Living word for 07-June-2024. Scripture says, “He is also the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself might have first place in everything.”

*Colossians 1:18 teaches and says, “He is also the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself might have first place in everything.”* This scripture ought to sober up all church leaders, pastors, apostles, bishops, teachers, evangelists, prophets and elders that Christ is the head of the body called Church. This is why many refer to the church as the body of Christ, this should be the prior knowledge before we do anything under the pretext of church.

*Jesus Christ is the head of the church and not only that, He is the beginning, meaning church and all other things began on the foundation of Jesus Christ who is the word. “In the beginning was the word”* sounds a familiar phrase in scripture to most of our ears right. Jesus is the alfa and omega, He is the first born from the dead, meaning he rose first, before him we didnt know anything about ressurection, not even hell could hold him therefore in everything Jesus should take precedence. He was given a name that’s above every name and is seated at the right hand of the father. *So the teaching in church and all other activities should be christ-centered not individual centered and even we believers need to be transformed to be christ-like.*

Jesus Christ died and ressurected for the church and he is coming back for the church that is without spot or wrinkle. A church can be defined as, *”A Christian house of worship; a building where religious services take place or a local group of people who follow the same Christian religious beliefs.”* You notice that church buildings are everywhere in our country, small and big, new and old, permanent and semi-permanent  and locating one may be easy, but wisely deciding which one to join involves more careful thought and God´s Word gives us some specific instructions in this matter.

The original biblical meaning of the word *’church’* is the term *”ecclesia”* meaning *”a group of people who are called out of the world’s system by God´s grace for the purpose of assembling to worship and serve Christ.”* Eph 5:22-30 further specifies that believers are the body and Jesus is the head of such a fellowship. *So fellowshipping is the major idea behind a church not other ideas, in fellowshipping there is study of the word, prayer, worship and praise in unity, togetherness and love.* Under Jesus’ leadership or headship we can enjoy the unity and purpose that He intended. God´s design for this sacred gathering involves praise, worship, instruction, encouragement, evangelism, and ministry to those in need, both within the fellowship and outside its walls.

*A healthy, vibrant congregation is possible when members rely on the Holy Spirit´s guidance, remember the phrase “and the fellowship of the holy spirit.”* The work of the church is to be done in His power, in humble and prayerful submission to the Lord’s guidance through the holy spirit. To help you determine whether a church is following the design laid out in Scripture, here are some important questions to ask:
-Do they believe God´s Word is infallible and without error?
-Is the church discipling her people?
-Does the fellowship have some kind of missionary or evangelistic program?
-Are the doctrines of Jesus Christ and baptisms ephasised in the teachings?

*Fellow child of God, making the decision to join a congregation of people called believers is an important decision because the fellowship of believers is one tool God uses to teach, mature and encourage His children. Those questions can be helpful in discerning the right church to join. Listen for His Spirit to warn or direct as you prayerfully investigate your options.*

Be blessed.
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