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THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Congregational Differences

Prepared By: Steven M. Stickels

 

Over the years some congregations of the church of Christ have been involved or support some activities that some members of more conservative congregations of the church of Christ don’t believe are scripturally authorized. The following differences observed or discussed have been compiled for your consideration.  It’s not my intention to accuse those, sometimes referred to as “liberal congregations” of being active in or supporting all of these issues, but may be active in one or more.  As we begin, let’s review some scriptures on which we hopefully all can agree.

 

From God’s Word:

 

1.    Mat 16:18-19

And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

 

The church we read about in the scriptures belongs to the Lord and to get to heaven will be by the way of the Lord and acceptable to God, not by pleasing men.

 

2.    1Peter 4:11

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever.

 

Everything we do in life from carrying on a conversation with friends to teaching the gospel is to be done according to God’s word. Even the activities the church is involved in or supports must glorify our Savior, not man.

 

1John 1:7-10 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

 

Our worship and fellowship with our brothers and sisters should be done in a manner to edify and draw us closer to Christ.

 

3.    In law there are three(3) rules of establishing authority –

   

·         Express command or statement

·         Approved example

·         Necessary inference

 

These same rules can be used for establishing divine or bible authority.

 

In our daily life, regardless of age, it’s important to learn respect for authority in all aspects of life. Christians have the authority of God’s word. 

 

4.    2Tim 2:15

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

We need to search the scriptures for guidance in everything we do in life. 

 

5.    Mat 16:26-27 

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

 

We have a lot to lose – eternal salvation. God’s way or our way? Hopefully they are the same.

 

As we look at some congregational differences in the church of Christ, I urge you to study and apply the following scriptures:

 

6.     2Tim. 4:1-2

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

The primary purpose of the church is to preach the gospel of Christ and spread God’s word with the intention of helping others with the salvation of their souls.

 

7.    1 Cor. 16:1-2

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

 

8.    2 Cor. 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

The weekly contribution by the saints and the giving of our money back to the Lord is intended to be used for continuing the work of the church, preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ. A facility in which to worship is expected. Related building maintenance and utility expenses are understandable; although, unrelated spending of the Lord’s money must be heavily considered and justified.

 

 

Is the congregation that you are affiliated with or is the Lords money being used to support any of the following differences?

 

Difference

For Consideration

1.    Misuse and support of transportation -

·      Transportation to and from worship services/bible studies should be supplied on individual basis. This activity should not be funded by the Lords money.

·      Buses or vans might be justified if owned and serviced by individuals, and used for the purpose of assisting those who need or share a ride.

·      Buses used to canvas areas involved in bribery, by offering coupons (fast food or other free items) for those who attend church on that particular occasion.

·      John 5:39

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

·      Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

·      The desire to learn the word of God must be what convinces a person to attend.

 

 

Difference

For Consideration

2.    Financial support of orphan homes -

·      Parentless or possible homeless children often require drastic needs. This required assistance, again should be supplied as an individual action and not by the church.

·      1Tim. 5:16

If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

·      Jas. 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

·      Gal. 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

·      This activity should not be funded by the Lords money.

3.    Financial support of educational institutions or missionary societies -

·      Educational or other institutions certainly require funding to operate, but again this activity should not be funded by the Lords money.

·      Such organizations may be involved in “religious” based education, but according to the scriptures this should be performed by the Lords church, along with the spreading of God’s word by Christians.

·      As parents and family members, we need to share & teach our loved ones about God, Christ and the need for salvation. 

·      Gal 6:6 

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

·      We can not always trust others teachings to be truly grounded in God’s word.

·      Eph 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

·      Schools are not needed to edify the church.

 

Difference

For Consideration

4.    Financial support of recreational activities -

·      Church is not spelled “YMCA”. The work of the church is to exercise ones mind and to motivate the heart (again the mind) to finish the race for heaven. 

·      Of course, there is nothing wrong with trying to stay physically fit and fellowship with others while we do it. Recreation should not be paid for using money contributed by Christians to continue the “scriptural” work of the church of Christ.

·      Rom 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

·      The church of Christ is not a social club.

5.    Financial support of benevolent organizations to care for the needy -

·      The world is full of people who have and suffer from health and financial needs, but that help again should be supplied on an individual basis when it comes to Christians. This activity should not be funded by the Lords money.

6.    Misuse of church building facility & grounds -

·      I fail to see the authority from God’s word to build and maintain fellowship halls, kitchens, gymnasiums and ball fields, even though the Christian can find some God-pleasing involvement. Our family and social lives can and should open doors to spreading and sharing Christ’s teachings.

 

AS CHRISTIANS –

Ø  REMEMBER TO SEARCH THE BIBLE FOR SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY FOR THINGS WE SUPPORT OR ARE INVOLVED IN.

Ø  MAKE SURE THAT THE LORDS MONEY IS NOT BEING USED TO GLORIFY OR GAIN RECOGNITION OF THE MEMBERSHIP.

Ø  MAKE SURE THAT THE LORDS MONEY IS NOT BEING USED FOR ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED OR NOT AUTHORIZED BY GOD’S WORD.

Ø  MAKE SURE THAT THE LORDS MONEY IS BEING USED TO PREACH AND TEACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST FOR THE PURPOSE OF SAVING SOULS, OR AT LEAST TO CONTINUE THE TRUE WORK OF THE CHURCH.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
Colossians 3:17