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Bible Will I Find: Why The Church Is Called The Church Of Christ? By: Gary Colley
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Bible Will I Find: Why The Church Is Called The Church Of Christ? By: Gary Colley
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Why is the church of which you are a member called by the name it wears? Is it in honor of a man, a movement, organizational structure, or of a community type of thinking? These are questions that should be asked by individuals of the religions which they follow. When we say “church of Christ” we do so because it shows ownership, as well as to whom we show our devotion. English teachers tell us that placing the preposition “of” in the front of a personal noun or pronoun expresses the possessive case. Hence we mean just what the Bible teaches, that this is not “my church,” our church,” or any man’s church. Since Christ is the builder this church belongs to Him (Rom.16:16). Following are several reasons for our wearing the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, who is “the captain” of our salvation, who was made perfect through suffering” (Heb.2:10). 1. He is our Lord, the ruler of our lives (Acts 2:36-41; I Tim.6:15; Lk.6:46). 2. Members of His church have been purchased by His blood (Acts 20:28). 3. He has promised to save His body, the church (Eph.5:23). 4. We are the recipients of His love (I Jn.3:1-3; Eph.5:25). 5. He is the only Way back to our Father in Heaven (Jn.14:6). 6. We gain entrance into His body through Him (Gal.3:26-27). 7. God made Him the chief cornerstone of this church (Eph.2:20). 8. There is no other foundation except Christ that will stand in the last great day of Judgment (I Cor.3:11; Matt.7:24-29). 9. He is the only one through whom we can successfully approach our Heavenly Father in prayer (Heb.7:24-25). 10. This church belongs to Him as the owner (Matt.16:18). 11. This is the only place where we can be completely subject to Christ (Eph.5:24, 30). 12. No other except Christ is the Head of His church (Eph.1:22-23). 13. We have no other message except that He is the Messiah of the world (I Cor.2:2; 1:23). 14. All who come to Him in this church are cleansed from all past sins in His blood (Eph.1:7; Rev.1:5). 15. We have been divinely (not “directly) called by His Gospel (II Thess.2:14). 16. He has shown us how to please Him in the organization of His church (I Tim.3:14-15). 17. We gladly wear His name because in the church we are His bride (Rom.7:4). 18. We come before God’s throne with worship which He has authorized (Jn.4:24; Heb.11:6). 19. It is by our advocate’s blood that we may remain cleansed (I Jn.1:7-9; 2:1-2). 20. He is the only one who knows the terms of membership in His church (Jn.8:24; Acts 17:30-31; Matt.10:32-33; Mk.16:15-16). It is true that these twenty reasons are given clearly in the New Testament of His blood. Also He said, baptism doth also now save us (I Pet.3:21).-- Gary Colley