by Ernest Smartt

Created on: July 22, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2010

Local churches are everywhere. Their beliefs are varied, and often conflicting. The number of denominations within Christianity is staggering, and confusing. In the beginnings of the church there was unity. Scripture says believers were in one accord. They had all things in common. Anyone with a need was cared for. The modern day Christian church has long lost that unity. You will not find the true church in a list all the Christian denominations. You will not find the true church in a list of all the Jewish variations. It cannot be found among the names of all the religions in the world.

There are some denominations and religions who call themselves the only true religion. There are some Christian denominations that consider themselves to be the only true Church. What is the True Church anyway?

It is not a popular thing to say that among all the churches in our world today the true church cannot be found. However, that truth must be spoken, and heard. What needs to be said is often the very thing that people don’t want to hear. The true church does show up, and will show up in great numbers, however it will not be a denomination or a religious group. It will be a living and dynamic body of people who are different.

It is common knowledge, and well accepted among Christians, that the Church is not the building, or the organization. It is a common belief that the Church is the people. The question is, which people? Are all people who claim to be Christians The Church? A review of articles on various Internet sites might prove to be enlightening. There is one clear observation to be made in such a review, the world does not like Christians. There are so many Christians who have lived lives that are damaging to the reputation of the Christian church, that the world is skeptical at best, and even angry at the whole Christian denomination. That is not a complaint, it is just an observation.

A simple search on most any Blog on the Internet, using the word "Christianity," will reveal the world's view of Christian beliefs and Christianity in general. Most of the videos and blogs that appear within this search present a negative view of Christianity. Can the True Church be found within Christianity? Not in the eyes of the world.

Christianity is a religion. At the same time, "True" Christians do not need a religion. True believers have no religion, but a real and personal, living and loving, walking and talking, daily relationship with God in Christ. The true Christian

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