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We read with interest the reports on every hand of the growing disenchantment with present religious forms which originated in the middle ages and have become meaningless. We hear of displeasure with denominational structures and their pronouncements which reflect only the preferences of an influential elite, ignoring the convictions of the rank and file. Because of these aspects of modem religion, some have decided that Christianity is not even relevant to this day and age. We believe they have so decided because they are not sufficiently acquainted with the scriptures to be able to distinguish between the relevant gospel of Christ, and the things men have added to religion since, and which truly are not relevant to serving God.
If some of these things have troubled you, and you have felt an urge, or even a yearning, to return to the simple uncomplicated religion of Christ, and if you have felt the desire to strip away all nonessential elements of religion and simply abide by the truths of Christ, truths which alone can transform the soul and bind it to God, let us suggest that such a possibility actually exists.Let us begin with one essential fact. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. His coming, 1 his mission, 2 and his new message 3 were all foretold in the Old Testament, which Jehovah used to govern Israel until the Christ should come and establish the New for all mankind. 4
The New Testament is the word of Christ. It reveals the religion of Christ. 5 By studying it we become aware that among the followers of Christ no denominational organizations existed whatever. All such began at a later time. We see people hearing the gospel and in faith obeying the conditions of God's grace. That is, they turned to God and were baptized in order to be forgiven of their sins. Being thus saved, they were added to the Lord's people, or church. 6 As the gospel spread, we find them assembling together in congregations in various localities. Each congregation was under its own e1ders 7 and no one else on earth. These elders could not make laws or be masters. They were given the responsibility of tending and caring for the congregation as shepherds would a flock. 8 The only headquarters those disciples knew was heaven, where their head Jesus Christ was and is. 9
Their worship was something to participate in, not something to watch. On the first day of the week, for instance, they would eat the Lord's supper and hear preaching. 10 They would share their mutual responsibilities by sharing their prosperity, and we find contributions being collected on no other day than that.11 Incidentally, no hierarchy could tax them or tell them how much to give. They had no organizations clamoring for their support. They gave as they individually purposed in their own hearts. 12 In their assemblies they all would sing, 13 and all pray with various ones leading. 14 In all this they were all necessarily involved, for each saved person was a priest. 15 No one could perform his service or worship for him.
They lived godly lives. They cared for their poor. They taught others. They sent out preachers where they could not go. With simplicity of faith and fervor there was no need of centralization. Without organized machinery the gospel was preached throughout civilization in a short time. 16 These disciples of Christ were known as Christians. 17 They wore no sectarian names. Their religion was not sensual or materialistic. They sought not to impress men with pious ceremony. They sought to impress God with the only thing that has ever impressed him, contrite obedience. 18 Their appeal was not social or recreational. They offered the gospel to a troubled world for it was God's power to save, 19 and any other appeal was beneath them.
"If only such could be today," many say. But it is! Free men and women over the earth have despaired of denominationalism, seeing in it no necessity or relevance and only a cause of division. They desire the simplicity of what Christ authored, and their number is increasing. How many have taken such a stand? Who knows! They are related and connected only in Christ and not in some organization with machinery to keep a tally. Periodicals such as TIME MAGAZINE have listed the number in this nation alone in excess of two and a quarter million. We will not assess their estimation and try to number a people spiritually belonging only to God.
What is important is that a group of such people meet within minutes of where you live. They are just Christians. They worship and serve God in the same way the early disciples did. Christ is their only creed and the scriptures their only guide. They are not members of any human denomination, they are simply a congregation, or church, of Christ. all the world.
Footnotes
I. Gen.49: 10
2. lsa. 53; Zech.6: 13
3. Jer. 31: 31, 33
4. Gal.3: 19, 23, 24
5. Heb.9: 15,17
6. Acts 2: 36:47
7. Acts l4: 23
8. Acts 20: 17, 28; lPet.5: 13
9. Eph.1: 23
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10. Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29
11. 1 Car. 16:1-2
12. 11 Cor. 9:6-7
13. Eph. 5: 19:14
14. 1 Cor. 14:15-16
15. Rev. 1:5-6
16. Col. 1:23
17. Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; I Pet. 4:16
18. 1 Sam.15: 21
19. Rom. 1:16
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We are a two year old group of scripturally faithful Christians who hold fast to the concept of, "Where the Bible speaks we speak. Where the Bible is silent we're silent." This link will take you to a more detailed discussion of our history in New York City