There are hundreds to possible thousands of churches these days. Like the old burger king slogan, “you can have it your way.” You can choose which church fits your life style. We are all heading to the same place, just taking different “roads” to get there, right? Let’s look at what the bible says about this.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18. The key word in that verse is church. Jesus did not say to Peter, I will build my churches, but church, single, not plural. We are the members of Christ body, Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular 1 Corinthians 12:27. While there are different parts of the body(fingers, toes, etc), there is only one body (church), not multiple, For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12.
Roger Williams and John Clark have been credited for founding the baptist church, not John the Baptist as some may believe. Joseph Smith has been credited for founding the Mormon church. Presbyterianism was heavily influenced by John Calvin. Martin Luther has been credited for founding the Lutheran church. Majority of these churches believe that you are saved by faith only. In James 2:14-26 and Titus 1:16 we are told faith is dead without works, you cannot be saved by faith only. These “churches” where also founded by men, who have passed away. As well other churches that have been founded by men, who have either passed away, or will pass away.
Catholic church says they where founded by Jesus Christ, but don’t follow all the bible commands of them, one example is baptizing babies. In Romans 10:17, faith comes by hearing. While a baby can hear, doesn’t mean they understand what they are hearing. In Acts 2:38, Peter said you must repent, how can a baby repent when they can’t speak? In Acts 8:36-37, we are told we must confess Jesus Christ is the son of God. How can a baby confess this if either they can’t speak, only say a few words, or have the understanding of who Jesus is?
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness. He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1 Timothy 6:3-5.
We are warned multiple different times that not everybody will follow the word. That some will either change a verse, only preach specific verses, or make up their own. In Revelation 22:18-19 we are told not to add/change or take anything away from God’s word.
Church of Christ was founded by Jesus Christ in Matthew 16:18. To only preach and teach what the bible says. We are here to seek and save the lost as we are commanded in Matthew 28:19-20. We know that God loves all of us and wants us to be saved, John 3:16, 1 John 4:9. We must do our part to prove our worth by following His commandments, John 14:15, Luke 11:28, and Acts 5:29. For the path is narrow, Matthew 7:14 and many will go the way that leads to destruction, Matthew 7:13.
If you have questions about God, the bible, becoming a Christian, Church of Christ, or any questions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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