“Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.” (Colossians 4:15 NASB20)

So, what is a church to you? Is it some large, beautiful cathedral or maybe a little picture-perfect building tucked away in some country meadow? Well, even though these may be nice thoughts, they still do not fit the true meaning of what a church is. For a church is not a building, but a gathering of people who have come together in the name of our Lord. This would be true whether they’re in cathedral, a rented building, someone’s home, a barn, or even in an open field. For the word church in the Greek means a “gathering” or an “assembly” of people. For we read in the book of Acts: “And Barnabas went forth to Tarsus, to seek for Saul, and having found him, he brought him to Antioch, and it came to pass that they a whole year did assemble together in the assembly, and taught a great multitude, the disciples also were divinely called first in Antioch Christians.” (Acts 11:25-26 YLT)

So, that word “assembly” in the Young’s Literal Translation above is normally translated as a “Church” in most other translations. But again, if you look at the Greek definition for “Church,” you will see that it simply means “an assembly of people.” So, whether it’s translated as a “church” or the more understandable word “assembly,” it is not a building but a gathering of God’s people.

So, as already mentioned above, anywhere Christians are gathered, there you would have a church. And in these gatherings, we normally come together for a time of prayer, worship and words of exhortation. Now, most traditional churches gather together on a Sunday. For this has been a practice in most Christian cultures for many years. However, if you read through the book of Acts in the bible, you would see that people were gathering throughout the week as well. For Sunday was simply the first day of the week and not the Sabbath as some mistakenly assume. For the Sabbath is (and will always be) on the seventh day of the week which is a Saturday.

Now, most of the churches today are set on a strict time schedule. This would be even more true for those mega churches who have multiple services. And because of this, prayer needs and personnel interactions may not take place. Therefore, it’s important for smaller groups to get together before or after service or even during the week. I say this because in these smaller groups, people can focus on prayer needs and personally interact with each other as well. And that’s what I have been involved in for several years in the past.

Now, you may have heard that some people are gathering in peoples homes instead of a traditional church building. And because these gatherings are generally smaller, prayer needs can be easily met and as well as personal interactions. And what’s nice is the fact that there is no large staff that’s depending on parishioners’ money.

Below I included some videos concerning churches that do gather in people’s homes. This I did so that you can see their view on why they do this:

• Why do We do House Church
• Why a House Church?
• How to Start a Biblical House Church
• How to start a House Church 
• What it like being part of a House Church

Below are also some scriptures concerning Christian assembling in people’s homes:

• “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1:13-14 KJV)
• “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47 NASB95)
• “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.” (Acts 8:3 WEB)
• “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia.” (Romans 16:3-5 NASB95
• “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.” (Colossians 4:15 KJV)
• “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philemon 1:1-3 KJV)
• “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. ... And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.” (Acts 12:5-7, 12 KJV)

“And he gave 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, 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” (Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV)

Now, I do believe that the gifts of the Spirit are for us today, just as it was for the early church. Therefore, we should be practicing these gifts not only in our churches, but also in our society as well. Also, our coming together should be to build each other up in the faith as the Paul the apostle said above. So then, the church should exist to equip one another with the tools and strength needed to spread the gospel to the world. This would be true even in the face of persecution and possibly even death. Because if we are not being persecuted in one form or another, are we really living our life according to the bible? And yes, I’m preaching to myself as well.

Paul said to Timothy: “Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:10-12 NASB20) So, let’s not be afraid to get some backlash for preaching the truth. For Jesus said this could and even would happen. And we know that he himself was persecuted for our sake, even to the point of death.

• “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12 KJV)

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:15-17 NKJV)

According to that passage above, we as a church should also be encouraging each other in the faith. Also, we are called to take our message to the world and brings souls into God’s kingdom. For we read: “When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21-22 ESV) We can see this again happening where we read: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV)

• “In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.” (Acts 14:1-3 NASB95)
• “For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12 CSB)
• “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” (Romans 12:16 NASB20)
• “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV)
• “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:1-6 CSB)

So, are you in a church that sees prayer time as high priority in your gathering? And no, I’m not talking about the three-minute prayer that some churches do at the beginning and ending of service. But I’m talking about a prayer that reflects that which is mentioned above. Also, are you in a church fellowship where you only sing a few songs, hear an hour-long sermon and then out the door you go? Well if so, then I would encourage you to consider finding a new Church where you can have more personal interactions with fellow Christians. I say this because it’s not matching the churches we see in the New Testament. For our time together should include prayer and fellowship as well.

Now, as mentioned earlier, there are those large, organized churches that have smaller groups that meet during the week. This would be fine because in these smaller groups you can encourage each other and even immerse yourselves in prayer and worship. This way you can come together on a Sunday and then attend your smaller groups during the week.

“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35 NKJV)

According to that passage above, the bible is clear that women cannot be leaders in the church. Also, we read: “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” (1 Timothy 2:11-14 NKJV)

Now, the bible is also clear on what should be the standard for these leaders in the Church. For we read: “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:1-6 NASB20)

“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. … “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” (1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12 NIV)

In those passages above, we have scriptures mentioning the qualifications for those deacons who are men. However, there is a debate on what verse 11 is saying in this same chapter (which I didn’t include in that passage above). For some translations say it’s about deacons’ wives, while others say it’s actually taking about women deacons (which I believe is true). Now, we must remember that there is no specific word for “wives” in the Greek. For the Greek word used can ether mean a single woman or one who is married. So, it’s all up to the translators to figure out what word to use.

So, let’s look at what two different translations have to say. The first translations says: “Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.” (1 Timothy 3:11 NKJV) The second translation says: “Likewise, women deacons must be dignified, not slanderers, clearheaded, faithful in all things.” (1 Timothy 3:11 REV) Now, I personally believing this second translation got it right. I say this because the requirement that some translations put on deacons’ wives is not required for the Elders in this same chapter. Therefore, it’s not about the deacon’s wives but instead the requirements for woman deacons who want to serve in the church. Now, just to let you know. The Greek word for “deacon” (or deaconesses) is simply a word meaning a “servant.” Therefore, it has nothing to do with church elders (leaders).

Below are a few other translations that show that there were woman deacons serving in the churches.

• “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.” (Romans 16:1 NIV)
• “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.” (Romans 16:1 NLT)
• “Now I am introducing and commending to you Phoebe our sister, who is a deacon of the church at Cenchreae.” (Romans 16:1 REV)
• “And the women also who serve the church should be dignified, faithful in all things, having their thoughts set on truth, and not known as those who gossip.” (1 Timothy 3:11 TPT)
• “Likewise, women deacons must be dignified, not slanderers, clearheaded, faithful in all things.” (1 Timothy 3:11 REV)
• “Deaconesses, in the same way, must be sober-minded women, not slanderers, but in every way temperate and trustworthy.” (1 Timothy 3:11 Weymouth)
• “The deaconesses too must be serious, not gossips; they must be temperate and perfectly trustworthy.” (1 Timothy 3:11 Williams)

Please take not to what the “Jamieson-Fausset-Brown” commentary has to say:

• their wives - rather, “the women,” that is, the deaconesses. For there is no reason that special rules should be laid down as to the wives of the deacons, and not also as to the wives of the bishops or overseers. Moreover, if the wives of the deacons were meant, there seems no reason for the omission of “their” (not in the Greek). Also the Greek for “even so” (the same as for “likewise,” 1Ti_3:8, and “in like manner,” 1Ti_2:9), denotes a transition to another class of persons. Further, there were doubtless deaconesses at Ephesus, such as Phoebe was at Cenchrea (Rom_16:1, “servant,” Greek, “deaconess”), yet no mention is made of them in this Epistle if not here; whereas, supposing them to be meant here, the third chapter embraces in due proportion all the persons in the service of the Church. Naturally after specifying the qualifications of the deacon, Paul passes to those of the kindred office, the deaconess. “Grave” occurs in the case of both. “Not slanderers” here, answers to “not double-tongued” in the deacons; so “not false accusers” (Tit_2:3). “Sober” here answers to “not given to much wine,” in the case of the deacons (1Ti_3:8). Thus it appears he requires the same qualifications in female deacons as in deacons, only with such modifications as the difference of sex suggested.

“And he gave 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, 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, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13 WEB).

Now, those who are leaders should keep the gatherings organized and focused on Christ as we read above. Also, leaders are to remove anyone within the assembly that refuses to put away their sin after being warned. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). I know this may be hard to do, however it is necessary because: “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9 ESV)

And yes, leaders should also bring us words of exhortation and encouragement from God’s word as well. Also, through their study of God’s word, they may have more insight to certain passages that can help us in our walk with Christ. Therefore, we do need sound church leaders in every assembly. However, it’s the Holy Spirit (not the church leaders) who open our eyes to God’s truths being preached. For Jesus himself said: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV) As well as: “It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.” (John 6:45 RSV)

And finally, we have John addressing his (adult) disciples whom he calls, his “little children” (see note below) saying: “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie - just as it has taught you, abide in him.” (1 John 2:27 ESV) So again, it’s the Holy Spirit that opens our eyes to God truths on what we may read and hear.

• Please Note: τεκνίον, τεκνιου, τό(diminutive of τέκνον, which see; (on the accent, cf. Winers Grammar, 52; Chandler § 347)), a little child; in the N. T. used as a term of kindly address by teachers to their disciples (always in the plural little children: Mark 10:24 Lachmann); John 13:33; Galatians 4:19 (where L text T Tr WH marginal reading τέκνα); 1 John 2:1, 12, 28; 1 John 3:7 (WH marginal reading παιδία), 1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:4; 5:21. (Anthol.)

And let’s not forget to test everything that we hear. And yes, this would include from the mouth of church leaders as well. This is what those of Berea did, for we read: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11 KJV) Pray to God that we all would be as noble as they were.

That all being said, if you’re being ministered to in your current church and are happy there, then I encourage you to stay there. For hopefully you made friends there and even gather together during the week in other members homes. This is what I believe Christians should be doing, no matter how big their traditional Sunday church is. One the other hand, let’s make sure we’re not stuck in a church that mimics some social club. For it shouldn’t be about some live band, key motivational speaker who talks for an hour, takes your money and out the door you go. And yes, I have attended some large Christian events which can be a blessing to attend. But that shouldn’t replace our more personnel times of gatherings. And for those of you who are looking for a church. I hope you would find one that would bless you and minister to you and reflect those churches that are laid out in God’s word. And if you not sure what that looks like, then crack open and read your bible to find out.

For: “The church of Christ like a flower needs each petal, don’t let your Bible gather dust. Without the Word our hearts would harden into metal, don’t let your heart begin to rust. Take the time to read, Jesus took the time to bleed for our sins. The light of God like a fire needs each ember, don’t hide it’s brilliance in the shade. Until the spark of the Spirit fills each member, don’t let your faith begin to fade. Take the time to read, for Jesus took the time to bleed, for our sins.”  (Words are from: “Song For The Church” which is from the album “More Than Words” by the Christian group “Parable,” recorded in 1975 by Maranatha Music)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

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“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NASB20)

According to that passage above, there is to be no divisions within the body of Christ. For we are to be in unity not only within our own churches, but with all our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. But unfortunately, we have created so many Denominations and Associations which can cause divisions among us. For Paul the apostle first said: “My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:11-13 NIV)

Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s this kind thinking that can cause divisions among us. So, let's be careful not favor one church leader over another as the church of Corinth did. For we can see that this was a big issue in their church. For Paul the apostle finally summed it all up when he said: “So, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but instead as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready. In fact, you are still not ready, for you are still influenced by the flesh. For since there is still jealousy and dissension among you, are you not influenced by the flesh and behaving like unregenerate people? For whenever someone says, "I am with Paul," or "I am with Apollos," are you not merely human? What is Apollos, really? Or what is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, and each of us in the ministry the Lord gave us.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-5 NET)

So, let’s not be bragging about Pastors or Teachers or this church or that church. For God’s word tells us whom we should be bragging upon and following. For we read: “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14 NKJV) Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be bragging on Jesus whom God our Father sent on our behalf. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 ESV) And not only that: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV) Amen.

Now, it may be true that we love our God from the heart. We may also be totally sincere in our faith as Christians, loving each other and praying and reaching out to the lost as well. However, at the same time we could be building these invisible walls of separation by labeling ourselves. And the sad part of it all, we do it in plain view of those who are of this world. For if we would examine most of the early churches in the New Testament, we would see that they were being referred to by their locality such as a name of their city or of a person who owned the house. So, these types of labeling were not to show a distinction from one another but to aid the reader to understand their locality.

That all being said, God calls us to be one in Christ and to dwell in unity with fellow believers. Jesus prayed for this Christian unity so that the world could see our love for one another. And not only that, but he also prayed for oneness so that the world would recognize that he truly came from the Father. For Jesus said: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:20-21 KJV) And again, this unity can only be accomplished if we obey God by breaking down any dividing walls that we may have made. Because let’s face it, if we don’t do it, God may do it in such a way that would surprise us all.

Below are some passages that show references to church locations:

• “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.” (Romans 16:3-5 ESV)
• “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.” (1 Corinthians 1:11 KJV)
• “The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” (1 Corinthians 16:19 NASB95)
• “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 KJV)
• “From Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our dear friend and colaborer, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house.” (Philemon 1:1-2 NET)

A few years back, the Syrian Christians were praying for revival and believing that God would do a great work in their land. They like us had their churches along with their different denominations and divisions. And then came the war with its bombings and terrorists. Churches were destroyed and down came their denominational barriers that separated believers. Those Syrian Christians groups who at one time may have questioned each other’s salvation are now gathering together. This they are doing with weekly prayers, asking God to move in their nation and in their churches. Now, these same Christians continue to spread hope in the face of hopelessness, holding high not a political or denominational banner but the banner of Jesus Christ.

And let’s not forget what happened when persecution broke out against the early church as described in the book of Acts. For we read that: “But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:3-4 NIV) So, even though Saul caused havoc for these Christians, it worked out for the good. For we read that these believers were scattered everywhere, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Now, just to let you know, this same Saul (who is also called Paul) later converted over to Christianity after having an encounter with Jesus himself. And let’s thank God for that. For he wrote a good portion of the New Testament epistles we have today.

Now, we cannot put God in our own little theological box. Yes, sometimes we get up on our little “soapbox” and act like we know everything. However, we know that God’s ways and thoughts are much higher than ours. For we read: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV) So fellow Christians, instead of causing divisions, let’s just humble ourselves before God and be the body of Christ that we’re called to be. For we must embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ and seek unity for God’s Church. Amen.

So, brothers and sisters in Christ: “Who comprehends the mind of the LORD, or gives him instruction as his counselor? From whom does he receive directions? Who teaches him the correct way to do things, or imparts knowledge to him, or instructs him in skillful design? Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales. He lifts the coastlands as if they were dust. Not even Lebanon could supply enough firewood for a sacrifice; its wild animals would not provide enough burnt offerings. All the nations are insignificant before him; they are regarded as absolutely nothing.” (Isaiah 40:13-17 NET)

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36 NIV)

• “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” (1 Corinthians 8:2 NKJV)

We Christians must always keep our eyes stayed upon the Lord. This way we can be led by his Holy Spirit into all truth. And let’s always remember that we are called to be one in Christ. For Jesus said:  “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23 CSB)

And let us also remember what we are commissioned to do. For Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 LSB) Yes, we are to be the light and salt to this lost world. Therefore, let us stop causing divisions and be soul winners for Christ instead. Amen.

Below are some references concerning what was mentioned above:

• “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 KJV)
• “Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20 NET)
• “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Also greet the church in their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.” (Romans 16:3-5 NET)
• “If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.” (1 Corinthians 8:2-3 NASB20)
• “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13 KJV)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

(Note: Text used in this article are shown below to assist you in your study of God’s word. Therefore, I urge you to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017, 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers.
• NET = The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• NIV = THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
• NKJV = Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible 2020 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• NASB95 = New American Standard Bible 1995 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• LSB = Copyright ©2021 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org.

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