Can You Love Jesus Without the Church?

Yes, it is indeed possible to love Jesus without the traditional framework of the church. This journey involves understanding the core teachings of Jesus and aligning oneself with true worship as described in the Bible.

Why the Church?

Many argue that the organized structure of religion, including the church, is a tool used by Satan to steer people away from the true faith. This belief suggests that the various denominations and religious practices may obscure the authentic message of Jesus.

Jesus’ Doctrine and the Church

Jesus, as the founder of Christianity, established His Church with Peter as a leader. Rejecting His creation could be seen as an indication of a lack of genuine love and commitment to His teachings. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, 'I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.' If He built it, why wouldn’t one desire to be part of it?

Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:19 further emphasize the importance of following Him and the Church He established.

The True Faith and True Worship

True worship, as described in the Bible, is not organized religion but a direct relationship with God through the Holy Spirit and truth. In John 4:23-24, Jesus clearly states:

‘Nevertheless the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.’

This passage highlights the importance of spiritual and truthful worship over organized religious structures.

Beyond Organized Religion

It's important to acknowledge that not all religious organizations are harmful or false. Many people find solace and spiritual growth in religious communities. The Coptic Orthodox Church, for example, provides a structured environment where believers can practice true worship and receive the sacraments provided by God.

One's choice to avoid traditional churches might stem from personal reasons, such as issues with particular individuals or fitting in. However, making such decisions should be based on a deep understanding of the teachings of Jesus and a genuine desire for true worship.

John 4:19-20

“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of the Father and does his will, God listens to him. A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

This passage encourages genuine worship over mere external practices.

Conclusion

Indeed, you can love Jesus and not the church if you seek a deeper, more personal connection with God. True worship involves a spiritual and truthful relationship with God, without the need for an organized religious structure.

If you're interested in exploring this path further, you can visit our website where you can browse various Bible topics and even request a free Bible study. Remember, the ultimate goal is to seek a relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ.

God bless.