Is it possible to simply be a
Christian today, in the 21st century? Can we avoid being
entangled in and weighted down by all the trappings and
innovations of man which have found their way into religion
over the past 2000 years?
I believe the answer is "yes,"
and can be accomplished by taking an "island approach" to
Christianity. What do I mean by that? Suppose there was an
isolated island filled with people who knew nothing of Jesus.
However, one day a chest washed ashore and contained therein
was a copy of the Bible. The islanders began reading this
book with great interest. After months of careful study, they
came to the point of faith, turned from their sins, confessed
their faith in Jesus as the Son of God, were baptized into
Christ, and began worshiping God together and committing
themselves to the moral standards contained in the Scriptures.
Question: What
denomination were these islanders when they obeyed the
gospel? What "brand" of Christian were they? It's a silly
question, isn't it? They would not be a part of any
denomination, sect, or party. They would simply be
Christians, and Christians only.
Now friends, if people on an
isolated island can be "Christians Only," then why can't we be
"Christians Only" in our respective communities? The fact is,
we can. However, it will require that we do what they
did...open the Bible, unite on what it teaches, leaving behind
those practices and doctrines that are not found therein.
"I do not pray for these alone,
but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in
You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may
believe that You sent Me." (John 17:20-21).
Copyright © 2005,
South Green Street Church of Christ, Glasgow, Kentucky
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