected Peace with one another, as it is not merely a polite suggestion, rather it is the “ultimate” spiritual weapon that dismantles the wickedness of our day.
Scriptures affirm that “Church-division,” while often caused by human pride and sinful desires (James 4:1-3), is not hidden from God. Rather, it is directly addressed as a serious issue of “spiritual immaturity” that hinders the Mission of Christ. The Apostle Paul urged believers to be united, warning that divisions are a symptom of operating in "the flesh" (carnal-mind) rather than in the Spirit. And, we know that the carnal mind is enmity (hatred) against God. (Rom. 8:7)
As mentioned earlier, in I Corinthians 1:10, Paul urges believers to “agree with one another in what you say and that there be not divisions among you.” By saying there should be no divisions among you, Paul encourages believers to be united as the Church of Jesus Christ, as they preach the Gospel throughout the world. During the first century AD, the Church at Corinth was filled-full with factions and divisions. Specifically, the Church was split over which leader or early missionary was their favorite, and who they thought was most important to follow. Some favored the Apostle Paul, while others preferred Apollos (the highly eloquent preacher, teacher, and apologist in the early Church) or Apostle Peter, mostly based on their speaking styles; wisdom or eloquence in delivery. (I Cor.1:17).
Instead of being united under the Headship of the Church, Jesus Christ, they were divided over their preferred leader. To counter the temptation of division, Paul commanded the believers to maintain unity and eliminate factions, as these hinder spiritual maturity and open the door for demonic attack. His appeal emphasized placing all focus and alignment with Christ, rather than human leaders to prevent crippling the Church's growth, fostering a united, purposeful community over divisive, self-centered preferences.
Additionally, in writing to the Saints at Ephesus, Paul exhorted the believers to make every effort to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of Peace.” (Eph. 4:3) He continued saying at Ephesians 4:15 that believers, as the united Body of Christ, will grow to become in every respect the mature Body of Him who is the head that is Christ. In other words, if there are divisions among us as believers, we will not mature the way God desires us to. Spiritual growth happens when believers are united as they gather and Worship God. Praise God, as we unite as “One” in Jesus Christ, we grow-up into the fullness of Jesus in Character, Personality, and Performance.
Leaders of our Congregations today should take on the “Mindset” of Paul who determined not to allow his Apostleship to distract believers from the Mission of the Great Commission in making disciples of all nations. (Matt. 28:19-20). After Paul urged the Corinthian believers to agree with one another, he stated that his sole-Mission as an Apostle was to preach the Gospel, as Commanded by Christ; declaring himself only to be the “bond slave of Jesus.” (Col.1:17, Rom.1:1, & Gal.1:10)
Paul desired to be remembered not for his influence, baptisms, or miraculous signs, but as a vessel of Christ. He lived by the conviction that his former self was crucified, leaving only Christ to live through him. (Gal.2:20) Because Paul acted as a unifying bridge between Jews and Gentiles, the Anointing Power of God operated powerfully through his Ministry. As such, if Church leaders, and all believers as well, focus on the ways we are divided over personal and preferred inclinations, we’ll miss the opportunities God gives to us every day to apportion the Gospel with those around us, to do the mighty works of Christ and grow in His Graces.
Ultimately, the most critical reason for believers to avoid division is that it shatters their witness to the world, obscuring the revealing of God’s Nature. When unity is lost, the ability to show the world who God is; His Character and Love is severely hindered. The world evaluates Christian faith by observing how believers treat one another, as harmful behavior causes outsiders to doubt the authenticity of the Gospel. When Christians act with love and kindness, it serves as a powerful testimony, whereas misconduct damages the credibility of our calling and God.
Saints, nothing hinders our Mission more than public in-fighting. When we argue and bicker over theological perspectives and worship practices, we don't just greatly annoy each other; we invite the world to discredit the Message of Jesus!
The world is watching, and when they see believers divided, they don't see Christ's Love, instead they see hypocrisy. Let’s not give them reason to point fingers! We are called to be lights in a dark world, but arguing amongst ourselves turns out our lights and gives the enemy a victory. Believers in Christ should not allow personal preferences related to politics, education styles, sports, favorite speakers, or anything else divide them, especially to the point that they are known more for what they disagree on than what they agree on. Christians should first and foremost be known as a “unified group” of people who are “unshakable” and “unflappable” in their commitment to Jesus Christ, preaching of the Gospel, and fellowship with one another to the praise and glory of God the Father.
As previously noted, in John Chapter 17, just before Jesus was arrested and crucified, He prayed to God the Father for all believers throughout history: “May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.” (John 17:21). In other words, Jesus prayed for all those who follow Him to be united in order to help the world believe who He is, the Son of God. So when there are divisions among us as believers, it hinders our ability to show the world who God is and what He is like; the perfectly united Triune God. Saints, John 17 challenges each of us within the Body of Christ to do more than read Christ’s Prayer; rather it must inspire us to surrender every aspect of our lives, our thought-life and our works to foster True Unity with believers everywhere by actively fellowshipping with all believers.
The fallout from our “disunity” is clearly seen across the Landscape of Religious Practices in the United States. According to Pew Research Center's 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study (RLS), 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, a decline from 78% in 2007, while 29% are religiously unaffiliated ("nones") and 7% identify with non-Christian faiths. While Christian decline and "nones" growth has slowed, religious switching remains high, with many leaving Christianity for no affiliation.
For all those who call and name Jesus Christ “Savior and Lord,” we must together be sober and vigilant as we see the Day of the Lord drawing nigh, and become filled with compassion and readiness to witness Christ to people who are lost in this world. Many people are dying and leaving this world not knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and taking their eternal rest in hell; some of which may be among our families and friends. Having the Mind of Christ, this must sorrow us as our Father God wants none to perish.
Furthermore, I Thessalonians 5:2 tells us, "The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night," signifying that Jesus' second coming will be sudden, unexpected, and unpredictable to the world. It serves as a stark-warning of sudden destruction for the unprepared, while encouraging believers to remain spiritually vigilant. Just as a thief catches a household by surprise, the Lord's Return will arrive without warning to those who are complacent, often while they proclaim "peace and safety."
The unbelieving world will be caught off-guard, resulting in unexpected judgement. While the world is caught off-guard, Paul tells believers they are “children of the light” and should not be surprised as if they were in darkness. Thus, the entire Body of Christ is urged to stay alert, sober, and armed with faith in the Word of God and Love of Christ extended towards all people. Saints, it takes all of us together to see to it that all people on the earth have the opportunity to come to repentance and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.
In II Peter 3:9-14, the Apostle Peter explains that the delay in Christ’s Return is not slowness, but divine Patience, giving ample time for repentance before a coming judgment. God desires all to repent rather than perish. The Passage commands believers to live in “Peace,” Holy and Blameless before God; eagerly expecting and awaiting the new Heavens and earth. Peter wrote:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Saints, let the Perfected Peace of God rule your heart and life, and ignite and inspire you to seek after fellowship with every believer in the Body of Christ we come in contact with, regardless of denomination or Church-affiliation. Hear the Words of Perfected Peace, ministered to you through the Holy Ghost, that “Christ is all and in you all.” (Eph. 4:6 & Col. 3:11) Say that with me: “Christ is all and in you all.” And, how we receive and treat one another, is how we also treat Jesus Christ.
Yield your thought-life to the Holy Ghost to see the Church of Jesus Christ assembled here on earth, as it is in Heaven, seated together in Heavenly places as One in God in Christ Jesus. (Eph.2:6) For I posit, since God has made no distinction and plays no favorites among believers in Him in Heaven, He expects there to be no differences, divisions, contentions, strife, bitterness or any other evil work among His flock on earth.
Therefore, to the Church of Jesus Christ, and all here assembled: “Peace, be still.” Quiet your hearts and minds and thoughts, be still, and know that God “Calls” us to dwell in harmony with Him and with each other. God has blessed believers with the Ministry of Reconciliation, (II Cor. 5:18) empowering them to act as peacemakers who actively foster harmony and righteousness among all people. Living out this calling, as instructed in Matthew 5:9, serves Christ, and those who cultivate this Peace will receive rewards for their obedience when standing before the Judgment Seat of the Lord.
As we worship God in Spirit and in Truth, in fellowship across Denominations and church-affiliations, God will grant to us the Anointing of “Unity,” and whatever we ask (demand or require) of God we will receive and great will be our victory over the troubles of this world. We all expressing the same faith in Jesus, without wavering, shall from Him receive the Promises of God’s Word. (I John 5:13-15)
Walking in God-given Spiritual Authority given to all believers membered to the Church of Jesus Christ, through Holy Ghost Power, we enforce the divine Will of God in the earth bringing Peace and goodwill towards all people of the world with great manifestations of healing, deliverance, restoration and the preaching of the Gospel to the saving of the souls of Humanity. (Matt.18:18). Lastly, remember this Saints, “True freedom is never found in conflict, it is only realized when we become peacemakers with all people.” Amen for the preaching of the Word of the Living God.
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