A Little Story About A Lot Of People
"But you are a denominationalist too," the stranger was saying. "If one is a member of any church at all, he MUST be a member of some denomination."
But his companion replied, "When Jesus said, 'I will build my church' (Matt. 16:18) was he speaking of some denomination?" The stranger shook his head, and the man continued: "In apostolic days converts were made through the preaching of Christ's gospel. Were these converts members of Christ's church?" The stranger replied thoughtfully, "Yes, I believe so!"
"Now let us suppose that TODAY two men are riding along in a car, and one is an evangelist. He is teaching his sinner companion the gospel of Christ. He points out that Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:9). As they approach a stream of water the sinner says, "See, here is water; what is to hinder me from being baptized?" The evangelist answers, "If you believe Jesus is the Christ you may." The sinner gladly confesses his faith — they stop the car — both go down into the water — and the baptism takes place. Of what church is the former sinner now a member?"
The stranger swelled out a bit, assumed the usual "we-don't-believe-in-debate" attitude, and walked off. HE HAD READ ACTS 8 — HAVE YOU?