Jesus created a living Body of believers through His death, burial and resurrection so that all who put their faith in Him and receive Him as Lord are granted membership. Unfortunately, what He instituted men have institutionalized. 

Since the Church of the Way’s inception, over 2000 years ago has a counterfeit arisen out of it to become what the bible refers to as the Harlot, and what I will call the Church system.

We have among us, what is true and what is false. What is viewed as false by the majority of believers is far removed from us because we all think we are in the true church! I challenge us to hear what the Spirit is saying, rather than what we say.

It was Peter who the Holy Spirit revealed the foundation for the Church of Christ, saying ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!‘ to where Jesus went on to explain His Church; Matt 16:13-19.  

The Church of Christ

Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail agaist it!

Not too long after this memorable moment Peter revealed the way of Satan’s doctrine and his (false) church. 

The Doctrine (religious church) of Satan

Satan usually has a counterfeit to whatever God has, so we should not be surprised that he has his own counterfeit doctrine –

 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”

But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Matt 16:21-23

The Contrast

The Doctrine of Christ is manifested in its congregants through power, love and order. I liken it to a school of fish or a flock of birds. Each joins in as individuals to form a significant cluster that flows together without clashing, revealing that the Law of Christ is our borders and walls and we obey the leading of His inner promptings – which is the Holy Spirit.  

Our walls are Salvation, and our Gates praise! Is 60:18.

There is no such thing as men’s traditions, denominations, affiliations or any building for that matter to define or describe us! Our description (and identity) is founded on the Rock, and it is He that is the way, truth and life!  

In contrast, the Doctrine of Satan is manifested by its divisions, walls, and invariably confusion, through the appeasing of men’s preferences.  

Nevertheless, there are some who are born of the Spirit of God within this construct. Just the same, God is calling all out;   2 Cor 6:16-18 .   To remain is to be stunted in growth that the Lord has for all who are of His Body, they will only be able to go so far in the depths, freedom and truths of God because their allegiance to the system will prevent them from going any further.

Only by the Holy Spirit will we ever be led out as we obey what He is bringing to light. I encourage to not take my word for it but begin asking the Lord the right questions, the hard ones – and you will be surprised as to how He will ‘turn the lights on’ for you. He will show you the way out as you are willing to see.  

Church Defining Characteristics:

Church of Christ	Church of Satan
Is the true Church	Is the false, and Harlot church
Born of the Spirit and practiced in the Spirit through faith	Practiced in the flesh/carnal – through our lusts
Not of this world	Of this world
Has one Head	Has a middle man as Head, often called Pastor/ or the denomination/rules of order serves as Head
Has no building	Is defined by the building/denomination
Follows the order and rules given by Jesus	Follows the order and rules passed down through tradition and men
Christ centered	Church centered
Christ is building – no man can extinguish	Satan is building – can be ‘closed’
Thrives in persecution	Dies in persecution
Alive in the Spirit	Dead in Sin

To gain a deeper perspective into how much of what the many believe to be of biblical origin is not, I highly recommend this book be on your reading list – Pagan Christianity.