Church - True Meaning

(A Born Again, Bible believing, God fearing, Jesus confessing, sin forgiven Christ follower, now part of the body of Christ, His bride the church) Not a building or denomination.

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So I was talking to a customer the other day and he was explaining the frustration he was having, he was not looking forward to the weekend because his wife and him are from two different denominations, and so Sunday they have to go to “church” to his wife denomination for first service, and then his “church” denomination for second service, and he was explaining what frustration that is and what kind a time crunch that put them and how much confusion and irritation that causes to try and cram everything in on Sunday morning on his only day off.

This is something I hear quite often from a lot of different people, but for some reason this day really got me thinking of the problem with this world, and it sent me on a journey to figure out what Jesus would think about all this, and what the Bible actually says about “the church”, and how we as followers of Jesus should live.

So now, are you ready for an adventure? Of course you are, what a dumb question!

You will have to excuse my grammar, I do not claim to be a scholar and Siri does not qualify for that either, so as I’m talking and driving Siri is trying to write down everything I say, so please bear with me on this, and remember Jesus gave you a unlimited amount of grace, I ask you give me just a pinch!

The Problem

What I discovered is the issues we are facing is not a problem with the worldly people like you would think, I mean why would we be surprised when the ungodly and worldly people act ungodly and worldly?

That’s how they are supposed to act, that’s how we acted before we found and accepted the gift that Jesus so graciously gave us for free.

No, the whole issue is the problem with so-called “Christians” in the so-called “church”.

Jesus said we should be the light shining in the darkness, but are we doing that?

When we meet darkness face-to-face do we shine the light in his eye to blind him to stop him in his tracks? or to make him run away? or maybe even to embrace the light?

Or do we hurry turn off the light so we do not strain the darkness eyes, and embrace the darkness all around us until it is so thick foggy dark and heavy that the light won’t even be seen from inches away? (Exodus 10:21-23) Reminds me of this

I’ll let you choose which one you think it is once you finish this a little read.

“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:4-5)

““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”” (John 3:16-21)

““You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

“If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.” (1 John 2:9-11)

The Church

A lot of people say that the “church” was started by Peter so it was started by a man, so if it’s all man made rules then rules can change, but that’s not exactly the way I see it. Peter said “You are the Christ, the son of the living God” This is the truth, the rock, the foundation of the church, without this truth we can not be the church the bride of Christ, we first have to understand who Jesus is, and believe the truth he tells us through his word. I love this passage here, it’s just so good and so clear!

Peter said to Jesus “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” This is the truth that the church is built on, you cannot be a part of Gods church with out knowing that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God, this is the rock the foundation that builds the church not a man, no man is the foundation of God‘s plan.

“Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”” (Matthew 16:16-19)

“Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”” (Acts of the Apostles 4:10-12)

“You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.” (1 Peter 2:4-8)

I’ve been to some “churches” that support/excepts anybody and everybody and anything, and that’s not good either, you need to remember that us as Christ follower go out and tells others about Jesus, when they repent and turn to God and excepts Jesus gift of salvation then they become a part of the “church”, I know I might be repeating myself a few times throughout this, but it’s very important to understand and to get this. You can not have unbelievers and evil doers in the “church”, because the “church” is God’s people, not a place or building or denomination or religion.

Do you not believe me? I was wondering about that, so let’s see….

“When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”” (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

There are so many different so called “churches” all over the world, I was talking with someone the other day and we were talking about how many denominations there were, well I knew it was a lot but I did not know how many right off, so I googled it, now according to Google there is over 200 Christian denominations in the United States of America alone, but over 45,000 denominations globally.

45,000 Denominations? - How?

It all started with one teacher, this teacher gave one rule, love God with all your heart soul mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself, so actually it’s two rules but if you love God with all your heart soul mind and strength you will love your neighbor, so I will say this is only one rule. But in reality it’s not even a rule, all you are doing is following Jesus!

Someone asked me once what does it look like to be a Jesus follower?

Now, I don’t wanna get to technical here, but I will give you my full reply “Jesus follower, means you are following Jesus” it’s really that simple, you’re going to follow Jesus example because Jesus left an example for us to follow, Jesus loved God with all his heart soul mind and strength, and Jesus never broke a commandment, we cannot be perfect like Jesus, but what we do is strive to follow in his footsteps and with Him guiding us with His Holy Spirit he will give us the strength to keep on going and follow him all the way to heaven!

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.””

(Matthew 22:37-40)

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. This is my command: Love each other.” (John 15:12-14, 17)

This is from Jesus Christ, the only one that died for our sin and then on the third day rose again for us to give us away for eternal life to be with him forever. Jesus is not divided into more folks with different ideas, He is One and only one that will ever or could ever make this happen. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!

I got a little bit red in the face on that one, but red is not one of the colors of the fruits of the spirit so I guess I need to calm down a little bit!

But seriously folks! I mean the soldiers could not even divide His robe he was wearing, but years later after Jesus isn’t even here physically at the moment, us dumb humans decide we can divide Jesus himself, how foolish can we be!

Still don’t believe me?

Well you shouldn’t just take my word for everything, if you did then I would have to add you to the Joe Lester religion, and that wouldn’t be no good for sure.

So let’s check out the Scriptures and see what they say, you better sit back in your seat and hold on because this is a lot!

“When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.” (John 19:23)

'Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. ' (Matthew 12:25-3)

“When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world? After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you— whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” (1 Corinthians 3:4-6, 8, 11-17, 21-23)

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)

“And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. (Ephesians 3:6-7)

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” (Ephesians 4:2, 4-6)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.” (Hebrews 13:8-9)

“And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ephesians 3:6, 10-11)

“He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.” "(Colossians 1:17-23)

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)

“No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.” (Ephesians 5:29-32)

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:1-4, 6-9, 12-17)

“Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.” (Ephesians 2:11-18)

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”(Romans 15:5-7)

“Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.” (Titus 3:9-11)

““What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the Lord. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings. I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them! When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the Lord, have spoken!”” (Isaiah 1:11-20)

“Even if I were to wash myself with soap and clean my hands with lye, you would plunge me into a muddy ditch, and my own filthy clothing would hate me. “God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial. If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together. The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment. Then I could speak to him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strength. If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him? For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins. An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child. “If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.”” (Job 9:30-35 & 11:10-20)

I know that was a lot there, Probably what I should've told you is to just read the whole Bible starting in Genesis through revelation, because it talks about it all throughout scripture, But these are some of the best highlights that goes with what the meaning of the “church” is. I mean even way back in Job, some people say that Job was the oldest book in the Bible, but either way all the way back then Job was stating that you cannot be good enough to work your way to God, or to become close to God, if we did not need Jesus then why did Jesus come? If we did not need Jesus to come make a way through dying in our place and rising from the dead and setting an example for us to follow, then why wasn’t “the church” born at the garden of Eden?

Yea, That’s what I thought, that’s why it’s important to read your Bible, not just some verses not just part of some versus and not just parts of books, but the whole Bible, every single book of the Bible that’s right all 66, yes even Revelation.

Lets get to the roots

I could go on and on, but I had to stop for a coffee break, and I’m sure you need one too after that!

But the truth of the matter is God talks about this all throughout the Bible “Gods Word”. He clearly says from beginning to end, to love one another and to get along and in perfect harmony with fellow Jesus followers! “The church”

I know very very very few “church’s” who would get along on normal occasions, much less “worship” with each other without causing division or just be straight out mean and condemning each other, some might say “oh you’re not a member of my church” or even worst “your rules don’t allow me to worship with you”

Don’t even get me started on that crap, good gracious people, I’ll be here all year! Lol

All the “Church” should be is groups of people that coming together to worship your Lord and Savior which you claim to know, my question is, does He know you?

Why can’t people take the blinders off and understand that “we the people” that are Born Again, Bible believing, God fearing, Jesus confessing, sin forgiven Christ follower, now part the body of Christ, are GODS CHURCH!

I got a little loud there and Siri was rebuking me LOL

But here’s the real question, how can you take Jesus and divide him up over 45,000 different ways?

Man, I am so glad you asked I could not wait for this!

Like I have said many many times before, it’s so simple it’s almost stupid especially if you stop and think about it, all we need to do is add human rules to the mix so then we can make a god in our own image and worship the god we think we know, and then we can worship our religion and practice religion together each Sunday and even Wednesday night.

We do not change God to fit our mindset, or our personalized “rules” (church standards that are way better then that other church)

Paul says so many times in his letters that if you add just 1 rule to the grace that God poured out for us on the cross there at Calvary, then you claim that Jesus died in vain! Some people say this, but then I don’t think they know what it means

“died in vain” exact quote from the dictionary (If you say that something such as someone's death, suffering, or effort was in vain, you mean that it was useless because it did not achieve anything. He wants the world to know his son did not die in vain.)

I definitely would not want to face Jesus on judgment day and tell him that I believe you died in vain. I don’t know how it will be on judgment day just yet, but I can guarantee you, that scenario would not end well! Someone said once:

“what do you do when you read a scripture that you do not agree with?

“Well for starters you change your mind!” ~Greg Laurie~

I think one big reason that people get divided is they divide the Bible up, they take one portion of a verse, worst yet just a part of a verse and make a whole religion out of it.

If Jesus would speak out loud right now audibly to us that do things like this, this is what he would say!

“You Fools, brood of snakes! Hypocrites!”

The Bible is meant to be an instruction manual for life, the whole Bible not parts of the Bible, especially not parts of verses of the Bible when the Bible was not written verse by verse anyway.

“Here’s an example from my own experience, I got my dad, a brand new computer for his birthday, it was a Windows computer with the tower and monitor, my dad told me that his computer was not working, he said, he followed all the instructions I gave him, he hooked all the cables up. He even made sure he plugged it in, he had his mouse and keyboard hooked up, and he even turned on his monitor, and it still did not boot up, once I got there and took a look at the computer. I realize he never hit the power button on the tower”

We can follow instruction manuals to a T, but if we miss the most important part, then we might as well not even read them, it is the same way with our Bibles. We can read the Bible every single day, but if we never read the whole Bible or understand what it says it does not matter how many times we read John 3:16 it will not sink in our hearts or help us in the way God intended it for us!

Just like we as (Born Again, Bible believing, God fearing, Jesus confessing, sin forgiven Christ followers) are not supposed to be in part of some “church” denomination or be member of a “church”, In the words of Jesus “God forgive them, for they know not what they do” but we as “christians“ make up the whole church together, being one body the body of Christ.

But lots of people get the idea that “going to church” is the way to heaven, and that’s just not the case, I had someone tell me that their father was a preacher, and they go to church every Sunday, but when I said, the Bible says Jesus is the only way to heaven, she looked at me and said “I never heard that before” it’s not about going to church, it’s not about denominations it’s not even good enough to know Jesus is the son of God even the demons believe and tremble because they know who Jesus is, it’s about a personal relationship with the one and only Savior Jesus Christ, you have to repent of your sins, turn 180° in the opposite direction and run to Jesus!

I heard somebody stand up in church and mistakenly said that he has turned 360° in the opposite direction!

But the truth of the matter is we do this sometimes we get spun around 360° with a little religion added to it and we think we’re good to go, but we did not change our direction. We are doing the exact same thing we were before we had our “experience” and now we have added some rules. We have all our same sins and desires we had before with a little religion added to it, and that is not what being a “Christian” is all about, they were first called Christians because they saw that they were living like Christ, can anyone say that about you?

“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?” (‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭20‬) “When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)” (‭Acts 11‬:‭26‬)

I’ve been to churches that they believe prayer is the main thing, so they pray through over half of the service, there is absolutely nothing wrong with prayer and you should pray and spend time with Jesus as much as possible, but why would you have a designated preacher or rabbi to pray for you to Jesus that you’re supposedly having a personal relationship with?

The preacher is not responsible for your personal relationship with Jesus, it’s not like the priest or the pope and other religious beliefs like that, it is a personal relationship with Jesus!

Jesus even says to go in the closet and lock the door and pray to your father in heaven, that’s one on one personal relationship.

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.” (Matthew 6:6-7)

I’ve been to other churches that all they do is preach about being saved over and over again, hellfire and brimstone! You must repent!

Again there is nothing wrong with trying to get people saved that’s what we as Christians are called to do, people have to be saved and repent before they can have their own personal relationship with Jesus. So they can be apart of the “church” But again “the church” is actually made up of followers of Jesus, so if you’re actually in church why are you preaching to everyone about getting saved?

Well again, that’s a good question, of course another question that the Bible explains very clearly.

“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:11-14)

I have talked to some people that say “my preacher“ told me so and so, or my rabbi said this…Or maybe even the pope announced something, and you took it to heart because he is a religious figure of the so-called “church”.

Someone was telling me about their “church” a while back, and was saying how they were struggling with the preacher and was thinking about getting another one and just issues they were having, so I asked them “When we get to heaven who will be your preacher? will it be one of the apostles?” He replied “Duh, we ain’t gonna have church in heaven, so we won’t need a preacher”

Well no dip Sherlock! but if that is true, then why are we fighting so hard to have a earthly building that we can practice religion at? Why do we want a man to teach us and pray for us, If that’s not what its gonna be like in heaven?

There is not going to be a regulated corporate “church” in heaven but in reality all we are ever gonna do in heaven is have church, I can just hear it now, “Joe now your contradicting yourself!” Be that as it may, but my point is the reason I say that is because we the people are the church, there won’t be one single person or animal or alien that is not a part of the church in heaven, anything we do or say will be with other like minded believers and most importantly our amazing flawless Husband!

Jesus came to make a way to heaven for us, not only a way to heaven, but a straight path of communicate straight to our Heavenly Father, I mean anytime anywhere for any reason, so if that’s the case, then why ain’t we talking with our Heavenly Father 1 on 1 instead of a preacher?

Man y’all are on a roll! so glad y’all asked that! Its because we as humans with our human nature don’t focus on heavenly things, we focus on what the can see here on earth and we try to fit it in where it don’t belong, We see people jumping and shouting and singing at a strip club, we say lets do that in our “church” We see people speaking in blabbering on like a pagan fool, we are like man, we got to do that in our “church” they seam to be fired up about their religion lets get fired up with our religion! We don’t like the “church” we are in, we go out and start another one and change 3 rules and man we got it figured out! We might say, If we don’t go practice some kind of religion every week then people might talk about us so let’s go! Don’t work on Sunday you might fall and slip right in to hell, Oh NO! We might say, well the Bible says God looks on the heart, but since men look on the outward appearance we will look good so everyone is happy, we will deal with God that we can’t see later.

Does any of this sound familiar? yes, and your jaw just tighten as you read some of those while your fillings might have been hurt, my apologies on that, you can call a dentist and get them fixed once your done reading 🤪

But in all seriousness the reason for all this is because man loves rules, if you can keep a rule you can see then your good to go, God don’t make religion, God in fact HATES religion, man makes religion and man loves religion and that’s why we are in the mess we are in today, and the only way we can get out of this mess is for God to come get us, or for us to WAKE UP! and realize we are lost wondering fools that need JESUS, not the cool little halo dude that is on that stained glass window that you think you worship, NO, I’m talking but the real Jesus that is God himself, that came to earth put on human skin and walked on earth suffered our human life and temptations and still never broke not one of the 10 commandments, was laughed at and mocked, cursed and spit upon, was hated by all the religious folks (The church goer’s and the people that practice religion today) was sentenced to die for our sin, while He being totally innocent! (The only reason they wanted to kill him is because He told them the truth about Himself, the same thing I’m trying to tell y’all right now) But this Jesus died a gruesome death on the cross dying in our place, then rising from the dead on the 3rd day so we can be raised to new life with new body with him to experience eternity in a new flawless beautiful earth with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and this Jesus made it so simple all we have to do is let go of our rules and religion, drop the old system of law and put our full trust and faith in what He has done for us knowing we can never be good enough to make it on our own, repenting of our past sins (turning 180° and run into His open arms) and except the FREE gift that he holds out with outreached arms for anyone and everyone that wants it. This same Jesus the Lion of the tribe of Judah the One coming back again to earth physically, just like He promised and the same Jesus that was given all power and all glory and all authority and dominion of heaven and earth, this is the Jesus we are supposed to be following, how awesome is that? —— But what do we do? we practice religion every week, my goodness aint we special!

Wow, now that was a rabbit trail for sure, I wasn’t even thinking all that, but I guess someone needed to read that, the Holy Spirit was working right there!

I've been to a lot of “churches” that the people gather around and fellowship, and are having a good time, and all of the sudden the clock strikes the time that the service starts, so everyone is like "shush it's time to have church!" The problem with this is, the people were actually gathered together, not forsaking the assembly and they were having a good time talking with each other and encouraging one another and building each other up, so why stop that to listen to one man tell his version of what he thinks the Bible says? That's a really good question y'all have gotten this thing figured out!

The truth of the matter is Paul says we are supposed to gather together to build each other up and to encourage one another, especially in these days we are in now with so much stuff going on, it would be so easy to be distracted and afraid and panic stricken.

But how are we encouraging one another and building each other up and helping each other with temptation and sin and grief all the struggles of this life, when we sign a paper for our denomination and show up to a 1-3 hour service twice a week hear someone sing 2 songs for us 2-3 lines repeated 50-100 times, then 10 minutes later we are still trying to figure out when the next verse starts, when we realize its finally over.

Then we hear a man talk to us, sometimes out of the Bible sometimes not, more then likely not even touch on anything going on in your everyday life, defiantly not teaching you about Bible prophecy (which is about 30% of the Bible) and more then likely ask you for your tithing, and then tell you how to get saved, and you been saved 20 years, but he might get a little louder, especially if you didn’t give much when the basket went around.

This whole time your sitting there and you cant wait for service to be over so you can grab something to eat before the line gets to long, and just maybe while your running out, someones eyes meet yours so now you have to stop and ask how they are doing, when truthfully you don’t want to know and your hoping they don’t tell you so you don’t have to miss the food line.

Really folks, do y’all not see this? This might not happen at every “church” but eveyone I been in and every denomination as been like this, but then again more if not the majority are even worst then I just described, if you're in a “church” that is what the Bible describes as “church” then please please I beg you, reach out to me and tell everyone online and that you meet about it! Shout it from the roof tops!

Here is some good passages of scripture that I think addresses this very well. Let’s see….

““Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are!” (‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭8‬-‭13‬, ‭15‬)

“But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭11)

“But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.” Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭24‬-‭26‬)

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”‭‭ (Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬-‭25‬)

There is so much more I could talk about and so many more examples I could give, but there’s no point in it, y’all already know exactly what I’m talking about, and if you do not understand yet what I’m talking about after all that coffee, then I would challenge you to read your Bible all the way through, then if it’s still not clear then let’s do that multiple times, if you still don’t understand what I’m talking about then I’m not sure if I can help you in anyway, it’s all between you and Jesus from here on out!

But let me move onto the next phase, let’s see what other rabbit trail we can go down.

I never thought I would ever say this, but I think the government was right, 🤯 when Covid hit they told everyone that “you can’t go to church” and they are 100% right.

I can just see a few people now with their eyes about to pop out of their head, jaw dropped to the floor in utter shock.

Man that’s a good image, I even cracked myself up!

As I’m writing this, I hear the rocks rumbling as they are coming together, as the people are scrambling to pick up their stones to throw at me, but in the words of Jesus I will say, to you who are without sin cast the first stone, and if you kill me, well I get to go be with Jesus and we will have a good time laughing about yawls rules.

So if you’re a (Born again, Bible believing, God fearing, Jesus confessing, sin forgiven Christ follower) I don’t even like using the word “Christian” it is such a loose term nowadays, (but this means that you have repented of your sins, turned 180° in the opposite direction and now you are following Jesus, and you love the things of God and your striving to love God with all your heart soul mind and strength)

If this is true then you cannot “go to church” the reason is, because you are already His church,  His church is not a building it is not a religion, it’s not even a gathering place, it is actually every single person that is a follower of Jesus Christ that is truly born-again and strives to loves God with all their heart soul mind and strength, that is the “church”, so you are the “church” at all times. And if you are the “church”, then “church” it’s really hard for you to actually go to “church”, well it’s not hard actually, it’s impossible. It would be like this, your sitting at the dinning room table in your house eating lunch, and you say “I’m going home to eat lunch” if someone heard you, they would either think you have dementia or a stuttering problem, or they may want to send you to a psychiatric hospital for mental health check, why? because your already home eating lunch! I cant believe y’all made me explain that, I thought it was self explanatory. lol

But really the only way someone could actually go to “church” is if you are a unbeliever, and then you could go see “the church” (where all the Jesus Christ followers are gathered together and are like minded) Then they can experience what it would be like if they would give their heart to Jesus. But even if you gather together like this like the Bible says, you can call it a meeting, or a bible study, or even skippity-do but its not church.

WE THE PEOPLE ARE THE CHURCH!

The problem is in this day and age. If a non-believer goes to the so-called local “church”, they’re not going to see unity, they’re not going to see God‘s love, because the people are not united, they’re arguing over parking lot issues, or lighting conditions, or what liquid to drink for communion, what clothes to wear, what instruments and songs are allowed, what kind of water saves you, etc. these so-called “churches” have no desire for your personal relationship with Jesus. They are more worried about their congregation, growing and their tithes and offerings and rules and tradition, than the peoples personal walk with Jesus.

I’m going to make another statement that lot of people probably will not like, but the term (let’s go to church) is actually saying this “let’s go practice religion“ And that is a very scary place to be, it does not matter how religious you are, it doesn’t matter how many times you go to “church”, or how many times you pray, how many events you’re a part of, or how many rules that you follow, or how many standards your “church” has, it will not get you to heaven.

Someone said “If we are divided then that might be a good thing” What? are you kidding me, we are the body of Christ the Church, like Paul says if your part of the body you work with the other parts, if your foot wanted to take of running and your leg and knee didn’t then well, I guess now we know the life long question “why a one legged duck swims in a circle?” lol that was awesome!

Your part of one body, you can’t be separated or spit, if your not like minded if all you want to do is cause problems and fuss and complain then you were never part of the body, John says if you were one of us you would stay with us, but since you left us that means you were never apart of us, In Joe Lester terms, some of us got it and some of us ain’t! lol But seriously folks, you can’t make this stuff up!

If you strive to love God with all your heart soul mind and strength, and Love each other, then you are like minded, and your apart of the body of Christ, because the rest of the body strives to loves God with all their hearts soul and minds as well, and you can not be separated! You will not have a denomination in heaven, you will not have rules in heaven, you will not have “church standards” in heaven, you will not have divison in heaven, you will not have arguing in heaven, you won’t worry about yourself and keeping up with the food line in heaven, you won’t be wishing you could leave, that’s because its gonna be perfect just like God designed it, we cant be perfect on this earth as humans, our sin nature ruins that, but it should not stop us from striving to be the beautiful bride of Christ that we will be once we are in the arms of our LORD & Savior Jesus Christ!

Don’t just take my word for it, let’s look back to the Scriptures….

“Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it. You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.” (Colossians 2:18-23)

'For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. ' (Romans 10:3-4)

“These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth. So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies.” (‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭21‬)

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”‭ (‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬)

God doesn’t show favoritism to any “church” just because you have a rule that Paul might have suggested to someone that was struggling with a certain sin at that time, even if you have a perfect fool proof plan and “church” standard to make you the perfect “Chosen Church” God excepts all people that call on him through Jesus name that repent of their sin and turn 180 degrees and believe that He is the risen Son of God, and confess Jesus Christ is Lord!

Jesus knows nothing about signing paperwork and making sure you’re a church member, we do not have to worry about being a member of a certain “church”, when God sealed us with his Holy Spirit we became a part of his “church” no paperwork needed, Its just another religion or rule you could say that man made to either have power or control, (probably just to make sure they have tithing coming in every week, and if you don’t pay you will get a good talking to), which frankly is umbilical and not something that a follower of Jesus should ever have to worry about participating in, but don’t take my word for it, or any preacher or denomination, just read your bible! (In the spirit of barney fife “read your bible, can you just do me that one favor, shut up and read your bible and nip this in the bud!”) and you can easily do this by downloading the Bible App and it can actually read the Bible to you if you would like, and its highly recommended, please do yourself and everyone a favor and read Gods love letter to you before you sign up and agree and argue for some 100% man made religion.

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” (Ephesians 2:14-16)

'However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that?’ asks the Lord . ‘Could you build me such a resting place? “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! ' (Acts 7:48-51)

'Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” ' (1 Corinthians 3:16-19)

“Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.”‭‭ (2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭5‬)

“But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:10-11)

“Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” (Romans 15:6-7)

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:3-5, 8-11)

The only way to heaven is through Jesus!

No works, No person, No rules, No law, No membership, No water, No letter, No Paper, No ritual, No building, not even thoughtful good meaning religious “church” standards.

Only through the blood of Jesus cleansing your sin and making you new in Christ by grace you are saved through faith in Jesus!

Don’t believe me? Good gracious people, Y’all don’t believe anything I say! Well, you force me to do this, so here we go again!

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

“Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” (‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬-‭21‬) “So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me! If there were no law, sin would not have that power. At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, and I died. So I discovered that the law’s commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good. But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my death? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation to death. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God’s good commands for its own evil purposes.” (Romans 7:4-13)

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31-32)

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Matthew 7:13)

Conclusion

“I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.” (1 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭)

Some people think that heaven and hell are on a strip together and you just take a fork in the road and depending on what fork you take that will get you either to heaven or hell, but heaven and hell are on a straight line, if you go one way you go to hell if you turn 180° and go the exact opposite way you go to heaven, and Jesus is that only way to turn you around and there is only a few that find it, please do yourself a favor and be among the few that find it!

The only thing that matters is your personal relationship with your Savior Jesus Christ.

It took me a long time to realize this, but I am very thankful that God saw fit to reveal it to me, following Jesus is so simple, it’s religion (man made rules) that makes it complicated, so here is a quote that I will leave with you.

“Are you tired of trying to obey rules? Then just learn to love God with all your heart soul mind and strength, and you can do whatever your heart desires”

I hope somebody got some good out of this, or hopefully it filled somebody’s time when they were bored.

Until next time and from now on, I hope the good Lord blesses you with his abundant grace!