THE LOCAL CHURCH
Number 485 August 14, 2013
THE LOCAL CHURCH and Her Head
"And I say unto you, thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," Matthew 16:18.
Jesus set up the explanation of the church by asking His disciples, "Whom do men say that I am?" (V 13). Their reply was that people say He is John, Elias or one of the prophets. Then Jesus seems to look at them as ask, "Whom do ye say that I am?" (V 15). Peter speaks up and says, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," Matthew 16:16. Our LORD tells this particular disciple that his name is Peter. Then explains that the church shall be built upon the Rock, the Son of God, Himself. As His church, we must learn this truth; for, the UNIVERSAL CHURCH is are incorrect meaning. The foundation has been placed upon Person of Christ; never did God give man the responsibility of maintaining the church. Further, we know that men die. And, for this reason alone, Church perpetuity would cease and changes would be made. Well, what da you know? While, the church, Herself remains, men have changed the meaning of the church.
Many verses of the Bible tell us that Jesus is the Head of the church. Ephesians 5:23 says, "...Christ is the Head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body." Here, Paul explains Who the Head of the church, actually is. And, earlier in Ephesians, we read that God gives us the "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him," Ephesians 1:17.
It is the truth that Jesus gave to His body, the church, eyes of understanding "that we may know the hope of His calling, and what the riches of His inheritance in the saints" actually is (Eph. 1:17-18). Study this out, please. You'll be aware of the truth that has been given to the church of Christ. I have many little booklets on this subject; so, write me, email me or phone me.