Weekly Bulletins
First Principles: Would It Shock You?
WOULD IT SHOCK YOU?
Would it shock you if I kindly told you that no denominational churches existed during the New Testament times? This can also accurately be said of Catholicism. None of them are mentioned in the divine record. Does it not seem reasonable to assume if they had existed there would be some mention of them in the New Testament history? Look at the Bible information and you will find no mention of them is made.
The only information we have is that Jesus said: “Upon this rock I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18). According to the record in Acts chapter two He accomplished this on the Jewish day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus. Previous to that great event the “church” was always spoken of as in the future. Following that occasion the “church” is always spoken of as being in existence.
This church was made up of those who had been called out of the world by the gospel of Christ. Actually, the word church means the “called out.” This church is called the body of Christ over which Jesus Christ is the head (Eph. 1:22-23). We read that there is “one body,” so, “one church” (Eph. 4:4). Congregations of these Christians were called “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16). Individuals in the church were called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).
Dear reader, this is the way it was before men tampered with the plan. It is the way it should be today. Let us all return to the Word of God.
W.R. Jones
