Why Am I Here?

Why Am I Here?

When you search the Bible, you will read about a church. It's the only church you will read about. It's the church Jesus built (Mt. 16:18). He also prayed His believers would be unified in it (John 17:20-22). Unfortunately, our society is completely filled with differing denominations; and we know the religious world is far from being unified. How did this happen?

 

In the New Testament, the apostles warned that false teachers would come and lead people away from the truth (1 Tim. 4:1-3 & Acts 20:29-30). If you study history, you will find that this did happen. Men began to change Christ's instructions and add their own teachings and doctrines. This, of course, is condemned by Jesus Himself (Mt. 15:9).

Because many people do not insist on Bible authority for their worship and practice, the religious world continues to remain divided. Today, there are man-made creeds and practices which were totally unknown to the apostles of the New Testament era.

In the 1st Century – church worship was something in which to participate, not something to watch. For example, on the first day of the week, Christians would gather together to partake of the 'Lord's Supper' and hear preaching (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23- 29), they would all sing (Eph. 5:19), they would all pray with various ones leading (1 Cor. 14:15-16), and they would share in their responsibilities by sharing of their prosperity (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

They lived godly lives. They cared for the poor. They were known simply as “Christians” (Acts 11:26, 26:28 and 1 Pet. 4:16). They wore no sectarian name – they practiced no other doctrine than that taught in the New Testament. Their religion was not materialistic or sensual. They did not seek to impress other men with their pious ceremonies; rather, they sought to impress God with the only thing that has ever impressed Him; sincere and humble obedience (2 Sam. 15:22). Their appeal was not social or recreational; they simply taught the gospel, for they knew it was God's power to save men (Rom. 1:16).

Many sigh and think, "If it could only be this way today?" Our dear friend, it is! Those of us who assemble together for worship at the Church of Christ at South Cullman disavow all forms of “denominationalism”. We have determined to seek the simplicity of what Jesus Christ authored – to follow (only) God's word – "as a lamp unto our feet,, and a light unto our path".