This article is written with great care, concern, and compassion for the souls who are looking for God’s people, the church that Christ built. Jesus oversaw the church that He built and bought with His blood (Matt 16:18; Acts 20:28). Where is the church that Christ built?
One may first identify the church of Christ by their love and unity. Jesus instructed his disciples that all people can identify His disciples by their love for one another is as Jesus loves His followers (John 13:34–35). Jesus prayed that the church become one (John 17:20–21). The churches of Christ strive to speak the same thing with no divisions and be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1 Cor 1:10). The churches of Christ strive diligently not to be a denomination since sectarian religious parties are a work of the flesh and those who do such will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (Gal 5:19–21).
The Church is God’s People as God’s House
The church is God’s people and God’s spiritual house (1 Pet 2:5). That is church is described as a house put together perfectly by Jesus Christ. Christ’s Spirit spoke through the apostle Paul to Timothy expressing, “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15).
God has a house that supports the Truth, the word of God (John 17:17). God’s House is often neglected as one can see when comparing Jesus’s church to many churches in the world today. God’s house is the church of the living God.
Jesus Built God’s House, the Church
The writer of Hebrews wrote about Jesus,
For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house […] but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. (Heb 3:3, 6)
Jesus is over God’s house. Christ said that He would build His Church as He called it “My church” (Matt. 16:18). Therefore, the church is the church of Christ that Jesus bought with His own blood (Acts 20:28).
The most expensive and greatest institution to ever be established is the church of Jesus Christ. Jesus purchased the house of God. He built the church with Himself as the cornerstone and His Apostles and prophets as the foundation. Christ’s Spirit spoke about the house of God in Ephesians 2:20, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” Upon this foundation, Christ said through the Apostle Peter that each Christian is a stone built into the house of God (1 Pet 2:5).
Christ is over the house of God for He has bought with His blood. Therefore as Jesus said, He has all authority (Matt 28:18–20). Jesus designed and built His house. Jesus is sinless and infallible and so are His words (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 John 3:5; 1 Pet 2:22). Therefore, no one has the right to modify God’s House, the church, because Jesus built it. Jesus gave His words to His Apostles, so that we know how to conduct ourselves in the House of God (John 15:20; 17:8). Therefore, Christians can maintain today the church as Jesus built.
The Leadership of the Church that Christ Built
The apostle Paul wrote that Timothy and those who he taught would know how to conduct themselves in the House of God, the church of living God (1 Tim 3:15). Paul was speaking specifically about how God organized house was organized by each congregations being governed by qualified elders and served by qualified deacons (1 Tim. 3). Jesus built His Church to be pastured and overseen by an eldership in each congregation (Acts 20:28–30; 1 Pet 5:1–3). The apostle Paul and his associate Barnabas “appointed elders in every church” (Acts 14:23), and Paul instructed Titus to “set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you” (Titus 1:5).
Paul instructed the elders at Ephesus saying, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to pastor the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Elders are the only church pastors mentioned in the Bible. However, many churches today call their preachers and ministers “pastors” when they not meet the qualifications. Christ gave these pastoring elders a great responsibility to oversee the church. The apostle Peter wrote to church elders telling them to, “Shepherd [pastor] the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Pet 5:2–4).
These elders were to meet specific qualifications and by this they are made overseers by the Holy Spirit (1 Tim 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9). Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 3:2–7,
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
The apostle also wrote Titus giving qualifications,
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:5–9)
Qualified elders are essential to the House of God. This is by Christ’s design. No one should change what God has put in order. Each person must consider if he or she is in God’s house and a part of His people.
The Church is God’s Temple for Worship
Jesus also built His House as His temple for worship (1 Cor 3:16–17; 2 Cor 6:16). The congregations that make up the House of God worship God whenever they can. However, they also worshiped when they gathered together for the assembly. In the New Testament, the whole congregation gathered together in what was called “the assembly” (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 14:23; Heb 10:25). They gathered at other times, but when they gathered for the assembly, they worshiped on the Lord’s Day by partaking of the Lord’s Supper along with prayers, teaching, singing, and giving to the collection. The assembly gathered to praise God and to edify the minds of the congregation, and to encourage one another for love and good works (1 Cor 14:6; Heb 2:12; 10:24). The writer of Hebrews urged and instructed saying, “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries” (Heb 10:24–27).
For the congregation edified one another in the assembly. Paul instructed the order of the assembly “that the church may receive edification” (1 Cor 14:6). For the assembly was to “be done decent and orderly” (1 Cor 14:40). Congregations gathered to worship, to encourage one another, and to be edified in knowledge. In assembly and all times, Christians are to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The Jesus and His apostles commanded not to worship in vain by the traditions of men (Mark 7:5–13; Col 2:20–23).
In the Christian Scriptures, congregations gathered into the assembly to partake of the Lord’s Supper, a meal established by Jesus, and these Christians were to pray, sing, learn from teaching, and give to the collection (1 Cor 11:20–34; 14:15, 26; 16:1–2). Jesus built the Church, and the order of these things are perfect and complete as Christ established the church. Others have altered and modified these activities of the assembly adding to the church and taking them away from the House that Jesus built. Jesus revealed about the Lord’s Supper, “I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:25). What right does a person have to change “the fruit of the vine” in the Lord’s Supper into anything else? Did not Christ make it correct the first time? What right does any person have to change the praise of “the fruit of the lips” into musical instruments and body percussion (Heb 13:15)? Christians keep the simply purity of what Christ made perfect.
The Scriptures also teach that the assembly was on the first day of the week, which is the day when Jesus rose from the dead, met with His disciples, sent His Spirit, and established the church. This is called the Lord’s Day (Luke 24:1ff, Acts 20:7, Rev. 1:10). Luke reported, “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7). This breaking of bread was the breaking of bread of Christ’s body as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:16. In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul instructed that the first day of the week was the day for storing up into the church’s collection (16:1–2). John referred to “the Lord’s Day” when Jesus was in the midst of the congregations (Rev 1:10). For when two or three are gathered in Jesus’s name, Jesus is in the midst of them. For this reason, congregations gathered as a whole on the first day every week (Heb 10:24–25).
Encouragement to Enter the Church that Christ Built
These are some essential characteristics of the House of God, and much which is lost among Christianity today. This minister writes this with great concern in heart to encourage everyone to turn the Christ and the church that He built. Many souls do not even know how to enter the House of God. When the church was established, God added the baptized who were saved to the church (Acts 2:41, 47).
Few know that there is only one baptism (Eph 4:4). This one baptism was done in Jesus’s name. For this one baptism was started being commanded by Christ. See, Jesus instructed His Apostles, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19). God commanded that believers enter the church through baptism (1 Cor 12:13; Col 1:24). When Jesus rose, he revealed, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Before baptism, one must believe and confess faith in Jesus to be the resurrected Lord (Rom 10:9–10), and they must repent from their wicked deeds (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30).
Baptism partakes of the reality of Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of all sins (Col 2:12–13). Salvation comes from rising with Christ (Eph 2:4–6). Paul revealed, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Rom 6:4–5). The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is the Gospel (1 Cor 15:1–4). The Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom 1:16). Baptism is the moment of salvation when God forgives one’s sins and washes them away (Acts 22:16). Peter revealed, “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Pet 4:17). Peter declared, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 3:21; cf. 1:3).
See other sources about the churches of Christ by watching this video on their beliefs and practices by clicking this link, “Searching for Truth,” or briefly read specific points of beliefs go to “Who are the Churches of Christ?” Consider this article too, “Are the Churches of Christ the Only Ones Saved?“
Be aware that there are those with the name “church of Christ” on their sign who do believe the above and have no affiliation with the churches of Christ. These are denominational churches who vary in many doctrines and practices. These claim to be denominations by separate titles like “progressive,” “international,” and “united.” Know that the churches of Christ have been around long before these denominations. Seek the church that Christ built.
Seeing God's Breath 
Who wrote this? Have you even ever attended a Church of Christ service? Because you seem to know NOTHING at all about us! The majority of what i read was WRONG! How about you learn some things yourself before you try in misinform others!
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Which parts are wrong?
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I attend a Church of Christ and it was right on the dot about most things listed in the article. So really which part was so wrong?
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It never ceases to amaze me how one individuals interpretation of Scripture becomes the standard by which everything is judged rather than Scripture being the standard. Isn’t this the same problem the Pharisees had? My way is correct but yours forms a denomination??? When will we ever learn?
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Sorry my pc is down. I guess every “non denoninational” denomination is called a
denomination by other so called independent Bible believing churches.
I have been part of Bible believing assemblies
New Testament churches gathering in His Name
simply known as Bible Chapels or Gospel Halls.
I am sure you consider our Bible chapel in Jacksonville a denomination.
It is difficult to be simple New Testament Bible Meetings. However local Bible believing churches who follow the simple truths of the
New Testament do exisist whether we fellowship at a Bible chapel, gospel hall, or as you call it
a “church of christ.’
The weekly “Breaking of Bread” meeting where
brothers worship the Lord I trust is a highlight
of our New Testament Bible Meetings. And I
assume is a big highlight of our your local
churches. We share a common hertiage in which
we remember the Lord weekly during the Lord’s
table/supper.
I trust that simple New Testament Bible
Meetings will continue to gather in His
Name until the Lord comes and takes home
his Church to heaven.
God bless, Jerry Landis, 3515 Craig Drive,
Apopka, Fl. 32703
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Despite your prejudice of my convictions; no, I do not consider that congregation a denomination. I know the Bible chapel is literally right down the street. They appear to have a full house. My wife’s family has some kind of connection there. No, I do not know if it is a denomination nor would I speculate that it is. “Bible chapel” is simply describing their synagogue and not the congregation. Yet, there are so many churches popping up now with a non-denominational name and yet they are a part of a denominational hierarchy like the Celebration church around here is Baptist. I did wonder at first if they were a part of a denomination. I’ve looked into the Bible chapel congregation to see their beliefs, and I do know that they disconnect baptism from the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Otherwise, I’d pursue further fellowship. I was told that their preacher is from “the Brethren”, but I would not be surprised to know that “the Brethren” were non-denominational. There are a number of non-denominational churches appearing now especially those that are charismatic.
I don’t know why you have such contrary feelings toward our fellowship. I’d love to know that the Church existed outside the congregations that meet in buildings that say “church of Christ” on the sign. I believe that it would help the churches of Christ to reach out to the world by any Scriptural names of Christ’s Church. I know that this is true in other country, but I have yet to have seen this in the US.
By the way, the “church of Christ” denomination is a sect that actually claims to be a denomination unlike the Church.
I would like to know more about our common heritage.
May God bless you with grace and peace in Christ.
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First of all, I’m not a part of this denomination and neither was Campbell.
Alexander Campbell’s reformation influenced everyone from skeptic to protestant to catholic. All because J Smith studied with him and agreed with Campbell’s stance does make Campbell the root of heresy any more than Christ Himself and those who would twist Christ’s words. The same is true in regards to the Christadelphians and Jehovah’s witnesses.
Non-denominationalism is the only Christian position and the only position apart from sinning against Christ and His Church that one can take. The Holy Spirit speaks of denominationalism, dissensions, that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21).
This “coc” denomination is not a cult by definition as an abusive and harmful fellowship in itself. There is no abusive hierarchy and no abusive governing leader like most protestant denominations. Abuse was originally true of JWs, Mormons, and still true of the “international church of Christ”. You say “All cults claim to have the keys to heaven”. Did Christ have these keys? Did His apostles?
Every differing “Christian” thought has broken from another even the originator of Faith, Jesus from the Law of Moses. The reformers came from the Catholic, the Catholic from the Orthodox, and the Orthodox from the Church of Christ.
You have an invented history of the churches of Christ. No one blames Jesus for the divisions and heretics nor can anyone blame those who follow the words of Christ. Heretics come from everywhere.
Why do you stand so strongly against baptism in Jesus’ name? He instituted baptism in His name saying, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Jesus is only the author of salvation to those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9). You must admit that baptism in Jesus’ name is as essential as being essential to obedience.
– EDITOR
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That is possibly the worst example I have seen of twisting scripture to try and fit what the Bible says into supporting on of the most divisive and argumentative denominations in history , The Campbelites , who were called the ‘Christian Baptists’ by their founder where taught from day one to argue and ‘debate” and still are. The man who started this divisive group according to his own non-biblical teachings is burning in hell .
Your fairy tale about what Galatians says is disgusting to any who cherish God’s word and respect it enough to study it. As with most every C of C follower I have ever met out of one side of your mouth you deny your own history. It absolutely does not say that denominational-ism is a guarantee of hell fire.
If you read the whole Bible instead of being spoon fed what to believe you would know that the Bible warns that a one world church is the goal of Satan, not Jesus. Yet I cannot count the times I have been given the lie that the Church of Christ is THE Church of Christ. When the little matter that no such church existed before the explosion of the cults in the early 19th century then we get the lie that history is irrelevant . History is everything, 67% of the Bible is history , with out the historical facts that God created this world , man fell into sin, God cursed this world yet loves us so much He became one of us to save us from the wages of sin what is Christianity? The Bible is THE truth but it is also the truth that France gave us the Statue of Liberty. Certainly insignificant in comparison but the truth none the less. It is very significant that Thomas Campbell was a Protestant pedobaptist who was baptized by immersion by a Baptist minister and then taught millions that he was the way, the truth and the life and no man comes to the Father but by baptism of a C of C preacher. That is the truth whether it is in the Bible or not ! By his own teachings he is burning in hell as he was never baptized by a C of C preacher . It amazes me that your divisive denomination which is one of the few who did and a large percentage still do teach that they hold the keys to heaven never see yourselves for who you really are. I am a Baptist . on the wall of my church are pictures of great men of God like Billy Sunday, Bob Jones sn and many others only about half are Baptist. . We have never taught that you go to hell for any other reason that rejecting the blood atonement of the Son of God . I disagree with pedobaptism but baptism is a sacrament , an act of obedience, a public confession of faith, not a work you prerform to earn you way to heaven. We all deserve hell . There is nothing any mortal can do to add to the blood atonement of Christ but to accept His as Lord and Savior and let His blood wash us clean.
To say sticking your head in a creek is part of His sacrifice is blasphemy.
All through history there have been Christians who shared these basic principles:
The priesthood of the believer. We can all walk boldly to the throne of grace.
Personal soul liberty. –
We are all directly responsible to God and no man has the right to tell you if his church does not dunk you in the creek you are lost.
Separation of church and state.
The Levities did not rule, the king’s did not go into the holy of holies. When Jefferson wrote the letter about the “Wall of Separation between church and state” he was writing the Danbury Ct. Baptist Assoc. to assure them there would be no federal church to abuse them like the state churches in Mass, Virginia and elsewhere had. Without that Baptist principle there would be no religious freedom in America, a Federal church was considered a given not long before that happened.
2 sacraments, Believer’s Baptism by immersion after salvation and the Lord’s supper
neither a factor in salvation.
The autonomy of the local church . No where in the Bible is there a national conference or world conference or any group of churches under one umbrella.
Read The Revelation of Jesus Christ , did He ever say a word about the churches getting together and appointing chiefs over provinces?
The inerrancy of scripture. God says His word existed before the world and will after it is gone, it has not changed.
People with these beliefs existed from the days Christ walked the earth and where persecuted by the Catholics, the Gnostics , Protestants , Puritans, Anglicans etc etc.
The C of C came into existence when Campbell was taught the Biblical principle of immersion. No one truly honest with themselves could go around telling everyone else that their church is the only way to heaven and then chastising them for being divisive, that my friend is insane.
Heaven will contain Catholics, Methodists, Baptists of all types, Lutherans, Anglicans and even C of C followers, so will hell.
It is too late to claim that because you may disagree with that view your hands are clean. Your church taught that exclusively until very recently and it is still alive and well.
The Bible talks about the Churches of Christ , not the Church of Christ. it also mentions the Churchs of God so if you were logically consistent you would have to believe one of these groups were false.
Romans 16:16
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
1 Thessalonians 2:14
For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
Of course the Bible as well as secular history prove none of these churches were ever called the C of Christ or the C of God but what does truth have to do with it?
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Your history is cloudy. Churches of Christ have existed since England and even came over on the Mayflower. We are Christians only despite being called Vaudois, Lollards, Puritans, and Campbellites.
Denominational leaders are false teachers by altering the gospel, which such condemns (Gal. 1:8-9). Those who deny that one must be baptized into Jesus’ death to be resurrected with Him in a new life are those who pervert the Gospel (Rom. 6:3-7). By Gospel, I mean that by which we stand and we are saved being the death, the burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
All church leaders and ours will be judged strictly (Jam. 3:1). Many members of denominations are not practicing denominationalism, but their leaders are and those practicing sectarianism will not inherit the kingdom of Heaven (Gal. 5:19-21). Yet, their members turn to the words of Christ given through the apostles and prophets in the Scriptures (Eph. 3:5, John 16:12-13, 17:8, 15:20).
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If this new denomination has no certain beliefs and rejects the authority of the Bible it is a cult.
The so called non-nondenominationalist I have talked to I find most un-Christian.
Almost universally they are anti-intellectualist which is anti-biblical and none have failed to lie to me at least by omission. The idea that a dying person cannot be saved if they cannot be baptized exposes the cruelty of the deity these churches worship. Their God is an ogre who promises to give life to all who call upon the name of the Lord and then sends people to hell because they were unable to get dunked .
Every single time I have asked the question that if was unsaved and dying with no way to get to the local so called non-denominational C of C to get dunked what would you tell me they have to a person been evasive and dishonest. Jesus said let your nay be nay and your yea be yea. Answering with nonsense like that could never happen or I don’t know is lying by omission.They do know, they believe that I would be lost and was without hope even though Jesus came so that none who believed would perish.
I can accept a persons right to beliefs I disagree with but these people have been taught to be dishonest, to be evasive, because to answer truthfully makes their god look cruel and their beliefs false.
Their god is cruel and their beliefs are false. No real God asks His children to tell less than the whole truth and nothing but, I don’t know is a lie from hell.
I have much greater respect for an atheist with conviction than a so called Christian who hides the beliefs he/she is ashamed of. I have no such beliefs. I am unashamed of my God.
If you want to believe that God sends people to hell because they did not get baptized for any reason and that salvation requires a person to live a good life then so be it, don’t lie about it.
It seems you condemn yourself to hell because being evasive to defend your beliefs is not being obedient to God.
The other place I find without honor is the statement “Where the Bible Speaks We Speak, Were the Bible is Silent We Are Silent” . This is anti intellectual, absurdly arrogant and demonstrably untrue.
What that says it the debate is over, if we said it then we are speaking for God and telling you what He really meant and if you disagree you are a heretic. A three year old with half a brain should see through that farce
How do you explain all the splits over interpretation? The Disciples of Christ , this new sect etc.? And finally when ever i bring up the history of the Campbellites they jump up and down like chimpanzees and say I don’t know anything about them, this is Christs Church. I think they do know its true but have been taught to lie and promise never to study that history just like the Jehovah’s Witnesses who also came out of the Stone Campbellite restoration movement do. Thomas and Alexander went from Presbyterian to Baptist and were eventually thrown out of both groups and founded the Campellite Baptists of which several thousand split off and joined Sidnet Rigdon and Joseph Smith as Mormons and a few hundred with Dr. Thomas to form the Chrstidelphians. All these are historical facts but your members thump the Bible and hide behind it saying that if it not in the Bible they don’t want to know about it, that is too absurd for words. God’s word is not yours to hide your ignorance behind. The Bible is full of names of churches, not one named The Church of Christ despite your dishonest claim that Rom 16 says there was. All cults claim to have the keys to heaven , the Catholics have a much better argument than you do, they only have to lie about the 400 years before they existed, you are forced to lie about 1800.
Even this is a better argument than yours:
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
It does say the church, not churches.
Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
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Thank you so much for your help.
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Good article Scott!
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