It is always good to meet and fellowship with the saints of the Most High God, that are scattered abroad,   During the Feast of Tabernacles season this past fall, we had the opportunity and time, to do just that. It seems that no matter where we go, the question seem to come around about “which Church do you attend?”

Several churches have fallen into the “we only” trap. This  syndrome can  also embrace the “only true church” concept and cause, worry and doubt that is not necessary.

The “we only,” or “true church,” idea is frequently expressed in the belief that one particular church or organization comprises the only people or church recognized by God.  Anyone that will  received eternal life must be a part of that organization. All other “Churches” are in apostasy and “we only” are on the straight and narrow way that leads to the kingdom of God.

However, the New Testament Church is much broader than this concept. It is interesting that the church of  the bible is not centered around a particular organizational pattern, or man of the year, apostle or prophet. Its focus is on the personage of Jesus Christ.

The apostle Peter saw the Church in terms of a multitude of men and women from all walks of life. He described the church in terms of people not in style of leadership or organization. Noticed what is written in I Peter 2:9, 10: “but you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praise of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light ….which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God", (not of any specific organization.)

Peter saw the church as a people who have been called from the darkness of a wicked and sinful world through God’s calling to become partakers of the grace of God through Jesus Christ. These partakers will find themselves serving God in everyday situations and circumstances, because He is showing mercy toward all of his people (the Lord knows those that are his).  Their faith and obedience in return, testified of the goodness of God.

Peter’s description of the Church is the root meaning of the Greek term, ecclesia  - called out  - from which our English word, church, is translated.  Peter made no special claim for the Church except that is composed of those whose lives have been changed by the truth that Jesus Christ came into the world to save mankind.

It is this Biblical description of the Church which causes us as followers of Christ, (not organizations), to by-pass the “one and only true church” concept. The Church of God follows Christ, and it believes Christ has not established any exclusive Church organization; membership in an organization is not, and never has been, a prerequisite  for salvation. No organization has divine authority.  That only comes from “headquarters above.”  Mutual fellowship and cooperation with brotherly love have always characterized the true followers of Christ.  “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5).  We are connected to God the Father and Christ Jesus by the holy spirit.