The exclusive idea of there just being one of anything is “narrow minded” to many in this all-inclusive society. Sadly, the world in which we find ourselves today is a “broad-minded,” tolerant and permissive one. While the idea of tolerance may be fine when it comes to one’s choice of vehicle or color of house, tolerance in religion has never been, nor is it now the Lord’s desire! Man has reduced the idea of the church to nothing more than an optional social club, and which “social club” one chooses depends on his or her personal preferences. However, a close look at God’s Book proves the very opposite. While this sentiment is not popular, there are not many churches but just one church! Carefully consider the following.

There’s just one church that was purposed. Paul declared that, “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 3:10-11 emphasis added). An afterthought? An optional choice? The church was purposed in the mind of God in eternity!

There’s just one church that was prophesied. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3). What would it be? The Lord’s house. From where would it start? Zion, which is Jerusalem. The house of God is the church (1 Timothy 3:15).

There’s just one church that was promised. Jesus declared that He would build His church (singular) (Matthew 16:18-19). Sad indeed is the person who is so arrogant and filled with pride that he believes he can build a church that is equal to or better than the one Jesus built!

There’s just one church that was purchased. Paul made it abundantly clear that Jesus purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). What price can honestly compare to the price of the Lord’s blood? How precious and how costly was that purchase price!

There’s just one church that was preached. The apostles never preached “join the church of your choice”! These men understood that there was just one church and that was what they preached (Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23; Colossians 1:13, et al.).

There’s just one church that will be one day presented. The Spirit made it crystal clear that when the Second Coming of Christ dawns, He is coming back to present His spotless bride back to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24; Matthew 25:1-13; Ephesians 5:22-32).

While man has diminished the idea and importance of the church, God’s Word still teaches the same thing that it has always taught. There is just one church that belongs to Jesus. Since every soul’s eternal destination is at stake, it behooves everyone to seek out the church that belongs to Jesus. Search carefully, prayerfully and scripturally, because there’s just one!

By Rodney Nulph

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