THE PERFECT JESUS CHURCH
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THE PERFECT CHURCH
PROPHECY OF JESUS CHRIST
PROPHECY God is interested in the salvation of His people and His ultimate purpose of salvation will be realized through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord God appeared in a vision to Isaiah as he worshipped in the Temple about 740 B.C. saying, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).
About seven centuries later, Matthew, the apostle described Jesus as the fulfilment of the prophecy by Isaiah as "Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God, with us." "Jesus shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1: 21-23). God through His manifestation, Jesus Christ came to earth to die for our sins so we can be redeemed from the inherited sins of Adam and our own sins.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost). c. 1618-20.
REVELATION OF GOD AND JESUS AS ONE
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
- 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the work: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
- John 12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
- John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
- :8 Philip saith unto him, Lord shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
- :9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
- :10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
- John 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS
CHARACTER OF JESUS
ATTRIBUTES OF JESUS
The perfect Church of Jesus Christ must have the character of the Lord God, His almighty power (Holy Spirit), love, holiness, compassion, righteousness, mercy, and complete submission to the Lord God.
COMPLETE SUBMISSION TO GOD
From the following we know that Jesus was completely submissive to God.
- Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
- Matthew 26:30 O my Father, If it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
- Rom 6:13 Yield yourself unto God.
- James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
THE 7TH DAY SABBATH
OBSERVANCE OF GOD'S LAWS
7TH DAY SABBATH, 10 COMMANDMENTS
Jesus observed the commandment of the Sabbath, worshipped and taught on the 7th day Sabbath. He came not to revolutionize the laws or commandments of the Old Testament, but to set a more humane way of keeping them by love and compassion. He was called the Lord of the Sabbath meaning He set and governed the laws pertaining the commandment.
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
- Luke 6:5
- And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.
- Luke 4:16
- And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
- Luke 4:31
- And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
- Luke 13:10
- And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
BAPTISM
Jesuswas baptized in the River Jordan which separates Israel from Jordan. He was not baptized in man-made concrete or steel tanks which were constructed by man.
1 Corinthians 10:1-2 records, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea. (2) And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea."
BAPTIZED TO FULFIL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS
JESUS WAS SINLESS AND HE DID NOT NEED TO WASH AWAY HIS SINS. However, Jesus set us an example that we must follow to have our sins forgiven through baptism of water, the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
If we believe in Jesus, we must also obey Him to be baptized for our sins to be forgiven in the likeness of Jesus' death and arise as a new born person. We start afresh as a Christian and follow the ways of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ walking in paths of righteousness.
Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
REMISSION OF SINS THROUGH BAPTISM
- Acts 2:38
- Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Acts 22:16
- And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
HOLY COMMUNION - BROKEN BREAD
HOLY COMMUNION
HOLY COMMUNION AND SIGNIFICANCE (I COR. 11:26; I COR. 10:16-17)
The Lord Jesus established the Holy Communion on the night of His betrayal. The cup is the cup of the Passover (Luke 22:17) and the bread is the bread of the Holy Communion. "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).
The Church should perform the Holy Communion in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Take note that Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to the disciples. This is why the Church should have one bread, give thanks before breaking it and distributing the bread. The one loaf represents the body of Christ for there is only one body of Christ. The bread is unleavened bread and no matter how big the congregation, there is only one bread to represent His body. The congregation may be over a thousand members, but we still have one bread before blessing and distributing and not many small individual wafers.
You do not bless one wafter and then distribute other wafers to the congregation. One wafer does not represent the body of Christ. Remember Jesus took bread, blessed and then distributed
Peter and John were the chosen disciples to prepare the Holy Communion. The important task was given to the leaders of the apostles.
THE SACRAMENT OF FOOT WASHING (JOHN 13:14-15)
This rite is called a sacrament because Jesus instituted the rite, commanded the disciples to obey and follow His example. If Jesus as the Lord and Master stooped down to wash His disciples' feet, then the ministers of the Lord should also do likewise.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
SIGNIFICANCE
It indicates the great love of the Lord (John 13:1). Jesus the Master washed the disciples' feet reversing the role of master and servant.
It reveals that Jesus requires His disciples to be holy (Jn 13:10-11). After baptism in the name of Jesus, a believer can keep his feet clean by cleansing the feet. Feet symbolize behaviour of a person (Prov 4:14,26-27).
It shows the humility and service of the Lord (Jn 13:12-14).
It testifies the forgiveness of the Lord. Jesus showed kindness to Judas by washing his feet, hoping that he could repent, but he did not. In God's church, there may be discord and misunderstanding. We must forgive one another when we remember the forgiveness of the Lord in the case of Judas Iscariot. (Col 3:12-13; Mat 18:21-35).
Please note that though Jesus knew Judas Iscariot's character, He did not discard him and he was given a chance to repent but he did not. Do not judge whether a person will be saved or not until the very end of his life like the thief on the cross who repented and was saved.
It signifies to be Part with the Lord (Jn 13:8). If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." To be perfect in word or deed, we must physically have foot washing as well as washing with the Word spiritually. Jesus washed the disciples' feet and the workers of God should do likewise. Do everything in word or deed.
FOOTWASHING
MIRACLES
The power of God lies in the miracles which the Holy Spirit or Jesus perform. The Holy Spirit and Jesus are God's manifestation, A church without miracles is an empty shell and does not have the approval of God. Jesus performed many miracles when He was on earth and after His death, His disciples continued to do likewise. A church that lacks miracles is a church that does not have the authority of God.
Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
MIRACLES PERFORMED BY JESUS
The miracles performed by Jesus are too many to enumerate. 10 of them are listed below.
- John 2:9 Water changed to wine
- Luke 5:6 Draught of fishes
- Mark 1:26; Luke 4:35 Demoniac in the synagogue
- Matthew 8:3; Mark 1:41 Cleansing the leper
- Matthew 8:5; Luke 7:2 Centurion's servant
- Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:39: Luke 8:24 Tempest stilled
- Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26 Demoniacs of Gadara
- Matthew 14:15; Mark 6:41; Luke 9:12; John 6:5 Feeding five thousand
- Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:8 Feeding the four thousand
- Luke 17:12 Ten lepers
NEW JERUSALEM - CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
The apostle John saw in a vision of "new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" [Revelation 21:2]. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God" [Revelations 21:3].
Jerusalem is where the house of the Lord was built by Solomon where the Lord God appeared to David [2 Chr 3:1]. God told David not to build the house because of much blood shed on his part.
Cyrus king of Persia also reiterated the same thing saying, "The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah" [Ezra 1:2]. Cyrus encouraged the Jews to rebuild the temple after the Jews were taken captive to Babylon and allowed to return to Jerusalem.
The third verse referring Jerusalem as the house of the Lord is in Ezra 5:2. Zerubbabel led the captive Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of the Lord. "Then rose up Zerubabbel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of of Jozadak, and he began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.
On planet earth, Jerusalem is in Israel but New Jerusalem is the church coming down from Heaven. Jesus is God's manifestation born of the Holy Spirit to live on earth to die for our sins and returned to heaven. In His stead, the Holy Spirit of God comes to dwell in our hearts. The Spirit of God is the same as the Spirit of the Lord Jesus.
On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the earth and filled the 120 disciples of Jesus Christ and they spoke in different tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. Peter spoke to the people about Jesus Christ and three thousand people were moved and were baptized unto the Lord Jesus. The Church of Jesus Christ was the perfect Church. They all owned everything in common. The Church was a glorious church! All glory to the Lord God.
WHICH CHURCH IS JESUS CHURCH TODAY: CHOOSE ONE FROM 4O,965 DENOMINATIONS?
Which of the 40,965 denominations of today is the perfect church of Jesus Christ?
It is very difficult to choose one out of the 40,965 denominations. So many are disobeying the commandments not to follow pagan festivals, and a very high percentage follow Christmas, and Easter, Halloween, etc. Others disobey the 10 Commandments by not keeping God's sabbath, but following Emperor Constantine in observing Sunday as Sabbath, even though there is no evidence in keeping this day, you receive God's blessing. There is no verse in the Bible for blessing Sunday.
Jesus said to remember His death when we partake of the Holy Communion. But they continue keeping Christmas as His birthday when it is of pagan origin, and they believe that in collecting money for charity, God would be pleased, but what does God say?
"And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubborness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Choose your own church to follow and reap the consequences. All glory to God!
GOD'S SABBATH OR MAN'S SABBATH http://hubpages.com/hub/godormansabbath?
GOD'S LAWS AND MAN'S LAWS http://hubpages.com/hub/godslawsandmanslaw
WHY DO CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE PAGAN CHRISTMAS? http://hubpages.com/hub/whychristianscelebratepaganchristmas
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Comments
What a wonderful and loviong Saviour we serve together as the family of God. Good Hub
HOOWANTSTONO,
Good comments! An individual is judged on what he believes in his heart and his actions. Once baptized by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and water, he is a NEW MAN forsaking his previous lifestyle. He must also watch his footsteps (behaviour) to conform to the laws of God. God bless!
starbug5052,
Our Saviour is indeed, a wonderful and loving God for if we sin and repent, He completely forgives us wiping out the past. Throughout our life on earth, we probably would stumble in our thoughts and actions many times, but He forgives us when we repent. Thank the Lord for His compassion on our weakness. God bless.
Einron,
The fact that there are so many denominations tells us something. There is a plethora of ways in which people worship and fellowship! In the eyes of God there is only one Church! Although we congregate together at many places throughout the world there is still only one Church!
When we sincerely accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior His Holy Spirit takes up residence within. "Our body is a Temple" as HOOWANTSTOKNOW stated. I agree the Church is not a denomination. Again God's Church is composed of Believers throughout the world. Eternal life is Absolutely certain for the believer! At the appointed time Jesus is going to return for His Church. In the meantime we as His children of the LIGHT are to live each day as though He is going to return...
This was wonderful! I enjoyed your hub!
Blessings
Deborrah K. Organs,
There is only one Church in Jesus Christ. Denominations are wrong and should not be tolerated. Churches break into denominations because they disagree with the previous church on church doctrines, rites, etc. They cannot agree, so they split. This is absolutely wrong. They should learn tolerance, forgiveness and not split into factions.
See hub on Prophecy (1A) Isaiah 4:1: Seven Women and One Man.
John 14:15
If you love me, keep my commandments.
Do all 40,965 denominations keep God's commandments? Do not some of them follow pagan rites and festivals such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween?
Can Christians who follow Christ and follow pagans be considered Christ followers?
Do all denominations observe God's 10 commandments?
God blessed the 7th day Sabbath, Saturday but the great majority observed Sunday, which is not blessed by God in the Bible be considered Christians?
Only those who obey God faithfully can be considered God's people.
Jesus said in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
There are three verses which verified that Jesus observed the Sabbath commandment. He came not to change the law, but to fulfil it. He did not argue with God, but obeyed submissively.
But people argued that they do not want to be told what to do, how to act, etc. Jesus was completely submissive to God's laws and commandments.
God bless.
Your last comment asks a lot of deep questions. I really enjoyed reading this fine article. It is all quite good.
I do not believe there is a "perfect church" as in a denominational church. I think individuals are the temple of God and that people from most denominations are all part of the Body of Christ, from Catholics to Adventists to Pentecostals. For all we know, denominations may be God's will. The command for "Unity" may be that we do not strive against each other but work together for His Kingdom as an eye, foot, hand, and internal organs do in our bodies—with different functions and purposes. I don't think Unity means we all have to worship the exact same way with the same rituals, or lack of them. I do not belong to any denomination. I am a Christian period.
I agree that the Sabbath is Saturday but the Apostles gathered together on Sundays while still attending Synagogue with the Jews on Saturday. After a few decades Christians were largely barred from synagogue and Sunday church services are traceable all the way back to the 1st century. Paul said that some esteem some days above others, let each one be persuaded in his own conscience. And judge not each other along these lines.
Constantine is given too much credit for Sunday worship. That is a myth. All Constantine did was end persecution of Christians and make Christianity legal for the first time. He did not change a thing about Christianity itself. He was a convert to not the creator of the religion.
I do not believe this is a result of people not wanting to be told what to do, but a result of people having a different opinion than you do about this issue. We should worship every day. Every single day we should worship God.
The Apostolic Church had Easter services back to its beginnings. You are right about Christmas, it is an appropriated pagan holiday. If you worship pagan gods on any day that would be a sin. If you attend Mass with a pure heart to worship God on Christmas Day that is not sin. It is not a sin to worship God 365 days a year. Halloween I am against, for obvious reasons.
I attended SDA services for a few years and enjoyed it and the wonderful people there very much but once and a while a firebrand would say, "people who go to church on Sunday are going to hell!" I know that is not true. I have known too many wonderful saints in my lifetime to believe that. Even if they are wrong about what day to have church, God does not condemn based on doctrine. He condemns rebellious hearts of darkness filled with the wrong motivations—not for honest mistakes based on the knowledge, or lack of knowledge, one has received.
James A Watkins,
YOU WROTE: For all we know, denominations may be God's will.
ANSWER: 1 Cor. 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Cor. 3:3
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Luke 11:17 Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
YOU WROTE:
I do not believe there is a "perfect church" as in a denominational church.
ANSWER:
There is definitely no perfect church yet. If there is, Christ would come and take us away with him.
The church is still a prospective bride but not yet for she has to be perfected as silver and gold is tried. It will definitely come to pass.
YOU WROTE:
I don't think Unity means we all have to worship the exact same way with the same rituals, or lack of them.
ANSWER:
The key to the kingdom of God is Jesus Christ and unless we follow according to the WILL of God, we would not be allowed into the kingdom of God.
Look at the Israelites when they passed from Egypt to Israel. Over 600,000 able bodied men went out but only two men, Joshua and Caleb reached the Promised Land. It is because they did not keep the Sabbath Day for lack of faith. They did their own thing, disobeying God.
The key is important to opening the door of a house, box, or safe, etc. Unless the key conforms to the lock, the door will not open. Just as easy as that.
YOU WROTE:
After a few decades Christians were largely barred from synagogue and Sunday church services are traceable all the way back to the 1st century.
ANSWER;
Men always have the idea of independance for they belief in flexing their muscles. They believe God gave them intelligence and they want to prove that they can solve problems themselves with the help of others.
Jesus was completely submissive to God and He came "to not destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (Mt. 5:17).
Jesus obediently kept the 7th day Sabbath.
(Lk 4:16; Lk 4:31; Lk 13:10).
YOU WROTE:
The command for "Unity" may be that we do not strive against each other but work together for His Kingdom as an eye, foot, hand, and internal organs do in our bodies—with different functions and purposes.
ANSWER:
Strive for unity in worshipping the Lord, and obeying the commandments of the Lord in not following pagan rites, festivals. When you obey God, you will automatically be one in the Lord forsaking strife, etc.
When I mentioned Saturday as the day blessed by God, I did not say that we should omit worshipping Sunday. We must worship Him every day, but we honour God because He blessed, sanctified and rested on the day (Gen 2:3).
God bless.
Einron,
Great job doing so many hubs that point to the truth.
May God continue to grant you courage, wisdom and energy.
Press on! I'm with you in prayer!
Shetslo
Many thanks for your comments and prayer. I really do need prayers from people like you who know what it takes to write the truth.
God bless.
einron latest
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HOOWANTSTONO says:
2 months ago
einron
It always seems important to belong to a "church" but the fact is that once we are born again, with Water and the Spirit, we are the Church, the body of Christ, not only that, but we are also his Temple, we are not our own, and he bought us with a price.So the church in reality is the believer not a denomination that one could join.
Your hub is great it magnifies Jesus or as some say Yeshua.
If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Blessings