The Bible teaches that the Lord’s one true church (Eph. 4:4) was built by Jesus Christ (Mat. 16:18), at Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4; Acts 2:1-42), on the first Pentecost following Jesus’ crucifixion (Acts 2:1). It was established with divine power (Mark 9:1; Acts 2:1-6) for the explicit purpose of preaching the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16; Eph. 3:9-11) for the salvation of souls (Acts 2:38, 41, 47).
Any “church” which was organized by any other person, and/or at any other place, and/or at any other time, and/or without divine power, and/or for any other purpose–cannot possibly be the Lord’s one true church.
We encourage you to investigate these identification marks with (1) where you attend, and (2) with the church of Christ.
Gary Henson
GOD WOULD HAVE US TO BE A BIBLE READING PEOPLE
The beginning of the year is approaching. It is a time in which many people make a resolution to daily read their Bible. Of course, this would be a good resolution for everybody. Actually, Bible reading is commanded: “Give attendance to reading” and “read the epistle” (1 Tim. 4:13; Col. 4:16).
God assures us, as we read the Bible, great blessings await us. “Blessed is he that readeth…” (Rev. 1:3). “When they had read, they rejoiced…” (Acts 15:31). Thus, God wants us to read the Bible for our own good.
We need to read the Bible so we can obey its contents and be acceptable before God. “Read this law…that they [we] may… observe to do all the words of the law” (Deut. 31:11-13). In Deuteronomy 17:18-20, the result of the reading of the word of God is to be that we turn not either to the right or to the left.
Truly, there are great and extend benefits in reading the Bible. Should not you be one who reads the “Words of life?”
May we at Barnes be a Bible reading people as God would have us to be, for there are truly great benefits (both, here and in the hereafter) awaiting us.
Gary Henson