Don’t Be Confused

by Garreth L. Clair
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 2, June 1995

Today, there are approximately 300 different religious groups in the U.S.A. Since there are so many different religious grogps, many people are confused as to which is right and whether all are right, The truth of the matter is that Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18). Since Christ has built but one church and has purchased it with his own blood (Acts 20:28), men must become a part of that one, and it alone, in order to be saved.

There is no doubt but that many sincere folks have become members of certain religious groups, thinking that the group was “OK.” We are not questioning motives in this article, but are seeking to inform our readers about the truth of this matter:  Christ built only one church, and in order to be saved, all must belong to it. Friends, we want to show from the Bible God’s truth about His church. The facts are inserted for you below:

1. Prophecy foretold of a new system for man’s reconciliation to God; that new system contained references to the kingdom (church).
   • The Church was to be set up in the days of the Roman Caesars (Daniel 2:44).
   • It was to be established in the last days (Isaiah 2:1-3). The apostles of Christ lived during the last days (Acts 2:16-17: 2:1-4; Hebrews 1:1-3).
   • Certain men were awaiting the beginning of the kingdom (church) at Christ’s crucifixion (Mark 15:43).
   • It was to come about, said Christ, who cannot lie (Matthew 16:18).
   • The kingdom had not arrived at the last supper (Luke 22:18,29,30).
   • The kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom; the church is indeed everlasting (Daniel 7:27).
2. The kingdom (church) came as foretold, according to the events recorded in Acts 2, on Pentecost day.
   • The Holy Spirit came on Pentecost (Acts 1:8). The coming of the Holy Spirit signaled the fulfillment of Mark 9:1
   • All nations were included in the invitation to serve Jesus Christ according to Acts 2:5, 39.
   • The events took place in Jerusalem, according to previous testimony recorded above (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-5).
   • Fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel was also accomplished on the same day, Acts 2:16-21. See Joel 2:28-32.

Friends, be not deceived. The church in the Bible can be identified with churches of Christ in your community. You ought to investigate these facts today.