Posted by Michael on January 1, 2010 under Articles
You can be just a “Christian.” Does this sound strange?
With over 400 religious bodies in the United States it might appear impossible to be a Christian without being part of a denomination. It is not only possible, but there are actually millions of “Christians only” in this and other nations.
THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST
Who are these people who seek to be only “Christians”? The congregations of which they are a part are usually known as “churches of Christ.” This term is not used in a sectarian sense, but is intended to denote their desire to belong to Christ’s church. The Bible says, “The churches of Christ greet you.” (Rom. 16:16). However, it is just as correct to describe the church as “the church of God” (I Cor. 1:2), “the body of Christ” (I Cor. 12:27), or “the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). These and similar Biblical phrases are not proper names, but descriptive expressions which show how the church is related to Christ and His Father.
Individually, Christ’s followers are known as “Christians” in the Bible. “The disciples were first called ‘Christians’ in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (I Pet. 4:16). Never does a human name prefix this God given name. Paul was one of the greatest of all Christians, but he did not want disciples to be called “Paulites” or “Paulite Christians.” (I Cor. 1:10-17).
A DISTINCTIVE PLEA
Churches of Christ have a distinctive plea. Of course in many ways, we agree with others striving to follow Christ. We believe in the divine inspiration of the entire Bible and that it is sufficient to guide us in all matters of faith; in the death of Jesus Christ and His atonement for our sins; and that after death all men will be rewarded or punished in another life for the way they have lived here. And with all people of religious conviction we insist that the moral principles of Jesus are absolute truths to be exemplified in the personal righteousness of the child of God.
The Bible ONLY
However, we not only believe that the scriptures are inspired, but also are convicted that the New Testament must be our ONLY guide in religious faith. God’s Word frequently warns us against changing the divine message (see Gal. 1:6-9). We, therefore, have no creed or catechism to present, but accept Christ as our only creed and the Bible as our only guidebook. In this way we are never prevented by an erroneous creed from accepting any truth which may be learned from God’s Word.
RESTORATION Rather Than Reformation
It is obvious to thinking people that the religious world is badly divided. Great leaders such as Martin Luther and John Calvin sought to correct erroneous teachings and practices. But the reformers often started at different points and thus arrived at different conclusions. Division rather than unity has resulted.
Churches of Christ, on the other hand, plead for the restoration of apostolic Christianity rather than a reformation of existing religious bodies. Since all can agree that the early church was right, we should also be able to agree that we cannot be wrong (John 8:32) if we succeed in reproducing that church today in every essential part. While many things have changed in the present century, the teachings of Jesus and His apostles have not. Truth is absolute and unchangeable. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17) and can save today as surely as in the first century if applied in the same way. “The truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Should you visit one of the churches of Christ you will find us worshipping God as did the early disciples — “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). You will observe that we partake of the Lord’s supper, or communion, every Sunday. This is because we are following the example of the early Christians who assembled every first day of the week to “break bread” (See Acts 20:7). Likewise, in every other way churches of Christ seek to reproduce New Testament Christianity — in organization, in work, and in other areas of teaching.
HOW TO BE JUST A “CHRISTIAN”
In few issues is there so much disagreement as in answering the Bible question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Here again churches of Christ reply by going to the scriptures for their answer. The Bible teaches that Christ shed His blood for our sins (Matt. 26:28), and that without it we cannot be saved (Heb. 9:22). But what does Jesus require of us if we are to appropriate that sacrifice? Those who crucified Him were told to “know assuredly” or believe that Jesus is “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
When these people on the day of Pentecost then asked for further information, they were told, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Today we teach as did the apostles then, that for Christ’s blood to remove our sins we must believe in Him, repent, and be baptized. As we are thus saved from our sins, the Lord adds us to His body, the church. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). “For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body” (I Cor. 12:13). The saved, then, are in the body or church of Christ; one cannot be saved and be outside this body.
The early disciples were Christians only. Although we live 1900 years later, we, too, can be “Christians only” if we will follow the same teachings given to these first followers of Jesus. Christ said, “The seed is the Word of God” (Luke 8:11). Just as surely as a planted acorn will produce only an oak, so God’s Word will produce Christians and nothing more. We invite your earnest consideration to this plea.
Posted by Michael on under Articles
Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).
Why do some churches (including West-Ark Church of Christ) teach that it is wrong to use musical instruments to accompany our singing during Christian worship assemblies when the above verses don’t precisely forbid it?
I think most will agree that God has specifically instructed (even “commanded”) Christians to sing as part of the worship that He expects (even “demands”). Since He has not commanded nor even suggested to us to play musical instruments in worship, we can be absolutely certain that if we don’t use musical instruments, then He will be pleased with Christians singing if their worship comes from the heart.
Apparently, the human singing voice, that musical instrument created by God Himself, is the only music that our Creator requires of us during a Christian worship assembly. Adding musical instruments to the worship service, therefore, seems as inappropriate as adding fish to the Lord’s Supper. That, too, is not clearly forbidden in the Word of God, but most disciples of Christ would agree that this would not be proper. We have examples from the Bible that it is possible to offer sincere, but unacceptable, worship to God. (See Genesis 4:5; Leviticus 10:1-2; I Samuel 15:22; Joshua 1:7; I Kings 11:38; Jeremiah 7:23; Matthew 6:5; Luke 18:10-14.)
As further proof that we should expressively forbid the use of musical instruments in worship, we know from the first several centuries of church history that singing was unaccompanied in all Christian worship. The Latin phrase “a cappella” comes to us from ancient times with the meaning of singing without instrumental music. Literally translated, “a cappella” means “at chapel.” Clearly, this is evidence that at some time in the past Christians routinely worshiped God with unaccompanied singing. Even as recent as the 19th century, religious leaders of most denominations condemned the use of mechanical instruments during worship.
Since we cannot be absolutely certain that God finds the use of musical instruments an appropriate form of worship, then it seems quite foolish to risk His wrath by adding something which He did not clearly authorize us to do during collective worship. Our only assurance of practicing acceptable Christian worship is to disregard man-made creeds and turn to God’s Word as our only authoritative guide to worship. Unless we pattern our worship after the first century church, we can have no assurance that God approves of our assemblies.
Posted by Michael on under Articles
God Created The World
There is ONE GOD. (Deut. 6:4.) He has revealed Himself to us in nature and in the Bible. (Psm. 19:1, II Tim 3:16-17.)
GOD CREATED the world and everything in it in six days. He is the Provider of life and ALL GOOD THINGS. (Gen. 1, Ex. 20:11, Acts 17:24.)
God created Adam and Eve in His own image. He gives us an eternal soul and allows us the FREEDOM to CHOOSE. (Gen. 1:27, Eccl. 12:7, Deut. 30:19.)
“God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31.)
Sin In The World
Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden. God gave them ONE COMMAND, saying that if they broke this law the penalty would be DEATH. (Gen. 2:15, 17.) After being tempted by Satan (the devil), Adam and Eve sinned (disobeyed God). (Gen. 3:5-6, I John 2:15-17.) Because they chose to sin, they immediately died spiritually and were expelled from the presence of God. Their bodies began to deteriorate, leading to death. (Gen. 3:23, 5:5.)
Man fell from God’s GRACE when death entered the world through sin. God’s punishment did not mean He withdrew His LOVE for us. Before time began God had plans that would allow us to inherit ETERNAL LIFE. (Rom. 5:12, Tit. 1:2.)
By the days of Noah, “the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every thought of his heart was only evil continually.” God sent a Flood to destroy all people, saving only Noah and his family. (Gen. 6:5, Heb. 11:7, II Pet. 2:5.)
Because Abraham obeyed God, he was chosen to become the patriarch of Israel. Laws, including the Ten Commandments, were given to his descendants. (Heb. 11:8-10, Gen. 12:2-3, Deut. 5:1-22.) Though laws change, the punishment for sin remains the same — DEATH. (Rom. 6:23.)
The Old Testament has many lessons about men who failed to keep God’s commandments. Because of God’s MERCY and LOVE, He repeatedly promised through the Old Testament prophets that a Savior would come from among the descendants of Abraham to provide forgiveness for man’s sins and allow man to return to fellowship with God. (Rom. 15:4, Isa. 53, Gen. 22:18, Acts 2:30.)
God Sends Jesus
When the fullness of time had come during the days of the Roman Empire, GOD SENT FORTH HIS ONLY SON, born of a virgin, to save those who were lost, that we might receive the adoption as children of God. (Luke 2:11, Gal. 4:4, I John 3:1.) Because GOD LOVED US, He sent Jesus Christ, that we might LIVE through Him. (John 3:16, I John 4:9.) Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to be the SAVIOR of the world. He came to SAVE SINNERS. (Matt. 1:21, John 3:17, I Tim. 1:15.)
Jesus And His Message
Before Jesus, God spoke to men in many ways. Today He speaks to us ONLY THROUGH HIS SON. (John 14:24, Heb. 1:1-2, Gal. 1:9-12.) The MESSAGE of Jesus can free us from sin and lead us back to God.
Jesus claims to be
the LIGHT of the world,
the DOOR to salvation,
the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.
(John 8:12, 10:9, 14:6.)
Jesus says, “The TRUTH shall make you FREE.” (John 8:32.)
Jesus promises ETERNAL LIFE to those who believe in Him, love Him, and obey His word. (John 11:25-26, 14:15, 8:51.)
Jesus tells us that the MOST IMPORTANT
COMMANDMENTS are
LOVE GOD and
LOVE OTHERS. (Matt. 22:36-40.)
Jesus preached —
FAITH. (John 3:16, 6:47.)
REPENTANCE. (Mark 1:15, Luke 13:5.)
CONFESSION. (Luke 12:8.)
BAPTISM. (Matt. 28:19-20, Mark 16:16.)
HEAVEN awaits those who SERVE Him. (Matt. 25:31-40.)
HELL awaits those who FAIL to serve Him. (Matt. 25:41-46.)
Christ Jesus Died For Us
Our sins require DEATH as punishment! Because of MERCY, Jesus offered His sinless life as the substitute for ours. God demonstrated His LOVE for us, in that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Matt. 20:28, I John 4:10, I Pet. 2:24, Rom. 5:8.)
The shedding of blood was required for us to have forgiveness of sins. He became our Savior by dying on the CROSS. He washes our sins away by His own BLOOD. (Heb. 9:22, John 15:13, 19:17-18, Rev. 1:5.) His death for your sins satisfied God’s requirement for your punishment. (I Cor. 15:22.)
The GOOD NEWS of the Gospel is that on the third day after His burial, Jesus Christ AROSE FROM THE DEAD! (I Cor. 15:3-4.) This was witnessed by many people. (I Cor. 15:5-8.) After 40 days, He ascended back to Heaven. (Acts 1:3, 9-11.)
Jesus proved to us that by His power we, too, can CONQUER DEATH. Christ proved that He has authority over Satan who had the power of death. Jesus offers to release those who are slaves to the fear of death. Sin and death no longer have dominion over us since God’s Son has provided us with a way of escape from the wrath of God. (Heb. 2:14-15, Rom. 6:14.)
Christ’s Church Is Established
When the apostle Peter preached the first sermon after the return of Jesus to Heaven, many were moved by the message and asked, “What shall we do?” They were told, “REPENT, and let EVERY one of you be BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION OF SINS; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:37-38.) Three thousand believed and were baptized. (Acts 2:41.)
These people were SAVED by the GRACE of God and added to the church of Christ. (Eph. 2:8, Acts 2:47.) This church was purchased by the BLOOD of Christ. (Matt. 16:18, Acts 20:28.) Christ, as Head of the church, has ALL authority over it. (Col. 1:18, Matt. 28:18.) He has instructed us plainly about how the church is to WORSHIP God. (John 4:23-24, Acts 20:7, I Cor. 16:2, Acts 12:5, Eph. 5:19.)
The apostles preached the exact same thing that Jesus had preached. (Gal. 1:12.)
We should study carefully New Testament examples of conversion to Christ and salvation from sin:
1. At Pentecost (Acts 2.)
2. In Samaria (Acts 8:5-13.)
3. The Ethiopian (Acts 8:27-39.)
4. Saul (Acts 9:17-18, 22:14-16.)
5. Cornelius (Acts 10.)
6. Lydia (Acts 16:13-15.)
7. The Jailer (Acts 16:30-34.)
8. At Corinth (Acts 18:8.)
Those who heard, believed, and obeyed the commands of Jesus were BAPTIZED in every case.
The same PROMISE of SALVATION is offered to us if we obey the SAME COMMANDS. (Acts 2:39.) When we respond in the same way to the same message, we are SAVED from SPIRITUAL DEATH, and we are ADDED to the SAME church of Christ.
When we REPENT, we put an end to our old sinful self. When we are BAPTIZED, we are BURIED in water just as Christ was buried in a tomb. When we come up out of the water, we are FREED from the guilt of our past sins just as Jesus was resurrected without the sins He bore on the Cross. (Gal. 5:24, II Tim. 2:11, Col. 2:12, Rom. 6:3-8.) This is SPIRITUAL REBIRTH. (John 3:5.)
After we OBEY the GOSPEL, we must continue to live under the GUIDANCE of God so we can enjoy His FELLOWSHIP. (John 8:31, I John 1:5-7.)
Jesus Is Coming Again
Jesus promises that HE WILL RETURN! (John 14:3.)
At that time the WORLD will be BURNED UP. (II Pet. 3:10-13.) Then God will JUDGE every soul INDIVIDUALLY according to his or her DEEDS. (Rev. 20:12-13.) It will not be man’s opinions that will judge us in the end. (Matt. 15:9, Rev. 20:12.)
ETERNAL PUNISHMENT in HELL awaits those who have not OBEYED Jesus Christ. (II Thes. 1:8-9.) Those who did not accept Christ as their substitute will have their SINS punished by ETERNAL DEATH, forever SEPARATED from God. (James 1:15, Heb. 10:29-31.)
The NEVERENDING JOYS of HEAVEN await those who have had their SINS WASHED AWAY by the blood of Jesus and have remained FAITHFUL to the LORD’S WILL. (Rev. 1:5, 2:10, Matt. 24:13, 7:21.)
God’s JUSTICE demands IF YOU SIN, YOU WILL DIE!
God’s LOVE allows IF YOU BELIEVE AND OBEY JESUS, YOU CAN LIVE!
God’s WILL is revealed in the Bible. He has allowed us to CHOOSE the road we will follow. He has given us clear WARNINGS about following our own will and wonderful PROMISES about following His will. (Prov. 14:12.)
How do you measure up? Is the Creator pleased with you? Are you ready for the return of Jesus Christ? Are you ready for God’s judgement?
God Wants You To Be Saved
God offers a NEW BEGINNING. Have you allowed the story of Jesus to affect your heart, to cause you to OBEY the Lord and be SAVED? (Rom. 1:16.)
Dear friend, you are earnestly invited to attend the CHURCH OF CHRIST and study in detail many other things about which Jesus taught, including LOVE, FAITH, HOPE, JOY, PEACE, FORGIVENESS, MERCY, DOCTRINE, WORSHIP, and TRUTH.
May the unconditional love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you always.
We love you. We welcome you. We want you to spend eternity with the saved in Heaven in the presence of God.
Posted by Michael on under Articles
“And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” — Acts 11:26.
Every opening of the New Testament contains information about Christian living. Only a small portion of scripture pertinent to this subject is included in the text that follows.
By no means is the following information meant to represent any official religious doctrine. Any apparent conflicts should be resolved using the Bible as the only authoritative guide.
CHRISTIANS
You can be a part of the church that Christ died for, only if you do what the Bible says to be saved. Whether one is a Christian or not depends on whether one has done what God has instructed. Not everyone who calls themselves “Christians” are truly following His instructions (I John 2:3-6). The Bible indicates that a true Christian is one who is a follower of Christ in all things. Those who attempt less are not truly God’s children (I John 3:10).
Other terms that the New Testament uses for Christians include:
disciples (Acts 11:26)
brethren (Col. 1:2, James 1:2)
children of God (I John 3:1)
members of the body (the church) (I Cor. 12:12, Eph.1:22-23)
saints (Acts 26:10, Rom. 1:7)
priests (Rev. 1:6, I Pet. 2:9)
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God” (I Pet. 2:9-10).
Please consider some of the ways Christians are to be different from other people in the world. The “people of God” are to live in the world but to keep unspotted from the world (James 1:27, Rom. 12:2, I Tim. 5:22).
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:13).
RIGHTEOUSNESS
“For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).
Christ expects His followers to be righteous (Matt. 5:6, 10). Righteousness means living rightly. “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Rom. 10:3). To be righteous before God requires that we obey ALL of His commands (Luke 1:6).
Anything else is self-righteousness.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). “All unrighteousness is sin” (I John 5:17).
STUDY
We must study God’s Word so that we may know His will (II Tim. 2:15, Acts 17:11). We also must study to be ready to tell others about the gospel (I Pet. 3:15, Rom. 1:16).
We must have a love of the truth (II Thess. 2:10).
It is only through study and a devotion to God’s Word that we can increase in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:9-10, Rom. 15:14). Not everyone will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of God (Matt. 7:21). We must study the Bible so that we may know His will and do what He expects of us.
FAITHFULNESS
God demands an active faith (James 2:14-19, 22; 1:22). “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Cor. 15:58).
We must not let our past sinful lives interfere with our present commitment (Phil. 3:13).
God expects Christians to be obedient in everything He commands (II Cor. 2:9). God gave “commandments,” not “suggestions.” The Christian is expected to be faithful in church attendance (Heb. 10:25). We are told to never stop praying (I Thess. 5:17). “And you … now He has reconciled … to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight — if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard” (Col. 1:21-23). It is possible to fall away from God (Heb. 3:12, I Cor. 10:12, Gal. 5:4, Matt. 13:21). We must be “faithful until death to receive the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10, II Tim. 4:7).
If we fall from grace, we must “repent and return to righteousness” (Rev. 2:5, Rom. 11:17-24, I John 1:9).
LOVE
The greatest commandment is: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Mat. 22:37, I Jn 4:19).
All God’s commandments are summed up in this saying: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Rom. 13:8-10, Gal. 5:14, Matt. 22:39, Col. 3:14).
We are expected to love even those who hate us (Matt. 5:43-47, Rom. 12:14). “Strive for peace with all men” (Heb. 12:14, Rom. 12:18).
Jesus said, “All men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Christians are to do good to all, but especially to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Gal. 6:10, Rom. 12:10).
Love will cover a multitude of sins and permit us to be forgiving of one another (I Pet. 4:8, Col. 3:13). Let all that you do be done with love (I Cor. 16:14).
Husbands and wives are to love one another. Parents are to love their children.
God prefers that Christians marry Christians (II Cor. 6:14, I Cor. 7:12-16).
God demands that we be faithful to one mate (Matt. 5:31-32). Divorce is not acceptable (Rom. 7:2-3). He does not tolerate sexual immorality (adultery) (I Cor. 6:13, 18). Even lust is condemned (Matt. 5:27-28).
Homosexuality is shameful in God’s eyes (Rom. 1:26-27, Lev. 18:22). For such sin were the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed (Gen. 19:4-9).
Christians are not to love worldly things (I John 2:15-17).
We are not to love wealth, but are to be content with what we have (Heb. 13:5, I Tim. 6:8-10, I Cor. 4:11, Phil. 4:11, II Cor. 9:8). Love God and He will provide (Matt. 6:33).
SERVICE
Our love for others must be in deed and in truth (I John 3:18, I Cor. 13). “Through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13, Matt. 20:26-27). Christians are to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).
We must also be servants of God (I Pet. 2:16, Rom. 6:16).
One way we serve God is to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1, Eph. 5:2). All that we do should be to the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31).
Jesus Christ came to serve (Matt. 20:28). He taught us by His example.
EXAMPLE
Since Christ left us His example, Christians must follow in His steps (I Pet. 2:21, Matt. 16:24). When we consider whether something is right or wrong, we should ask ourselves: What would Jesus do in this situation? Where would He go? How would He behave? (etc.)
Also, we should follow the examples set by more mature Christians (II Thess. 3:7, 9; I Thess. 1:6, I Cor. 4:16, Phil. 3:17, Heb. 6:12).
All Christians are expected to set an example for other Christians in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (I Tim. 4:12, I Thess. 1:7).
We must avoid doing things that would cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble (Rom. 14:13-21, I Cor. 8:7-13).
A Christian, as described in the New Testament, does not act differently when in different company.
As ambassadors for Christ we must also live honorably before the world (II Cor. 5:20, 8:21). Christians must be examples for the sinful and shine as lights in a world of darkness (Phil. 2:15, Eph. 5:8).
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).
We must remember that we have been instructed to obey the civil laws (Rom. 13:1-7, Matt. 22:21).
Children are going to make up their minds about Jesus based on what they see at home. We must be examples that our children should imitate.
It is the Christian home where the world can really see a difference in life. From observing our family life, men and women are going to see the real meaning of Christian conversion. From what they see of how you live as a Christian, they are going to become more interested, or less interested, in this One you call the Christ.
SELF-CONTROL
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). The most difficult, but most important, thing to control is the tongue (James 3:2-12). One’s religion is useless if one’s speech is not under control (James 1:26).
God has always expected His followers to be honest (truthful) about all things (Ex. 20:16, Prov. 12:17-22, Matt. 5:33-37, Eph. 4:25).
Gossip and abusive, insulting language are not to come from Christians (Matt. 5:22, I Tim. 5:13, Titus 3:2, James 4:11).
Our speech is to be sound and good (Eph. 4:29, Titus 2:8).
Using God’s name in any form in vulgarity is clearly forbidden by God’s word (Ex. 20:7). A Christian’s speech is to be free of profanity and filthy language (Col. 3:8).
The Christian is expected to take care of his (or her) body because it is the “temple of God” (I Cor. 3:16-17). With this in mind, as Christians mature they usually understand that it is best to refrain from tobacco, alcohol, over-eating, and other things that may be unhealthful (Eph. 5:18, Rom. 14:21). “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (I Thess. 5:22, Rom. 12:9). Such things as gambling, pornography, and lewd dancing are, therefore, best avoided by Christians.
“Bad company ruins good morals” (I Cor. 15:33).
CONCLUSIONS
Christians must examine themselves regularly to see whether they are living as Christians (II Cor. 13:5, I Cor. 9:27).
Whatever our task, we should work heartily (Col. 3:23). Do not forget: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). “Put on the whole armor of God” and be prepared to fight “the good fight” (Eph. 6:10-17, II Tim. 4:7).
In spite of God’s help, many will suffer as Christians (I Pet. 4:16, Acts 14:22, II Tim. 3:12). We must learn to rejoice even in our tribulations (Acts 5:41, Rom. 5:3-5).
The Bible describes a Christian as one who is a new creation, having put to death the former sinful self (II Cor. 5:17, Gal. 2:20, Rom. 6:6). Because of our love for and responsibility to God, we strive to follow the New Testament pattern for Christian living.
However, because we all sin, we never reach the perfection for which we strive (Rom. 3:23, I John 1:8). If we will follow in Jesus’ steps, His blood will continue to cleanse us of sins (I John 1:7, II Cor. 5:7).
Nevertheless, we are not saved because of any of these works of righteousness of ours, but through the grace of God (Acts 15:11, Tit. 3:5).
Let us please God and “walk worthy of the Lord” (Col. 1:10).
Let us be Christians that are known for our righteousness, study, faithfulness, love, service, example, and self-control.
“Have no anxiety about anything” (Phil. 4:6).
Only as Christians who are striving to serve and please God according to His will can we know and feel “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).?
Posted by Jack on under Articles
It is not a matter of being different. All religious organizations are different. It is a matter of accurately understanding the teachings of Jesus as revealed in the New Testament. There are at least seven beliefs held by the Church of Christ which are different.
The church holds the Bible to be the only way that God now communicates His will to man. It holds the New Testament as the part in which Christians are instructed in matters of faith and practice. It holds the Bible to be verbally inspired, and the Bible’s silence as an important element in understanding God’s will for us.
The church holds that water baptism is a condition of the sinner’s receiving God’s forgiveness (Acts 2:38). One is not a Christian — not a saved person until one has been baptized.
The church holds that the first century church observed the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7). Therefore, such is the practice of the Church of Christ today.
The church holds that singing in the first century church was a cappella style (without an instrument) (Colossians 3:16). Therefore, such is the practice of the Church of Christ today.
The church holds that each congregation was an independent body organized under the leadership of elders and deacons (Philippians 1:1). Therefore, the Church of Christ today is organized that way believing that such is the Lord’s way.
The church holds that the Lord’s church exists on earth today anywhere folks learn what first century Christians learned, believe what they believed, and practice what they practiced. It further believes such is exactly what God intended (Ephesians 3:20).
The church holds that all believers could be and should be united in the one body of Christ, and that this could be accomplished by the restoration of Christianity as it is revealed in the New Testament, and that such unity is the Lord’s desire (John 17:21).
The Church of Christ is not trying to be different. It is different because of what it believes and practices that others do not believe and practice. And some of the differences are of such nature that they separate it spiritually, and therefore physically, from all others.
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Introduction: 1 Timothy 2:12 places a restriction on women who would teach. 1 Corinthians 14:23 and verse 34 show us it is when the whole church comes together.
God gave women the ability to teach. Philip had four virgin daughters that “prophesied,” meaning to teach in a miraculous way. But they were not to use this gift in the assembly.
When Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos teaching in the synagogue in Ephesus and realized he needed further instruction, they took him aside and taught him more accurately. Priscilla could not teach him in the assembly of the synagogue.
Older women are commanded to “…teach younger women [not men] to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children…” (Titus 2:3-5).
“God who at various times and in different manners spoke in time past unto the fathers [not mothers] by the prophets…” (Hebrews 1:1).
When you read the New Testament you find that all of the apostles were men, all of the elders were men, all of the evangelists and preachers were men. This is in perfect harmony with everything taught in the New Testament concerning women teachers.
Yes, God has given women the command and ability to teach, but not in the assembly (2 Corinthians 14:23, 34), nor in a class situation where she is taking the leading role over men (1 Timothy 2:12). “For Adam was first formed then Eve, and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”
Also, man is the head of woman (1 Corinthians 11:3). Wives are to “be subject to their husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:24). This arrangement is not based on the customs of the first century, but on the divine command of God.
Let us not be displeased with God’s arrangement; let us work with God that He may be glorified. Miriam, Moses’ sister, was displeased with God’s arrangement of Moses being the spokesman. She rebelled and God smote her with leprosy.
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There are churches that have left their first love, and churches that are lukewarm and dead (Revelation 2 and 3), but we are interested in what makes a strong church. The best role model we have is the church in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2:42-47. In verse 42 “… they continued steadfastly in …”
Doctrine – “The Apostles’ doctrine.” While the New Testament was being written, the church was instructed by inspired men, men guided by the Holy Spirit. As a result they were united. “They continued daily with one accord” (verse 46). They recognized the apostles’ teaching as the only source of authority in religious matters. This brought them together in belief and practice. They were strong because they were united.
Fellowship – There was joint participation in all areas of their life. They prayed together, they ate together, they shared their possessions with those in need, they worshipped together. “They continued daily with one accord.” They were a strong church because of their fellowship.
Breaking of Bread – We learn from Acts 2:42 and 20:7 that the church came together every first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s Supper. This memorial feast would keep their heart and mind centered on Christ. The only way the church can be strong and remain strong is by keeping its eyes fixed upon Jesus — the Lord designed the communion for this purpose (1 Corinthians 11:20-26).
Prayer – They continued steadfastly in prayer. They recognized their weakness, and they recognized the unlimited power of God, therefore they prayed continually. When they were threatened and commanded not to preach the word of God, they prayed for boldness to preach, and God answered their prayer. When they appointed deacons, they prayed. When they were being put to death, they prayed for their enemies. When Peter was in prison with the execution date set, the church prayed and God sent an angel to set him free. Jesus had taught them, “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” They believed in prayer. It is my prayer that each congregation of the Lord’s church will “… continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” If so, we will remain a strong church.
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The teacher must speak to the heart of man. The heart includes the intellect; it thinks (Proverbs 23:7), it understands (Proverbs 8:5), and it believes (Romans 10:10). The heart includes not only the intellect but the emotions. The heart desires (Romans 10:1), loves (Matthew 22:37), and trusts (Proverbs 3:5). The heart also includes the will. The will is that part of the heart where decisions are made. The heart intends (Hebrews 4:12), purposes (II Corinthians 9:7) and obeys (Romans 6:17).
First, a good teacher presents the facts of the gospel as well as its promises and warnings in order to enlighten and give understanding. A good teacher must first appeal to man’s intellect. Second, a good teacher appeals to man’s emotions. He shows him the horrors of sin, what sin has done, what it is doing and what it will do. A teacher must also speak from a heart of love. He must tell his student of the love of Christ and the mercies of God (John 12:32). Thirdly, the teacher must be persuasive. As a teacher you have appealed to his intellect, you have educated him about Christ and the gospel and you have appealed to his emotions. Now, you must be persuasive. You must bring his will into action in obeying the gospel. Fear, love and the promises of God are all factors in bringing man to repentance (Romans 2:4).
Remember, man’s heart is made up of intellect, emotions and a will. A teacher must appeal to the whole heart before man will respond. Acts chapter two is a good example. First, Peter appealed to the intellect by educating the multitude with the facts of the gospel, then he appealed to their emotions by saying, “You have crucified and slain the Son of God.” Next, he appealed to their will by saying, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. … and with many other words did he testify and exhort saying save yourselves …” First, the intellect, second, the emotions, and third, the will. It is only through the intellect and the emotions that you can reach the will. Unless the will is changed, the individual will perish (Luke 13:3).
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The Washington Post published a survey of what makes a successful home. There were six things that stood out in that survey. Notice as I list these six principles with supporting scripture showing how they also apply to the church.
- Successful families show appreciation for each other.Paul to the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).
- The ability to deal with a crisis in a positive manner; a mutual support system.When James was put to death and Peter was in prison, the church gathered in Mary’s house to pray on Peter’s behalf (Acts 12). The Bible says we are to “bear each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). When a crisis comes we are to be positive because God said “all things work together for good to them that love Him …” (Romans 8:28).
- They spend time together.“Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). “They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship” (Acts 2:42).
- A strong commitment to each other.“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
- Good communication.“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).”Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).
- A high degree of religious orientation.“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).
Let each of us make sure we are practicing these things, not only in our homes but here at West-Ark.
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“If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9). If my eternal destiny depends on me having a Spirit like Christ’s, then I must know Him and follow Him in order to be like Him.
What kind of Spirit did Christ have?
He had a Spirit of Humility.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7).
He had a Spirit of Love.
“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12-13).
He had a Spirit of Service.
“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:27-28).
He had a Spirit of Obedience.
Jesus prayed, saying, “O, my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou will” (Matthew 26:39).
He had a Spirit of Optimism.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
He had a Spirit of Forgiveness.
While dying on the cross Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
These are but a few of the characteristics of Christ, but hopefully this will challenge us to see the need for Bible study. If you and I must be like Him in order to go to heaven, then we must know Him. See you in Bible class!
