West Side Church of Christ

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We are glad you are here. The Westside church of Christ is dedicated to helping others have a deeper and more faithful relationship with God through a better understanding of His Word. We are striving to be the pillar and support of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). We hope you will find our website helpful. Please feel free to contact us or comment on any of the posts.

Lawyers are well known for finding loopholes in the law. Shady lawyers twist and pervert the law, manipulate the media as well as juries and thus set murderers free despite knowing that the accused is guilty. As horrible as it sounds, this is a natural tendency for humans. We want to find loopholes that will allow us to live the way we want, get what we want and avoid doing what we find unpleasant. Even worse, this attitude is often brought into our service with God. Many are looking to see how close they can get to sin without actually sinning. They ask the question “what can I do?” rather than “what should I do?” They want to know what commands are essential and what can be ignored. Perhaps this was the attitude of the lawyer in Luke 10:25-29 when he asked Jesus: What shall I do to inherit eternal life?
It turns out this lawyer already knew what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus turns the question around on him and the lawyer gives a good response quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. These two commands have become known as the greatest commands. They are great because they sum up all of the commands. If you love God, you are going to listen to His will, you are going to worship the way He wants, you are going to live the way He instructs us to in the Bible. If you love your neighbor, you are not going to lie, cheat, or steal from them; you wouldnt feel jealousy or envy towards them because you would be happy for them; you wouldnt commit adultery considering the damage it does to families, and you certainly wouldnt murder. These two commands are essential, but to obey them means to obey all of the commands. Every single one of Gods commands for His church is essential. There is no loophole to be found.
Although the lawyer knew what he needed to do, he wasnt doing it. When Jesus tells him to follow these commands, the lawyer immediately gets uncomfortable. He recognizes he is not living up to these commands. Instead of changing, however, he seeks to justify his current lifestyle (Luke 10:29)he was looking for loopholes. It is easier to say there is nothing wrong than to admit our problems and change. This is why an individual might plainly see the command to be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and still maintain they are saved without obeying it. This is why one can see the command to love your enemies (Matthew 5:44) and still have hearts full of anger, hatred, and resentment. Countless other commands could be added to this list: do not worry (Philippians 4:6), do not complain (Philippians 2:14), do not gossip (Romans 1:29-30). We read them, but make excuses instead of changing. We need to stop looking for loopholes and start transforming our lives (cf. Romans 12:1-3).
When the lawyer tries to justify himself (Luke 10:29), Jesus explains what it means to love your neighbor with the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). First of all, Jesus broadens our definition of “neighbor” to our fellow man regardless of race or religion. In addition, Jesus shows that loving your neighbor might mean taking a risk, getting your hands dirty, going out of your way, and even spending money. After this discussion, Jesus goes on to the house of Mary and Martha were we learn about loving God (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was like many of us. She was so busy with what we feel is necessary (keeping up appearances, working, worrying, and complaining) she couldnt take the time to learn from Jesus. Mary was one who was seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Jesus says it is the only thing that is necessaryGod comes before everything else. If we cannot get this right, we cannot love God.
It is interesting that the lawyer knew from the start what to do to inherit eternal life. He was merely trying to test Jesus. He was the one, however, who was really put to the test. When confronted with the truth of Gods Word, his attitude was defensive rather than accepting. He knew the truth, but did not want to live it. What about you? Are you ready to let Jesus change your life or are you going to continue looking for loopholes?

If your child had been lost for nearly a week, what kind of greeting would you expect when you found them? Hugs and kisses? When it happened to Joseph and Mary, after two days of travel and three days of searching, they found the 12 year old Jesus in the Temple calmly discussing the Scriptures as if nothing at all was wrong. Mary seems irritated at Jesus and scolds Him. Jesus responds: Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Fathers house? (Luke 2:49). Jesus seemed to think His location should have been obvious. He had priorities and His priorities dictated what He did and where He went. What about your priorities?
What do your priorities lead you to do? Based on your actions what would someone say is the number one priority of your life? Work? Entertainment? Relaxing? We all know God should be our first priority (cf. Matthew 6:33), but the fact is most of us do not spend our time accordingly. We give God a few hurried hours a week, often shaved down by being late and unfocused if we can be bothered to make it to church services at all. In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus tells us that we cannot be His disciples unless He is above all other relations and all worldly possessions. When He is our priority, it will lead us to obey His commands (cf. John 14:15), study His words (John 8:31-32, 12:47-48, 17:17), pray (1 John 5:14-15), and to tell others about Him (Matthew 10:32-33).
Where do your priorities lead you to spend your time? Do they lead you to sleep in on Sunday mornings? Do they lead you to spend endless hours in front of the TV or the computer? If someone knew you and your priorities where would they expect to find you? If you frequently miss church services and avoid gatherings of fellow Christians, what does that say about your priorities? The early church couldnt get enough of each other: they daily met, ate together, and studied together (Acts 2:46, 17:11). Like Jesus, early Christians recognized they needed to spend time in Gods household, which is now the church (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 1 Timothy 3:15). It is through frequent assembling together that we give and receive encouragement and motivation to serve God (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Even at a young age, you could predict that whatever Jesus was doing, it was in service to the Father and He would be wherever He could accomplish that task. May we be so predictable as well.

What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord? Does it mean to worship? Does it mean to pray? Does it simply mean to believe? There are many different views on what it means to call upon the name of Lord. The phrase has a rich history and is used in a variety of ways in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, it is generally used to describe worship, but the manner of the worship varied: sometimes an altar was used (Genesis 12:8, 13:4, 26:25), sometimes it was a prayer (Jeremiah 3:55), sometimes the type of worship is not specified. In Zephaniah 3:9, calling on the name of the Lord is equated with serving Him. A prophecy in Joel, however, is especially significant: And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered [i.e., saved] (Joel 2:32). How do we call on the name of the Lord to be saved? The answer is found in the Book of Acts.
Interestingly, when the phrase is used in Acts 2:21 and 22:16, the same word translated call in these verses is translated appeal in Acts 25:11 when Paul makes his appeal to Caesar. In making his appeal he was submitting himself to Caesars will rather than face a judgment in a Jewish council. In order for Paul to make his appeal, he had to meet certain requirements. First, he had to be a Roman citizen. Second, the case had to be one in which a capital offense might be delivered. Third, the case had to be extraordinary (i.e., where there was no established law). Fourth, Paul had to submit to whatever formalities or procedures Caesar demanded of those who came before him. If Paul was not willing or could not meet these requirements, he could not have called upon Caesar. Likewise, we have requirements placed upon us if we want to call upon our Lord. Earlier in the Book of Acts, we are told some of these requirements.
In his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, Peter quotes Joel 2:32 (cf. Acts 2:21). Though his audience had heard him tell them to call on the name of the Lord, they did not know how to be saved. They clearly believed his message and were convicted by it when they asked: What must we do? (Acts 2:37). They recognized there was something they needed to do before they could call upon the name of the Lord. Although many today would regard their belief as salvation, Peter does not. Nor does he tell them all they need to do is say a prayer. Instead, he gives these instructions: Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). We see that: 1) belief did not equal salvation, 2) the audience did not equate calling upon the name of the Lord with prayer, and 3) repentance and baptism were required to call upon the name of the Lord.
The Book of Acts tells us how Paul called upon the name of the Lord (Acts 9:3-19, 22:6-16, 26:12-18). When Paul meets with Ananias, he is commanded to call upon the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). Notice a few things, however, that Paul had done earlier that by themselves did not meet the requirements of calling upon the name of the Lord. First, when Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, Paul called Jesus Lord (Acts 9:5, 22:8, 10; 26:15). Second, Paul demonstrated his belief by obeying Jesus instructions to go into the city and wait (Acts 9:5-8, 22:10-11). He then spent three days fasting and praying (Acts 9:9, 11). According to most denominations, Paul had met the requirements for calling upon the name of Lord through belief and prayer. Yet, he still had not called upon the name of the Lord by the Bible’s reckoning (Acts 22:16). Instead, the manner Ananias tells Paul to call upon the name of the Lord is through baptism. We see (again): 1) belief did not equal salvation, 2) prayer did not equal calling upon the name of the Lord, and 3) baptism was required to call upon the name of the Lord.
In order to rightly call upon the name of the Lord for salvation, we must do so from a pure heart (cf. Zephaniah 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:22), we must have a faith derived from the Word of God (Romans 10:13-17, cf. John 1:12-13), we must make Jesus first in our lives (Luke 14:25-35), we must confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:9-13), we must obey the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21-23), and we must repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38, 22:16). If we are not willing to meet the requirements, we cannot call upon the name of the Lord.

Google Maps led us astray! Last weekend, my wife and I were traveling to a friends house in an unfamiliar part of Oklahoma City. As we neared our destination, everything was going fine. The streets Google referred to were easy to find and we twisted and turned, easily following the directions. Then the directions stopped and said we were at our destination but we werent. We were 7 miles from where we wanted to be. The directions we put our trust in didnt lead us to the destination we sought. The same is true with a common path to salvation known as The Roman Road. Just as Google Maps claimed to be leading us to our friends house, this doctrine claims to lead to salvation, but it falls short of its intended mark.
The Roman Road to Salvation typically uses 5 or 6 verses from Pauls Letter to the Romans. The Roman Road is published in tracts, bookmarks, and even on pens. Lets see the steps of this road. Step 1Romans 3:23 all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Step 2Romans 5:8 God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Step 3Romans 6:23 the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Step 4Romans 10:9 if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Step 5Romans 10:13 Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Step 6Say a prayer inviting Jesus into your heart (no scripture used). Sounds easy, but does it really take us where we are trying to go? Does it even fairly present the message of Pauls letter? There are numerous other steps on the path to salvation Paul discusses in his letter. A few of the most glaring omissions are: obedience, repentance, baptism, and faithful living.
Paul begins and ends his letter expressing his desire to fulfill his calling by bringing an obedient faith to all the nations (Romans 1:5, 16:26). Notice in these verses, the obedience Paul desires is very specific. First, it is an obedience of faith. This is not an obedience in which one tries to earn their salvation by works. Those who try to merit or earn their salvation often have a legalistic checklist mentality: I do A, B, and C and I have saved myself (e.g., Ive lived a good, I go to church so Im saved). The obedience of faith, on the other hand, realizes we cannot possible save ourselves so we must submit completely to the will of God trusting in Him for salvation (cf. Romans 4:4-5). Second, this obedience stems from the scriptures and prophets (cf. Romans 16:25-26, 1:1-5, 10:14-17). In Romans 6:16-18, Paul is talks about how the Christians at Rome had obeyed the Gospel. Notice they made change from being slaves to sin to being slaves to righteousness through obedience. This obedience was from the heart and it was a commitment to the form (i.e., a pattern) of teaching they had been given. We also need to be obedience from the heart and committed to the teachings for salvation.
Paul emphasizes repentance as a part of this teaching they had wholeheartedly obeyed. In Romans 2:4, Paul reminds us that Gods riches (kindness, tolerance, and patience) have been poured out upon us so that we would repent. In Romans 6:1-2, Paul discusses how they can no longer continue in sin because they have died to sin. If your body was dead, it would no longer react to the world around it. When someone calls out to you, you wouldnt answer. So too, if you die to sin, you are no longer going to react when sinful impulses call out to you. This doesnt mean we are going to be sinless (cf. 1 John 1:8, 10), but it means we are no longer going to let sin reign in our life; instead, we are going to present our bodies to God that He may rule instead (cf. Romans 6:11-13).
Once we make the decision to kill our body of sin, that body must be buried. Romans 6:3-4 tells us that it is through baptism we bury our body and sin and join ourselves to Christ. As we rise out of the waters, we are given a new life to live just as Christ was raised from the dead (Romans 6:4-7). It is only after we have killed our bodies of sin and buried them that we are given the new life to live. This parallels the gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-5): As Jesus died on the cross, we die to sin; as Jesus was buried, we are buried in baptism, and as He was raised from the dead, we are given newness of life. If a Roman Road tract discusses baptism at all, it will often explain it away as an act that needs to be done to show our commitment and show that we have been given a new life, but they claim it is not necessary for salvation. Read the scriptures again, however: the new life is not given until one is raised up (Romans 6:1-4). Forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit are not give until after one repents and is baptized (Acts 2:38). Besides, if we were given a new life and then we were buried, that wouldnt follow the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It would be a death, resurrection, and burial which is not good news. Our obedience of faith doesnt end at baptism, however, we have a new life to live faithfully before God (Romans 6:8, 10-11; 12:1-2) or we will be cut off (Romans 11:17-24).
In addition to these gaping holes, the Roman Road to Salvation ends with a man-made doctrine: The Sinners Prayer. Although there are many examples in the New Testament of men converting through faith, repentance, and baptism, not one example of someone praying Jesus into their heart is found. This prayer is based upon a misunderstanding of confessing Jesus and calling upon His name. It doesnt follow the form of teaching men and women wholeheartedly committed their lives to in the first century to become slaves of righteousness (cf. Romans 6:16-18). It doesnt give us the new life that follows repentance and baptism (cf. Romans 6:1-4). It simply leaves us in a lost state and tells us we are saved.
The Roman Road to Salvation as commonly taught is a road full of vast chasms and ends in a rickety man-made deathtrap (i.e., the Sinners Prayer) rather than the salvation which is sought. We need to study all the Scriptures given to us for our learning (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) not just what can be found in what is simply a manmade road to destruction (Matthew 7:13, 14). Just as Google Maps led my wife and I astray, the so-called “Roman Road” leads souls astray.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity (Proverbs 2:7 NASU). God has given us the wisdom we need and there is plenty of itHe has stored it up; there are whole warehouses of knowledge and wisdom available to us. When we walk in Gods ways they shield us from the problems, stress, and trials that come from foolish and sinful decisions.

A current emphasis in healthy eating is consuming whole grains. Whole grains have fiber and nutrients that are stripped away in refined and processed foods (e.g., white flour has little of the grains nutrients left in it). Refined and processed foods are typically little more than empty calories and contribute to poor health. We have a similar problem when our spiritual diet is filled with refined and processed lessons. When we only focus on a scripture or two pulled out of context and strung along with others likewise treated, we are missing much of the Bibles teachings and we often miss the big picture entirely. We need to start eating the whole grains of the Bible by learning to think in terms of its entire books.
First, pick a book to study and read the entire book in one sitting. Just as wheat does not naturally grow into little piles of white powder, the Bible was not written as individual verses. It was written as books. Often these books were intended to be read to a congregation or an individual in one sitting. When we read it in one sitting we get a better idea of the general message of the book. This may take some time, especially for some of the longer books so set aside some time specifically devoted to this.
Second, we need to examine the background information present in the book. Whole grains have no benefit until our body breaks them apart and uses their nutrients. With our whole Bible grains, we need to break down each book to understand it and apply it to our lives. To do this, we need to identify several pieces of information:

Stop! Put down that commentary full of processed food. We can do all of this from the text itself. The Bible will give us all the clues and information we need. If it doesnt contain the information we are looking for, we dont need to know it. Lets use 2 Timothy as an example:

Timothy needs to be strong because false teachers are coming, 3:1-8, 4:3-4
Conclusion: Paul is writing near the end of his life. He knows false teachers are going to be coming, but many he is close to are turning away from him and Timothy is not doing his job. So Paul is writing to Timothy to correct him, encourage him, and to strengthen him for the coming of false teachers.

Just by looking at the information given to us in the text, we can learn about the author, recipient(s), and occasion of the writing which will give us a more complex and deeper understanding of the book we are studying.
When we begin to examine entire books of the Bible we begin consuming the whole grains of the Bible.

For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6 NASU). We must always recognize that God is the source of true wisdom, and He has given that wisdom to us generously (cf. James 1:5). We need to pay attention to the words that come from the mouth of God. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3 to emphasize we must live by more than physical food: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. If we are not hungering and thirsting for Gods word, we will be spiritually sick (cf. 1 Peter 2:1-3). The words of God we are to live by are His inspired Scriptures. Literally, 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us: All Scripture is breathed out from God. Our Bibles contain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from the mouth of God.

My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-5 NASU). The pursuit of wealth is one of the top goals of many today. Great droves of people seek it through various get-rich-quick schemes that almost always have the opposite effect. Most millionaires say wealth comes from discipline, diligence, the wise use of money, and time. Rarely does one obtain wealth any other way. As Christians, however, we are after a greater treasure than richesthe wisdom from God. Just as with riches though, many have turned to get-wise-quick schemes.
For instance, many consider passages like James 1:5 and assume all they have to do is earnestly ask God in prayer for wisdom and it will be magically given to them or they will have a warm fuzzy feeling that will let them know what is or is not wisdom. The word ask in James 1:5, however, not limited to prayer. It used to describe many ways one might make requests of their superior (e.g., people to a ruler (Acts 12:20), a beggar seeking alms (Acts 3:2), children making requests of their parents (Matthew 7:9, Luke 6:11). It is often used synonymously with the concepts of searching and seeking (cf. Matthew 7:7, 1 Corinthians 1:22). In our asking for wisdom we should search for it using all of the means God has given us (e.g., prayer, the Scriptures, wise counsel, etc.).
Proverbs 2:1-4 gives us an indication of what is required for us to obtain Gods wisdom:

We have to receive itMost of us have mail that is sent to our mail or P.O. boxes. This mail will never tell us a thing, however, if we do not take it into our homes. Likewise, we have to be willing to receive Gods wisdom in our lives. We have to open ourselves and be willing to listen to Gods Word.
We have to treasure itWe receive lots of mail, but much of it we consider to be junk and toss it straight into the trash. We cannot do this with Gods wisdom. We need to appreciate its value.
We need to be attentive to itNotice it says we need to make our ears attentive: sometimes we have to force ourselves to pay attention. Good listening and attentive reading are skills we need to develop.
We need to incline our hearts to understandWe have to have hearts that are willing to invest the time and effort needed to understand Gods Word.
We need to step it up and cry for discernmentThere must be a strong desire to understand what God has given us. Sixth, we need to lift our voiceslet people know you want wisdom!
We have to seek and search for it as we would precious metals and treasure hidden in the ground. We would use every tool at our disposal. We would examine every nook and cranny, we would leave no stone unturned. Wisdom is not gained by passive effort. The person who wants wisdom, but isnt willing to pursue it is like the double-mind man of James 1:6-8 and should not expect to receive anything.

If we are willing to earnestly pursue Gods wisdom, then we will receive the treasure. Proverbs 2:5 tells us the result of our pursuit: we will discern the fear of the Lord. Remember this is the beginning of knowledge. The fear of God will lead to more discoveries of the knowledge God has provided for us.

How was it that God first revealed Himself to mankind? It wasnt through the Book of Genesis or Job. It wasnt even by speaking to Adam in the garden. Even as Adam was created, God had already established nearly all of His first revelation. The very creation itself is the first way God revealed Himself to man. Romans 1:20 tells us the divine nature and attributes of God have been clearly seen since the creation. Granted, this revelation is limited in that it cannot savethe gospel alone is Gods power to save (Romans 1:16); nor can it thoroughly equip us for every good workthe Scriptures are inspired for this purpose (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Nevertheless, Gods first revelation is very significant. It tells us two important facts.

The first fact is: God has made Himself evident. Although God is invisible, through His creation two of His attributes can be clearly seen and understood. One is His eternal power. The existence of the universe points us to a pre-existing supernatural cause that was powerful enough to create it (since the universe cannot be eternal and matter cannot spring from nothing). The other attribute is His divine nature. The presence of order, design, and law in our bodies, world, and universe tell us this Creator is intelligent. The fact that humans of all times and cultures have had a basic moral sense of right and wrong (e.g., murder, stealing, rape, adultery are almost universally forbidden) leads us to the conclusion that our Creator must have instilled basic morality within us (it could come from no other source). To have instilled these morals, God must Himself be morally good and care for us. In addition, by revealing Himself to us, our Creator shows His desire to have a relationship with us. Also, this shows us He is present and active in His created world. All of these attributes can be gleaned from Gods first revelation (i.e., His creation) before we even crack the cover of the Bible.

The second fact is: men are without excuse. Paul writes that God will pour out His wrath on all ungodliness and unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-20). He writes in universal terms; there are no exceptions. God is just in His condemnation, however, because He has made His presence known through His Creation. An honest look at the world around us leads us to belief in God. Belief in God will lead us to seek His ways. We are told that those who truly seek will find (Matthew 7:7). God has promised that truth seekers will be truth finders. Some way, somehow, God will make His will known even if that seeker is in the deepest darkest jungle of Africa. Maybe a missionary will find him. Maybe he will move to a city. Maybe a Bible in his translation will fall from a plane into his hands. We do not know how God may fulfill His promise, but we can be assured that the promise will be fulfilled. The Bible itself is packed with examples of God fulfilling His promises even when the odds were stacked against fulfillment.

The problem in our world is not that God has not revealed Himself; it is that men have suppressed the truth (cf. Romans 1:18). Since God has made Himself evident to us (cf. Romans 1:19), we must turn to His gospel to be saved (cf. Romans 1:16). Those who do not will not be able to make any excuse on the Day of Judgement.

Many people fear having their identity stolen and used by others. Its no wonder; the FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Can you imagine, however, what it would feel like to have your identity stolen not just once, but thousands of times? It has happened. Millions have stolen the name of Jesus and they have been doing it for years.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, without your permission. Many have taken the name Christian when they had no right to it. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus tells of many who will not enter into heaven on the Day of Judgment. Notice what He has to say about this particular group: 1) they believe in Him as evidenced by their calling Him Lord, 2) they are teaching in His name, 3) they are doing good works (e.g., casting out demons and performing miracles). They are using the name of Christ and are even active, but they are identity thieves because they have not obeyed the will of the Father. When all is said and done, Jesus says He doesnt know themno relationship existed between them. If our faith does not result in obedience, we do not have true faith and have no right to take the name of Christian (cf. James 2:14-26).

Identity theft is often used to set up false credit accounts. While its improbable that very many people have tried to establish a credit card in Jesus name, many have set up false churches and religions in His name. In Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus talks of setting up His church. He gives us two facts about this church. First, it is His church and His alone. It does not belong to Luther, Calvin, Joseph Smith or any other man. It is His and He is the head (cf. Colossians 1:18). No counsels, votes, or human heads are needed in His church. Second, there is only one. He says church not churches. It was His will that all believers have the same unity that He and the Father shared (cf. John 17:11, 21, 22). In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul says there should be no divisions among the brethren. Yet, today there are many divisions (i.e., denominations)well over 1300 denominations, in fact. There are Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, etc. all claiming to be Christians. Since Jesus only established one church, clearly many of these have to be stealing His identity.

Identity theft is often committed by people you know. Sadly, this has been the case in Christianity as well. Paul talks of savage wolves that would arise even out of the leadership of the church (Acts 20:29-30). Peter also tells of false teachers that would arise out of the church and introduce destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1-3). Why does this happen? Paul tells Timothy that some will pay attention to false doctrines because their consciences have become hardened (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Some are using godliness as a means for financial gain (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Also, some want to hear what is pleasing to their ears and will find teachers willing to compromise the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). There are many who appear to be faithful teachers of Christianity, but are in fact wolves in sheeps clothing (cf. Matthew 7:15-20). They are thieves stealing the identity of Christ.

Just because someone takes up the name of Christ does not make them a Christian (cf. John 1:12-13). In order to use His name with His permission, we have to obey the will of the Father, become a part of His church, and teach His doctrines. Everyone else is guilty of identity theft.