Westside Church of Christ

It was the day that changed eternity. Men stood in awe as the world shook. Darkness enveloped the earth. The one who was sent to save mankind hung on a cross. Disciples fled. Guards marveled. Word spread to the authorities. He was dead. A sword was thrust into His side just to make sure. It confirmed the news. Nothing would ever be the same again.

It is impossible for finite brains to comprehend the enormity of that day. All the sins of every individual in every era were heaped on His sagging shoulders. He gasped for air. He suffered indescribably. Blood dripped. The heart finally gave way. The deed was done that opened the door to forgiveness, reconciliation and life. Yes, life came through death. The plan of God reached a crescendo which was completed three days later. He would emerge from that tomb.

The church was purchased that day (Acts 20:28). It belongs to the crucified resurrected one, and that is why it bears the name Church of Christ. That is who we are. Jesus spoke in anticipation of His church when he quizzed the apostles about His reputation among the people (Matthew 16:13-19). Folks were saying all sorts of things about Him. They still do. The same is true of the church. There are a thousand different brands claiming to belong to Him. Do they?

The Lord spoke of building His church. That is singular. He built one. He said so. The notion of attending the church of your choice is not in the biblical vocabulary. Jesus prayed for unity of His people on the eve of His death (John 17:20-23). It was so important to Him that it was part of His communication with His Father during His last hours on earth. True followers of Jesus seek that church based upon Scripture.

There is no earthly head of that body of believers. It is clearly stated in the word of God that the position is already taken (Colossians 1:18) It can never be filled by a human. His church is in subjection to Him (Ephesians 5:24), and any other arrangement is evidence of one fact. It is not His church. It may be filled with friendly, nice people who do many good things, but that does not change the fact. No group is His church who is not subject to Him. Period.

Jesus is the head, and we are His body. He bled and died for His people. We are one flock with one shepherd (John 10:16). That is His eternal plan, and any deviation from that is wrong. We must stand for His ideals. He gave His life for His church, and someday He will come to save it and no other.

Call to Praise: Guest speaker: Dennis Smith from Johnson City, Tennessee.