Month: June 2020

WHAT IS THE DISTINCTIVE PLEA OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?

It is primarily a plea for religious unity based upon the Bible. In a divided religious world it is believed that the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God-fearing people of the land, can unite. This is an appeal to go back to the Bible. It is a plea to speak where the Bible speaks and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. It further emphasizes that in everything religious there must be a “Thus saith the Lord” for all that is done. The objective is the religious unity of all believers in Christ. The basis is the New Testament. The method is the restoration of New Testament Christianity.

HOW MANY CHURCHES OF CHRIST ARE THERE?

The most recent dependable estimate lists more than 15,000 individual churches of Christ. The “Christian Herald,” a general religious publication which presents statistics concerning all the churches, estimates that the total membership of the churches of Christ is now 2,000,000. There are more than 7000 men who preach publicly. Membership of the church is heaviest in the southern states of the United States, particularly Tennessee and Texas, though congregations exist in each of the fifty states and in more than eighty foreign countries. Missionary expansion has been most extensive since the Second World War in Europe, Asia and Africa. More than 450 full-time workers are supported in foreign countries. The churches of Christ now have five times as many members as were reported in the U.S. Religious Census of 1936. In the UK we have around 70 congregations which vary in size from anything from 3 or 4 to over a hundred members in a few of the congregations we have in the UK. There are around 3,000 members here in the UK.

HOW ARE THE CHURCHES ORGANISATIONALLY CONNECTED?

Following the plan of organization found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are autonomous. Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are the chief ties which bind them together. There is no central headquarters of the church, and no organization superior to the elders of each local congregation. Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in supporting the orphans and the aged, in preaching the gospel in new fields, and in other similar works.

Members of the church of Christ conduct forty colleges and secondary schools, as well as seventy-five orphanages and homes for the aged. There are approximately 40 magazines and other periodicals published by individual members of the church. A nationwide radio and television program, known as “The Herald of Truth” is sponsored by the Highland Avenue church in Abilene, Texas. The radio program is currently heard on more than 800 radio stations, while the television program is now appearing on more than 150 stations. Another extensive radio effort is known as “World Radio” owns a network of 28 stations in Brazil alone, and is operating effectively in the United States and a number of other foreign countries, and is being produced in 14 languages. An extensive advertising program in leading national magazines began in November 1955. In the UK we have a Bible school that operates out of Corby and we also have a publication which gets sent out to all the congregations here in the UK called the Christian Worker which also produces a church directory of all the UK congregations.

HOW ARE THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST GOVERNED?

In each congregation, which has existed long enough to become fully organized, there is a plurality of elders or presbyters who serve as the governing body. These men are selected by the local congregations on the basis of qualifications set down in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the elders are deacons, teachers, and evangelists or ministers. The latter does not have the authority equal to or superior to the elders. The elders are shepherds or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament, which is a kind of constitution. There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of the local church.

WHAT DOES THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE?

The original autographs of the sixty-six books which make up the Bible are considered to have been divinely inspired, by which it is meant that they are infallible and authoritative. Reference to the scriptures is made in settling every religious question. A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the final word. The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is the Bible.

DO MEMBERS OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST BELIEVE IN THE VIRGIN BIRTH?

Yes. The statement in Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ. New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25, are accepted at face value as declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is accepted as the only begotten Son of God, uniting in his person perfect divinity and perfect manhood.

DOES THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BELIEVE IN PREDESTINATION?

Only in the sense that God predestines the righteous to be eternally saved and the unrighteous to be eternally lost. The statement of the apostle Peter, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness is acceptable unto Him” (Acts 10:34-35.) is taken as evidence that God did not predestine individuals to be eternally saved or lost, but that each man determines his own destiny.

WHY DOES THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BAPTIZE ONLY BY IMMERSION?

The word baptize comes from the Greek word “baptizo” and literally means, “to dip, to immerse, to plunge.” In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion is practised because it was the practice of the church in apostolic times. Still, further, only immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he speaks of it as a burial and resurrection.

IS INFANT BAPTISM PRACTICED?

No. Only those who have reached the “age of accountability” are accepted for baptisms. It is pointed out that the examples given in the New Testament are always of those who have heard the gospel preached and have believed it. Faith must always precede baptism, so only those old enough to understand and believe the gospel are considered fit subjects for baptism.

DO MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH HEAR CONFESSION?

No. Ministers or evangelists of the church have no special prerogatives. They do not wear the title of Reverend or Father but are addressed simply by the term Brother as are all other men of the church. Along with elders and others they do counsel and advise those seeking help.

ARE PRAYERS ADDRESSED TO THE SAINTS?

No. God the Father is considered the only one to whom the prayers may be addressed. It is further understood that Christ stands in a mediatorial position between God and man (Hebrews 7:25). All prayers are therefore offered through Christ, or in the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).

HOW OFTEN IS THE LORD’S SUPPER EATEN?

It is expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each Lord’s day. A central part of the worship is the eating of the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7). Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly appointment as binding. In many instances, as in the case of illness, the Lord’s supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending the worship.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC IS USED IN THE WORSHIP?

As a result of the distinctive plea of the church – a return to New Testament Faith and practice – acapella singing is the only music used in the worship. This singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music, conforms to the music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries thereafter (Ephesians 5:19). It is felt that there is no authority for engaging in acts of worship not found in the New Testament. This principle eliminates the use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other similar elements.

DOES THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BELIEVE IN HEAVEN AND HELL?

Yes. The statement of Christ in Matthew 25, and elsewhere, are taken at face value. It is believed that after death each man must come before God in judgment and that he will be judged according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgment is pronounced he will spend eternity either in heaven or hell.

DOES THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BELIEVE IN PURGATORY?

No. The absence of any reference in the scriptures to the temporary place of punishment from which the soul will eventually be released into heaven prevents the acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory.

BY WHAT MEANS DOES THE CHURCH SECURE FINANCIAL SUPPORT?

Each first day of the week the members of the church “lay by in store as they have been prospered” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The amount of any individual gift is generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord. This free-will offering is the only call which the church makes. NO assessments or other levies are made. No money-making activities, such as bazaars or suppers, are engaged in. 

DOES THE CHURCH OF CHRIST HAVE A CREED?

No. At least, there is no creed in the usual sense of the word. The belief of the church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is no other manual or discipline to which the members of the church of Christ give their allegiance. The Bible is considered as the only infallible guide to heaven.

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?

In the salvation of man’s soul, there are 2 necessary parts: God’s part and man’s part. God’s part is the big part, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God’s part in salvation.

Though God’s part is the big part, man’s part is also necessary if a man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has announced. Man’s part can clearly set forth in the following steps:

Hear the Gospel. “How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).

Believe. “And without faith, it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent of past sins. “The times of ignorance, therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent” (Acts 17:30).

Confess Jesus as Lord. “Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptised? And Philip said if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized for the remission of sins. “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Live a Christian life. “Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

So if you have any other questions …

We are here to answer any other questions you may have regarding why we belong to the one true church then please feel free to send us your questions and we will do our best to answer them with what is clearly being taught in the Scriptures.

We welcome you to have a visit with us and show you from God’s word where to find the answers to your questions. Let the word of God dwell in you richly.

WHAT A GOSPEL PREACHER SHOULD BE

A gospel preacher should be a preacher of the gospel! The point is that whether full-time or part-time, experienced or a novice, married or single, located or itinerant, eloquent or plain, cultured or uncultured, educated or self-learned: the one thing that defines a gospel preacher is that he communicates the truth of God’s word by the best means available to him. All else that might contribute to the effectiveness of his ministry is secondary to the power that is in the message itself. “For the word of God is living and powerful” (Heb. 4:12). “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word…” (2 Tim. 4:1-2).

A gospel preacher should be a faithful Christian. Such as are otherwise are hypocrites and insults to the message, being in themselves “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Phil 3:18). Preaching as a profession has an unsavoury reputation in much of society. Certainly, it is unfair for the name of a good man to be stained by the grime found on other men’s character, especially those portray themselves as preachers. In morals and ethics, God demands no more of a preacher than is demanded of any brother or sister, but the realities of society demand particular care for a gospel preacher that his integrity, speech, manners, appearance, and moral uprightness be unquestioned. “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” (Titus 2:7-8).

A gospel preacher should be prepared. Jesus kept the apostles in training for three years. Timothy needed time with Paul before he could be left on duty at Ephesus. It appears that John Mark was anxious to get started, but not prepared to stay the course. In time he would become more useful (Acts 15:36; 2 Tim. 4:11). This is not to say education must be formal. It is to say that a man who thinks preaching will just come to him naturally will end up a natural disaster!  A brother told of going to hear a certain denominational preacher who was denouncing “college-bred preachers.” He said, “I thank God, I’m an ignorant man. Lord, make me more ignorant!” Great men who have done great work first had to be prepared (Ezra 7:10).

A gospel preacher should be a student who never graduates, who has a never-ending thirst to know more…more of the Bible, more of how to communicate, more about answering error, and more about being a better person. “First-principles” is not enough (Heb. 5:12ff). One who teaches others wants to bring them to his level of understanding, but what happens when they get there and he doesn’t know how to take them higher? It has been said that a good preacher preaches from the overflow, meaning he has first been filling himself with Scripture. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16). “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things” (Matt 12:35). The study is more than putting together a sermon outline. It is building a treasure from which rich things can be shared with hearers. A gospel preacher should approach the Book, and related books, as where gold can be found by hard digging. Thus, “Give attention to reading” (1 Tim. 4:13). Someone told of an older preacher who, speaking to some younger men, boasted that he had reached the age when he no longer needed to study. His very statement showed he hadn’t studied enough. Paul, in prison and with not long to live, asked Timothy to bring him “the books, and especially the parchments” (2 Tim. 4:13). The other side of 2 Timothy 2:15 is that a preacher ought to be ashamed if he has not learned to handle the word of God correctly.

A gospel preacher should be a member of the congregation wherever he is, which means the same kind of responsibilities as other members have. His place is not as an outsider hired as an independent contractor. He is a member of the body, a brother in the family. The fact that he may eventually move to another place does not give him independent status. He will participate as others are expected to participate, whether in attendance, giving, visiting, personal evangelism, benevolence, building maintenance, etc. One who is salaried to be full time should expect in some things to do more than is possible by those whose time is less available. In every life, there are unfair expectations, but one should be slow to insist, “I wasn’t hired to do that.” Jesus taught that menial work is meaningful work (Jn. 13:12ff). Jack Lewis wrote on the word doulos (“slave”) as applied to preachers. “One well-known preacher has stated as his rule of life that if anyone asks him to do something, he tries to do it if he can at all do so. He is a slave to his people” (Firm Foundation, Sept. 2, ‘80). Here is what Paul said about his time with the Thessalonians. “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives because you had become dear to us.  For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil; for labouring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God” (1 Thess. 2:7-9).

A gospel preacher should be one who edifies the church.  Most preachers speak to basically the same audience from week to week. If he speaks to 100 people for thirty minutes he consumes fifty of their man-hours, at only £10 per hour that’s £500 they might have made doing something else. The point to be made is that when a preacher has the opportunity to use people’s time he needs to give them something of value. Charles Spurgeon said, “Spend more time in the study that you need less time in the pulpit.” People come to be fed and they need a balanced diet. Paul told the Ephesians: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:20). Illustrations and thoughts on current events may have someplace in preaching, but people need Scripture. “The preacher of small subjects is doomed. The great themes hold the field; and they hold the field simply because people, tired to death of trifles, need a tonic of ‘big things’” (Reeves, ibid).

A gospel preacher should be an evangelist, one who goes to the people to win them to Christ. “Do the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5). It’s work to do “publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). Peter had to go to Cornelius’s house. Philip the evangelist preached to crowds in Samaria, but he had to get into the eunuch’s chariot near Gaza. Much can be done by sound preaching from a pulpit, but also, as Paul did, in setting up appointments for Bible study (Acts 28:23).

A gospel preacher should be ready to defend the faith, i.e., “set for the defence of the gospel” (Phil. 1:17). Readiness is not only willing, but it is also preparedness. One cannot keep up with every folly invented by men (Eccl. 7:29), but he should know about and be ready to answer the more prominent issues in the ecclesiastical world, as well as hobbies which trouble the brotherhood. Knowing how to give an answer (1 Pet. 3:15) includes knowing how arguments ought to be framed. More importantly, however, he must be able to bring to bear what God’s word actually says.  Jesus knew where to find the text that needed to be read (Luke 4:17). When Pharisees insisted on their own traditions, Jesus used Old Testament history to expose their inconsistency (Mark 2:23ff). In fact, it was by book, chapter, and verse that he silenced His greatest adversary (Matt. 4:1-11).

Finally and in summation, a gospel preacher is a “man of God.” Paul adopted the Old Testament term for prophets and applied it to Timothy, who was preaching at Ephesus (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:16f). A gospel preacher is a professional, not because of the source of his income, nor by having been ordained to that position; but because he has chosen to give his life to sharing “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8).