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Not Church of Christ Christians. Language of Ashdod. Nehemiah 13:23-25a
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Language of Ashdod Nehemiah 13:23-25a In those days I also saw Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. 24 And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and could not speak the language of Judah, but spoke according to the language of one or the other people. 25 So I contended with them and cursed them, struck some of them and pulled out their hair,…
Language of Ashdod “I’m church of Christ.” “He’s a church of Christ preacher.” Church of Christer
The concept of the church • Collective noun • Herd, flock, club • Acts 8:1, 14:21-28, a collection of saved people
The concept of the church • Saved people in a local area • 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,… • Revelation 2 & 3, the seven churches of Asia
The concept of the church • All of the saved everywhere • Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. • Ephesians 1:22-23
There are many local congregations, but only one church. • Ephesians 4:4-6, 1:22-23 • Man has changed God’s plan. • John 17:20-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
What is a denomination? • Denominator – divide • A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy. The Free Dictionary
The Conversation:“What flavor are you?” • Person 1: I’m a Baptist. • Person 2: I’m a Catholic. • Person 3: I was Presbyterian. Now I’m Pentecostal.
The Implications One is as good as another. Just a personal preference. Doesn’t make any difference.
We can be just Christians. That’s what they were in the NT. Acts 11:26 There is no hierarchy or association of congregations in the NT. Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Peter 5:1-2, Acts 14:23 “I’m church of Christ” gives in to the sectarian spirit. 1 Samuel 8:1-7
No authority for: Church printing companies Church schools Church hospitals Church camps
Be just a Christian Believe – John 8:24 Confess – Romans 10:10 Repent – Acts 17:30 Be Baptized – Acts 22:16 Be Faithful – Acts 14:22