We believe in a Sovereign Being who does that which pleases Him, as the Monarch of the universe; He is the Almighty God and He is everywhere (omnipresent). He knows all things (Omniscient), and nothing catches Him off guard; and He possess the power to do anything He deems fit and can disallow whatsoever is contrary to the counsel of His will.
The COVID-19 virus pandemic allows for many school of thoughts, and therefore allows for anybody to view it from various perspectives. It is on this premise we would want to view it from our own vista too. We believe that, the Church is the salt of the earth, and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16). It means therefore, that the church has the potential to prevent decay, give sweet savour to the earth, and dispel darkness in the world.
We believe that amongst other reasons, the Lord allowed this season to come upon us so that, what we have built as the church, and majored on in the past years can be tested and revealed on one hand. And on the other hand, to afford us the opportunity to correct errors, build better and more accurately according to His revealed scriptural pattern. Note also, that the church referred to here, is the Christendom, and not just the Body of Christ per se!
Not even the periods of persecutions in the past or present have been able to reveal the quality of our building of the church like this. Jesus said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). This simply implies that, if we build according to the scriptural patterns, Jesus is the One building His church; and only such a church will the authorities and systems of this world not be able to prevail against.
Therefore, it becomes very imperative to review quickly what the Lord meant by the word “church”? In simple terms, it means a “called out people”; meaning a set of people on earth to bring heavens culture to the earth realm. So that the value system of the world which is entrenched in darkness, wickedness and corruption can be overturned! And where righteousness, equity and justice will now rule instead, then joy, peace and love will be ushered into every strata of society!
In 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, the Apostle Paul, showed clearly the foundation of the church; which is Christ; and warned severely everyone on how they build upon this very foundation. Taking a look at the topography of Christianity today, we would agree that in places where there are no restrictions to worship, there are increase of churches (people, buildings and denominations). But the society still remains the same or experience little change, unlike in the days of the early Church and their invasion of territories.
This brings us to reviewing our pattern of building over the years. Generally speaking we evolved as Christians to the point we are now; where we see and refer to the building as the church, instead of the people. We believe strongly that the building is the meeting place of the corporate church, but we are the church. Where two or three are gathered together in the name of the Lord, not just mentioning the name of the Lord, but under His authority; there He is in their midst (Matt. 18:20). This simply means that, we can have real church anywhere two or three are gathered, and not until we go to a certain building designated exclusively for worship. It also means, that we can preach, teach, train (disciple), and release men into the marketplace from anywhere and not necessarily from the building alone. We can pray for the sick, cast out devil’s, break bread (take the holy communion), and even baptize if the need arise, outside the building or corporate setting.
The question we should be asking ourselves as Christians right now is, “does what i refer to as church have room for this scriptural pattern?
(To be continued)!
Selah!!
~~~ Ema and Ele Adejoh.
Ele Adejoh is the Senior Pastor of End Time Universal Mission Inc. – CTI Abuja. Located in Bwari, F. C. T. Abuja, Nigeria .
Bwari
