Mystery of the Living God's Church Preface In every generation, people have wrestled with the same questions: What is the true Church? Where can it be found? Who belongs to it? These questions are not new, yet they remain as urgent today as they were in the days of the apostles. We live in a world filled with countless groups that call themselves “churches.” Each has its own teachings, traditions, and practices. Each claims to represent God. Yet, when we look closely, we see division instead of unity, contradiction instead of harmony. This raises a profound mystery: if there is one God, why are there so many churches? This Chapter, Mystery of the Living God’s Church, is written to guide the reader into the heart of that question. It is not a work of human speculation or denominational defense. Rather, it is an exploration of the Scriptures themselves, where God reveals the truth about His Church. The Gospel ahead will uncover the Church as the Body of Christ, the blessed Bread of life, and ultimately, as Christ Himself. We will see that the true Church is not a building, an institution, or a human organization, but a living reality founded, owned, and sustained by Jesus Christ. Part One: What Is the Church of God? The Question of Many Peoples In every city, town, and village, one cannot help but notice the multitude of groups that call themselves “churches.” Each belongs to a different denomination or religious movement, each with its own teachings, traditions, and ways of worship. Yet, despite their shared claim of serving God, they do not walk together in unity. Every group insists on its own truth. Every group defends its own doctrine. And though nearly all of them speak about God, they do not agree with one another. This reality raises deep and troubling questions in the hearts of many: - How many churches does God truly have? - What exactly is a church? - Which one is the true church? - Who is the owner and builder of the church? - How can we find the true church? These are not small questions. They go to the very heart of faith and salvation. To answer them, we must turn not to human traditions or institutions, but to the Word of the Living God. The Church as the Body of Christ The Scriptures reveal that the Church is not a building, a denomination, or an earthly organization. Instead, it is described as the Body of Christ. - Colossians 1:18 — “And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.” - Ephesians 4:4–5 — “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” The Church is one body, with Christ as its Head. Believers are united to Him and to one another as members of this living body. This is the first great truth: the Church is not many, but one. --- The Church as Blessed Bread The Scriptures also reveal another mystery: the Church is represented as bread. - Matthew 26:26 — “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’” Here, bread symbolizes the Body of Christ. Since the Body is the Church, the bread also represents the Church. Before giving it to His disciples, Jesus blessed the bread—showing that the Church is blessed food for His followers. Thus, the Church is not only the Body of Christ but also the spiritual nourishment of His disciples. It is food for the soul, blessed and given by Christ Himself. Jesus Christ Is the Church The mystery deepens further: Jesus Himself declares that He is the Bread of Life. - John 6:35 — “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” - John 6:48 — “I am the bread of life.” If the bread is the Body, and the Body is the Church, then the Church is Christ Himself. He is the foundation, the head, the life, and the very substance of the Church. To understand the Church is to understand Christ. To belong to the Church is to belong to Him. The Rock and the Builder Jesus confirmed this truth when He spoke to Peter: - Matthew 16:17–18 — “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Notice: Jesus says “my church”—singular, not plural. He is the builder, the owner, and the foundation. His Church is not a man-made institution but a spiritual building established on the Word of God. And it cannot be destroyed by the powers of hell. Entering Into Christ (the Church) How then does one enter this true Church? 1. The Key Understanding - Jesus Christ is the Church. To enter the Church is to enter the Son of God (1 John 5:20). 2. The Gift of God - John 3:16 — God gave His Son as a gift. A gift is not earned; it is received. Salvation is not by human effort but by grace. 3. The Truths of Salvation - The world did not ask for the Son, yet He came to save. - The world was unbelieving, yet salvation requires faith in Him. 4. Christ the Way - John 14:6 — Jesus is the only way to the Father. - John 5:24 — Hearing His Word and believing brings eternal life. → Hearing the Word → Faith → New Birth → Entry into God’s family. 5. The Family Picture - Just as you did not choose your earthly family, you do not place yourself into God’s family. Christ Himself brings you in (John 10:16). 6. The Blood of Christ - Ephesians 2:13 — We are brought near by His blood. It is His blood that places us into His Church. 7. The Great Truth - Christ is revealed. - The Word is heard. - Faith is born. - By His blood, we are placed in Him. Summary of the Mystery - The Church is the Body of Christ, with Christ as its Head. - The Church is blessed Bread, spiritual food for His disciples. - The Church is Christ Himself, the Bread of Life. - Jesus is the builder and owner of His one true Church. - Entry into the Church is not by human effort but by faith, new birth, and the blood of Christ. Therefore, to belong to the Church is to belong to Christ. To understand the Church is to understand Him. To be born again. THE CHURCH IS A DWELLING, NOT A PLACE YOU GO 📖 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” — John 5:24 • If you read and understand the Gospel, you will see that you do not “go” to church — rather, you dwell in it. • The Church is an eternal dwelling place. • You do not put yourself into this Church; you are placed into it by God. • You are taken out of another church(Kingdom of Darkness-Death), which belongs to Satan, and transferred into the true Church of Christ. (John 5:24) 🔥 This is what Jesus meant when He said you have passed from death into life. ─── 📌 Placed Into Eternal Life • You are placed into this Church through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). • This Church is the true life, and it exists forever. • To be in the Church is to be in Christ — a spiritual reality, not a physical location. ─── ⚠️ Do Not Be Mistaken • If you say you “go” to church, you misunderstand. • The true Church is not a building you visit, but a spiritual dwelling where you abide forever. • These are things that happen in the Spirit, not in human structures. ─── 📝 Summary 1. The Church is eternal, not temporal. 2. You are placed into it by faith, not by human effort. 3. The Church is the dwelling of eternal life in Christ. 🌱 Let’s Grow Together in Faith, Wisdom, and the Grace of Jesus Christ Follow our WhatsApp channel for more sermons Click the link below https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEKxaVG3R3exEJg2b1D

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 16) 1. The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. 3. Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established. 4. The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 5. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces,fn none will go unpunished. 6. In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. 7. When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8. Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. 9. A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. 10. Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. 11. Honest weights and scales are the LORD’s; All the weights in the bag are His work. 12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. 13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. 14. As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. 15. In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16. How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18. Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. 21. The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 23. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. 24. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. 25. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 26. The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. 27. An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. 28. A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. 29. A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. 30. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. 31. The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. 32. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33. The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 16) 1. The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. 3. Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established. 4. The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 5. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces,fn none will go unpunished. 6. In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. 7. When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8. Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. 9. A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. 10. Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. 11. Honest weights and scales are the LORD’s; All the weights in the bag are His work. 12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. 13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. 14. As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. 15. In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16. How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18. Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. 21. The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 23. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. 24. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. 25. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 26. The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. 27. An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. 28. A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. 29. A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. 30. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. 31. The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. 32. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33. The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.

EXHAUSTED—BUT STILL CHASING. That may be one of the most powerful descriptions of Gideon and his 300 men in Judges 8. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/14/exhausted-but-still-chasing-persistence-compromise-and-justice-in-judges-84-21/ They had already fought a tremendous battle. They were hungry. They were exhausted. They asked fellow Israelites for help and were refused. The people who should have encouraged them doubted they would succeed. But they kept going. Judges 8:4–21 reminds us that being tired does not necessarily mean God is finished with what He has called us to do. Sometimes faithfulness means continuing to pray when you haven’t seen the answer. Continuing to serve when nobody seems to notice. Continuing to resist temptation when the battle feels repetitive. Continuing to obey when other people refuse to stand beside you. Continuing to trust God when you cannot yet see the outcome. Gideon’s story also gives us sobering lessons about unbelief, compromise, leadership, justice, and the danger of standing on the sidelines when God calls us to participate. You can be tired and still be faithful. You can be discouraged and still be obedient. Sometimes the next act of faith isn’t something dramatic. Sometimes it is simply taking the next step. Read the latest study on Judges 8:4–21 — “Exhausted, but Still Chasing.” #BookOfJudges #Judges8 #Gideon #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Faith #Perseverance #Faithfulness #Obedience #TrustGod #SpiritualGrowth #BibleTeaching #KeepGoing #FollowJesus

daily devotion for August 15th Hunger For The Word They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. Nehemiah 8:1b It is not surprising that chapter 8 opens with a manifestation of a great hunger for the Word among these people in Jerusalem. Notice that this seems to be a spontaneous gathering. No invitations were sent out. No public notice was given. People were hungry for answers to their problems and for guidelines from the Word of God, and with one accord they gathered in this great square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the priest to bring the Law of the Lord and to read it to them. This would undoubtedly be the entire Pentateuch--the first five books of the Bible. This indicates the tremendous desire of these people for truth. They listened, while standing, from daybreak until noon! Certainly this long attention indicates how deeply they were aware of their ignorance about life and how much they needed answers from God. They were simply crying out for the Word. Ezra, the priest, the author of the book of Ezra, appears for the first time in the book of Nehemiah. Thirteen years earlier he had led a return from Persia to rebuild the temple and to teach the Law of God. Apparently he had been occupied in that task all through the time of the rebuilding of the wall. But when the people had finished their work, they were desperate to hear from the Word of God, so they sent for Ezra to lead them. It seems to me that we have come to such a time as this again. The prophet Amos predicted that there would come a famine in the world for the Word of God. People would actually be starving for answers to the problems of life. I find everywhere a deep hunger among non-churched people to hear the Word of God. Wherever it is taught with any degree of understanding, they are immediately attracted to it. When the Word is opened up, people begin to understand themselves. When you know God you begin to understand yourself, because you are made in the image of God. These people in Jerusalem were soon growing in self-knowledge as they began to hunger for the Word of God. The great tragedy of our day is how few churches seem to understand this power of Scripture. Lord, create in me a hunger for Your Word. Forgive me for so often taking it for granted.

Some fasts end in miracles. Some end in obedience. Both are answers. New post this week—Come Hungry. I am fasting and praying today. Send me your prayer request. 🙏 https://lawrencemanickam.substack.com/p/come-hungry #fasting #motivation #faith #prayer #jesus #devotional

Daily Devotional. Work for the needy. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35 What a busy life Christ led! Day by day He might be seen entering the humble abodes of want and sorrow, speaking hope to the downcast and peace to the distressed. The poor and suffering received the greatest share of His attention. Children loved Him. They were drawn to Him by His ready sympathy. By His simple, loving words He settled many a difficulty arising among them. Often He took them on His knee and talked with them in a way that won their hearts.... Humble, gracious, tenderhearted, pitiful, He went about doing good, feeding the hungry, lifting up the bowed down, comforting the sorrowing. None who came to Him for aid went away unrelieved. Not a thread of selfishness was woven into the pattern He has left for His children to follow. He lived the life that He would have all live who believe on Him. It was His meat and drink to do the will of His Father. To all who came to Him for help He brought faith and hope and life. Wherever He went He carried blessing. The tender sympathies of our Saviour were aroused for fallen and suffering humanity. If you would be His followers, you must cultivate compassion and sympathy. Indifference to human woes must give place to lively interest in the sufferings of others. The widow, the orphan, the sick and the dying, will always need help. Here is an opportunity to proclaim the gospel—to hold up Jesus, the hope and consolation of all men. When the suffering body has been relieved, and you have shown a lively interest in the afflicted, the heart is opened, and you can pour in the heavenly balm. If you are looking to Jesus, and drawing from Him knowledge and strength and grace, you can impart His consolation to others, because the Comforter is with you. [231]

Our Prayer for the Nations Tonight Heavenly Father, As we go to bed tonight, we lift before You the nations and peoples who are suffering under oppression, political injustice, poverty, unemployment, conflict, and bad governance. Remember those whose voices have been silenced, those who struggle to feed their families, young people whose opportunities have been taken away, and communities that have lived too long without peace and dignity. Your Word says: “He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy and shall break in pieces the oppressor.” Psalm 72:4 (KJV) Lord, we ask You to rise for the poor, the oppressed, the displaced, and the forgotten. Give wisdom and conscience to those who govern nations. Turn the hearts of leaders toward justice, accountability, compassion, and peace. Restrain those who use political power to oppress their people and raise up leaders who will serve rather than exploit. We also remember the teaching of the Book of Mormon: “And now, my brethren, I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath.” Mosiah 4:21 Teach us, Lord, not to look away from the suffering of others. Give us generous hearts and willing hands to help those in need. Open doors of honest employment and opportunity for the unemployed. Provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, education for children, and hope for families struggling under poverty. Where there is war, bring peace. Where there is oppression, bring freedom. Where there is injustice, establish righteousness. Where there is poverty, provide provision. Where there is unemployment, open doors. Where there is corruption, raise voices of integrity. Where there is despair, restore hope. Father, make us instruments of Your peace. Give us courage to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and wisdom to pursue justice without hatred or violence. As we sleep tonight, watch over the nations. Protect the innocent, strengthen the suffering, comfort those who mourn, and prepare a better tomorrow for those who have almost lost hope. May Your justice prevail, your peace reign, and Your mercy reach every oppressed people and every struggling family. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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They will sheme and plot against you but will fail every single time because you a child of God has a God in your heart, a clear conscience and does what is true according to your faith Roman 12:20 says, If your enemy is hungry, feed him. if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heep burning coals on his head.