JESUS

Somewhere along the line the church began to draw primary billing. Debates about names, organization, function of leadership, building use etc...dominated theological circles. Somewhere along the way it became more about church as institution. Even the word "church" prompts a vision of a group of people sitting in a building under a certain name organized in a certain way and doing certain things in a certain manner.

When you read the bible the central thought and focus is not the church but JESUS. Jesus only mentioned "church" once (Matthew 16:18- now be careful about including Matt. 18). The rest of his time on earth was dedicated to a call to repentance, a call to discipleship and a demonstration of his love for everyone. Read John, Jesus offered himself! The Father's focus from eternity was not the church but Jesus, the Anointed ONE, the Lord and Savior.

People are converted to Christ. Jesus makes the disciples ONE. Jesus sent the Spirit to give gifts to those who followed him (Jesus). Jesus saves us, empowers us, unites us, forgives us, and promises to come back to get us. He is the one to whom we look for everything. Jesus is the all in all and one to whom people in need are drawn. He is the one that died and lives for everyone. He is the ONE, the only ONE.