Unity in the Church Belonging to Jesus Christ

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Religious Names and Divisions

J.C. Choate
Worldwide, there are many religions, called by many different names. Those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the one Savior of the world are often greatly criticized for their "narrow mindedness". To say that there is only one God, or to affirm, as Jesus said of Himself, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6), is to bring on oneself the loathing of the "politically (spiritual) correct (so they believe) elite". We just can't be so judgmental and exclusive, they say. They would argue that there are many gods, many ways to God, and that no one has the right to pass judgment on another person's religion. Actually, the real belief of such people is one of three:

1) Either they at heart are unbelievers, or
2) They believe in the exclusiveness of their own religion, or
3) They believe that it is ultimately one's own goodness that matters - not a "god" or a "savior".

Leaders in the denominational world who speak out in response to charges of bigotry, and who would defend the fact that Jesus is the only way to God --- realize that the "Christian" world is coming under attack and that persecution for our faith may lie in our future. They feel the pressure from the outside world because of the exclusive doctrine they preach. But, realizing that Jesus boldly claimed to be the only way to God, and that He died as our Savior, they are compelled to stay with what has become a very unpopular teaching.

Did Jesus say, "I am the way the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" ? If He did, and if we believe in Him, we must have the courage to stand with Him and to say with conviction, "He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him" To make that statement makes one bigoted in the eyes of many, but so be it.

But what other exclusive statement did Jesus make? He said, "I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). Again, He was very specific and exclusive. His church exists in the world, even today, because He promised that it would never be destroyed, that He will come back one day to receive it unto Himself, "... a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish " (Ephesians 5:27).

When members of the church of Christ make the statement, "Jesus established only one church, and we should not have all the division and confusion that exists among believers in Christ today," they are criticized and condemned for being bigoted. But the parallel is there: just as we must remain firm in our affirmation that there is only one way to God, Jesus Christ. We must be just as adamant in our affirmation that He meant what He said when He promised to build only one church. We must not deny that truth, even though it causes anger and even hatred in the hearts of those who don't want to hear it. What can we do? We can't re-write the Scriptures. And we can't be honest with ourselves while denying the plain statements made by our Lord.

Members of the denominational world have no trouble seeing that "Shintoism", "Zoroastriainisin", "Hinduism", "Buddhism", "Sikhism", "Islam", and the many other religions of the present age are just as empty as the worship of Zeus, Aphrodite, Hermes, Re , Osiris, Ptah, Apollo, and Diana. Why? Because these gods and religions are not to be found in the pages of God's Word.

They are right about that. The Bible is our source book for identifying God, our Savior, and His family of people who are called out of the world to live for Him and to be His bride, the “called out,” the church belonging to Jesus Christ.

But those same religious leaders have taken the "idea" of God, of Christ, and of the church, and they have corrupted those teachings to the point that they have created religions just as foreign to the Scriptures as others have done with their pagan religions. After all, if men are presuming to create churches and doctrines in contradiction to the one way that has been established in Scripture, is this not "preaching another Gospel", and "adding to what has been written", as is condemned in Galatians 1:8 and Revelation 22:18-19?

Where in Scripture do we read the religious names applied to men: reverend, archbishop, cardinal, pope? Where in Scripture do we read of the Holy Roman Catholic Church? the Methodist Church? the Presbyterian Church? the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints? the Jehovah's Witnesses? the Lutheran Church? the Salvation Army? the Church of the Nazarene? and, all of the community churches that may be called such names as "The New Light Church" or "The Church on the Rock" or "The Saddleback Community Church" or the "Willow Creek Community Church"?

Not only do all of these names violate the claim of Scripture that it is only in the name of Christ that salvation can be found (Acts 4:12), but all of them represent doctrinal division. They vary from each other and from Scripture in what they would teach people to do to have their sins forgiven; their worship varies from one to the other; their organization is according to laws and rules they have developed; their standard of morals and values varies from one to the other.

All of these differences, identified as spiritual division by the very names they have invented for themselves, are condemned by God. They show the world that these denominations deny the bold statement of the Savior they claim to follow. He said the church is one (Matthew 16:18), the church is His body (Colossians 1:18,24), the church is His family (Ephesians 3:15), the church is His bride (Ephesians 5:27), the church is His kingdom (Matthew 16:18,19; 1 Timothy 6:15).

Denominational religious leaders feel the pressure of disfavor in the eyes of the world when they affirm that there is only one way to God. Why, at the same time, are they adamant in denying the oneness of the church?

What Does the Bible Say I Must I Do To Be Saved
--- And Added to the Lord's Church? 1.The Bible tells us we must first hear the Gospel ---the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ: (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Luke 8:21, John 5:24, and Matthew 13:19-23).

2. Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins. (Romans 5:8; John 1:12; Mark 1:15; 16:16; John 5:24; 8:24; Acts 16:31; Galatians 3:26).

3. Confess the Lord Jesus Christ before Men. (Romans 10:9, Matthew 10:32).

4. Repent, turn away from your sins, & follow God. (Acts 17:30-31, 2:38, 3:19)).

5. Be baptized (Burial by immersion in water) for the forgiveness of your sins: (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:34-38; Romans 6:3-4; Matthew 28:19; Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:26-27).

6. Continue walking daily in obedience to God's Word. (Romans 2:13; Matthew 7:21: Romans 12:1-2,Galatians 6:6-10; James 1:22; Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 1:4-10; 3:17-8; 1 John 1 :9; Matthew 25:31-46).

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor. .

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Friday, August 8, 2008

Religious Unity

Religious Unity<BODY> <center>A. G. HOBBS</center> I. A PRAYER FOR UNITY "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee, Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be as one, as we are.” John 17:11. Jesus prayed for the apostles “that they may be one.” He wanted them to be united in their work, and for all to preach the same doctrine. The apostles were all under the same commission.(Matthew 28:18-20.) and everywhere they went they preached the same gospel. Jesus prayed that the apostles be one “as we are.” God and Christ are one in fellowship, purpose, love, interesting the lost, etc. But they are not one individual, as some argue. If so, then Christ prayed that all the apostles be one individual, which is absurd and impossible. Furthermore, when Christ prayed this prayer, He was on earth and God was in heaven. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father’, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou has sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as thou has loved Me.” John 17:20-23. Jesus prayed earnestly and fervently that all believers be one; not one person, but one in name, faith, doctrine, practice, fellowship, etc. Men often argue that it is impossible for all to be one. Hence, they accuse Jesus of praying an impossible prayer. But prayer must be in faith. If it is impossible for all to “see alike” and be one religiously, then Jesus could not have prayed in faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6. But Jesus always pleased God. John 8:29. Therefore, UNITY IS POSSIBLE! Any man ought to be ashamed to thank God for division, that every man can nave a church or his choice — that the prayer of Christ has not been answered! One reason Jesus gives for wanting all believers to be united is “that the world may believe that thou has sent Me.” Hence, religious division (every person having a church of his choice, instead of the Lord’s choice) is the main cause for infidelity. If all professed believers would throw aside their own likes and dislikes, human names, man-made creeds, and stand united on the Bible, then we could have influence and success in convincing both the disbelievers and the unbelievers. Hence, UNITY IS POWERFUL. In unity there is strength. Jesus said, "And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Mark 3:24. The Kingdom of Christ does not consist of all religious denominations; if so, it cannot stand. But Daniel said, “It shall stand forever.” Danial 2:44. Unity would be profitable in many ways. It would eliminate a duplication of buildings, and add to the peace and progress o many communities. Unity is both good an peasant. Psalms 133:1. Let us not try to evade this prayer for unity, but to hasten its being answered. II. A PLEA FOR UNITY "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you: but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” I Corinthians 1:10-13. Being guided by the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul pleads earnestly for unity. If it is wrong to wear Paul’s name, and it is certainly condemned here, then it is wrong to wear the name of Luther or any other man. It is wrong to belong to a religious party that puts over its place of worship the name of man or any name not found in the New Testament. Christ is not divided, and we should wear the name o Him who was crucified for us. Division is wrong and sinful. Paul pleads for all believers in Corinth to speak the same thing and be perfectly joined together. When one preacher is preaching one doctrine and another is preaching a different doctrine, they certainly are not speaking the same thing. When religious denominations exist, wearing human names, etc., and will not fellowship each other, it is obvious that they are not "perfectly joined together.” Unity can never be obtained while men try to uphold and justify division No one can do so without ignoring or denying the plain passages just cited — Christ’s prayer and Paul’s plea for unity. Men sometimes argue that the religious world is united “in a sense” But Paul pleads “THAT THERE BE NO DIVISIONS.” Denominationalism must crumble if God’s will be done. No denomination exists by the authority of Christ. All have been built by men contrary to the Word of God. Perhaps you are wondering how it is possible for all believers to be united. Study carefully the Divinely-given plan. III. A PLAN FOR UNITY "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:3-6. Let us study prayerfully and carefully each item as here listed, and a few other passages. We have here a Scriptural and practicable plan for the unity of all believers.<center>ONE BODY—UNITY OF ORGANIZATION</center> "There is one body,” Paul declares. This is unity of organization. What is the one body of which Paul speaks? Let him answer: "And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him, that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:22-23. The church is Christ’s body. The body is the church. Colossians 1:24. "But now are they many members, yet BUT ONE BODY.” I Corinthians 12:20. Since there is one body, and but one, and that body is the church; therefore, there is but one church. Jesus said, "I will build my church.” Matthew 16:18. He built only one. All others have been built by men. In speaking of religious bodies that God did not establish, Jesus said: "Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” Matthew 15:13. The church of Christ is composed of local congregations throughout the world. “The churches of Christ salute you.” Romans 16:16. Every congregation established by the apostles and their co-laborers was a church of Christ — spoken of collectively as churches of Christ. They all were taught the same doctrine, all believed, and obeyed the same things; and all were in fellowship one with the other. Christ is the Head, and all that believe the gospel, repent, confess, and are baptized for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38, are added by the Lord, Acts 2:47, and thereby become members of His body, which is the church.<center>ONE SPIRIT—UNITY OF REVELATION</center> The one Spirit is the Holy Spirit, almost every one will admit. The Spirit revealed the truth. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of Himself; but whatso-ever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come.” John 16:13. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12. “Which in other ages was not made, known unto the Sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” Ephesians 3:5. Not only did the Spirit reveal the truth to the apostles but he also enabled them to confirm the word preached by miracles and signs. Mark 16:20, Hebrews 2:3. There is only one Spirit and He certainly works in harmony with Himself. There are a number of religions today claiming to have their origin through an inspired man or woman since the days of the apostles of Christ. For example, the Mormons claim that Joseph Smith received special revelations from the Spirit. Yet, what he taught differs from what the inspired apostles taught. If all were inspired by the Holy Spirit, they would have all taught the same things. There are several religious bodies that claim to receive the baptism of the Spirit, they all teach and believe differently and will not fellowship each other. Is this not a strange situation? All truth is in harmony with all related truth. There is only one Holy Spirit. All so-called revelations that differ from the Bible are false. Those making the claims are false apostles — deceitful workers. II Corinthians 11:13. <center>ONE HOPE—UNITY OF AIM</center> Without lengthy discussion, the universal hope of man is eternal life in the world to come. Mark 10:30; Colossians 1:5. Christ has gone to prepare a place for the obedient and faithful. John 14:1-2. “For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.” II Corinthians 5:1. However, there are same exceptions to the one true hope of heaven. Some have the false hope of reigning with Christ here on earth instead of going to heaven in glory. The early Christians looked forward to a heavenly home. Hebrews 11:16. <center>ONE LORD --- UNITY OF AUTHORITY</center> Christ now has all authority. Matthew 28:18. Peter declared that God has now made Jesus both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36. “Lord” means one supreme, ruler, one with authority. The crying need of the religious world is to recognize and submit to the authority of Christ. There can never be unity until it is done. We should all be willing to act by Divine authority. But when men write creeds that serve as authority, and look to men instead of Christ, division will continue. <center>ONE FAITH --- UNITY OF DOCTRINE</center> Jude wrote that we should contend for “the faith.” Jude 3. A company of the priests were obedient to “the faith.” Acts 6:7. “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus that he might “... charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” I Timothy 1:3. The apostles and their co-workers all taught the same doctrine. No one had a right to his own belief. All had to preach the same gospel, Galatians 1:8, since there is only one true gospel. Hence, the early Christians all heard the same doctrine preached, all believed the same and all obeyed the same commands in becoming Christians. <center>ONE BAPTISM --- UNITY OF PRACTICE</center> Baptism is a religious practice. Most religious bodies practice what they. call baptism. This is one of the things the religious world is divided over. When Paul declares that there is “one baptism,” it does not sound as if every person has a right to be baptized according to HIS choice, and to submit to what HE THINKS is baptism. The Lord has not left us in the dark on this question The Bible plainly illustrates how baptism was and should be performed. Both the preacher and the one desiring baptism should go UNTO a certain water, BOTH should go down INTO the water. Acts 8:36-38. The candidate is buried with Christ by baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12. In baptism the body is washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22 (not just the head wet). A complete burial of the body in water is conceded by all leading Bible commentators to have been the practice of the early church. As to the design of baptism, it was to be saved. Mark 16:15-16. Christ and saves only the obedient, Hebrews 5:9, and baptism is a plain command. Acts 10:48. Therefore, all had to be baptized to be saved by Christ. Peter commanded baptism “for the remission of sins.” Acts 2:38. Why is it that ALL preachers will not tell dying men and women what the Bible says? As long as preachers repudiate what the Bible says, and preach what they THINK it OUGHT to say there can never be unity. Furthermore, there was no Holy Spirit baptism when Paul wrote this passage or at any time since. If all would follow these plain passages on baptism, there would be unity of practice.<center>ONE GOD --- UNITY OF WORSHIP</center> God is the One to be worshipped. The angel commanded John to “worship God.” Revelation 22:9. We worship God in and through Christ our mediator. Hebrews 7:25. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father, in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.” John 4:23. BUT God has revealed in His word HOW we are to worship. Worship must be in spirit and IN TRUTH --- according to truth which is the. word of God. John 17:17. After the church was established, we are told: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking or bread and in prayers.” Acts 2:42. They met on the first day of the week to break bread. Acts 20:7. They were commanded to use vocal music in worship --- singing. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16. If all would follow these simple commands and plain examples, there would be unity of worship and all would be walking by faith. But men come along and omit the Lord’s Supper because THEY do not THINK it should be observed weekly as by the early Christians. Then men add mechanical music because THEY LIKE it and WANT it. Hence, division arises and continues because men will not follow the Bible. <center>ONE SPEECH --- UNITY OF PREACHING</center> "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” I Peter 4:11. If all would do so there would be unity of preaching. All would be speaking the same thing. Hence, all would tell sinners to do the same things to be saved. Acts 16:31-34; 2:38, 22:16. But some stop on Acts 16:31, and deny the others. And, all would teach the same things about how to stay saved. If all would speak as the oracles of God, the following expressions would never again be preached: “Join the church of your choice,” “Once saved, always saved,” “original sin,” “baptism is just an outward sign of an inward grace,” “infant baptism,” etc. Let us all stick with the Bible in our preaching. <center>ONE WILL --- UNITY OF UNDERSTANDING</center> “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17. Only those who do God’s will can enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 7:2. “Testament,” “covenant” and “will” may be used interchangeably. It is said of Christ: “He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:9-10. The heirs of an estate must understand the will of the one making it before they can properly carry it out. So it is with the Lord’s will. When the heirs understand the will, they will all understand alike. So it is with the testament or will of the Lord; when it is properly understood, ALL WILL UNDERSTAND JUST EXACTLY ALIKE. God is no respecter of persons. And when all Understand the will of the Lord, there will be UNITY OF, UNDERSTANDING. <center>ONE NAME --- ALL CHRISTIANS --- ONLY</center> “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” I Peter 4:16. The American Standard Version reads, "in this name." Wearing unscriptural names keeps the religious world divided. To glorify God in the name Christian is a command. No one can obey the Lord and wear a Human name. There is something in a name --- the difference between obeying the Lord by wearing the right name, or disobeying Him by adding an unscriptural name. Furthermore, religious parties are built around party names. The prayer of Christ for unity can never be answered until all party names are discarded, Why not be content to just be a Christian only. No loyal wife will add another man’s name to that of her husband. Neither can one be loyal to Christ and add an unscriptural name. Let us be one in name, faith, doctrine, and practice --- and we can be if all will just follow the Bible and the Bible only. The Bible only makes Christians only! <CENTER><BIG>WHAT CAN YOU DO? </BIG></CENTER>You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10). <CENTER>WE WELCOME YOU</CENTER> Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement. If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruths@hotmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.</big></big></big> </BODY></HTML> <center> <a href='http://unityinchristschurch.blogspot.com/2008/08/religious-unity.html' target='_blank'>Read more!</a></center> <div style='clear: both;'></div> </div> <div class='post-footer'> Posted by Eagle Eye at <a class='timestamp-link' href='http://unityinchristschurch.blogspot.com/2008/08/religious-unity.html' rel='bookmark' title='permanent link'><abbr class='published' title='2008-08-08T23:31:00-07:00'>11:31 PM</abbr></a> <a class='comment-link' href='https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6752785768519542655&postID=2382997471743320669' onclick=''>0 comments</a> <a href='https://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=6752785768519542655&postID=2382997471743320669' title='Email Post'> </a> <a href='https://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6752785768519542655&postID=2382997471743320669&from=pencil' title='Edit Post'> <img alt='' class='icon-action' height='18' src='https://resources.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif' width='18'/> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="date-outer"> <h2 class='date-header'>Friday, November 16, 2007</h2> <div class="date-posts"> <div class='post-outer'> <div class='post hentry uncustomized-post-template'> <a name='3725114937169523436'></a> <h3 class='post-title entry-title'> <a href='http://unityinchristschurch.blogspot.com/2007/11/one-church.html'><center><A>One Church</A>?</center></a> </h3> <div class='post-header-line-1'></div> <div class='post-body entry-content'> <HTML><HEAD><TITLE>One Church? Have you counted all the churches in the yellow pages of your telephone book? The library is full of books about these churches. Here are some of the things you will hear about them:

· “ "We all believe in the same God.";
· "We use the bible in our church, too.";
"I'm a member of a non-denominational church.";
"We believe about like your church.";
"Churches interpret the bible differently."
"It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere.";
"Attend the church of your choice."

Why do they teach so many different things?

Pray to Mary.
- Don't pray to Mary.
- Baptize babies.
- Don't baptize babies.
- Priests can marry.
- Priests can't marry.
- The "Work of the Church" is social.
- The "Work of the Church" is spiritual.
- There is no life after this one.
- There is a life after this one.
- And on and on ...

HOW CAN I KNOW WHICH “CHURCH”
IS THE RIGHT ONE? Where did all these churches come from? Well, back about 30 AD Jesus said, " I will build My Church..." in Matthew 16:18. That must mean that the Church belongs to Jesus. At least, that's what the Bible says...

The Bible teaches us that "All scripture given by inspiration of God ... is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16) and that Jesus "has purchased with His own blood" the Church (Acts 20:28).

I. The Church belongs to Jesus Christ.
a. The Church (kingdom) prophesied and began:
Daniel 2:31-45; Isaiah 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-3; Luke 1:32; Mark 1:13-15; 9:1; Colossians 1:13-18; Revelation 1:9; Hebrews 12: 20:28;18:36

b) I wonder what else it says about Jesus' Church?

Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:12, 15, 5:23; Colossains 1:18, 24; 2:19; Ephesians 2:22-23

and gave Him to be the head over all things to the Church, which is His body

HIS BODY = HIS CHURCH

Colossians 1:18

and He is the head of the body, the Church

THE HEAD DECIDES, CONTROLS, GUIDES

Ephesians 4:4-6

ONE SPIRIT, ONE LORD, ONE GOD

Ephesians 4:4

ONE BODY

1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment

John 10:16

My sheep hear My voice ... and they follow Me.

John 10:16

and there shall be ONE FOLD and ONE SHEPHERD

ONE CHURCH!

Jesus condemned man teaching his own ideas and doctrine in Mark 7:7-9. "In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men...".

GOD DOES NOT HONOR THE DOCTRINES OF MENHowever, men did change the simple teachings of Jesus, and we now have denominations. Let's compare some of these "teachings of men" with what JESUS and the APOSTLES taught in the new testament:

-Men might say, "I painted the church."
Is that "church" Jesus' Body, His Church? No it is just the building where the assembly takes place.

-Acts 8:3 tells us that, "Saul made havoc of the Church... and committed men and women to prison." Christians are the "church" belonging to Christ.

-Men may say, "I believe all the different denominations are branches of Jesus' Church."
Disciples are the branches, not churches!

Let's look at what the Bible says. In John 15:5-6 Jesus says "If a man abides not in Me..."

Acts 2:42 lays the teachings and foundation of the Apostles doctrine for the Church --- the Bible.

In Mark 16:16, Jesus said the following: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."

But some say: "He that believeth not and is baptized shall be saved."
And others say: "He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved."

WHO SHALL WE BELIEVE?2 John 9, "Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son."

Mark 7:7-9, "... in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men." When the doctrine of Christ is polluted with the doctrine of man, it makes man's worship of God empty of value. It is vain.

Are you following the doctrines of men that make your worship vain, or ... are you abiding in the doctrine of Christ, as put forth by His Word?

II. The Purpose of the Church:

1) To show God's Wisdom. Ephesians 3:10,

His intent was that now, through the manifold wisdom of God be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord

2) That Christians might grow in the knowledge of God that their lives might be lived in accordance with His will

Colossians 1:10

That you may live a life worthy of the Lord ... bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God

2 Peter 1:5-6,

adding to your faith virtue; and to your virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly love; and to brotherly love charity (love); for if these things are in you, and abound, they make you that you shall not be idle nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ

III. The name of the New Testament Church:
1) Ephesians 1:22-23, "The Body of Christ".
2) Colossians 1:13, "The Kingdom of God".
3) 1 Corinthians 1:2, "The Church of God".
4) Romans 16:16, "The Church of Christ"

IV. The organization of the Church:
Acts 4:12; Col. 3:17; John 16:23; Ephesians 2:20; Philippians 2:11.

1) Jesus the Head: Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23; Matthew 28:18; John 3:35; 1 Corinthians 16:3.
2) Rules through the Apostles and Elders:
Acts 15:1-29.
3) Bishop over the local Church:
1 Timothy 3:1-7
4) Elders oversee local Church:1 Timothy 3:1-7
5) Deacons & evangelists: 1 Timothy 3:8-15; Titus 1:5-9
6) Independent and self-governing:Titus 1:5-9; Acts 14:23

V. We are to Strive to reproduce that New Testament Pattern for Christ's Church:
Matthew 7:21.

The Church is a divine-human institution, and not infallible. The rules of conduct must be in accordance with the teachings of the infallible Holy Scriptures, otherwise the true idea of the Church is lost sight of and the Church either assumes too much or too little.

The Bible and it alone is a competent and safe guide as to what we and all people are to believe and practice. Remembert the Bible:

(1)is complete and alive , able to challenge and change us if we allow it to,
(2) within the reach of every seeker of truth,
(3) is clear and intelligible to all honest and good hearts, and
(4) presents and contains all the truth God wants us to obey to live a godly life now and then with Him in Heaven after the Judgment (Matthew 7:7-8, Ephesians 3:3-4, 2 Peter 1:3, Jude 3);
(5) The Word is perfect and eternal;
(6) We must obey God's Word if we are to live eternally in heaven, or we will be punished eternally in hell.Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46; John 14:6, 23; Romans 2:13; James 1:22; 2:14, 24; Galatians 5:6; Acts 10:34-5; Hebrews 5:8-9

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world", 1 John 4:2.
"These were more fair-minded ... in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptres daily to find out whether these things were so."
Acts 17:11
Test everything against God's Word.

"But the hour comes, and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him.", John 4:23.

When the Gospel of Christ is preached today, God is calling people to Him that they might be His worshippers, (Mark 16:15, 16; 2 Thessalonians 2:14). Anyone who hears the Gospel (Romans 10:17), believes the facts of the Gospel---the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:15, 16), repents (turns) of sins (Acts 17:30, 31), confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and the Son of God (Romans 10:9, 10) and is baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Acts 8:36) is a son of God (Galatians 3:26, 27) has obeyed Christ and is then added to the Church (Acts 2:47), and thus seeks to worship God.

IN THE NEW TESTAMENT SEVERAL DIFFERENT
KINDS OF WORSHIP ARE MENTIONED

1) VAIN WORSHIP

Matthew 15:8,9

This people draws close to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men

2) WILL-WORSHIP---Colossians 2:21-23

3) IGNORANT-WORSHIP---Acts 17:23

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an alter with this inscription, 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, Him I declare unto you.

Ephesians 4:18

Acts 17:30-1

4) SPIRIT AND TRUTH---John 4:23-34

But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.

I Corinthians 13:1-3

Sanctify them through your truth: your Word is Truth

John 17:17

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, 'If you continue in My Word, then you are My disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you

John 8:31-32

THE BIBLE DESCRIBES WHAT COMPOSES THE WORSHIP ---
"IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH."

1) The APOSTLE'S DOCTRINE, or TEACHING:
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers", Acts 2:42.

"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them... and continued his speech until midnight", Acts 20:7.

"Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God...", 2 John 9.
When they came together they studied God's Word, as we should today. We must abide (live) in the doctrine of Christ today.

2) PRAYER: Acts 12:5-15.
Acts 2:42“And they (the New Christians) continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer.”

Prayers of praise, thanksgiving and supplications to God the Father, through the name of Jesus Christ are a regular part not only of our worship, but of our everyday walk with Jesus Christ.

3) GIVING:
"Now concerning the collection for the saints (Christians), as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come", I Corinthians 16:1-2.

"Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver", 2 Corinthians 9:7.

"We must then purpose to give regularly, systematically, individually, and liberally", 2 Corinthians 8:1-12.

4) SINGING:
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord",
Colossians 3:16.

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord...", Ephesians 5:19.

Nowhere in the New Testament worship of the Church do we find the authorization for mechanical instruments of music. To use them would be in fact offering vain worship, Matthew 15:9. We understand from the scriptures that we will sing with grace, making melody in our hearts to the Lord.

5) THE LORD'S SUPPER:
"And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, 'Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me'. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, 'This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do you, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me' ", 1 Corinthians 11:24-25.
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread,
and in prayers", Acts 2:42.
"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread..", Acts 20:7.
"But let a man examine himself, so let him eat of that bread,
and drink of that cup", 1 Corinthians 11:28.

We observe from these passages that upon the first day of the week (Sunday) Christians assembled that they might break bread and drink the cup which to them by faith was the body and blood of Jesus. Since each week has a first day, every week the Lord's Supper should be observed in this worship in spirit and truth.

6) ASSEMBLED ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK:
As already noted in 1 Corinthians 11:20, 16:12; Acts 20:7; and also in Hebrews 10:24-25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching." Children of God must not forsake this assembly of the Church of our Lord. To do so is sin. Christians must present their bodies as living sacrifices to God, Romans 12:1-2. Together, children of God form a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 2:5.

Please remember, those who are children of God must serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear every day of their lives, Hebrews 12:28.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded ( Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruths@hotmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.

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Monday, November 5, 2007

Is One Faith As Good As Another?

Is One Faith as Good as Another?

Irvin Barnes

Is one faith as good as another? Does God want all those who profess faith in Christ to be united? Is it possible for all believers to agree on the meaning of the Scriptures’?

The idea that --- “it does not matter what one believes and that God really doesn’t intend for everyone to see the Bible alike” has gained great popularity in our time.

Is a doctrine correct when it is finally accepted by the majority? What if every religious person on earth became convinced that Jesus’ resurrection was a hoax’? Would it be any less true? What if the majority came to deny the virgin birth of Christ?

Our purpose here is to make an honest investigation of scriptures and find out what God thinks about the idea of religious differences as opposed to the unity of all believers. How do the scriptures read on the notion, “we need not understand the Bible alike,’ or as some say, “it is impossible to understand the Bible alike???”

My purpose here is not to anger those who may read this, but to awaken people to the fact that the Bible does not teach much of what we hear in religion today.

What is written in the following pages will probably be regarded as antagonistic by many. If by my antagonism some are awakened to the truth of the Bible then I gladly suffer the accusation.

What Does the Bible Say?
There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that indicates that one faith is as good as another. There is no premise whatsoever in the scriptures that seems to indicate any impossibility of people understanding the scriptures alike. These ideas are nothing more than religious fables! They are nothing more than the philosophies, doctrines, and commandments of men. God has never indicated that He intended for his people to divided into denominational groups.

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints..”(Jude 3, NKJV).

Concerning “the faith once delivered” the NIV renders it, “the faith once for all entrusted to the saints.” The passage in our modern language could just as well be translated “the faith once and for all times and ages delivered to the saints.”

If we believe the Bible, then we have no choice but to accept this part of the scriptures as we would any other. The faith is singular. This passage will not allow “faiths”. It will not allow the concept of “more than one faith” or “the faith of your choice.” There is but one faith. This faith was delivered one time and therefore it is sufficient for all ages.

Prior to His ascension into heaven Jesus commanded the apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. On the first Jewish Pentecost day after Christ’s resurrection the apostles received the Holy Ghost in the city of Jerusalem. They went forth preaching the gospel and people obeyed, becoming partakers of “the faith once delivered.” There was but one Christian religion. If you will follow the work of the apostles and the history of the church through the book of Acts you will find no denominations, no different churches, wearing different names and worshipping in various ways. It took several centuries for the doctrines of men to take hold and introduce the new and different religions in the world.

When division in the church occurred it was condemned and the people were rebuked for their divisive practices. For example, the church at Corinth was plagued with division over various matters. Paul commanded them to be of the same mind and the same judge-ment (1 Corinthians 1:10). He told them that as long as they were divided, they were carnal and still in sin (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

“The faith” of Jude 3 is the aggregate of all things believed by the Christian or the total contents of one’s faith. This faith is delivered in the singular sense. There is but one faith.

“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:3-6, NKJV).

The word faith is used in at least 2 ways in the Bible. Faith sometimes refers to one’s own personal belief. This faith comes from the heart. Romans 10:17, says “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” This faith is a convicting faith that leads one to obey the will of God.

Faith sometimes is used to refer to the entire embodiment of things believed, the total contents of belief, the aggregate of all things believed, or a system of faith. This is the way the term is used in both Ephesians 4:5 and Jude verse. 3. This is the way people use the term in a modem vernacular when they ask, “What faith are you?” In other words what system of religion or what denomination are you a part of? It is in this sense that people say that one faith is as good as another.

Before I comment further on the one faith of Ephesians 4:5, please allow me to take a closer look at the statement that “one faith is as good as another.” Let us break this down, so to speak, and see if we can expose some of the prejudice contained in this religious fable. This statement, I believe, encourages people to close their minds to the truth.

“As good” is the key to understanding how this statement incites prejudice. “Good” usually is used in the sense of moral purity or wholesome living. Most religions that. claim to follow Christ do not vary too much in the area of morality. Some exception is in order because some religions now accept homosexuals contrary to Romans 1, along with other liberal attitudes toward certain sinful conduct. But for the most part, morally speaking, most of the mainline denominations stand together against adultery, fornication, lying, stealing, murder, etc.

When some one points out that the Bible does not teach that one faith is as good as another those who bold the notion become quickly offended because they are reflecting on the moral nature of the statement. Those who claim this belief sometimes act as if their moral purity is being questioned.

When we say that one faith us or is not as good as another we are not talking about the moral character of individuals i.e. one person being as good or not as good as another, but rather whether one system of faith is as acceptable to God as another. It is likely that people who are morally good can be found in almost every religion. This is not the issue.

The issue should be clarified. Is one faith as doctrinally good, as good in the manner of worship as is another? To disagree with the notion that one faith is as good as another is not to indict the morality of those who are in that faith unless that religion teachings something immoral. If some immoral doctrine is held such as was mentioned above then the church that overlooks such behavior is not as good as the church that teaches against it.

On the other hand, there are things that God commands in the doctrinal sense such as church organization, worship, and salvation of the alien sinner. I submit to you that in these matters --- one faith is not as good as another.

In fact, the Bible never mentions more than one faith. Since the Bible says there is “one faith” how can we decide that there are many different faiths and that one is as good as another?

Let us go back to Ephesians 4:5, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Often times when people disagree on religious matters the matter of interpretation comes up. Folks have told me, “that is your interpretation of the scriptures.” Can the “one faith” of Ephesians 4, be left up to interpretation? How can you possibly mis-interpret the Word “one”? Surely, we can all agree on what the word “one” means.

Ephesians 4:4-6, teaches one Lord, one God, and one faith. If I can preach more than one faith, then I can preach more than one God or more than one Christ.

The doctrine that one faith is as good as another serves only to further divide the religious world. If people are convinced that it doesn’t matter what you believe, then they feel comfortable, they feel at liberty, in serving God however they choose. They will feel at liberty to preach anything they want to preach, establish any kind of church they might wish to establish.

There is yet another very presumptuous and ungodly feature to the fable that says, “it doesn’t matter what you believe, because one faith is as good as another.” The fable that says, “God never intended for all people to see the Bible alike,” holds this same ungodly feature.

These ideas lowers God’s plan for redemption to human standards. Sinful man decides for himself how to serve God. These doctrines, in so many words, say, “It is in man that walks to direct his own steps. It doesn’t matter what you believe, do what you want to, serve God however you please.”

Do such notions come from the scriptures? Have you ever read anything like this in the word of God? Much to the contrary, you can find in the scriptures, “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps,” Jeremiah 10:23. Again, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Old Testament is replete with examples of individuals who have fumbled, failed, and ended up in self destruction when they turned each to his own way in the rejection of God’s will. We must learn to be totally dependent upon God and never depend upon our own understanding. The idea that it doesn’t matter how we serve God , scoots God aside, pushing Him out of the picture and in so many words, says, “God, I know you sent Jesus to die for my sins, you have promised eternal life, but, now God, you just step aside and let us design our own religion our own way, and let us serve you how ever’ we please. After all, we want to believe that one religion is as good as another.”

Are you aware that the denominations that exist today can trace their beginning back to some man who started that particular religion because he wanted to emphasize some point of doctrine?

Jesus promised to build His church. He promised it in the singular sense. He never promised to build “churches.” The kingdom of Christ is always mentioned in the singular sense. The church is called the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18) and the Bible says, there is ONE body (Ephesians 4:5).

When You Read You Can Understand
How can we be sure we are in the right church? How do we know that we believe the right doctrine? The answer is to study the scriptures. If we cannot find our practice, our church, our worship in the Bible, then let us abandon our present religion and seek out a church that follows only the word of God.

“How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:3-4, NKJV)

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13, NKJV).

Are we in the dark’? Is it possible for us to know what God expects of us? Can we understand God’s word. The apostles Paul and John explain how that we can “believe, know and understand” by the things that are written.

When we say that it is not intended for us to see. the Bible alike, then we are excused from any responsibility and obligation to try to see the Bible alike. This eliminates any need to admit we were ever mistaken on any point or that there is any need to make a change. This is why the doctrine is so popular. No need to study, no need to worry, no need to change, because after all, we can’t all see the Bible alike any way!

To say we cannot see the Bible alike is an indictment of God and the Holy Ghost. This is to say that God doesn’t have the ability to reveal a plan that people can read and under-stand alike. Do you believe God has told us to walk by the same rule and mind the same thing (Philippians 3:16) yet, God has all but made it impossible for us to obtain unity? Does God require the impossible? Certainly not! We can be one, we must be one. Let us go back to the Bible, let us be united on a “thus saith the Lord”!

Bible Study Quiz
If the statement is in harmony with the scriptures please circle the T for True. If the statement is not in harmony with the scriptures, please circle the F for False. Please write down verses you find to support your answers.

1. T F The Bible speaks of “the faith.”

2. T F The Bible speaks of “the faiths.”

3. T F The faith was once and for all times delivered.

4. T F The faith delivered in the time of the apostles is too old fashioned and out-dated for the present time and circumstances.

5. T F The Bible mentions denominational difference as a good thing, acceptable to God.

6. T F Jesus promised to build only one church or kingdom.

7. T F There is one body.

8. T F The church is called the body.

9. T F Since there is but one body, then there is but one church recognized by God and approved of in His word.

10. T F What man devises for himself in religion is as good as what God has revealed in His word.

11. T F God’s ways are higher than man’s ways and God’s thoughts are better than man’s thoughts.

12. T F It is not in man that walks to direct his own steps.

13. T F God has left it up to man to direct his own steps.

14. T F By reading the scriptures we can know we have eternal life.

15. T F Man can know he has eternal life only if he feels it in his own heart.

16. T F
By reading the scriptures we can understand God’s will.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU
Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile our differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. I would be happy to talk to you about your comments or questions, or give you the location of the nearest congregation belonging to Jesus Christ to your home.

Contact Dennis Crawford at BibleTruths@hotmail.com, or 253-396-0290 (cell)

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Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Finding Unity in the Church
Belonging to Jesus Christ

Finding Unity in the Church belonging to Jesus Christ

ONE FAITH “there is one body and one Spirit ...
one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, one God ...”
(Ephesians 4:4-6)
Why are there so many religious divisions in the world today? This question is frequently asked by sincere, honest people seeking the truth in religious matters.
It may be observed that most religious differences are due to the acceptance of teachings and practices NOT found in the Bible. Man-made creeds, names, and doctrines perpetuate these divisions. Unity is possible by accepting the Bible as the only source of doctrine and practice.

JESUS PRAYED FOR UNITY On behalf of His followers Jesus prayed, “... that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.” (John 17:21) Please note, Jesus wanted His followers to be one in order that the world might believe! Religious division fosters doubt!!!

Jesus gave the formula for unity. “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17) Jesus intended His followers to be set apart, or sanctified by the truth. Following the truth results in unity.

THE ONE BODY
The “one body” described in the Scriptures is the spiritual body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). Those who are baptized into Christ are members of that body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 6:3-5).

THE ONE FAITH
There is one faith, or body of knowledge, given by God. The inspired author, Jude, wrote “... contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3)

APOSTASY FORETOLD
The apostle Paul wrote, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1). He said to the Ephesian elders, “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29-30).

It is a fact, both from the Bible and from history, that Catholicism was developed several centuries after the time of the apostles. Protestantism resulted from attempts to reform Catholicism. Consequently, the major religious beliefs stem from this traditional background and tend to perpetuate the traditions of men.

UNITY A REALITY NOW
Unity occurs when the bible is accepted as the ONLY source of doctrine and practice. To accept the Bible ONLY is to lay aside human names and traditions of human origin (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

Jesus should be confessed as the Christ, the Son of God (Romans 10:10). The believer is united with Christ at the point of baptism (Acts 8:35-38; Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:27), and it is at this point the believer has their sins forgiven and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Baptism into the one body results in unity with all members of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-18).

DIFFERENCES IN VIEWPOINT
Frequently those who want to follow Christ have different viewpoints. When this occurs it is necessary to study matters of differences objectively, and with mutual love, remembering that in all things each member has a responsibility to, “... walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruths@hotmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.

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