ONE CHURCH

The apostle Paul wrote: “The churches of Christ salute you … mark them that are causing divisions contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them … by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent” (Rom 16:16-18). All religions have some kind of distinctive plea that makes them different from all others. Churches of Christ are no exception to this. Salvation is in Christ Jesus. He set forth the conditions: “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk 16:15-16). Jesus’ good news (gospel) must be preached and obeyed from the heart. Also read Romans 6:3-4 about the “new life” in Christ that comes as a result of hearing “the word” of Christ which cannot be received by those “who do not love the truth” (2 Tim 4:1-4). When believers are baptized (immersed) for forgiveness of sins, they are added together by God into His body, His church (Mt 16:18). This is simple: His church follows His teaching, wears His name and worships by His divine pattern. It is not a denomination! Controversy follows, but His truth prevails! (Eph 6:17; I Tim 6:12).

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