Since every denomination considers itself a part of the church of Christ, isn't it presumptuous to call yourselves the "churches of Christ?"
The thing that is presumptuous is to act without divine authority in things concerning the Lord's body. Paul wrote, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col. 3:17). There is no authority to set up a church whose aim, organization, practice, or teaching is more or less than the one which Christ built (Matt. 16:18), as it is described in the New Testament. A denomination, by the meaning of the term, is a part or division of a thing, identified by a particular name to distinguish it from other divisions. Yet Paul commanded that there be unity (Eph. 4:3-5) and Jesus prayed that all believers should be one (John 17:20-21). Men fail in their efforts to plant the church when they omit the divine requirements (Matt. 28:19-20) or when they add human doctrines (Mark 7:7).
The church is called by several terms in the New Testament, including: the church of God (1 Cor. 1:2), the churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16), the church (Matt. 18:17), the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27), the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15), etc. These terms and phrases were given for us to use by inspiration of God. We have no authority to make up our own terms (2 John 1:9), not for popular appeal, nor to honor men, nor to emphasize a practice, nor for doctrinal distinction, and certainly not just to be different!
S.T.E.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;" "One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
"Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:"
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
"And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."
