Westside Church of Christ

People are resistant to the notion that there is only one church. Sometimes, they even get angry and argumentative. Yet, it is perfectly clear in the word of God. So, the concept that we should attend the church of our choice is a dubious one. How about the church of the Lord’s choice? It is very important to Jesus. After all, He purchased His church with His life (Acts 20:28).

Our Savior talked of the church before it came into existence (Matthew 16:13-20). He mentioned it to His disciples before He ever shed a drop of blood, and He described it in singular terms. He would build it. It was His, and there would be only one. That reality has gotten lost through the ages. It’s hard to imagine how the owner feels about the innumerable divisions that humanity has brought into His blood-bought body of believers.

People say that they go to church. They are describing their trip to a building. Jesus said that He would construct His church, and He obviously was not talking about wood and nails, brick and mortar with a few windows tossed in. He was a carpenter, but He did not have a physical structure in mind. No, He was discussing something much more profound. He died for people, and that is who makes up the church.

Pentecost brought the new picture more sharply into focus (Acts 2). Sounds, sights and strange voices captured attention. Accusations of drunkenness were tossed, and Peter seized the opportunity to preach Jesus. They had killed Him, and God had raised Him up. It stabbed his listeners in the heart, and they sought information. He provided it. Forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit were possible if they would repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. Thousands responded, and the Lord added to their number. The Lord’s Church was under construction.

It was a unique time. Jewish believers had gathered from every nation, and they were united. Nationalities did not divide them. Culture didn’t. Even language barriers were overcome. Their extended stay and insufficient supplies were taken care of. They sacrificed together. They focused on the fundamentals as the body of believers were together. The Lord was building.

It didn’t take long for the evil one to invade their precious group. External and internal pressures threatened to blow them apart. Trouble always stalks the Lord’s people. That has not changed from first century Jerusalem to twenty-first century America. Divide and conquer is an age-old strategy of warfare, and Satan knows well how to utilize it. So, the word of God for the Ephesian Christians was that they should work hard at maintaining the Spirit’s unity, and what was the first area of concern in addressing that issue? It was the church (Ephesians 4:3-4), also known as the body (Ephesians 1:22-23). There’s only one. Are we listening?

Call to Praise: Matthew 17:1-7

His word on it: Mark 9:7

Sermon: “Mountaintop Experiences”