I Am Not A Hyphenated-Christian
Gary P. Adkins
I am not a hyphenated – Christian because nowhere within the New Testament, from Acts to Revelation, is such a name used. “… And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Acts 11:26) “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28) “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed ...” (1 Peter 4:16)
In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul warns the church not to follow after any man. “... I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? ...” (Verses 12-13). In verse 10, Paul stated “... by the name of Jesus Christ, that ye speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you ...”
One dictionary definition of denomination is, “to divide or to separate into various units or values.” This is just the opposite of what Paul stated in verse 10 of the preceding paragraph. I can reference any religious denomination or religion and read the following information: Who started this organization; When it was organized; Where it was established; and the “How” and “Why” (doctrine) of that religious group.
I can read, however, in the second chapter of Acts, when, where, and how the New Testament church began. It was established and built by Jesus Christ. (Matthew 16:18) After the first gospel sermon, the Apostle Peter answered this question among his audience: “... Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:37-38)
Later in the second chapter, the Bible says, in verses 46-47, “And they, continued with one accord ... Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
These first Christians were not voted in, joined in, nor prayed into a church of their choice. They were added to the church, (Lamb’s Book of Life), by Jesus, Himself, who is the head of this body of believers and who purchased this church, (the Bride of Christ), with His own blood at Cavalry.
In other words, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” This is in Christ Jesus and in His church where all spiritual blessings are found.
This is why I am not a hyphenated – Christian. –PO Box 841, Culloden, WV 25510.