Danville Baptist Church

The Importance of Christ’s Church

Our Lord and Savior started His kind of Church approximately 2,000 years ago. Since then, men have misunderstood the importance and significance of His Church. The heretical Catholic Church has wrongly defined church in their name and doctrine. They say that there is one invisible universal church; The Pope is believed to be the head of it. Scripture shows us that is wrong. The word “church” could be translated as “assembly” or “congregation.” Paul wrote many letters in the New Testament to particular groups of people, who were baptized believers with authority that traced back to the first Baptist Church in Jerusalem. The Bible shows us that Jesus is the Head, “And he is the head of the body, the church…” (Colossians 1:18). Like the Catholics, many Protestant churches of today believe that if one is saved, then he is a member of this make-believe, so-called church. There are also so-called “Christians” who will not attend any “church,” but say that they have “church” at home. This would only be acceptable to God if they were an authorized assembly of baptized believers, not just watching a sermon on television.

For the purpose of this writing, we will not get into the origin of Christ’s Church, although that is completely worthy of our attention. Today, we will discuss the importance of Christ’s Church, and why membership is a necessity. First, we see that the Lord tells us to assemble together, which is enough reason in itself. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). People may respond to this command negatively. Man’s ego and pride will cause him to pick and choose which commands they follow, and which to disobey. They may truly believe that they can serve the Lord, while disobeying Him. Jesus says, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). God does not have to explain Himself when giving us a command. However, He is sometimes gracious enough to give us an answer, so that we do understand.

Many people (Christians or not) will strive to “lead people to Christ.” In reality, all they're looking for is a profession of faith to add to their personal record. They try to go out and “save” people, and will brag about their encounter. Of course preaching the gospel is important, but it must not stop there. When the Apostle Peter was asked, “…what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). He replied “...Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38). Sadly, this is such a misunderstood verse by many. We are to be baptized “because” of the remission of sins– for what Christ did for us. This (Baptism) is to be done after one is Justified, but prior to church membership. Jesus said to His Church, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to make disciples by preaching the gospel. Those who repent and believe are to be baptized and become a member of one of Christ’s True New Testament Baptist Congregations; There one can learn to observe all of God’s commandments, and that His Church will perpetually exist until His return.

Spurgeon said, “I know there are some who say, ‘Well, I’ve given myself to the Lord, but I don’t intend to give myself to any church.’ I say, ‘Now why not?’ And they answer, ‘Because I can be just as good a Christian without it.’ I say, ‘Are you quite clear about that? You can be as good a Christian by disobedience to your Lord’s commands as by being obedient? There’s a brick. What is the brick made for? It’s made to build a house. It is of no use for the brick to tell you that it’s just as good a brick while it’s kicking about on the ground by itself, as it would be as part of a house. Actually, it’s a good-for-nothing brick. So, you rolling stone Christians, I don’t believe that you’re answering the purpose for which Christ saved you. You’re living contrary to the life which Christ would have you live and you are much to blame for the injury you do’” (Charles Spurgeon at His Best, Compiled by Tom Carter, Baker, 1988, p. 34).

Being saved does not make someone a member of the Lord’s Church. Being a member of the Kingdom of God and the Lord’s Church are separate. Paul writes to the Church in Ephesus, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” (Ephesians 2:19). We see here the separation Paul makes when calling them “...saints…” AND “...of the household of God;” (Ephesians 2:19). Paul goes on to write about how Christ built His Church, and how Jesus is the Chief Corner Stone. “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” (Ephesians 2:20). We see how this concurs with what Jesus Himself taught, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus is the Rock and the Chief Corner Stone. Jesus built His Church, just as He pleased. He fits His people together, making a Temple. “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:” (Ephesians 2:21). Also, being built for the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22).

The Lord’s Church, being the House of God, shows us the importance of His Church. We know it is where to go, in order to hear the Truth. “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). In Ephesians, Paul tells us that those in Christ’s church are “...given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7). “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:11-16). We see the gifts given to the Lord’s Church, including pastors and teachers who help its spiritual growth. The pastor can help us deepen our understanding of the Scriptures and guard against false doctrines that Satan may use to deceive some members. To achieve this, the congregation must pursue unity in Truth and strive for continuous knowledge and growth.

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (Ephesians 5:22-33). Here we see a parallel between the relationship of husbands and wives and the relationship between Christ and the church. Christ is the head of the church, loves her, and died for her. Husbands are heads of their wives, loving them more than themselves. The Lord’s churches are to submit to Him, in all things, and prepare for His return. The importance of Christ’s Church is seen here as He prepares the Baptist Bride.

In chapter 3, Paul, writing to the Congregation in Ephesus, explains the knowledge he has been given by God. He explains how the mysteries of God’s plan are now to be understood by His Church. “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” (Ephesians 3:1-6). Paul tells how he is called by God to minister to the Lord’s churches. “Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;” (Ephesians 3:7-8). One of Paul’s jobs, being a minister of the Lord’s Church, is to teach the eternal purpose of God. “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:” (Ephesians 3:9-11). We see here that the Lord blesses His churches that have proper authority and teach the “all things” of the Scriptures with wisdom and knowledge. Not from traditions of men, but from the same Baptist doctrines that have been taught for 2,000 years. As we stated earlier, the Lord’s Church is the “...pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

If you are a member and attend a true New Testament Baptist Church, you will “...have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him” (Ephesians 3:12). Paul prays for the Congregation in Ephesus that those baptized believers who are assembling together may be able to understand God’s glory. “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

We have seen just how important it is to assemble together. It is God’s command, and it is where we learn of God’s wonderful works. We see at the end of chapter 3, Paul addresses our Lord. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). From the start of His Church in Jerusalem until the end of the world, may the Almighty God receive glory in His Church.

-Zach King-

Come Visit Us

Danville Baptist Church is a historical Baptist church holding to the same truth as the early apostles. Long before the Catholic Church came into existence, Baptists have been contending “for the faith once delivered to the saints.” Church authority; as described by Christ in the gospels, as well as Luke in the Acts of the Apostles, gives us resounding assurance that true authority lies with the New Testament Baptist Church and not the counterfeit “apostolic authority” or “succession of Popes” offered by Satan. As a part of “The Faith” given to the Lord’s Church, it is our responsibility to see that the gospel is clearly and accurately proclaimed to the world. This is a feat in which the Catholic Church and Protestant daughters has failed. They have changed the message of faith into a message of works.

We invite Danville residents, as well as those in surrounding counties, to visit us during our service times. We understand that there are several options in choosing a church to attend, and from the outside looking in, there is not too much difference in each church. Danville Baptist considers itself a church that welcomes visitors, but has much more to offer in way of structure and practice. Many truths have suffered in recent years due to the popularity sermons, meaning sermons that folks are willing to hear. These sermons must be around 20 minutes in length and a message that is more suited for a “pep rally” than a Baptist pulpit. The lost will have an opportunity to hear a true gospel message, but will not be encouraged to “just add Christ to their life” in order to add a name to our roll. Parents and Grandparents that love their family will want to attend, along with their children and grandchildren, because they will not find a church busy with social activities, (no ball teams or shopping adventures- many other churches/clubs offer such activities) but rather a church engulfed in worship and service.

Danville Baptist Church sees the value in preaching the whole council of God. In other words, we prefer doctrine (truth) over activities that keep us busy for the sake of keeping busy. You will find that messages are biblically based and not full of opinion. We have Sunday School and an afternoon class for all. The day in which we live, is a day that Baptist churches are apostatizing. Men and women who love the Lord can rarely find a House of God where they can attend and not be battered with false doctrine, legalism, situational ethics etc. Please take time and view our website. We welcome any questions you may have and look forward to seeing you at one of our services.

-Pastor Jeff King-

God Has a Standard: Quality Over Quantity

What do you look for when searching for a church? A good question, but sadly many people look for the wrong things. We know from the Scriptures that the Lord has a standard, and always wants quality over quantity. There are many so-called churches that may have the pews filled, but are they serving the Lord? There is nothing wrong with desiring to be around many true believers in Christ. Fellowship is a wonderful thing, but not at the cost of Truth. Many “preachers” today are like the shepherds of Israel. “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them” (Ezekiel 34:1-4). Many “preachers” today, unfortunately, only care about themselves. Rather than obeying the Lord and leading the church like they should, they serve themselves. They make sure the pews are full and ignore biblical Truth.

I did a quick internet search on “Yelp.” The search was titled “The 10 Best Churches Near Danville, KY.” I stopped looking for Danville Baptist Church after getting to number 120. In the top five, there was a “church” that had a review. It stated, “EXCELLENT first experience! Delicious breakfast. Great atmosphere. We ate on the porch with a nice breeze…” Is this what we look for in searching for a church?

People’s “church” desires range from social gatherings and youth activities to location and size. There are many churches in town that are full of people who are listening to heresy after heresy, or at best, receiving milk. “...and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).

Again, there is nothing wrong with having the pews filled, in fact, that should be a desire of the true believer. There is a reason, however, of what Jesus taught His disciples. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Many will misinterpret this verse and say that any two or three people can be a church. The Bible shows that this is false if they do not have proper Baptistic authority. We see in context that Jesus is speaking to His Church and teaching on church discipline—something that churches today should be practicing but will not, because it might lessen their membership. “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:15-20). We are all sinners and should not be hypocrites, but Jesus taught us that we should call people out on their sin. People hate the thought of this and say that we should not “judge others.” In fact, the bible tells us time and time again to “judge others.” We are told to “...tell him his fault…” in hopes that “...thou hast gained thy brother…” (Matthew 18:15). If he will not listen to you, then bring witnesses. If he still does not repent, then bring it to the church. If he continues, then set him outside the church. This is something that is taught through the New Testament, that most “churches” will look over. They turn their head to sin in the church due to the fear that they might be down to two or three. They do not fear what the lack of discipline will do. “...Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6).

God has a standard and has always chosen quality over quantity. We can look to the Old Testament and see this example. Although Israel was a mix of saved and lost citizens, Israel was chosen by God over the rest of the entire world. “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

When we look at God’s Kingdom, we see God’s standard and Him choosing quality over quantity. Members of God’s Kingdom, especially those who are members of His church, are commanded to preach the gospel. Jesus teaches in a parable of a king and his son’s marriage. We learn that many people will hear the gospel and not be chosen. Jesus will say “...but they which were bidden were not worthy” (Matthew 22:8). He ends with saying, “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).

In the gospel according to Luke, we see someone ask “...Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:23-24). We see the same teaching in Matthew. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). The Bible, of course, tells us there will be many in God’s Kingdom. John saw “...a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands” (Revelation 7:9). In comparison, we see that the Bible teaches that the quantity is much larger in Satan’s Kingdom.

We see throughout the New Testament how Jesus started His Church during His earthly ministry. Jesus preached to thousands of people, but yet, only had 12 other church members. He preached to thousands, but only took the Lord’s Supper with the 12. We see in John chapter 6, that 5,000 people were fed and following Jesus. “And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased” (John 6:2). The next day, those in Capernaum were looking for Jesus. “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled” (John 6:26).These people were fleshly filled, not spiritually filled. Likewise, many “churches” today are filling the flesh, not the spirit. Jesus goes on teaching that He is the Bread of Life. Many people either did not understand and/or were offended by His teachings. “These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?” (John 6:59-61). Jesus explains that these people reacted this way to His teachings because they were not believers in Him. “But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:64-65). Then many people stopped following Him. Jesus did not try to keep His numbers up and worry about quantity. He chose quality and knew that Judas would betray Him. “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:66-71).

The Bible does not tell us the ideal number of church members to have. We know that He commands His churches to practice discipline which will result in less members. We know that there is a reason He gave a minimum number. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). We know from Paul’s writings that there were few enough members in some churches for all to fit in one’s home. “...Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Corinthians 16:19). “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house” (Colossians 4:15). “And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house” (Philemon 2). I do not know how big these homes were or how crammed they may have been. Safe to say, these were not “mega-churches” nor were there hundreds of members. We learn from Scripture that possibly, the average home could have a candlestick (lampstand), and have light for all in the house. “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:15).

We should desire that all people repent and believe the gospel. We should obey all of God’s Word, even if that means excluding people from membership. Fellowship should not be our highest desire. We should all desire the Truth and that others may come to know it. “The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1-4).

-Zach King-

Socially Accepted

Social acceptance, in one way or another, is something far too many people are trying to achieve. Satan’s kingdom is filled with all types of “socially accepted” people. Although his kingdom does not agree and often fights with each other, there is a common goal of being at war with God’s Kingdom. Satan, unfortunately, does a great job of deceiving most people throughout the world. In today’s time, especially in the United States, we see a fight between religious people, with some type of morals, and complete godlessness, with no morals. We see how unashamed and prideful people are in their sin; which makes it easy (for us) to take the side of the “religious” people, who fight for at least some morals. Unfortunately, these “religious” people can be just as (or more) dangerous than the non-religious.

Many conservative people can agree there is a major issue with the agenda in public schools today. Most of them, however, will continue to allow their children to attend due to multiple reasons. Private (Christian) schools are no better in most cases. One can argue that they’re worse due to the false, heretical, teachings that they advertise. We recently heard about the disgusting, horrible sin of homosexuality being displayed at the Olympics. They (apparently) made a mockery of the famous painting that is supposed to be the “Last Supper.” I agree with the conservative view to be outraged by the disgusting sin. However, I am not angry at the disrespect of the painting. These “conservatives” do not see the painting for what it is: a tool Satan uses as a form of idolatry. It also portrays Jesus as a feminine, sissified, man.

I never intend to offend anyone in these writings, but I do aim to point out the Truth. If you are a true believer in Christ, your goal should never be to be “socially accepted.” It should always be to glorify and serve the Lord. We learn in The Gospel, according to John, just how the world will view us. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me” (John 15:18-21). I was listening to a famous psychologist not long ago. Although he claims to be a “Christian,” he believes “being social” is a very important part of life. He talked about how it should be the goal of most parents to have their children thrive socially. I agree, there can be some merit in being social. A child will grow, and eventually find a spouse. There is a need to communicate professionally for work. Most important, there is a command to be a witness and share God’s word. Being “socially accepted,” however, should never be a goal in a true believer’s life.

Christ tells us how we will be hated by the world, because of Him. The four gospels show us just how hated He was throughout His life. Obviously, we know that He was killed, along with millions that followed Him. We’re blessed, at the moment, to not have to worry about being killed for serving the Lord. We must, however, be aware that we will be attacked in some way. “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me” (John 15:20-21). The Bible explains to us, if we are of the world; the world will love us. If we are of Christ, the world will hate us. In John 7, we see that the Jews wanted to kill Jesus, and He was told to go to Judea. Jesus said, “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil” (John 7:7).

Many people today will promote crime and want less laws to obey. Other people believe in law and order and want to punish criminals. Unfortunately, MOST people think or say they love Jesus, but in reality they hate Jesus more than crime, just as those who crucified Him. “But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber” (John 18:39-40). We would be foolish to think that people have gotten better over the last two-thousand-years. The world would prefer a murdering thief to be free rather than hear Jesus preach.

We can see how the Kingdom of Satan is filled with both religious and non-religious people. It is not the “Christian Faith” versus non-believers. It is the Kingdom of God versus the Kingdom of Satan. People will refer to “Christians” as “the church,” just like the heretical “Catholic (Universal) Church” does. Satan’s kingdom has become socially accepted. Honestly, it is very easy to be socially accepted by the world, and claim to be a “Christian.” It is also very easy to be hated by these “Christians” when you stand for the Truth.

A major issue we see with all the religious people and so-called “Christians” is the belief they have in themselves. This goes for Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and even Baptists. One may even hear and know some Truth, but still be a member of Satan’s kingdom. “And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question” (Mark 12:34). Jesus explains the two greatest commandments to the Scribes. A Scribe replied, “...Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices” (Mark 12:32-33). Jesus saw that he answered intelligently, or that he had a head knowledge of Truth. Even then, Jesus said, “...Thou art not far from the kingdom of God…” (Mark 12:34).

To be socially accepted, one can be and act completely godless. You can live how you want, with no morals, and the world will accept you. Contrary to popular belief, you can claim Christ in your heart and be socially accepted by the world. You can have morals, knowledge, and even be “...not far from the kingdom of God…” (Mark 12:34). All this while being socially accepted by the world. The Bible says, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19).

We are not to worry about social acceptance, or any earthly thing. We are to “...seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). If you are a member of the Kingdom of God then you are to “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). We are not to stop there. Just like Satan’s kingdom, the Kingdom of God has levels, for we are not all of equal position. The Bible tells us if we break even the least commandment and teach others, then we are considered the LEAST in the Kingdom of God; but if you do and teach the commandments, then you will be Great in the kingdom of God. “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).

Because of our sinful nature, we see just how weak our faith can be at times. We are also taught the power of faith. We are to understand that any good that comes from a citizen of God’s Kingdom comes from God Himself, and we are unable to do any good without Him. “And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:14-20).

You are born into this world a sinner, and a member of Satan’s kingdom. Jesus told Nicodemus, “...Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). “...Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15). Paul said to the Assembly in Rome, “...be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2). None of these verses talk about accepting people or being accepted. We are to be born again, a new creature in Christ. Old, worldly things must pass away. We are not told anywhere that this will be an easy life. If you are a member of God’s Kingdom, do not strive to be loved or accepted by the world. That is what Satan wants. King David wrote, “...Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men” (Psalm 12:1).

One may ask, how do you find peace throughout life? If you are hated by the world, it must get lonely. Fleshly people (which can also be saved people) at times, find joy in being accepted; and they just want to be loved. We know that we can not find True peace from worldly things, because Satan is the god of this world. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). So, where does a citizen of God’s Kingdom find peace? “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” (Colossians 1:19-22). Do not look for peace in worldly things. Do not care about social status, or anything of this world. It pleased the Father, that in Christ, “having made peace through the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:20).

-Zach King-