Jesus charged us to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; (This name is JESUS) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Therefore, we must do the things that Jesus commanded us to do. In order for that to occur, we must ensure that we are on the solid rock. If we discover that our teaching is an error, we must repent NOW!
Some sources are reporting that there are more than 41,000 denominations world-wide; this is far too many winds of doctrines – children are being tossed to and fro by every wind. Surely, the problem is clearly defined in Ephesians Chapter four that we are experiencing in the church today. Therefore something radically must take place to effect Ephesians Chapter four – For we must come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Surely, this is the solution to this problem.
In this work, we complete the search to share the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, and unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Now we must come to the unity of the faith. This is a difficult task because some will hold fast to their own steadfastness even after the have received the truth. However, we must make the Bride of Christ ready for the marriage of the Lamb of God. Many are working hard and doing many good things around the world. Nevertheless, the charge that we must keep requires our utmost attention; for this is our first work.
It is imperative that we share the Word of God in love, capitalizing on every lesson learned – the scriptures that were written aforetime. How can we take the glorious gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ throughout the world if the body is divided?
God has put another work in my hand titled: “Edifying the Body of Christ: Unbinding the Strong Man.” The Strong Man in the Church of our Living God is the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that no man can come into a strong man house and spoil his goods unless first he binds the strong man. Satan cannot bind the Holy Spirit; however we can by our doctrines, practices, and the lack of faith. For what we bind on earth is bound in heaven. According to Mark 7:7, you can worship God in vain by teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. We must come to the unity of the faith and bridge this divide.
Bridging the Divides
Today, there are divisions within Christianity; surely this is not the plan of God. Divided we cannot stand. It is recorded at Ephesians 2:14, that Christ has broken down the middle wall of partition between the Jews and the Gentiles, that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Nevertheless, today we have not realized the full benefit of the cross. Moreover, today it is reported there are more than 33 thousands denominations creating greater divides because of doctrines of men.
God’s will is to have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4) “Therefore, Jesus Christ has given some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-15)
Like teachers, pastors, and evangelists were given to the Church, Jesus Christ gave some apostles and prophets until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The church has not reached these objectives: (1) Unity of Faith and (2) The knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. We strongly recommend that you read this article which is designed to help all Christians regain their focus of GOD's Strategic Battle Plan. Click here to read the plan.
However, some do not believe that there are apostles or prophets among us today. Scriptures do not support this disbelief. Satan continues to use various tools such as denominations to weaken the body of Christ.
Denominations foster division because its focus is to distinguish one group of Christians from another group of Christians. There are however differences of administrations and diversities of operations, but the same spirit. Satan has been able to use denominations as one of his devices, which is a crafty scheme; a trick to divide and destroy the body of Christ. To overcome this device, the body of Christ must effect God’s plan for edification, which includes apostles, and prophets as outlined in the scriptures. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
God wants us to come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13) However, without the Holy Spirit leading us to all truth it is impossible to get to this knowledge of truth. The Holy Spirit must become the teacher. If not, many will continue to be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.
Brothers and Sisters, God has invested a lot in us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, “… we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” All power and authority in heaven and on earth have been given to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus has given us the power and authority to use His Name. We have been given super-natural power. Therefore, we must stop and take a real look at who we are in Christ Jesus.
We are not only made in the image of God. For the ones who believe and have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour are buildings laid on the Holy Temples of God; each and every one of us compacted onto one another. Ephesians 2:19-22 says, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
As children of God, Jesus has given us the power and authority to do supernatural things in His Name. When you pray in the name of Jesus, it is just like Jesus is praying. When you speak the word and cast out demons in the name of Jesus, it is just as Jesus Himself spoke the word. When you lay hands on the sick, it is just as if Jesus Himself laid His hands on the sick and they recovered. We have been given power and God has given the command to use this power for his glory. However, most have failed to seize this power.
Each one of us who believes and keeps the commands that Jesus gave us is part of An Holy Temple of God, with supernatural powers to operate in the name of Jesus Christ. Buildings, yet members of one body; we are members of the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4:16 says that the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. It is so important for us to clearly understand whose we are and our relationship with one another. God wants us to realize that truly we are members of the body of Christ with special work assigned to each and every one of us. We must work together carrying out our tasks to support one another. Moreover, our love for one another serves as the fuel that keeps it alive and growing. The Book of Romans, chapter twelve, explains how we should use the gifts that God has given us. The book of Ephesians, chapter four explains our relationship with one another.
Today the Church is facing a very complex problem of division within Christianity. From the beginning of the preaching of the gospel, there were various denominations. One account of this is found in Mark 9:38-40 which says: “And John answered him, saying Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.” However, within God’s House, God allows the wheat and tares to grow together and then separates them at harvest time. (Matthew 13:30)
According to 1 Corinthians 12:5-6, there are difference of administrations and operations, but the same Lord, the same God which worketh all in all. Consequently, today there are thousand of groups throughout the world claim to be followers of Christ. Today, however, some denominations are using doctrines that are contrary to the word of God. These doctrines are of men and are not designed to bring people to the truth. And on the other hand in some cases we have believers who want to do the correct thing, however they have been deceived, in these cases we must work in love and show them how they can serve the Lord in a more perfect way. Like Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and showed him a more perfect way to serve the Lord, we must do the same here. (Acts 18:26)
Although, Apollos was an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, he adhered to their advice. If, we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, we would no longer have this problem of division. We would be able to bind Satan, and cast him out in the name of Jesus. However, we cannot do it without the Holy Spirit. In the Epistle of Paul, he taught us some very valuable lessons. He showed us how we should exhort one another and pray for one another, daily. Today, we must acquire this same resolve to bring the Church to this level of perfection.
The Spirit of Unity
Sometimes you can read the word of God and it is so plain and so clear. Here is an example. Read and listen to the Holy Spirit speak to you directly from the written word of God about the spirit of Unity.
Ephesians 4:11-32
(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry of the edifying of the body of Christ.
(13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
(14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
(15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
(16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
(17) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in vanity of their mind,
(18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
(19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness,
(20) But ye have not so learned Christ;
(21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
(22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts:
(23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
(24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
(25) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
(26) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
(27) Neither give place to the devil.
(28) Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
(29) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
(30) And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
(31) Let all bitterness, and wrath and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
(32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Danger of Remaining In Your Own Steadfastness
Come close and listen. Peter warns us that we should fall from our own steadfastness after we have heard the truth. If not we would be led away with the error of the wicked. (2 Peter 3:17-18) Let us read the entire text beginning with (2 Peter 3:14) “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. (15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (17) Ye therefore, beloved seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
When Christ is given the glory, we will break our loyalty to organizational dogmas when these doctrines conflict with the word of God. But, when we place the Canon Law, traditions, and organizations’ doctrines ahead of the word of God, then we give glory to the organization instead of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Saviour.
Millions have given their lives for us to preserve and protect the word of God and to defend the use of the name of Jesus Christ. Today however, many do what is most expedient and will not work to correct past errors even when the truth is known. They look at what is most profitable for their ministry. When this occurs, the work they are doing is no longer that of God’s. It is for self-glory. Jesus says when one does this, ye work iniquity and to depart from him. (Matthew 7:23)
On the surface it appears to be more advantageous to stay in a known institution where there is money, status, and a visible support system, even if the organization’s practices are contrary to the word of God. Many prefer to continue in their own steadfastness falling in error to the wicked one. It is easy to look at all the good things that one does in the name of the Lord, get caught up in it, and fail to see when it is no longer of the Lord. Look at what Jesus says here. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22-23)
To the pastors who have fallen into this trap, please allow the Holy Spirit to lift you up to be more perfect shepherds of the flocks that He has entrusted to you. Jesus said many have fallen into this trap, and Jesus said strait is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:14)
My fellow servant, oh how I love you, please hear this plea. Let every man examine himself. Take a moment and pray. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Now, let us pray. Stop and Pray! Our Father which art in heaven, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” In the name of Jesus, I pray. (Psalm 139:23 - 24)
How can you receive this truth without the Holy Spirit? If you have not received the Holy Spirit, I pray that as you hear this word that the Holy Spirit will prick your heart so that you will do what is required to receive the Holy Spirit.
What should one do after they discover the truth and then discover that the organization they are loyal to be in error? Do they just leave the institution? Pastors must work to edify the body of Christ by praying for and sharing with the leadership of these institutions in love and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them in all truth. Remember, I am not the one that chastens or rebuke. The Lord does that because of His love for us. However, here I share in love to edify, so we can become whole and serve the Lord in a perfect way.
As a minister of God, I am charged to preach the word, being instant in season, and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. (2 Timothy 4:2) Hebrews 3:13 says, we should exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Exhort is defined as: to urge, advise, caution earnestly; admonish urgently, to give urgent advice, recommendations, or warning. This exhortation is done in love. Judgment has been made. Judgment is sitting here on earth; (Daniel 7:26) when judgments are in the land the inhabitants of the earth will learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9)
The Bride of Christ should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. The Lamb and these saints will take dominion from Satan. Judgment will be awarded. The day of the Lord is near. God has plans for his saints in heaven and on planet Earth. Recommend that you read Revelation Chapters 19, 20, and 21.
Brother and Sisters in Christ Jesus, we have a charge to keep – this is our only watch. We must share the glorious gospel of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ throughout the world with love. I recommend that you obtain a copy of the book titled: “Edifying the Body of Christ: Unbinding The Strong Man." In this work the Holy Spirit will show you how we can remain focus and accomplish this important task that God has given unto us. I pray in the name of Jesus that you will be strengthen by this work that the Holy Spirit has put in my hands to share with you in love. Go Forth and Bless God’s People.
Elmore Richmond Jr.
The Church Readiness Ministries
