Hundreds of religious names represent churches today. Most of these names are not in the Bible, not approved by God’s word. “Ye (should) all speak the same thing … no divisions among you … be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Cor 1:10). “Now this I mean, that each
Churches of Christ are committed to following the biblical pattern in all things: doctrine, worship, work, church organization, salvation, zeal and life. Preachers fill the God-ordained role of public proclaimers of the gospel. “Preach the word” (2 Tim 4:2). It is God’s power to save sinners; it is the world’s hope (Rom 1:16, Acts 20:27).
SILENCE is essential in communication, whether in our everyday speech or in Bible language. Imagine you received a wedding invitation: “Come June 24, 2011, at 7 pm at the home of John Smith.” The date, place and time are specified. You did not need a list of all other dates, places and times NOT to
Deacons are important in the working program of the church of Jesus. The Bible gives guidelines, their qualifications, process of selection and duties. The word deacon means “servant, attendant or minister.” This word appears only 5 times in the Bible (Phil 1:1; I Tim 3:8,10,12,13), but in the various noun and verb forms, it appears
After the apostles died, the direction of the local church was left under the oversight of men called bishops (also known as elders, overseers, pastors, shepherds or presbyters). Each congregation was to be supervised by a plurality of such men, not by one man called “the pastor” or “the bishop.” Teachers and preachers were also
The answer will depend on who defines the word … Roman Catholic man-made law, or God’s word. The Roman Catholic definition says you must first die. Then five years of investigation of your life follows. Then the information is sent to Rome where a group of Catholic dignitaries examines, then finally the Pope must approve
After discussing the 9 miraculous gifts in Cor 12, Paul wanted to tell of “a more excellent way” (vs 31). He then points to the way of love in chapter 13. He put a deadline and a dateline on miraculous gifts by saying that prophecies, tongues and knowledge would “be done away” (I Cor 13:8-9).
No, we do not deny the miracles of creation, the walls of Jericho falling, the virgin birth of Christ or His resurrection. Miracles confirmed Jesus was God’s son (Jn 20:31). Like scaffolding, a temporary platform for workmen on a new building, miraculous gifts were temporary in the planting and early growth of the church. Support
The apostle Paul wrote: “The churches of Christ salute you … mark them that are causing divisions contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them … by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent” (Rom 16:16-18). All religions have some kind of distinctive plea that makes
“Be baptized and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Jesus announced in His last words on earth: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16). Peter concluded his sermon to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost with these words: “God