Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ( ESV ). Below it is a copy of the Handbook OF Denominations IN THE UNITED STATES: NEW TENTH EDITION ( by FRANK S. MEAD, REVISED BY SAMUEL S. HILL, Abingdon Press, NASHVILLE, Copyright 1985, 1990, 1995 by Abingdon Press ). The following quotation is taken from page nineteen of this handbook:
"Of course, any author/editor receives help from many people in putting together a book. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the contact people of the denominations who responded to my request for assistance. I hope that they and their fellow members read here an accurate reporting of their statistics, history, and beliefs. But more, I hope that the description of their religious body, which means so much to them, elicits pride and celebration."
This is a portion of the preface written by Mr. Samuel S. Hill, in which he also stated that Abingdon Press asked him to continue the pattern carried on by Dr. Mead. Since the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:17, 18; Romans 16:16; and Ephesians 1:15-23 ( especially verses 22 and 23, for example ), for example ) is the only religious body which belongs to Christ ( see also Matthew 1:16, for example ), there is no reason to be proud and celebrate the existence of religious denominations. Rather, the apostle Paul ( see Ephesians 1:1 ) wrote ( see 1:15; 3:1; and 4:1, for example ) the following in ( 5:11 ): "11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."
Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." In making this statement, He rules out Buddha, Confucius, John Smyth, Mohammed, and everyone else. Therefore, the United States of America, yea, even the whole world, is wrong: He is right.
Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 17; and 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ). If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
<rewillis1_1@juno.com>
<Russell E. Willis>.
