What do I need to do to believe in Christ.

[Dantedeven]

I've been looking at the different Jesus in the world apart from who Jesus is in the Bible. There are a lot of Jesus versions in the market and believing in these versions are misleading. It is like buying a fake version than the original.

What does this mean? What market are you talking about? There is only one Jesus Christ?
Because he is the Christ, the representative of mankind towards the Father....

For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Haha, oh man this verse, it really sounds like this is referring to some apocrypha that i know and was popular something like the: "Gospel of Judas Iscariot" or works alike.Because the "Gospel of Judas Iscariot" is a false work from a sect. And that "Jesus" is not the Christ, and i am pretty sure about that. because that "Jesus" is a false "Jesus" Because the "Jesus" in the Gospel of Judas Iscariot, is not the Son. Because that apocrypha was from a sect that portrayed Judas Iscariot as the: Savior of Mankind. Because he was the one that was ordered by Christ himself to betray him. And with Christ death, our sins were cleansed. Thus it was Judas who did save us! (This work is not even written by Judas Iscariot, it is false, i know it for sure.) It talks about sexual abuse, aliens and ****.

Just look for yourself:

Quotes from the Gospel of Judas Iscariot, depicting a false Jesus:

Gospel of Judas Iscariot:

And he appeared in Judaea to his disciples one day. He found them sitting, gathered together, practicing godliness. When he approached his disciples gathered and seated, offering thanks over the bread, he laughed.

He answered, saying to them, “I am not laughing at you. You do not do this by your own will, but by this, your god [will] be worshiped.”

They said, “Teacher, [are] you [not] the son of our god?” Jesus spoke to them: “How do you know me? Truly I tell you, no generation will know me from the people who are among you.”

When the disciples heard this, [they] began to get annoyed and angry, and they cursed him (Christ) in their hearts. When "Jesus" saw their ignorance, Jesus spoke to them, “Why this angry uproar? Has your god within you and his strength vexed your souls? Whoever has the strength amongst you men, thus let thee bring forward the perfect person, then, let him stand in front of me!” And they all said, “We have the strength.” But their spirits were not able to get up the courage to stand before him, except Judas Iscariot. He was able to stand before him, yet he could not look him in the eyes. But he turned away his face. Judas said to him, “I know who you are and from what place you have come. You came from the immortal "Aeon of Barbelo", and the one who sent you is he whose name I am not worthy to speak.”

Best "Jesus" reaction here:

They [said, “We have seen] a great [house with a large] altar [in it, and] twelve
Men—they are the priests, we would say. And then a name was uttered; and a crowd of people were waiting at that altar, and they kept waiting until the priests came and received the offerings. After that they all left. But unlike them we kept waiting. [Jesus said], “What do the priests like?” They said, “Some abstained from food and drink for two weeks; some of them even sacrificed their own children, others their wives, in praise and humility with each other; some slept with men; some are involved in the slaughter of both man and animals; All of them committed a multitude of sins and other deeds of lawlessness. And the men who stand [before] the altar invoked your name, as they did these things and in all the deeds of their deficiency, finally their sacrifices are brought to completion, all horrible in nature.” Jesus said to them; “Why are you troubled? {WTF?) Truly I say to you, all the priests who stand before that altar.....

 

[MJFlores]

What does this mean? What market are you talking about? There is only one Jesus Christ?
Because he is the Christ, the representative of mankind towards the Father....



Haha, oh man this verse, it really sounds like this is referring to some apocrypha that i know and was popular something like the: "Gospel of Judas Iscariot" or works alike.Because the "Gospel of Judas Iscariot" is a false work from a sect. And that "Jesus" is not the Christ, and i am pretty sure about that. because that "Jesus" is a false "Jesus" Because the "Jesus" in the Gospel of Judas Iscariot, is not the Son. Because that apocrypha was from a sect that portrayed Judas Iscariot as the: Savior of Mankind. Because he was the one that was ordered by Christ himself to betray him. And with Christ death, our sins were cleansed. Thus it was Judas who did save us! (This work is not even written by Judas Iscariot, it is false, i know it for sure.) It talks about sexual abuse, aliens and ****.

Just look for yourself:

Quotes from the Gospel of Judas Iscariot, depicting a false Jesus:

Did not quote from that polluted source. Let me write that again:

2 Corinthians 11:4 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
You seem to be quite patient with anyone who comes to you and tells you about a Jesus that is different from the Jesus we told you about. You seem very willing to accept a spirit or a message that is different from the Spirit and message that you received from us.

You could check another version of the Bible for that verse. Who wrote that? Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.

It is true that there is only one Lord Jesus Christ, no doubt about that. But people have preached a different Jesus over the years - a different Jesus which was not preached by the apostles. Even the Lord Jesus Christ mentioned that he will be preached differently.

Matthew 24:5 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Many people will come and use my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah.’ And they will fool many people.

Luke 21:8 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Jesus said, “Be careful! Don’t be fooled. Many people will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah’ and ‘The right time has come!’ But don’t follow them.

So what are these warnings that the Lord Jesus gave is all about? He warned that people will be saying that he is the Christ [Messiah] but were fooled in the end. And the market is filled with different Jesus and many were and are fooled.

Let us take examples of the different Jesuses in the market [world]:

In Islam, ʿĪsā ibn Maryam (Arabic: عيسى بن مريم‎, lit. 'Jesus, son of Mary'), or Jesus, is understood to be the penultimate prophet and messenger of God (Allah) and al-Masih, the Arabic term for Messiah (Christ), sent to guide the Children of Israel with a new revelation: al-Injīl (Arabic for "the Gospel").[1][2][3] Jesus is believed to be a prophet who neither married nor had any children and is reflected as a significant figure, being found in the Quran in 93 verses with various titles attached such as "Son of Mary" and other relational terms, mentioned directly and indirectly, over 187 times.[2][4][5][6][6][7] He is thus the most mentioned person in the Quran by reference; 25 times by the name Isa, third-person 48 times, first-person 35 times, and the rest as titles and attributes.
Jesus in Islam - Wikipedia

What is wrong with this different Jesus that Islam preaches?
The issue of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus (Isa) is rejected by most Muslims, but similar to Christians they believe that Jesus will return before the end of time.[1] Most Muslims believe Jesus was not crucified, but was raised bodily to heaven by God, a similar belief is found in the Gospel of Basilides,[2][3][4][5] the text of which is lost save for reports of it by other early scholars like Origen (c. 185 – c. 254). Basilides, a theologian of Gnostic tendencies, taught in Alexandria in the second quarter of the second century. However, this view is disregarded by mainstream Christianity which only accepts the four gospels contained in the New Testament as genuine.
Islamic views on Jesus' death - Wikipedia

Is that "a Jesus that is different from the Jesus we [the apostles] told you about"

We have not yet discussed who is the different Jesus in "the different flavors of Christianity" The Mormons have a different Jesus, the Jehovah's Witness have a different Jesus, the Gnostics have a different Jesus, the Catholics and Protestants have a different Jesus.

These are sugar coated Jesuses, sweet deceptions and are not based on the Bible. It is so sweet, people just really love sweeteners even if it is a lie.

 

[Dantedeven]

No, no, no i am not talking about the islam.
I am talking about the source you rightfully called polluted.
The Jesus of Judas Iscariot!

But yeah, if muslims accept that Jesus is not crucified. Then he never risen.
If Jesus never risen, Jesus would not have the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.
But Jesus did, so i agree with you!

 

[Dantedeven]

But now i will speak in my own language, and you need to use google translate:

Antwoord.






Ja, gij heeft wel degelijk gelijk. Ook ik ben getuige geweest van een, zoals u het perfect verwoorde: met suiker beklede Jezus. Sterker nog, ik had weinig geloof in de Christus slechts een jaar geleden. Ik was Godvrezend en de Heilige Geest was een feit. Maar de Christus? Dat moest ik eerst zien. Ja, zo hoogmoedig was ik. Dat ik met alleen met God de Vader wou spreken.

But Christ has revealed himself to me door het woord. En mij uitgelegd hoe het zat. Nooit heb ik sindsdien enige twijfel gedragenp; De Christus is echt. En ja, de belangrijkste waarschuwing dat ik heb gekregen is:

Dat er valse mensen zijn, die de naam Christus vertegenwoordigen als "profeet".
Wolven in schaapskleren, leidende een kudde. Abraham's beest.

 

[MJFlores]

No, no, no i am not talking about the islam.
I am talking about the source you rightfully called polluted.
The Jesus of Judas Iscariot!

But yeah, if muslims accept that Jesus is not crucified. Then he never risen.
If Jesus never risen, Jesus would not have the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.
But Jesus did, so i agree with you!

With respect to other gospels like that of Judas Iscariot [Gospel of Judas - Wikipedia] - I do not know that and it is used by the Gnostics which I am not. I never read that spurious writings and I wouldn't quote from it because that would be a waste of time. I have exchanged ideas with a Gnostic Luciferianism and I found out that "Luciferianism is a belief system that venerates the essential characteristics that are affixed to Lucifer. The tradition, influenced by Gnosticism, usually reveres Lucifer not as the devil, but as a liberator, a guardian or guiding spirit, or even the true god" [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luciferianism ]

With regards to Gnostic beliefs, I find that they are extra-biblical and non-scriptural. As the Bible mentions about a different gospel, Apostle Paul wrote this:

Galatians 1:6-9 New International Version (NIV)
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!

So whoever wrote the Gospel of Judas Iscariot and similar writings - including those who are preaching using that kind of writings, perverting the Gospel of Jesus Christ - are under God's curse, needless to say they will not be saved. Going back to Apostle Paul's writings, using the Amplified Version of the Bible in:

2 Corinthians 11:4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
For [you seem willing to allow it] if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted. You tolerate all this beautifully [welcoming the deception].

One different / another Jesus not preached by the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ is the Jesus [Isa] of Islam - it is clearly another Jesus. Not only do they say that their Jesus did not die, implicitly they say Jesus never needed to be resurrected. According to Islam, Jesus is not the Son of God. They believe the Bible alright - the 4 synoptic gospels, not the Acts of the Apostles to the Revelations. They believe the Gospel of Luke, Mark, Matthew and John - they would stop there and would not accept other verses besides the four.

Islam says their Jesus did not die hence never needed to be resurrected - this statement is untrue because the gospel says this:

Matthew 20:18-19 New International Version (NIV)
“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”

Islam says their Jesus is not the Son of God - this statement is untrue because the gospel says this:

Matthew 17:4-5 New International Version (NIV)
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

See how different the Islamic Jesus is from the Biblical Jesus? And there are different Jesuses in the market [world religions] as there are different religions, and too different from the Biblical Jesus.

Religious perspectives on Jesus - Wikipedia

1. Catholics and Protestants believe that their Jesus is God the Son equal to the Father in a confusing Trinitarian set up instead of the Son of God.
2. Mormons believe that their Jesus is one of the three gods in a Triune godhead, brother of Satan and went to America
3. Oneness Pentecostals believe that their Jesus is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
4. Jehovah's Witness believe that their Jesus was a spirit person then sent by God
5. The Bahá'í Faith consider Jesus to be a manifestation of God, who are a series of personages who reflect the attributes of the divine into the human world for the progress and advancement of human morals and civilization
6. Gnostics believe Jesus was seen as the savior and bringer of gnosis by various Gnostic sects, such as the extinct Manichaeism.
7. In the Ahmadiyya Islamic view, Jesus survived the crucifixion and later travelled to India, where he lived as a prophet (and died) under the name of Yuz Asaf.
8. In Scientology, the teachings of Jesus are included among belief systems comprising those "earlier forms". Jesus is classified as below the level of Operating Thetan, but as a "shade above" the Scientology state of "Clear"
9. In Raëlism, Jesus and several other religious figures are considered prophets sent by an extraterrestrial race called the Elohim.
10. Followers of Religious Science consider Jesus to be a teacher of Science of Mind principles, but reject his unique divinity, arguing that every person is equally divine.
11. In Hinduism Jesus is an avatar of the God Vishnu

There is only one Jesus Christ and the truth about him is written in the Bible - not in the whimsical ideas of men, but in the Bible. What are these Jesuses being preached by others which is apart from the Bible? They are just another Jesus whom the apostles have not preached

So are these to be believed? Heck, no. Go back to the source, the Bible [the words of God] and that would be the first step a person needs to believe in the true Lord Jesus Christ. Then you could determine whether a Jesus being preached is

 

[74x12]

I've been reading through the bible lately. I think part of it Is trying to find faith again as I miss the whole thing. I get very frustrated when I can't seem to find any answers that satisfy and can't honestly seem to come to grips with faith in general.

So i'm just going to ask, what exactly do I need to do to gain faith in Christ and God? What kind of recommendations can I try to see if it will help me along?

any answers would be appreciated.

You have to keep at it and work on it and build it up. Even if you fail over and over. For the just man falls 7 times and rises again. (Proverbs 24:16) This number 7 is just for completion. So it really doesn't matter how many times you fail. This way you will receive the promise of God. (Hebrews 10:36) And He will be with you where ever you go and He will hold your hand.

Secondly ... beware of the enemy who will test your new found faith. God will help us though. For those of you who go on diligently seeking the right path and if you continually walk towards righteousness; then the Lord will be with you and will show Himself strong on your behalf. We know that God is Light and when you are walking in the Light; then surely God is there with you. And the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse us from all sins ...

 

[MJFlores]

You have to keep at it and work on it and build it up. Even if you fail over and over. For the just man falls 7 times and rises again. (Proverbs 24:16) This number 7 is just for completion. So it really doesn't matter how many times you fail. This way you will receive the promise of God. (Hebrews 10:36) And He will be with you where ever you go and He will hold your hand.

Secondly ... beware of the enemy who will test your new found faith. God will help us though. For those of you who go on diligently seeking the right path and if you continually walk towards righteousness; then the Lord will be with you and will show Himself strong on your behalf. We know that God is Light and when you are walking in the Light; then surely God is there with you. And the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse us from all sins ...

2 Timothy 3:7 King James Version (KJV)
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

There are plenty of Christian religions to choose from which among these is selling the right stuff? It can't be all of them.

Christianity – 2.42 billion

• 1.1 Catholic Church – 1.285 billion
• 1.2 Protestantism – 920 million
  • 1.2.1 Anglicanism – 85 million
• 1.3 Eastern Orthodox Church – 270 million
• 1.4 Oriental Orthodoxy – 86 million
• 1.5 Restorationism and Nontrinitarianism – 35.2 million
• 1.6 Independent Catholicism – 18 million
• 1.7 Minor branches – 1 million
  List of Christian denominations by number of members - Wikipedia

And if he studies the Bible all by himself, memorizes it cover to cover but fails to abide by it - would that be successful?

1 John 2:4 Living Bible (TLB)
Someone may say, “I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ.” But if he doesn’t do what Christ tells him to, he is a liar.



James 1:22-24 New International Version (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

• 
  
  
  
  

 

[Thief]

I've been reading through the bible lately. I think part of it Is trying to find faith again as I miss the whole thing. I get very frustrated when I can't seem to find any answers that satisfy and can't honestly seem to come to grips with faith in general.

So i'm just going to ask, what exactly do I need to do to gain faith in Christ and God? What kind of recommendations can I try to see if it will help me along?

any answers would be appreciated.

focus to the parables.....

when God and heaven come to see what stands from the dust
you will not be able to hide your motivations
the cause for which your behavior followed

 

[MJFlores]

focus to the parables.....

when God and heaven come to see what stands from the dust
you will not be able to hide your motivations
the cause for which your behavior followed

Luke 8:10 New International Version (NIV)
He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,

“‘though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand.’

Secrets of the kingdom of God are different from parables, focusing on parables may not be best way to learn the secrets of the kingdom of God but to learn it from somebody who was given such secrets. As the Lord Jesus said: "... I speak in parables, so that,though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’

 

[74x12]

2 Timothy 3:7 King James Version (KJV)
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

There are plenty of Christian religions to choose from which among these is selling the right stuff? It can't be all of them.

Christianity – 2.42 billion

• 1.1 Catholic Church – 1.285 billion
• 1.2 Protestantism – 920 million
  • 1.2.1 Anglicanism – 85 million
• 1.3 Eastern Orthodox Church – 270 million
• 1.4 Oriental Orthodoxy – 86 million
• 1.5 Restorationism and Nontrinitarianism – 35.2 million
• 1.6 Independent Catholicism – 18 million
• 1.7 Minor branches – 1 million
  List of Christian denominations by number of members - Wikipedia

And if he studies the Bible all by himself, memorizes it cover to cover but fails to abide by it - would that be successful?

1 John 2:4 Living Bible (TLB)
Someone may say, “I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ.” But if he doesn’t do what Christ tells him to, he is a liar.



James 1:22-24 New International Version (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

• 
  

There is only so much you can do on an internet forum. You can give them some help to continue on in whatever light they have been given and to hopefully grow. Not to discourage any growth or faith in God or the Bible. But to encourage it. Jesus would do the same. (Isaiah 42:1-3) And indeed when Jesus saw they were as sheep without a Shepherd he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:34)

God wants us to go on following the Light that we have been given (John 12:35) and if we follow the Light wherever it leads we'll do well.

• Whatever seed that is sown might find good ground (Ecclesiastes 11:6)
  
• Love hopes all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
• Faith also assures us that God is still saving souls. (Acts 2:47)
• God knows those who are His own. This is the true church. (1 John 3:1-2)
• God Himself will teach them. If you see faith in any one then that's God working in them and should be encouraged. (John 6:45)

 

[MJFlores]

There is only so much you can do on an internet forum. You can give them some help to continue on in whatever light they have been given and to hopefully grow. Not to discourage any growth or faith in God or the Bible. But to encourage it. Jesus would do the same. (Isaiah 42:1-3) And indeed when Jesus saw they were as sheep without a Shepherd he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:34)

God wants us to go on following the Light that we have been given (John 12:35) and if we follow the Light wherever it leads we'll do well.

• Whatever seed that is sown might find good ground (Ecclesiastes 11:6)
  
• Love hopes all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
• Faith also assures us that God is still saving souls. (Acts 2:47)
• God knows those who are His own. This is the true church. (1 John 3:1-2)
• God Himself will teach them. If you see faith in any one then that's God working in them and should be encouraged. (John 6:45)

Winner! Now find the true church.

Ephesians 5:32 New International Version (NIV)
This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

That should be the first step. Now where would one find it?

List of Christian denominations by number of members - Wikipedia

• 1.1 Catholic Church – 1.285 billion
• 1.2 Protestantism – 920 million
  • 1.2.1 Anglicanism – 85 million
• 1.3 Eastern Orthodox Church – 270 million
• 1.4 Oriental Orthodoxy – 86 million
• 1.5 Restorationism and Nontrinitarianism – 35.2 million
• 1.6 Independent Catholicism – 18 million
• 1.7 Minor branches – 1 million

Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version (NIV)
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

First impression:
So if there are many adherents, chances are it is not the narrow gate.
If there are few adherents, maybe it is the right road.

 

[Thief]

Luke 8:10 New International Version (NIV)
He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,

“‘though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand.’

Secrets of the kingdom of God are different from parables, focusing on parables may not be best way to learn the secrets of the kingdom of God but to learn it from somebody who was given such secrets. As the Lord Jesus said: "... I speak in parables, so that,though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’

View attachment 22199

the quote you are using was aimed at His disciples
if your inner circle is confused.....you have no foundation of a faith
(they argued among themselves too much as it was)

outside of the immediate band of men.....
the people were taught in parables

how will the Carpenter find His reflection in you?
if you are not reflecting upon His handiwork

 

[MJFlores]

the quote you are using was aimed at His disciples
if your inner circle is confused.....you have no foundation of a faith
(they argued among themselves too much as it was)

outside of the immediate band of men.....
the people were taught in parables

how will the Carpenter find His reflection in you?
if you are not reflecting upon His handiwork

Luke 8:10 Good News Translation (GNT)
and he answered, “The knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of God has been given to you, but to the rest it comes by means of parables, so that they may look but not see, and listen but not understand.

Apparently I am not the rest...and I think its good.

 

[Thief]

Apparently I am not the rest...and I think its good.

I too....hope to be one of the few

but as a Thief.....I might have to sneak in the back window

 

[MJFlores]

but as a Thief.....I might have to sneak in the back window

Funny but you shouldn't do that because its bad.

John 10:1 New International Version (NIV)
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.

 

[74x12]

Winner! Now find the true church.

The true church is Jesus who is the true Israel. He lives forever and so whoever is members of His body will not die. Thus, He is Father of an immortal nation; the true Israel of God that cannot die. So I believe He's the real Israel. No offense to Jacob, but even Jacob must be resurrected through the power that is in Jesus to give new Life. This is the true house that will give God rest. God finished all works on the 7th day ... and rested. This is the rest ... This is the refreshing(new life) wherewith He will make the weary to rest.

Three symbols of the church???
1. Jesus Himself because He is the head of the body.
2. Jesus again because He's the chief Cornerstone, the sure foundation.
3. The bride of Christ; the new Jerusalem.

 

[MJFlores]

The true church is Jesus who is the true Israel. He lives forever and so whoever is members of His body will not die. Thus, He is Father of an immortal nation; the true Israel of God that cannot die. So I believe He's the real Israel. No offense to Jacob, but even Jacob must be resurrected through the power that is in Jesus to give new Life. This is the true house that will give God rest. God finished all works on the 7th day ... and rested. This is the rest ... This is the refreshing(new life) wherewith He will make the weary to rest.

Three symbols of the church???
1. Jesus Himself because He is the head of the body.
2. Jesus again because He's the chief Cornerstone, the sure foundation.
3. The bride of Christ; the new Jerusalem.

Jesus established his church and this is written in:
Matthew 16:18 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
So I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church.

So, Jesus is not the church but he has a church. In fact the church is composed of people, members.

Romans 12:4-5 New International Version (NIV)
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Ephesians 3:6 New International Version (NIV)
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

So what is that body? And what is the importance of that body?

Ephesians 5:23 New International Version (NIV)
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

Therefore Christ is the head of the body, his church and Christ is the savior of his body, the church. But which church? List of Christian denominations by number of members - Wikipedia

• 1.1 Catholic Church – 1.285 billion
• 1.2 Protestantism – 920 million
  • 1.2.1 Anglicanism – 85 million
• 1.3 Eastern Orthodox Church – 270 million
• 1.4 Oriental Orthodoxy – 86 million
• 1.5 Restorationism and Nontrinitarianism – 35.2 million
• 1.6 Independent Catholicism – 18 million
• 1.7 Minor branches – 1 million

Does the church have a name? It must have a name and what name was given to man to be saved?

Acts 4:10-12 New King James Version (NKJV)
let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

If the Church does not have the name of Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead - that church isn't his.

 

[Thief]

Funny but you shouldn't do that because its bad.

View attachment 22209

John 10:1 New International Version (NIV)
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.

and it was a Thief that followed the Carpenter into paradise

first guy on the list

 

[74x12]

Jesus established his church and this is written in:
Matthew 16:18 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
So I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church.

So, Jesus is not the church but he has a church. In fact the church is composed of people, members.

Romans 12:4-5 New International Version (NIV)
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Ephesians 3:6 New International Version (NIV)
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

So what is that body? And what is the importance of that body?

Ephesians 5:23 New International Version (NIV)
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

View attachment 22230

Therefore Christ is the head of the body, his church and Christ is the savior of his body, the church. But which church? List of Christian denominations by number of members - Wikipediaaa

• 1.1 Catholic Church – 1.285 billion
• 1.2 Protestantism – 920 million
  • 1.2.1 Anglicanism – 85 million
• 1.3 Eastern Orthodox Church – 270 million
• 1.4 Oriental Orthodoxy – 86 million
• 1.5 Restorationism and Nontrinitarianism – 35.2 million
• 1.6 Independent Catholicism – 18 million
• 1.7 Minor branches – 1 million

Does the church have a name? It must have a name and what name was given to man to be saved?

Acts 4:10-12 New King James Version (NKJV)
let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

If the Church does not have the name of Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead - that church isn't his.

You're pretty close to what I believe. I do disagree with that in small part. But that's not a big deal. It is sufficient to say that Jesus is the head of the body and the Spirit within the body as well. (Romans 8:9) Whether you believe Jesus is also the body or not is not very important.

To answer your question. The church is not a human made organization in my belief. And someone could be saved and not be a member of any denomination. As for people in denominations that's between them and God. I won't necessarily know where God has them (presently) or brought them from (past) or is taking them to. (future)

If the Church does not have the name of Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead - that church isn't his.

That's true. I'm an Acts 2:38 believer.

 

[MJFlores]

and it was a Thief that followed the Carpenter into paradise

first guy on the list

Luke 23:39-43 New King James Version (NKJV)
Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

There is always an exception to the rule. He was fortunate to be there at the right time.
He has the right kind of faith, the right attitude and he firmly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Otherwise you won't like the other criminal who mocked him saying “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

Then we have this verse as a reminder:

1 Corinthians 6:7-10 New International Version (NIV)
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.