Greetings my Christ Commanded People Please enjoy this Journey through the Christian Faith: From the Apostles to the Christ Commanded Church

     Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters. Today, we are blessed to journey together through the history of the Christian faith—from its humble beginnings to the Christ Commanded Church as it stands today. Each stage in this journey is a testament to God’s unchanging love and His powerful guidance through the ages. I hope that by tracing the story of our faith, we can gain a deeper appreciation of our shared heritage and see God’s hand at work in every season.

1. The Early Church: Laying the Foundation

     Our story begins with the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the work of His apostles. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the apostles took the Good News across regions, sharing the message of love, forgiveness, and salvation. The early church formed in communities, meeting in homes, sharing meals, praying together, and caring for the needy. They faced persecution but remained resilient. Their faith laid the cornerstone for Christianity, establishing the foundation that we continue to build upon today.

2. The Rise of the Church in Rome

     Over time, the early church spread across the Roman Empire. Around the 4th century, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, thanks to Emperor Constantine. This marked a pivotal point: the church began to establish formal doctrines and structures, leading to the formation of what would become the Roman Catholic Church. The church became a central force in society, influencing both spiritual and political realms. While it faced challenges and divisions, this period demonstrated God’s power to unite and guide His people in times of both peace and conflict.

3. The Reformation: A Call for Renewal

     In the 16th century, reformers such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others began to call for change. They believed that the church needed to return to the roots of the Gospel, emphasizing salvation by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and a personal relationship with God. The Reformation led to the formation of Protestant churches, including Lutherans, Presbyterians, Anglicans, and Baptists. This movement helped Christians to see the importance of studying the Bible, nurturing personal faith, and seeking God’s truth in all things.

4. The Rise of Denominations: Diversity in Unity

     Over the next few centuries, various denominations continued to emerge, each emphasizing different aspects of faith. Methodists focused on personal holiness, Pentecostals on the work of the Holy Spirit, and Adventists on the hope of Christ’s return. Each denomination offered unique insights into God’s Word, enriching the Christian faith with diverse expressions of worship and devotion.

    But through all these branches and differences, the core message remained: Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Each new denomination contributed a unique perspective on how to live out God’s commands, yet we are united in Christ. This diversity within the body of Christ can be seen as a reflection of the many ways God can work through His people.

5. The Christ Commanded Church: Our Mission Today

     Today, we stand as part of the Christ Commanded Church, dedicated to fulfilling God’s commands in our time and place. Just as the apostles and early Christians followed Christ’s call to love, serve, and bring peace, we too are called to this purpose. Our mission is to help the homeless, serve the disadvantaged, and care for creation. In this pursuit, we echo the resilience of the early church, the reformers’ call for authenticity, and the spirit of unity within diversity.

    Despite the challenges we face today, we trust that God is guiding us. We’ve had the privilege of contributing to global initiatives, such as the 100-gigaton carbon removal competition, showing our commitment to stewarding the earth. In our daily work and

prayers, we strive to honor God’s call and bring the light of Christ to those around us.

Closing Thoughts

     As we look back on the history of our faith, we see God’s hand shaping the church through trials, reformations, and growth. Let us remember that we are part of this beautiful and ongoing story. Our mission is to be faithful, to serve, and to love as Christ did. May the Christ Commanded Church continue to be a place where His love shines brightly, uniting all who seek Him.

    In today’s landscape, where denominations and traditions vary widely, the call for unity among Christians remains essential. Scripture consistently encourages believers to seek unity and love one another. Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” remind us that despite our different practices, we are all part of the body of Christ. Romans 14:1-4 also speaks to this spirit, encouraging believers not to pass judgment on one another over differing convictions, for “God has accepted them.” Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21, “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you,” reflects His desire for unity among His followers. As members of various traditions, we can honor our unique ways of worship while embracing a spirit of love and acceptance, reflecting God’s boundless grace.

    Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding us through the ages, for bringing us together as one body. Help us to carry on Your work with humility and courage. May we honor You in all we do. we strive to honor God’s call and bring the light of Christ to those around us.

As we look back on the history of our faith, we see God’s hand shaping the church through trials, reformations, and growth. Let us remember that we are part of this beautiful and ongoing story. Our mission is to be faithful, to serve, and to love as Christ did. May the Christ Commanded Church continue to be a place where His love shines brightly, uniting all who seek Him.

In today’s landscape, where denominations and traditions vary widely, the call for unity among Christians remains essential. Scripture consistently encourages believers to seek unity and love one another. Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” remind us that despite our different practices, we are all part of the body of Christ. Romans 14:1-4 also speaks to this spirit, encouraging believers not to pass judgment on one another over differing convictions, for “God has accepted them.” Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21, “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you,” reflects His desire for unity among His followers. As members of various traditions, we can honor our unique ways of worship while embracing a spirit of love and acceptance, reflecting God’s boundless grace.

In times of political strife, the church is called to be a beacon of peace and love, transcending earthly divisions. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” As we navigate differing opinions and tensions, may we remember our higher calling to reflect Christ’s love, seek unity, and build bridges rather than walls.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding us through the ages, for bringing us together as one body. Help us to carry on Your work with humility and courage. May we honor You in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Donate @ www.christ commanded.com