People Are Funny

by Garner S. Hall

Isn't it strange that people will become offended at the statement of a simple truth? Many become offended when a preacher states that one cannot find the names of denominational churches in the Bible. Why? Is it not the truth? Do they want the preacher to tell a lie?

Most members of denominations know denominations "are not mentioned in the Bible, yet they are content to stay in them. This is strange too. How do they figure they are following the Bible? The Bible reveals to us church Jesus built, which is His bride, for which He died. Jesus adds all the saved to it. (Acts 2:47) Yet they choose to be members of denominations built by men, and which are not mentioned in the Bible! I confess that it is strange to me how they think they are following the Bible.

It is strange the people say there is nothing in a name. They know the New Testament church always had the name of God or Christ attached (if any name was attached); never any man's name. But now they say the name has nothing to do in identifying the New Testament church. Suppose one who is a member of the Baptist church in Texas should go to England on a visit. There he begins to look for his church. Suppose he visits every church in the country and not one has the Baptist name attached to it. What would he conclude? He would decide that his church was not in England.

Suppose one who never heard of the great system of denominations in the world should be given a Bible and instructed to follow it. He has never heard of the Bible, never heard of any church. First he reads the Bible, then starts out to find the church it teaches. He asks no questions of others. He merely follows the Bible. If he should come to a church with a sign "First Baptist Church" would he have any idea he had found the church his book called for? Would he take so much as a second look at a church with the sign "First Presbyterian Church" or one "First Methodist Church"?

"I am come in my Fathers name, and ye receive me not:  if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not." (John 5:43, 44.)

I implore you to turn your ears from thoughtless popular assertions and let God's word lead.

 

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