Jesus was not in the churches where I worshipped, and yet everyone insisted on His presence. It is better to believe that He is at God's right hand until He returns. Don't feel obligated to answer my doubts about Christianity, but I am sure what you have to say will be valuable in that you are plain speaking and uncomplicated.
Answer:
We can empathize with your plight. Certainly God the Father and Jesus Christ do exist (as we regularly make plain in articles in The Good News ). Regrettably, it is also true that many abuses have been perpetrated in the various churches of this world.
However, this is not the fault of God and Christ but of human leaders who have, whether knowingly or unknowingly, made wrong decisions. To the extent that church organizations have allowed themselves to become expressions of the darker side of human nature, the purity of godly biblical standards has been tarnished in the world of "churchianity."
Actually the English word "church" has been translated from the Greek word ekklesia, which means "called-out ones (to an assembly)." There is no doubt that Jesus did use the word "church" several times in Matthew's GospelThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . account. For example, He said, "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18).
In using this word, Jesus Christ was referring to a special group of people who would follow His teachings and preach the gospel to the world (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20). What held them together was the presence of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13)—through which the Father and Christ dwell within true believers (see John 14:23).
However, what has generally emerged in the mainstream churches during the many centuries that followed is not what Jesus had in mind. We must remember that many who profess to follow Christ do not (Matthew 7:21-23).
Furthermore, as you suggest, the hierarchy of popes, cardinals, bishops, etc., is not based on the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation. model. Christ emphasized responsible stewardship and loving service by church leaders (Matthew 20:25-28)—not the Roman authoritarian model. And we certainly agree that the simplicity of the gospel has often been lost in the shuffle of mainstream church politics and complex theologies. This was a problem even in the apostle Paul's day (2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
We understand your frustration with your previous church experience. Many have shared it. Yet we must make a distinction between that which is merely a negative manifestation of human nature and that which comes down from "the Father of lights" (James 1:17). He gives good gifts as the constant, unchanging, loving and absolutely reliable Father. He has given His Son Jesus Christ to the true Church to be its active spiritual head (Ephesians 1:22-23).
The apostle Peter speaks of this Church—God's assembly, called out of this world and its systems and ways of doing things—in glowing terms. "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:9-10, emphasis added).
Whatever happens in this world's churchianity, God's plan and purpose to redeem humankind continues to unfold and reap a spiritual harvest of those who have committed themselves to His way of life to be part of His coming Kingdom.
You may find our booklet The Church Jesus Built to be of additional help.
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