WHEN MAN BUILDS HIS OWN DENOMINATION By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Isaiah 9:16
Introduction
In our journey of faith, there is a critical warning against building our own kingdoms, denominations, or systems that elevate human effort above divine direction. Many times, people settle into spiritual complacency, believing they have arrived, only to discover they are far from God’s intended purpose.
This message seeks to awaken believers to the dangers of self-made religion and to call them back to a life of surrender, humility, and dependence on God.
1. Building Your Own Kingdom is Choosing Death
When man builds his own denomination, kingdom, or religious systems, he often believes he has achieved spiritual success. Yet, the reality is far from this illusion. The Bible reminds us:
"For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed." (Isaiah 9:16).
Man's self-sufficiency leads to spiritual death. God calls us to humility and dependence on Him, not on human systems or traditions. He desires brokenness and a heart that bows only to Him (Psalm 51:17).
Reflection: Are you building God’s kingdom or your own?
2. Captivity and Bondage Due to Sin
History and Scripture remind us how disobedience to God leads to captivity. The Israelites faced bondage countless times due to their rebellion. God declares:
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear." (Isaiah 59:2).
When God’s people abandon Him for their desires, they are given over to their cravings, leading to bondage. Sin is a cruel master, and its chains grow tighter with time.
But God, in His mercy, hears the cries of repentance and delivers those who call on Him sincerely.
Reflection: Are you chained by sin, or have you surrendered to God’s freedom?
3. God Allows Consequences to Draw Us Back
When we desire something more than God, He often allows us to pursue it to the point of realizing its futility.
The Bible says:
"They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." (Hosea 8:7).
God, in His jealousy, permits us to face the consequences of our choices so that we may return to Him in true repentance.
He desires pure hearts and righteousness over outward religiosity (Micah 6:8).
Reflection: What are you sowing today? Are you sowing for life or destruction?
4. God Raises a Standard of Righteousness
Even in times of widespread spiritual decay, God never abandons His faithful remnant. He raises a banner of righteousness and calls His people to holiness.
"When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19).
God desires His people to stand firm, not conforming to the world or seeking validation from human systems. He empowers those who seek Him wholeheartedly, enabling them to walk in His truth and power (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Reflection: Are you part of God’s righteous remnant, or are you blending in with the world?
5. Religious Rituals Without God Lead to Death
External rituals and religious appearances mean nothing without a heart connected to God. Many kneel before idols, false doctrines, or human systems, thinking they are worshipping God, but they are far from Him.
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Matthew 15:8).
True worship flows from a relationship with the living God. Only in Christ can we find life, freedom, and purpose. Outside of Him, there is only death and destruction (John 14:6).
Reflection: Is your worship rooted in spirit and truth, or is it mere formality?
Conclusion
God calls His people to forsake self-made systems and return to Him wholeheartedly. Building one’s own kingdom leads to destruction, but surrendering to God brings life and peace. The Lord desires humility, obedience, and a heart fully yielded to Him.
As believers, let us examine our lives and ensure we are aligned with God’s will. Let us bow before Him, not in empty rituals but in sincere worship. Seek the living God, and He will fill you with His life, joy, and eternal hope.
Key Takeaway:
Choose life by surrendering to God. Reject self-sufficiency, embrace humility, and seek to build His kingdom—not your own.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23).
