Author: admin

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.  Philippians 2:2-3

I will be the first to admit I am not a prophet, nor will I pretend to have heard a word from God unless I was sure. I have been thinking a lot lately about why God is allowing the coronavirus to spread all over this planet. God is not the author of evil, but He does allow things to happen. I have a few ideas, and some will not sit well with institutionalized ‘”church folks.” However, although He is grieved by our idolatry towards this thing we’ve created call “church,” I think His primary reason has more to do with every individual on this planet, regardless of one’s religious beliefs. Always remember, God loves everyone – even those who do not believe and think as we do.

First, I will elaborate on the issues surrounding our man-made “church institutions.” I believe God is trying to get our eyes off this thing we call “church” and get our eyes onto “Him.” God Almighty is our Source; not our “churches,” or our pastors and priests, nor even those we affiliate within the “church setting.” I believe God wants us to return to the Church in the New Testament, and not the “churches” we have created by the hands of man. Many “churches” in the past 4 or 5 months at one time or another had to shut down due to citywide and state ordinances for the safety of their community. It has become apparent, however, if it were not for the legal mandates in most of these cases, the vast majority of “churches” would had remained opened despite the coronanvirus.

Surprisingly, a few “church leaders” have kept their doors closed even after the ordinances were initially lifted. We stated in previous articles on this site, that we sincerely believe there are “church leaders” who are blinded by the religious customs and traditions of men. The Jewish leadership that killed Jesus was blinded by their customs as well. Most of us have been taught by men starting over 1,700 years ago we are to belong to a man-made “church institution.”  I applaud the few “church leaders” who had put the safety and health of their members first, but unfortunately for the most part, those days are over as the virus rages on. The overwhelming majority of states within the U.S. are now reporting coronavirus cases higher than ever before. It is ironic with cases being the highest ever, stay at home orders and gatherings of 10 or more are no longer in effect.

So what are the reasons behind “church leaders” opening back up “their churches.” The first and foremost reason is remaining closed is impacting the financial status of their organization and their salaries. Second, there are no legal ordinances or ramifications preventing them from opening back up. So as the virus surges out of control, pastors and priests are gathering up the herd and leading them back through the “church doors” – coronavirus or not. Third, paramount on “church leaders “minds is they cannot allow “their church members” to become accustomed to not attending this thing we call “church.” They perceive the coronavirus might impact their member’s mindset in the future. Fourth, some say it is so “church members” can offer support to each other. It is a sad commentary if your support is confined to a building and pastor, and the essence of your fellowship is contingent on that building and pastor. It is not what God ever intended for us.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Moreover of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone, both night and day with tears. Acts 20:29-31

Have you stopped and wondered why with something as contagious and deadly as coronavirus, that “church leaders” are willing to risk the lives of their supporters? By now, you have heard countless stories of pastors and “church members” dying from the virus. A seven year old boy in Georgia died this past week from catching the coronavirus from a “church service.” There are numerous cases where people in a “church” infected each other with the coronavirus. The idea God will protect me from getting Covid-19 has been dispelled over and over again. God has given you a brain, and He expects for you to use it. The Church in the New Testament functioned 24/7, and did not depend on a given place, or a certain day or time. God is calling us back to be a spiritual body apart from the religious customs and traditions of men.

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am in fear of you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain. Galations 4-10

After all of this time, God is still trying to open our eyes and let us know He does not live in temples made with human hands as in the Old Testament. He wants us to recognize Jesus did away with the religious systems of men by dying on the cross. We are blind to the fact that our man-made “church systems” violates Scripture on almost every level. God is trying to tell us He is our source; not our pastors, priests, reverends, bishops, etc. He is trying to tell us we are not to serve under those with titles of preeminence or positions of authority. He is trying to tell us we need to look to Him as the One who meets our spiritual needs. He is telling us His Church is not based on a building, but instead we are all united in Christ outside any organization or group we claim to belong to.

God that made the world, and all things that are therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, and dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Neither is worshiped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life and breath and all things, Acts 17:24-25

God is trying to demonstrate as He has been all along, that we indeed are the Church. The Church in the New Testament has always been people only – not our buildings and organizations. Our “churches” whether you realize it or not come first over Jesus Christ, although we proclaim it is for Him. Our flesh with not permit us to see this idolatry, and we have more of a relationship with our “churches” than we do with Jesus.

I personally know someone who has been upset over the idea of not going to “church” due to the coronavirus. Without even a remote inkling of her idolatry, she argued with me our “churches” and Jesus are the same thing. She told me “church” is Jesus – that they are one. Her statement totally encapsulates the spirit behind the idolatry of this thing we call “church.”  Her words and whole concept of Jesus is based on a false gospel – this is what she has been taught which most of us have.

What is being done might look good and professional, but it is not God.  These things indeed, though they have an appearance of wisdom in self-devised religious observance and lowliness of mind and ill-treatment of body are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh. Col. 2:23

I can’t help but wonder, however; if the primary reason God is allowing the coronavirus so we can see how our actions impact other individuals. So much so it has now become a matter of life and death with Covid-19. When we gather in groups regardless of the reason, we are risking the chance for someone to get the coronavirus, or even ourselves. When we disregard what health officials are saying, and don’t bother to wear masks in public, we are basically signaling to the world we do not care about one another. And if this is your own position – well yes, you do not really care what happens to other people.

Your concern is your pride and ego, and accomplishing your own agenda at the expense of the health and lives of other people. Your ego says how dare someone tell me what to do – I will show you. I am not wearing a mask. Our “church” or my ministry needs the money, so we must keep meeting. Life goes on, so I am going to the ball game or party – I don’t think I can get sick… Maybe not you, but you can be asymptomatic and bring Covid-19 home to your family or anyone else you come in contact with. Does such a selfish stance capture the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ? I think you know the answer to that.

This virus is not about you – it is about us – everyone. Your arrogance and selfishness can kill someone else’s mother, daughter, son, sister, father, etc. Do you think of yourself being denied for a season is worth the life of another individual? If you do, than the god you worship is not the God I know. Do you think God will honor you for turning a blind eye towards what we know about Covid-19? Do you think its faith when your “church leaders” tell you to continue gathering for services, conferences, retreats, etc., in the midst of this pandemic? Do you not know countless “church attendees” have died from Covid-19, and thousands have become infected? Don’t you know your “church leaders” are aware of this? Do you think its faith when you flirt and cheat with death that somehow God will honor and protect you from the consequences?

God has given us the ability to think, learn, and use common sense – it is a gift He has given all of us. Going to a “church service or activity” which is comprised of a group, is not a demonstration of faith to Him – it is a demonstration of faith to your pastor or priest. Going to a movie, concert, sporting event, party, or anywhere there is a crowd is negligent, and health officials continue to advise us not to do so. It is a denial of using the mind God has equipped us with, and it is indicative of our willingness to put someone else’s life on the line for our own desires. God has given each of us gifts; and some have the gift of scientific or medical knowledge which should not be ignored. God does not reward us for our stupidity or our willingness to put others at risk.

 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galations 5:13

To continue to do what we want to do at the expense of impacting others is selfish and demonstrates a lack of caring and concern for other individuals. This unprecedented time in our nation requires unprecedented action by each of us. We all need to make sacrifices in an effort to get the coronavirus behind us.  I think God is directing our attention to the fact we all impact each other; regardless of our race, religion, political party affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc. We all depend on one another for coming out of this, and we all have a role to play. To do otherwise, is simply wrong. God wants us to do what He commanded us to all do – to love one another. That is what’s most important to Him, and I believe this is what He is trying to teach us now.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. Luke 6:32-33 

Know that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we, I say, have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law, because that by the works of the Law, no flesh shall be justified. Galations 2:16

This article won’t go over well with those associated with the “institutional church. It is definitely going to incite the ire of “church leadership” who have no biblical stance to assume positions of authority over God’s people. Today, many in “church leadership” are running scared – they are scared their livelihoods are at stake, and are encouraging “churchgoers” to come together even in the midst of a deadly pandemic. Why is this? I will also touch on what is now dubbed the drive-in or parking lot “church services.”

Before I explore the motive behind all this, let me say to those in “church leadership” who are still holding indoor “church services” during this pandemic, and those who plan to do so:

• SHAME ON YOU who refuse to close the doors to your “church” and are encouraging such gatherings.
• SHAME ON YOU for letting your own selfish motives take precedence over the lives of those who attend your “church.”
• SHAME ON YOU for using the name of Jesus Christ to justify your meetings particularly during this time – knowing full well it is not about Him – it is about YOU.
• SHAME ON YOU for falsely teaching and convincing believers they need to see and do something to make their faith seem more real.
• SHAME ON YOU for usurping your needs over the public’s health and of those who attend your “church.”

The worse thing of all started long before the coronavirus. We fail to realize that God’s Ecclessia transcends the physical and is the true spiritual Body of Christ. We are a spiritual force not confined by time or space, and His Ecclesia certainly does not depend on man’s religious traditions and works of the law. To continue to engage in this thing we call “church,” in the physical presence of others during this pandemic does not only impact “churchgoers” – it places all in the communities we live in at peril.

Anytime and anywhere you have a gathering of people, you present and afford the opportunity for the coronavirus to infect others. Even the so called “drive-in service” or “parking lot service,” allows and create an opportunity for individuals to get out of their cars and approach others. People need to go inside the “church building” to use the restroom, and a collection is usually taken up by some process. Attendees roll down their windows to speak with one another at too close of a distance, and no doubt other situations arise. These type of gatherings on a latent level diminish the significance of social distancing efforts put in place to help restrain the virus.

Consider the following excerpt from a recent Time Magazine article “Come As You Are in the Family Car.’ Drive-In Church Services Are Taking Off During the Coronavirus Pandemic”

The following quote is from Nathan McDonald, a drive in theater owner who is allowing “churches” to use his facility. “But McDonald says that after one service last Sunday, some church members couldn’t resist getting out of their cars. “Like true church folks, as soon as it was over, they opened their doors and all got out and started congregating,” he says. “I was like, ‘Listen. You’re missing the point here.’”

Most local municipalities on the advisement of health experts have closed down drive-in theaters because they are deemed too risky. Yet, in the case cited above in Missouri “church leaders” want to discount the riskiness and have “their services” anyway using the drive-in theater. How can it be less riskier to have a so-called “church service” among a crowd of people who know each other, than it is to close drive-in movie theater with a group of strangers? Even sitting in a crowded car with one another is not a wise situation. Health experts maintain we need to keep some physical distance between each other, even within our own families. Many people are asymptomatic, meaning they are infected with COVID-19 but do not feel realize it or feel ill. They are infecting others without having a clue. It is estimated by epidemiologist nearly 50% of those infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic.

What kind of “church” are you attending if your spiritual connection to each other relies on being physical present with one another? If your “church” depends on a physical location than you have the wrong “church.” This is the case with all man-made “churches.” There is only one Church God created – His Ecclesia. That is believers gathered in Spirit – it is a spiritual house of believers. This thing we call “church” is not the Church in the New Testament. The Church in the New Testament always refers to people only – not buildings or organizations created by mankind. Jesus Christ says He is looking for those who worship in spirit and truth. He tell us worship is not dependent on any given place.

Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor at Jerusalem worship the Father. Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and Truth: for the Father requireth even such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and Truth. John 4:21-24

Why would “church leaders” potentially risk other people becoming infected to COVID-19? On a surface level without any thought, the parking lot or drive-in “service” presents itself as being benevolent and sentimental. “Church leaders” are touting the drive-in service as an opportunity to see one another which under their stance equates to fellowship. The flesh requires something to see. Why is it we need to do or see something to make our faith seems more real? This is nevertheless what “church leaders” strive to achieve among it members long before the arrival of COVID-19. Those in “church leadership” want to be perceived as the believer’s primary source – they serve as a mediator between man and God.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5

True fellowship, however, transcends walls and anything mankind can build. Anytime a believer interacts with other believers by any means, (by phone, in person, by email, etc.) they are engaged in fellowship. What is true fellowship according to Jesus Christ? For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). It is a gathering of the Spirit that does not require places or things.

“Church leaders” are afraid of the coronavirus – not because of it’s severity and too often fatal results, but they fear their “church members” will become accustomed to not attending their weekly oratories. They are afraid of loosing financial support which basically equates to maintaining their livelihoods. Life Tabernacle Church Pastor Tony Spell who repeatedly chose not to comply with a Louisiana ordinance, unabashedly asked for “his church members” to hand over their stimulus checks to him. He also had one of “his church members” die from the COVID-19. Most are a little more subtle than he, but can be just as deadly.

“Church leaders” are afraid of losing their power and hold over “churchgoing” believers – who are and remain ignorant of God’s Word. Primarily due to legal ordinances against gatherings of 10 or more people, most “church leaders” are now live-streaming their “church services.” A few even went to streaming “services” before it was legally mandated in most states, and I applaud them for that. Although the ‘institutional church” is not biblical, this the prudent thing to do given the pandemic.

There are a very small number of “church leaders” who are blind to the truth. I believe the Holy Spirit has prompted them to see the truth or will at some point, but they have their livelihoods at stake. It easy to convince yourself of something if your salary depends on it. These few do not intentionally try to deceive God’s people, although that is exactly what they are doing. Some arrange the drive-in “church services,” knowing their members think they must be physically present to have fellowship with one another. Or on some level they believe they are offering some form of support given the pandemic situation. But these type of gatherings lead to a greater propensity of people becoming infected by the coronavirus, which often is the result of circumstances not planned for. Any pastor on the other hand, continuing to preach business as usual inside a “church building,” do not have “their members” best interest at heart .

Bishop Gerald Glen of the “New Deliverance Evangelistic Church” in Virginia, unfortunately died of coronavirus after failing to abide by urgent warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC in early March urged that everyone stop gatherings of 10 or more people. Now four other of his family members are now fighting the virus. A “church” in Chicago through the passing of the collection plate infected 3 of its’ members. You will find more examples if you are inclined to investigate.

All crowds and gatherings leads to one being vulnerable to the coronavirus. I don’t care what it is; whether it’s a sporting event, this thing we call “church,” or even school. In some places the numbers are plateauing, but that does not negate the fact that the virus is still extremely contagious and is just as deadly. Even where there has been a drop, the number of cases and deaths are still significant and dire. Many other places have not reached it’s peak yet.

My point is this: You should not risk anything that potentially harms you, your family, or those you love during this deadly pandemic. Anyone who put your well being in peril unnecessarily do not have your best interest in mind – period. You can say God will protect me, but if you see a twister coming for example, and do not seek shelter you are placing yourself at peril. Or if you are walking alone in a high crime area known for gang activity, you are putting yourself at peril. Why ask for company to join you and place other people in jeopardy as well? It begs the question why would someone do that?

For the desire of money is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after they erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10

Use the brain God gave you – He has given you this for a reason. Our actions effect each other – we all have a responsibility in responding to the Coronavirus. You may want to believe “church leaders” have your best interest in mind, but if they are placing others in a potentially vulnerable situation, whether intentionally or ignorance, they are not putting your well-being first. And if they are pushing people to return to building in the physical presence of each other, I can assure you they hold their own needs paramount over everyone else, including God. Hat’s off to the“church leaders” in areas where restrictions have been removed, that are making the decision to keep their doors closed as of now. God does not want you to act recklessly – you have a part to play concerning His protection over you and others. God expects us to have faith, but He is not to be used as a “catch all” when we do things we should not do.

Last thing I want to say – pray for each other. Pray for God’s protection over your life and the ones’ you love. He is our only true source – not any man or woman with a religious title. Nor is it this building or this thing we call “church.” Pray that a vaccine will be found to cure Covid-19 soon. Again, we have only one true source – Jesus Christ. Please everyone – stay safe.

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by man.  Matthew 15:8-9

This is a review of a song we recently heard by a Christian artist about going back to “church.” The song’s title is “Church (Take Me Back).” We have chosen to write about the lyrics because it personifies the issues we speak of throughout this site. The lyrics from our perspective showcase the subtle forms of deception and bondage to the law at the heart of the “institutional church.” I do not know the artist other than he is a worship leader at a “church” and has a band that tours. We are not offering our opinion on the musicality of the song – only the lyrical content. When we encounter anything promoting bondage to the law, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we are charged by God to speak out.

Our perspective is not against the artist personally. We do not know him or his band, and we are assuming they are decent people. However, we can clearly see his identity and livelihood is intertwined and dependent upon this thing we call “church.” He and his band is going by what they have been taught all their life by “church leaders.” We understand that – we were no exception to this. They have their perspective as we have ours which we will demonstrate is in accordance to the word of God. I will elaborate on specific lyrics within the song, however, we will not post the full lyrics of the song here to avoid any copyright issues.

The most striking element of all about the song is the name of Jesus Christ is not mentioned anywhere. “God” is mentioned in the song one time in reference to being part of God’s family. The word “church” is mentioned eight times; seven times in the lyrics, and once in the title. You might want to see our article “A Name Above All Names: ”Church.” The core of the song’s focus is on this thing we call “church,” and indeed it holds the number one position throughout. The “institutional church” although presented as in celebration of Christ is actually an idolatrous substitute for our relationship with Jesus.

The underlying implication of the song is that “church” and our relationship with God are synonymous. This is the most prevalent and deceptive form of idolatry among believers, and has been for over 1,700 years since the inception of the Roman Catholic Church. The lyrics do not touch on one’s relationship with Jesus – it’s emphasis is on the relationships we have with other people. Implicit in the lyrics is the misnomer one’s needs can only be truly met by this thing or process we call “church.’”Jesus is the source of our needs – not our man-made “church institutions” or its’ members.

Credence is placed on our relationship with “church organizations” as oppose to our relationship with Jesus. In other words, in order to have a genuine relationship with Jesus, you have to have a relationship with a “church” first. This is a falsehood many believers have fallen for, and emanates from the master of deception – Satan.

“We have confused our relationship with Christ by fusing it with this Thing we call church. We are led to believe that when we are in a proper relationship with it we are in a proper relationship with Christ; that we have to be a member of a church to be saved or to be a good Christian; that serving it is serving Christ; that loving it is loving Christ; that tithing to it is tithing to Christ.” Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr.

Going to “church” is a contrivance of mankind. Only men and women preach going to “church” – Jesus said we are His Church. “Church” is not something you go to – Church is who we are. Jesus never intended for us to be part of two “churches” – His and man’s. The New Testament Church (actually God’s Ecclesia) were people only – they were not buildings or “church organizations.” They were not about making money to keep organizations afloat, nor was it a way for people to make a living. Leaders in “church organizations” do not operate as the elders did in the New Testament. In the NT elders led by example in the community – not by positions of authority.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed away unto another Gospel, from him that had called you in the grace of Christ, Galations 1:6

Satan has orchestrated this thing we call “church” by presenting it as a celebration of Christ when in fact it is a contrivance of man’s carnal mind and man-made traditions. Jesus do not need us to go to “church” – He wants us to be the Church. Believers should be seeking the unsaved – not the “unchurched.” Those inside the man-made “church system” do not draw others to Christ because they are tucked inside their temple made with hands. When they seek out others on the outside, their goal is to draw them to their “church organizations” to increase “church membership.” We place more credence on steering people to our “church organizations” as oppose to drawing them to Jesus.

The lyrics in the song basically assert what we call “church” is the Church Jesus created. This is false and has no standing whatsoever in Scripture. Jesus created only one Church – the Body of Christ. You will not find a single word in Scripture we are to attend “churches,” build them, or join a “church organization.” Whenever you see the word ‘church” in the New Testament, it is referring to all the believers in a given community. This is why Paul writes to the Church of Corinth, the Church of Ephesus, etc. The word “church” did not exist at all in the original Scriptures – instead the word was Ecclesia. The word “church” and Ecclesia have two totally different meanings. However, we use the word “church” here for the sake of it’s use in the world, and what society has embraced.

What is fellowship? Jesus clearly tells us what it is. For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). The apostles were a small group. Believers in the early Church often met at homes or wherever two or more gathered together. There was no such thing as a “church service” or the abomination we call a sermon. Jesus made it crystal clear how He desires believers to worship Him, and it is not based on any location or something we build or create.

Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor at Jerusalem worship the Father. Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and Truth: for the Father requireth even such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and Truth. John 4:21-24

The underlying current throughout the song is one can only have true fellowship with others inside a “church building” made with human hands. It defies common sense and contradicts the Word to believe one can not have intimate relationships with other believers outside of the man-made “church system.” There is also no legitimacy to the idea that believers can’t find others who truly care for him or her outside of this thing we call “church.” Both concepts are diabolical to what is written in the New Testament. If going to “church” was the most important aspect of a believer’s life, why was Jesus silent about it and why did His apostles never attended or start “churches?” I tell you why – because God only intended believers to be part of only one Church – the Body of Christ. Any other “church” is a product of man.

Praise God the early Church (actually Ecclesia)” did not believe in this thing we call “church,” nor would they had stood for such a carnal process as our “church organizations.” As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us believers true to His Word will be put out of the synagogues. “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever kills you will think that he is doing God service (John 16:2). God clearly tells us He no longer resides in temples made with hands. We can assure you “church” and Jesus are not equals, and satisfying one does not satisfy the other.

One of the artist lyrics I found particularly sobering referred to being “blind to the truth.” The world is blind to the truth – you are blind to the truth if you are part of the “institutional church system.” Our relationship with Jesus Christ is not contingent on a relationship with a “church,” but rather our belief and faith in Him. Fellowship is not the same thing as “church.” One lyric lamented about not knowing what one has – which I agree with, but for a totally different reason. I say this because we fail to realize we are now under a covenant of grace and are no longer in bondage to the law. Yet we absolutely refuse to give up our man-made customs and traditions.

Making the word of God of none authority, by your tradition which ye have ordained: and ye do many such like things. Mark 7:13

One has to ask – How it this thing we call “church” different than the fundamental laws and practices in the Old Testament? Let’s see how “churches” today operate in comparison to believers in God in the Old Testament.

How did Israel in the Old Covenant worship God?

• They built and maintained a temple/building.
• They had a congregational meeting that had a repetitive format that started with praise and worship.
• They made offerings and tithes.
• Men were told they were required to enter the temple to worship God.
• There was the High Priest who was in authority over those who entered

Sound familiar? Again I ask, “How is it that this thing we call “church” different than the fundamental laws and practices in the Old Testament?” The answer is it is not any different. We continue to operate under the law and reject the sacrifice Jesus paid for our lives on the cross. Our faith in Jesus should not be based on a “church organization,” nor the people within it. Believers in Jesus should never localize His presence because He is omnipresent. He is not confined and boxed in by the buildings we idolize, or the “church organizations” and pastors we set upon pedestals. This thing we call “church” is about engaging in acts of the flesh (the law) and calling it spirit. God’s Ecclesia in the New Testament was alive, mobile, and not confined by the things and processes of this world.

Which things have indeed a show of wisdom, in voluntary religion and humbleness of mind, and in not sparing the body, which are things of no value, since they pertain to the filling of the flesh. Colossians 2:17

Relationships are the secondary focal point of the lyrics. The lyrics’ message about being there for one another and encouraging each other are beautiful and is what God’s wants for us. God desires for believers to have fellowship with each other, but it has nothing whatsoever to do with attending or being part of a “church organization” which violates Scripture on almost every level. This thing we call “church” is man’s idea – not Gods. Make no mistake – the “church organization” comes first: before our relationships, before you, and above all else – before Jesus. It’s very survival depends on it being first – without that component the “church organization” could not exist.

For most “churchgoing” believers fellowship is looking at the back of each others heads during a service, and shaking hands and issuing salutations before and after the service. That is not God’s idea of fellowship. Sure, people do form relationships at times from attending such meetings, but their “church” remains the star – number one. The pivotal point in any “church service” is the abomination we call the “sermon, which its’ origin can be traced out of Greco-Roman paganism. “Churchgoers” are summoned by men – not God, to come hear their polished oratories weekly.

It is very evident believers in the New Testament had close, caring relationships with each other. They did not attend this thing we call “church” – they were the Church – 24/7. You want to talk about people you can depend on – find someone in the “institutional church” who is willing to share all of their money and what they have with you. Better yet, ask your pastor to forgo his salary and a get a job like Paul did building tents while continuing to preach.

Our “churches” tell us to stay, where as God’s Word tells us to go. Jesus built only one Church – His Ecclesia. He did not command us to build places for worship with someone in authority over all who enters. Such was the case with old Levitical priesthood which was done away with by His death on the cross. Christ is our only High Priest and we are all priests unto Him now.

“Jesus declared,“Ye also as lively stones, be made a spiritual house, an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1Peter 2:5).”

The song lyrics touts our primary dependency on others as oppose to Jesus. In the “institutional church” Jesus remains predominately in the background. We create all sorts of stuff; seminars, programs, sermons, retreats, meetings, etc. and say by the way, it all for you Lord. We use Jesus name to establish legitimacy to our church organizations, but the vast majority of our focus is on the “church organization” itself. Our man-made “church systems” have nothing to do with our faith – our faith has to do with our relationship with Jesus. We should be dependent on Jesus first – before anyone else or anything. God wants us to have fellowship with each other, but it should never overshadow our relationship with Jesus or be a substitute for Him.

“We become spiritual prostitutes when we create something and give our hearts to it rather than to the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what men have done with this Thing we call church.” Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr.

One false proclamation by “church leaders” is “If you leave the institutional church system, your relationship will with Jesus will grow cold. The lyrics in the song clearly strives to convey this. “Church leaders” and their proponents tout one will fall away from the faith and if they do not attend this thing we call “church.” We have found this to be the exact opposite. With the “church organization” and it’s many needs out of the way, believers become free to worship God in spirit and in truth. Jesus said this is in fact what He desires from us (John 4:21-24).

Without the enormous drain of the “church system,” one’s focus becomes his or her relationship with Christ, instead of his or her relationship with a “church.” Fellowship with other believers is more intimate and is not contingent on the many diversions and requirements of sustaining the “church organization” – including first and foremost, the pastor’s salary. One does not become distracted from a multitude of man-made created programs and activities which supposedly adds up to being the equivalent of a relationship with Jesus. Fellowship does not require a building made of brick or wood, a sanctuary, camp meetings, pews, well dressed men and women, seminars, plays, stained glass windows, retreats, Sunday School, bake sales, offerings, new hymnals, conferences, etc.

A small number of believers are beginning to realize there are others who acknowledge the “institutional church” is not biblical and is contrary to the commands of Jesus Christ. There are also those who have known it all along, but dared not to speak out. The information age has been key in making those believers who worship Jesus in Spirit and Truth see they are indeed not alone. These believers realize what they have been taught by men for centuries have no basis in the Scriptures.

In the past people were put to death for heresy for not adhering to the “church systems” of men. Today, punishment is not as severe, but it is still taboo to be a believer and not engage in man’s idolatrous “church system.” You will have a heavy price to pay if you are not part of it, just as Jesus and His disciples did. It is a far easier road to remain in the religious “church system” and receive the accolades of men, and forgo the ostracism by those ensnared by the law.

It is readily apparent the sole purpose behind the lyrics of the song is to drive traffic through the doors of the “institutional church.” The message behind the lyrics is that the “church system” is where you belong and is where you go to get your needs met. The Body of Christ is not this thing we call “church” – it is God’s Ecclesia. It is every single believer in Christ. The moment one declare Jesus as Lord and Savior, he or she is immediately part of His Ecclesia (or His Church). You are part of the Body of Christ, and that is were you belong – God does not require you to be part of any organization or thing created by the hands of man.

Not forsaking the fellowship that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is: but let us exhort one another, and that so much the more, because ye see that the day draweth near Hebrews 10:25

The world cites Hebrews 10:25 as a catch all verse for attending “church” – which the scripture does not even mention or allude to attending church. When you see the word “church” in the New Testament, it is referring to people only. All the believers in a given community were the Church. This thing we call “church” did not exist when the NT was written. Hebrews 10:25 is about fellowship with other believers – it is about encouraging a practice among believers to not become alienated from others. The scripture is fulfilled anytime two or more believers meet with one another – anywhere!

God that made the world, and all things that are therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life and breath and all things, Acts 17:24-25

This is going to be hard to swallow for those indoctrinated into the religious systems of man, but no believer belongs in a man-made “church” or should a be part of a “church organization.” This is the exact opposite of what you have been taught all of your life by men. Jesus Christ created only one Church and it is the Body of Christ. Through His death on the cross He redeemed us from the law, and the religious customs and temples of the past. In the New Testament there is a move away from ceremony – now we are all priest unto Christ. Yes, God wants us to have fellowship with each other, and it is in His Word. But fellowship does not require a “church” – and any man-mdae “church government” is a violation of Scripture.

The lyrics proclaims attending “church” is an obligation – that it is something God requires from us. This is unequivocally false and is totally based on the rules and traditions of men. Attending “church” is not a concept from God; it is a concept from man. It is deception from the enemy. We are the Church – we do not go to ourselves. We are not a thing or process – we are a people. The flesh requires us to see something; to do something in order to make our faith seem more real. Satan has thrown our eyes off of Jesus Christ, and has presented us with an idolatrous substitute for Him. There is an obligation from God, however, about partaking in idolatry and that is what the “institutional church” is based on. “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

God tells us we are now free through His death and resurrection. He tells us the priesthood has now changed, and we are all now priests unto Him. He tells us He no longer dwells in temples made by the hands of men. He tells us there is only One who is in authority over every believer. He tells us not to have titles of preeminence over other believers, or submit to those with such titles. He tells us He wants us to worship Him in Spirit and Truth. His Word on every level tells us why we are to remove ourselves from this man-made idolatrous system.

In my opinion, the lyrics are written in a way to invoke guilt. It feeds into people’s fears and emotions that are unwarranted because it is based on a law based gospel – a false gospel. But than that is what the “institutional church” does. It perpetuates guilt and duty to man-made laws Jesus never intended or desired for us. The lyrics also carries the implication that one is abandoning their fellow believers if they do not worship in man-made “church” buildings and organizations. Irrespective of the song – anything that points a believer’s primary focus unto anything other than one’s relationship with Jesus Christ – that thing serves as idolatry in his or her life. This is what is at the very heart of this thing we call “church.”

The lyrics assert that “church” is our foundation – this is false. “Church organizations” are not our foundation – the Word of God is our foundation. Jesus is our foundation. God never intended the Body of Christ to be fragmented into thousands of denominations and catapulted into millions of “church organizations.” Yes, we need each other and should have fellowship with other believers – but not if it violates the Word of God. Again, the “institutional church government” is a violation of Scripture at its’ very core.

In conclusion, the underlying current of the lyrics asserts going to “church” is required to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. That is a deception perpetrated from the god of this world. The concept of going to “church” started with inception of the Roman Catholic Church. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the song’s entire emphasis is to drive people to “church” first – even taken precedence over driving them to a relationship with Jesus. Those who wrote the lyrics think they are preaching life, but they are preaching death by perpetuating a false gospel that keeps others in bondage to the law.

The lyrics state returning to one’s first love which the artists refers to as “church” – Jesus should be our one and only first love – not the “church organizations” created by man. Jesus should be your first love in your life – not your relationships with others or the “church” you attend. Satan had done a real number on the Body of Christ and most believers are unable to see this. They can no longer hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and are unable to tell truth from error. Only truly delving into God’s Word and letting it take precedence over man’s word will you come to see this. Otherwise, you will continue to remain one of many on the broad road of destruction.

“Enter through the narrow gate, For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am in fear of you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain. Galations 4-10

The answer to the question above is a very straight forward – no. There is no place or command from God that believers are to come together and worship Him on Sunday, Saturday, or any other specific day. This concept and idea is a contrivance of man. I repeat: it is a man-made law spawned straight out of Roman Catholicism. “Church leaders” are quick to cite the Bible mentions “the first day of the week” and they have used this to erroneously support the notion this was in reference to worshiping God on Sunday. It is true the Bible mentions “the first day of the week” eight times in the New Testament, but it has nothing to do with a “church service” or a meeting on Sunday. It also has nothing to do with setting aside Sunday as a special day. As we mentioned before, in the New Testament what we call “church” did not exist when it was written.

There is nothing in God’s Word that establishes Sunday as “The Lord’s Day” or the Christian Sabbath. There’s nothing in God’s Word that even hints as Sunday being special, or that any other day is meant to be observed by believers. There is no such thing as a new Sabbath Day to replace the old Sabbath Day. There is no command to set aside one day a week as a special day to worship God and go to a place of worship made with human hands. There is no biblical basis for this false doctrine or any justification for it. It is a concept of the flesh – seeking an act or behavior birthed out of man-made tradition and calling it spiritual.

The first day of the week in the New Testament was a regular work day for those in the Jewish community. The seventh day of the week was the Sabbath, as it is written in the NT. God’s Word tells us after 3 days and nights, and after Jesus had risen, the Sabbath was still the seventh day and was before the first day of the work week. The Sabbath has always pertained to Israel only. There is no such thing as a Christian Sabbath except for a man-made rule and tradition birthed out of the desires and devices of man – not God. Again, there is absolutely no Biblical authority for setting aside Sunday as a special day of worship, Saturday, or any other day. The true emergence of this thing we call “going to “church” emanated out of Roman Catholicism.

Shortly after the death of the last apostles, men sporadically attempted and sometimes successfully appointed themselves in positions of authority over other believers and their faith. One such man was Diotrephes. John writes an account of Diotrephes’ desire to be in charge and establish preeminence over other men. We will eventually write an article about good ole Diotrephes. Such self appointed men seeking to control other believers after Jesus death occurred time to time, and those ignorant about Christ followed them. Such is the case today.

The false mandate and man-made law that believers are to attend this thing we call “church” on Sunday, ultimately came courtesy of Constantine, Emperor of Rome. He chose Sunday because of his admiration for the Sun god – Mithras – which in Greek mythology meant the “The Unconquered Sun”. Constantine was well immersed in pagan philosophies and rituals. The vast majority of our man-made “church” traditions and customs manifested out of paganism.

By 324, Constantine became the emperor of the Roman Empire. He ordered the construction of “church buildings,” and many of the pagan temples already in existence to be used as “churches.” Although Constantine converted to Christianity, he was still heavily influenced by paganism and superstition. The concept of going to “church” is a contrivance birthed out of Catholicism, and ultimately became a decree issued by Constantine. Make no mistake – the Catholic Church was first, and is were the Protestant Church adopted their bulk of their customs and traditions. The “Protestant Church” is just as idolatrous as the “Catholic Church.”

Incidentally, the pagan philosophy of sun worship by Constantine was also reflected on Roman currency. His coins continued to bare the sun on them, and he erected a statue of the sun god, Mithras in the Forum of Constantinople. In 321 AD, Constantine declared that Sunday would be a day of rest, and the day to attend the institutions he built – called “churches.” A side note here: A mosaic was eventually discovered at St. Peters Basilica called mind you – “Christ as the Unconquered Sun.”

Because men in their carnal nature have set up this false notion of a Sunday/Saturday observance; it may be helpful to look at the eight verses that have been misused and abused to support this false notion.

Now in the end of the Sabbath, when the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, came to see the sepulcher. Matthew 28:1

Organized religious participants attempt to assert that it means one day in seven, but as you can see, this demonstrates the women came after Christ death. The Sabbath still existed and it was the seventh day of the week.

And when the Sabbath day was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought sweet ointments, that they might come and anoint him. Therefore early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher, when the Sun was now risen. Mark 16:1-2 

and

And when Jesus was risen again, early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils: Mark 16:9

Mark acknowledges as did Matthew, that the Sabbath was the 7^th day. Keep in mind most believers were still in the communities they grew up in and were part of the Jewish faith. There were Christian believers so ingrained in the law, they continued to participate in the Jewish religion and its’ traditions. They still operated as if they were under the law because it was all they had ever known. Even then, some who actually laid eyes on Jesus still rejected the gift of freedom He provided. Why? Because their flesh needed to see something, to be under someone, and to do something to make their faith more real…sounds familiar?

Now the first day of the week early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, and brought the odors which they had prepared, and certain women with them. Luke 24:1

and

Now the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene, early when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. John 20:1

These two verses collaborate the three verses above, with the same meaning.

The same day then at night, which was the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and said to them, Peace be unto you. John 20:19

This happened after the Sabbath – being the first day of the week, it was an ordinary work day. The doors were locked because the disciples were afraid those in the Jewish community would seek to harm them after Christ’s crucifixion. They feared for their safety. For them every day to them was the same with Jesus, whom they had spent the last 3 years with. The disciples did not set aside this day as special, for at that time they did not believe Christ had risen. This was absolutely not a designated meeting or command from God. See the verse below where Jesus admonishes them for not believing.

Finally, he appeared unto the eleven as they sat together, and reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him, being risen up again. Mark 16:14

There is no authority from Scripture or hint of recognition that Sunday was to be set aside as special, reverential, or the new Christian Sabbath. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, and we find our rest in Him every day. No longer are believers under the law as in the Old Testament – the New Testament makes this abundantly clear. But “church leaders” have misled God’s people into thinking this is His will, and they (meaning you and others) have allowed themselves to be misled.

Yes, God will judge “church leaders” for deceiving His people, but He will also judge you for following men and embracing their customs over the truth. He will judge you for ignoring His Word and the voice of the Holy Spirit. On judgment day, your proclamation, “This is what I’ve been taught” will not wash. He will tell you that you made the choice to follow and submit to men over the simple truth in His Word. He will remind you of how you accepted the word of men, when something inside told you their words did not align to the Scriptures. He will remind you of the times He drew your attention to this false gospel, but nevertheless, you turned from Him in order to keep and safeguard the traditions and customs you cherish.

Back to more scripture in the New Testament regarding the “first day of the week”…

And the first day of the week, the disciples being come together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued the preaching unto midnight. Acts 20:7

Now, we have a gathering of the disciples and other believers who listened to Paul as he spoke on a Saturday night until early in the next day. That next day was Sunday when everyone returned to work – doing the labor they normally engaged in. There was no significance to that Saturday night or early Sunday morning when Paul spoke – it just was the day Paul happened to be there proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ.

When Paul spoke, it was not a sermon – Roman paganism is where the one man sermon came from. Paul had conversations with those who were present, and again, this gathering was not in adherence to any religious custom. Paul did not place himself in charge – nor did people just listened the entire time and remained silent. They all spoke with each other, as God intended believers to speak with one another. That same day (Sunday morning), Paul set out, and walked to Troas to Assos – again, it was a common workday.

Every first day of the week, let every one of you put aside by himself, and lay up as God hath prospered him, that then there be no gatherings when I come. And when I am come, whomsoever ye shall allow by letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. I Corinthians 16:2-4

This is one of the favorite verses of the “institutional church” and its’ leaders – and is one of the most abused and intentionally misused verses around. The collection Paul was referring to was not money for a preacher, or a “church building,” or an organization (that did not exist) – nor was it for evangelism or missions. This collection was for food each one in the community (The Church – actually the Ecclesia) stored at home to give to those in Jerusalem who were facing severe famine and drought at the time. Some Bibles state it was money instead of fruit, although earlier editions and the original Scriptures state it was fruit. “Fruit” in the original Greek Scriptures referred to food, wine, grain, etc.

Paul was picking up the collection, and then was headed to Jerusalem from Corinth to give the fruit to those who were facing drought. He wanted upon his arrival at Corinth for everyone to have the food ready. When Paul arrived, he asked for company to help him carry it to Jerusalem and deliver it. Stop and think about it: If it was just money being delivered, he would not require help carrying it. And rest assured the collection was for the poor and those facing famine. It was not for any “church organization,’ pastor or priest, which did not even exist at the time.

Now, lets look at more regarding the Sabbath in both the Old and New Testament.

Afterward the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, and say, Notwithstanding keep ye my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you in your generations, that ye may know that I the Lord do sanctify you. Ye shall therefore keep the Sabbath: for it is holy unto you: he that defileth it, shall die the death: therefore whosoever worketh therein, the same person shall be even cut off from among his people. Six days shall men work, but in the seventh day is the Sabbath of the holy rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, shall die the death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, that they may observe the rest throughout their generations for an everlasting Covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made the heaven and the earth, and in the seventh day he ceased and rested. Exodus 31:12-17

When Jesus died on the cross, the Sabbath Day was abolished. In the Old Covenant man’s rest was on the seventh day, but through Jesus we find rest in Him every day. For the son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath. Matthew 12:8 NOWHERE in God’s Word does it mention Sunday or the first day of the week as the new Sabbath Day. NOWHERE is a command or even a statement that we are to honor God on Sunday with a special meeting, or set any other day aside to worship God in a group. God’s Word made it clear that the law was not for the Gentiles. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath – He replaced the Sabbath Day.

And he said to them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Wherefore the Son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath. Mark 2:27  

For when the Gentiles which have not the Law, do by nature the things contained in the Law, they having not the Law, are a Law unto themselves. Romans 2:14

Through Jesus death and resurrection on the cross, the law was no more, including the Sabbath Day. Now we are under a covenant of grace. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and redeemed all of mankind from it; including the Sabbath and the laws God gave unto Moses.

And putting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, he even took it out of the way, and fastened it upon the cross, And hath spoiled the Principalities, and Powers, and hath made a show of them openly, and hath triumphed over them in the same cross. Let no man therefore condemn you in meat and drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days, Which are but a shadow of things to come: but the body is in Christ. Colossians. 2:14-17.

There are no more special holy days or days to be observed. There is no day in the New Testament that God requires believers to observe. You can search it for years, but it is not there. You will not find it God’s Word – you will only find it in man’s word. We know that’s hard for many to hear, but it is true. It is men who came up with rules and traditions regarding specific days, and even some holidays. In the New Testament, Paul confronted this work of the flesh and chastised the men who orchestrated this bondage.

But now seeing ye know God, yea, rather are known of God, how turn ye again unto impotent and beggarly rudiments, whereunto as from the beginning ye will be in bondage again? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am in fear of you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain. Galations 4:9-11

Today, most believers are still in bondage of the law with the help of “church leaders” who rely on their support. This is the reason why the worldly and unbiblical concept that we are to set aside a special day to worship Jesus still abounds. It is in effect the Jewish version of the Christian Sabbath. Not only this is a false teaching, but it is completely based in the idolatrous motives and desires of man – the flesh. God’s Word clearly state that no day is above any other day under the New Covenant.

Christianity was brand new after the death of Christ. Back then the New Testament had not been written, and learning about Jesus was all done through word of mouth. The overwhelming majority of believers met with each other every day by coexisting and having fellowship among each other. When they met it was not a requirement or an obligation – they met in the freedom Jesus provided to every believer to worship God anytime or anywhere. Acts 2:42-46

There were, however; some believers who indeed met on Sunday, because on Saturday they continued to observe the Jewish Sabbath. They still believed in their natural minds, they were to pattern themselves after Jewish religious traditions. They still fashioned themselves after the law and they were held hostage to their old religious mindset. They did not understand their freedom in Christ, as we do not understand it today. They continue to embrace the law, as we continue to embrace the law today.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galations 5:1

When believers met, it was a casual event usually at homes where they typically ate a meal together. Some met in the temple courtyard or other places, but not under the guise as if it was mandatory or was a requirement. It would be the same as if of you met a group of friends or family to talk about Jesus, or pray for each other, or encourage each other. These believers were a small subset of the Jewish population. It is a historical and biblical fact these believers became outsiders in their community. Sometimes the group would be larger (such as when Paul came and spoke in Acts 20:7), but most of the time they met spontaneously, or just through their normal day to day living.

When believers did meet with each other, there was no pastor or priest in charge. There were elders who lived in the community that guided other believers, but they led by example – not by any position or authority. There was no designated place of worship. Worshiping Jesus Christ was not about a rule or traditions, or fulfilling some sort of obligation. It was about fellowship and encouraging each other, talking about Christ, and utilizing each other’s gifts. It was not about attending “church” (which really did not happened until the birth of the “Catholic Church.” Again, most believers had fellowship with each other everyday. Fellowship was organic, fluid, alive – it was not based in mandates and doctrines.

There was no such abomination as what we call the sermon today when they met – they would had not stood for such a display. They would never allow any man to usurp Christ’s Lordship in their lives. But historically speaking, believers after Christ’s death spoke of Him every day, they worshiped Him every day. No day was set aside as being more special than another – nor was there a prerequisite to meet once, twice, three, or a number of days a week. God wants us to have fellowship with other believers, but not when it violates His word, or is based in the law and man-made traditions.

Upon Jesus death, He became the Sabbath by providing rest to the believer’s soul. The Jewish Sabbath was rest to the physical body. God has NEVER in His Word ordered a Christian to keep a Sabbath Day or set aside a specific day to worship Him under the New Covenant. Search God’s Word up and down – you won’t find it. Men will tell you this is the case, and heap a load of demonic guilt upon your shoulders, but it is their laws – not God’s. This false teaching has actually been catastrophic to the Kingdom of God, but those who are walking in the flesh are incapable of seeing this. In truth – they don’t want to see it.

This one false doctrine has gravely destroyed our witness to the world. Why? First, this false teaching tells us and convey to non-believers that we are still under law. Second, it is in effect a rejection of the grace and freedom Jesus provided to us on the cross. Third, it allows men to usurp Christ’s Lordship in our lives. Fourth, it has made Christianity like all the other religions in the world: where people are under the dominion of a man or woman, and are required to enter a “temple/church” made with human hands to worship their god. Fifth, and perhaps the most deadly of all, it plays right into Satan’s hand, by misrepresenting to the world what Jesus is all about. What we call “church” represents to the world that Jesus’ love and our salvation is conditional, and is contingent on what you do instead of who you are.

I don’t recall who the author was, but I wrote down these words because he or she summed up the issue so well. “ The individual who tells you on a given day that you must attend this thing we call “church,” is not preaching Christ at all. He is preaching human efforts and is making the death of Christ of no effect. He is frustrating the grace of God.” Do you realize when you embrace man’s customs and legalistic doctrines, that it can alienate Jesus Christ in your life? But even just a tragic, you are alienating Christ in the life of others when you assert to them a false gospel based on law, traditions, and the doctrines of man.

You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. Galations 5:4

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” Thessalonians 2:11-12

To return to the old way and continue to worship under the law is to reject the sacrifice and freedom Jesus provided us by dying on the cross. It is a betrayal of the very gift we have with Him now. We are to worship God every day – every day is now a day of rest in our soul. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath – and that day is every day, 365 days a year. As you can see, God’s Word in the New Testament makes it crystal clear that no day is above the rest. We want to blame others for not believing in God as we preach freedom in Christ, while we ourselves are not free and remain in bondage to the law. Others see this and it completely undermines our message about Jesus Christ. Make no mistake – whenever you assert the false concept of “church” you are preaching death – not life to others.

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in destructive, untrue teachings, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their destructive ways; by reason of whom the way of truth will be defamed. 2 Peter 2:1-2

Please note that author of this article express that anyone who reprints his work to note that he does not necessarily endorse this website or the materials within. This is also holds true for us – that any articles we published here from other authors do not necessarily mean we endorse everything on their website or all their beliefs.

By Neal Chester

© Copyright by Neal Chester, www.letspleasegod.com

The institutional church is the collected group of Christians who don’t want a relationship with Jesus Christ on his terms, but on their terms. Therefore, they create and serve a false Christ which leads to bondage, a lack of power and a delusional mindset that believes he/she will inherit eternal life when in fact will be damned to hell if there’s no repentance.

The bible warned us about the institutional church explaining that it would be a Christian’s departure from the faith:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron … (1 Tim 4:1-2)

What is “the faith”? It is the true teachings of Jesus Christ, the foundation of what was originally taught. Anyone can open the gospels right now and hold it up against the mainstream teachings of Christianity and see that there’s been a deviation from the truth. And how did they deviate? Because they were seduced and led away by doctrines of demons. The bible continues to foretell:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (2 Tim 4:3).

The institutional church is a group of people who desire teachings that appeal to their own lusts (or desires) — they’ve got itching ears waiting to be scratched. So the bible reveals that they were led away because they wanted to be! So it’s not just the church leadership who are at fault, it’s also the people themselves who lift up these false teachers. This is why it’s so hard to witness to people in the institutional church, most of them want to be there.

So why do they reject the message of Christ? Because Jesus’ message of self-denial is a hard thing to hear. Giving up fornication, the love of money and all other sinful pleasures is a hard message. Being taught that only the humble will make it into the kingdom of God is offensive demanding a change to many who live in pride. Hearing a message that commands you to forgive others or be rejected by God is too hard to bear for some. So men have taken the words of Jesus and added, twisted and downright removed them to suit their sinful lifestyles.

A form of godliness, but no power

With the desecration of the teachings of Jesus comes a lost of power. If you read the gospels and the book of Acts, you’ll find the believers had power to raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out devils, do miracles and, most importantly, overcome sin. But the institutional church has replaced the raw power of God with emotionalism, performance and light shows. This is why the bible also foretells:

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (2 Tim 3:1-5)

It says they will have a “form of godliness”. In other words: all the right religious talk and outward appearances, but no power. The institutional church is powerless over sin, powerless over demons, powerless to heal the sick, powerless to do all the things Jesus said believers in him would do (Mark 16:17-18). And why, because they denied the source of the power which is Jesus Christ.

Substituting Jesus and the consequences

Man’s natural inclination is to serve something — for we were created to worship. So when the true God comes to the human race and says this is the criteria for eternal life, these people rebel and say, “No, that doesn’t quite fit the way I want to live, Jesus, so I’ll do it my way” and they set up a false god in their minds and worship that instead of the real one. So because us all this, God has a response for the institutional church:

10 … because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:10b-12).

He says, “because you don’t love the truth, (which is Jesus Christ) and you have pleasure in unrighteousness, I will let the demons deceive you; you’ll gladly accept their false doctrines and you will be damned because of it!” God is not playing with these folks! And I don’t blame him. Here’s a holy God offering eternal life in holiness and these people reject it for their temporal, sinful desires?!! Well, it’s their choice.

An organization rather than an organism

The institutional church is often called the “IC” for short, the “False Church” and the “Babylon/Harlot Church” But the reason why it’s most commonly labeled “institution” is because of the meaning of the word:

An establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated.

This church is organized by carnal men and women who don’t follow Jesus Christ. The real church is an organism rather than an organization or institution. You wouldn’t call a human being an organization, but rather a living organism. Therefore, the body of Christ is the same, an organism with its head as Jesus calling the shots and directing the body as he sees fit.

I want to make clear that the institution is a mindset and not necessarily a church building structure, or a denomination, although, emphasis on membership and attendance is apart of the ways of the institution. One could have church at home, online, within a segregated ministry and still be considered apart of the institutional church. The problem with the institutional church is its lack of obedience and faith in Jesus Christ.

A complicated Jesus bathed in legalism & Calvinism

2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Cor 11:2-4)

Paul warned us about a counterfeit Jesus, a counterfeit Holy Spirit and a counterfeit gospel message; and it’s already here! But it’s important to note the latter part of verse 4, that our minds can be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ which comes from those counterfeits.

What Paul is saying is: Jesus is simple, his message is simple but when things get complicated, you can know that some corruption has taken place. Religion is man’s bridge to God. Belief and obedience to Jesus is God’s bridge to himself. The institution’s religion falls into two categories:

Legalism is the set of doctrines that teach a person that they must work their way into Heaven — it’s all about what you do for God. God allows them into Heaven based off their amount of works. As long as the believer stays busy, “working for God” they will go to Heaven — this all gets really complicated; but Jesus says: Repent from sin, trust and obey me and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and conform you to my image – not follow a set of rules made by men.

Calvinism is the set of doctrines that say you can do nothing to be saved. You have no choice or freewill. God elects you and that’s it, you will inherit eternal life no matter if you continue in sin. Many have subscribed to this belief because they don’t have to give up their sins. How far from the truth. Jesus died because sin was offensive and through his blood we can be cleansed. God didn’t create robots but men with choice. God only wants to fellowship with those who willingly love him.

You will know the institutional church by it’s works:

• -promotion of church activity over displaying the character of Christ
• -praising God rather than obeying God first
• -glorifying men as God rather than the true God
• -following emotions rather than the Holy Spirit
• -unifying the world or the things of the word with Jesus
• It is a crafty, cunning, killing trap

The institute draws you in with the hopes of family, fulfillment, healing, salvation and a relationship with God – only to rob you of your gifts, suck you dry of your zeal, sexually or spiritually abuse you, kill your confidence, make Jesus look like a genie rather than a lord, and keep you distracted just long enough that you become worn out, complacent and comfortable. Then, when the truth comes, you’re too “fat” and lazy to get up and do anything about it.

It’s highly deceptive because it’s associated with the true God – not some random false god. The most deceptive lies are the ones mixed with truth. It’s the devil’s web for all those who don’t love God, the truth, or his ways, but still want to fill the spiritual holes in their souls with a god.

It is a test for God’s children

Many of God’s people are coming out of the institutional church and some are still there. Those there are naive, young in the faith, and haven’t yet tested the preacher’s sermons against scripture. These people can get free, but only if they love the truth.

We’ve all been deceived, but like a good shepherd, God will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). I was one of them who made the exodus from the institutional church. I asked God why he allowed me to be in such an abomination. He said it’s a test to see if my children really want the true Jesus or not.

If a person stays in the institutional church, it’s evident that they love the world and its iniquity rather than the righteousness and holiness of the true Jesus Christ. God may allow the devil to keep them deceived and they will be damned (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

The institutional church can be a group of people, an external ministry, a house church, or an assemble of people in a building. If you are apart of the institutional church, get out before it’s too late. God refers to the institutional church as a whorish wife and the following words he has for his people who are in her:

Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her (Rev 18:4).

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

If you believe Jesus Christ when He said true worshipers of God worship Him in Spirit and Truth, and not in a designated place – you will have a heavy price to pay. You will likely be judged by the law based criteria of “institutional church” believers – a criteria certain to label you as a backslider for not attending the world’s man-made “church institutions.” You will experience ostracism for your refusal to remain in bondage to the law – perhaps even be accused of not loving Jesus Christ. This happens frequently to those believers who realize they are truly free in Christ and accept His Word as true. For those who don’t – all of this animus and falsehood is fueled by the false teachings of men.

If you are one of the few who recognize your true freedom in Christ, you will find out how little interest those enslaved in the “church system” have in seeking the truth. There is nothing biblical about this, and those who propagate such falsehoods will be held accountable,including “church leaders” and perhaps yourself. Going to “church” is a contrivance of man – it is not from our Lord Jesus Christ. It is something Jesus never taught, and is in fact something He did away with through His death on the cross. Jesus replaced the religious systems and its’ leaders of the past.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17

Those within the “institutional church” will be quick to question whether you even in believe in Christ because of your refusal to remain in this thing we call “church.” They do not understand Jesus has redeemed us from the law – once and for all. “Churchgoers” fail to understand God does not live in temples made with hands – nor does He desires us to worship in them any longer. They do not understand we should not serve or be in dominion under those with titles of preeminence, such as Pastor, Reverend, Father, etc. They do not understand God only intended One Church (His Ecclessia) – The Body of Christ. “Churchgoers” do not comprehend their idolatry by serving two “churches.”They do not comprehend how they elevate their man-made “churches” over the One Church God ever intended – the Body of Christ.

Make no mistake – the “church” that killed Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago is the same “church” that exists today. It is the same “church” that would without hesitation “silence” Him if He showed up at their doors right now. Today’s pastors and priests will tear off their suits or vestments as the High Priest did so in front of Pontius Pilate, declaring Jesus as a delusional criminal. They will be threatened by Him as the Jewish leadership were nearly 2,000 years ago – because they know they do not have any authority over God’s people. They will proclaim their misquotes and abuse of the Scriptures even louder, and instead of serving as elders did in the New Testament Church, they will fight even harder to maintain their illegitimate positions of authority.

This thing we call “church” produce worldly believers who espouse unrighteous indignation towards those who stand for the truth and dare to speak out. This is simply a byproduct of the institutional church and the fruit it produces. Initially, believers are taught that this man-made ‘church system” is what God desires, and I believe God understands this when we are newly born again Christians. However, God expects us at some point to recognize our idolatry, and see through this man-made deception. At some point, He expects to reject the law and accept the gift of freedom He provided us through His death. At some point He expects us to know the difference between having religion, and having a relationship with Him. The castigation from the world around this thing we call “church,” makes for a very brutal path for those who have chosen to walk in the simple truth of God’s Word. It is a road we are subjected to every day. Jesus spoke of this, yet He still expects us for us to pick up our cross and deny ourselves.

“Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8

The “institutional church” is a massive entity. It is a deceptive, brilliant plan by the mastermind of this world – Satan. It presents itself in celebration of Christ, when in fact, is it a contrivance of man’s carnal mind. It falsely dictates to believers that by following traditions and man-made customs, we are somehow honoring Jesus. Instead, it is an idolatrous substitute for Him. The “institutional church” violates the Word of God in almost every principle. It holds captive the minds of millions of believers, but they are without excuse. At the end of the day we have God’s Word, yet most have chosen to ignore it – as Jesus said and I will paraphrase, “ in order to keep our tradition.” Instead, “churchgoing” believers have chosen and accept the word of those who have set themselves in false authority over believers.

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for only one is your Teacher and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth your ‘Father’, for only one is your Father and He is in Heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘Master’, for only one is your Master, the Christ.” (Matthew 23:8-10).

The “institutional church” has had over 1,700 years to spawn and burrow itself in the minds of believers. Like an infection, it is prolific and it’s unbiblical religious customs is widespread throughout the earth. It permeates the heart and spirit of any believer with a religious mindset. The overwhelming majority of believers are beyond reach, and are well on their way to the road of destruction. They are unable and unwilling to see through this deception. This really should be no surprise to anyone – Jesus said it would be so.

“Enter through the narrow gate, For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

When Jesus said only a few would find the road to life, He meant it. Right now there are over 2 billion Christians in the world. That is by no means a few. The vast majority of them believe in the “institutional “church;” – regardless whether they attend it or not. But there are believers who see through Satan’s deception, and know Jesus has forbidden this man-made “church government.” We can not iterate this enough – the institutional “church” is idolatry, and serves as an idolatrous substitute for Jesus. It is NOT the Church in the New Testament.

If you are one led by the Holy Spirit and see through Satan’s great deception – YOU MUST NOT GIVE UP. The world needs you – God’s people need you. If only one person can become saved and steered off the road to eternal destruction, this site would be worth it to us. We may never know, nor you – but we must stand up for the truth. God expects us to. But do know that “church leaders” will fight you with everything they have – including destroying families and marriages. They will do everything in their power to keep their positions and come against anyone or anything that threatens them.

I believe there is a movement in the spirit realm where a growing number of believers are starting to speak out and stand up for the truth. If you look throughout history and the Bible, there have been many instances where the majority of people believed either falsely about something, or went against the will of God. The Jews did not even recognize the Son of God in the flesh. Despite Jesus performing numerous miracles, with words so profound they surpassed anything ever seen or heard – they still did not believe He was the Son of God.

This contempt for Jesus was primarily fueled by the religious leaders of the Jews. “Church leaders” today, still do not want God’s people to see the truth if it undermines and threaten their positions. This is one reason why Jesus spoke at length about the teachers of the law – He was warning believers in the future. The words and commands of Jesus Christ are timeless – they are just as relevant today and they were nearly 2,000 years ago. Remember this, however; Jesus was still operated under the law until He resurrected from the dead.

As long as the world is in bondage, we must continue to fight to let others know they are truly free in Jesus. When you look at God’s Word, you often see at times where only one individual stood up for God against the carnal nature of man. We must tell the truth so believers will repent, and remove themselves from man’s idolatrous “church system.” We must let them know God wants us to have fellowship with each other, but it does not require a building made with hands. For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 We must let them know that they are to submit to the one and only Head of God’s people – Jesus and He alone.

Yes, you will be despised and looked down on as Jesus and His followers were. The law creates a simple formula that is easy for the spiritually dull and ignorant to oblige and believe in. For such believers, it is far easier to follow the rules of man, than for them to pick up their cross and truly follow Jesus Christ. We were just as ignorant and steeped in idolatry until we stopped ignoring the voice of the Holy Spirit, and set out to see if what we had been taught aligned with God’s Word.

But what I do, that will I do, that I may cut away occasion from them which desire occasion, that they might be found like unto us in that wherein they rejoice. For such false apostles are deceitful workers, and transform themselves into the Apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing, though his ministers transform themselves, as though they were the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:12-15

Satan will fight us with all he’s got, because he knows the “man-made church system” has reinvented our relationship with Christ into something God never intended for us. Satan know believers who continue to operate under what is now the New Testament law, will never know what it is to have a real relationship with Jesus Christ. He knows a “churchgoing” believer’s real relationship is with his or her “church.” He know people are too busy in participating in “church” programs and services to focus on their relationship with Jesus. Yet, “church leaders” have convinced them this is the same thing as having a relationship with Jesus. Satan knows most believe that serving a “church” and more importantly tithing to it – is the same as serving Jesus Christ. It is an idolatrous lie – one of his best since the fall of Adam and Eve. God’s Word tells us Satan is the master of deception for a reason.

It is up to the believer who see through this deception to speak out on behalf of God and the truth. I can not tell you how many times we have become exhausted in the fight – so many are deceived to the point it is overwhelming. Our “churches” are the Goliath of man-made traditions and lies hiding behind the name of Jesus. Ironically, they have diverted our intention off the One who is worthy of it – instead our intention is devoted to “church.” It feels like a losing battle, but it does not mean we are to give up and not stand up for truth in God’s Word. Jesus and His followers were despised over 2,000 years ago when He walked the earth as man. They were the minority and were ostracized among the Jewish people – we will be despised as well. It is the price we must pay to stay true to Him and the gift He purchased with His blood.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:19