Well done sir. I am a preacher in a Church of Christ and the amount of research you did is obvious and astounding; that you went to such lengths for what would be considered a "small" contingent of Christians. Not only the research but the accuracy of which you present almost all the major points of differences within the congregations and did so with no apparent bias. Well done, and I am going to refer many to this video to understand what the Church of Christ is. The only point I would have added is the Churches view of innactive Holy spirit that works through the scripture and not in a miraculous or active interaction with a corporeal human post the 1st century church.
@@mississippinative4578 Amen, Jesus saves! I'm not a part of any of their fellowships, and believe their view of a baptism amounts to legalism. That said, the more biblical position is that baptism doesn't save, but those who refuse to be baptized will not be saved either. We are not saved by works, but evil works will condemn us. It shows that we do not have true saving faith. For true, saving faith, leads to obedient works.
Since I'm in my teenage years am already in the Body of Christ as member of the Church..I have been invited some denominational Churches but because am guided in Spirit guiding me always in obedience to God's teachings accordingly to His will..I Love ❤️ the Church of Christ for God Lord Jesus Christ love's me..Am on my 78 age now Thanks be to God Lord Jesus Christ am blissfully happy..Great sharing this lessons Bro..for everyone to know Church of Christ is the true Church..I love it..God Bless us all in Prayers.
Please stop saying "is the true church". That is foolish and wrong, None of our churches are "the true church". Your church might be part of the church catholic, but when anyone claims their church is "THE true church" you have offended all of the legitimate churches out there. The Catholics claim they are the "true church" while the Orthodox claim to be the "true church" and you are claiming your church is the "true church". That claim alone makes you wrong. Your church is not the true church.
Great video. I like how you try to present more of a factual description without opinion. I'm a lifelong and active member of the Churches of Christ and I think you did a great job. I enjoy your channel. God bless.
This church has more than a few false doctrines. It is not a cult, but it has too many erroneous teachings - from replacement theology to the millennium of Revelation chapter 20.
@@cantrait7311 we use no man made doctrines. I left the baptist church after realizing everything we believed was basically made up by John Calvin. Now do literally whatever the Bible says. If we dont know we dont do it
@@claymcgregor4856 exactly. But as we know, the devil wastes NO time in slandering the Lords church and lying via the vessels of destruction -ie: liars & denominationalists who disregard the Bible to their own peril.
@@youtube6817 well I'm done with the coc thanks to Jonny Robertson Caleb Robertson and others doesn't mean I've left the LORD JESUS CHRIST it means he I've left a bunch of people who think they know it all but they dont
I left the denominations (former Southern Baptist) and joined a church of Christ congregation. To me, it is where God has placed me and I love the liberty, unity, and devotion here.
@@Jack-er6wi One can be baptized in a river, lake, swimming pool, etc, wherever there is enough water to immerse the person. What is important is that the person understands what is happening when they are baptized. Many come from sectarian groups and believe salvation occurs before baptism but that is not what Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16 teaches. Also read Acts 8:35-39 and note what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. Most churches of Christ teach the truth on how to be saved but you would need to visit to make sure they teach the apostle's doctrine and not some man made doctrine like saying the sinner's prayer and asking Jesus into their heart which is no where found in the word of God. People everywhere need to study the word of God and see if what they are being taught is in fact taught in the Bible for many false teachers have gone out into the world.
I appreciate your delivery here, brother. Pure information. I grew up in a CoC congregation, but fell away for a while. Im here trying to learn more about how I was raised.
What is the Church of Christ? | Counterpoint with Mike Hixson & BJ Clarke ruclips.net/video/gBdavo7SNtQ/видео.html The Church of Christ ruclips.net/video/v_DApJ5kPVI/видео.html The Truth About the Church of Christ ruclips.net/video/B3h2peKPVtc/видео.html
I went to a Church of Christ here in Florida. I didn't know anything good or bad about them. I could walk there so I just did one night after work. It was in the evening. The preacher said, "I want to begin tonight by asking a simple question of you all." Then he said, "Can Christ count on you?" I just said out loud, no! That was the wrong answer. Most everyone else said yes. I said, without Him, I can do nothing and I count on Him for even my next breath. They hated that.
You have my respect. I believe in all honesty non of us are infallible. Most of us the best of intentions with our heart when it comes to serving and being "counted on" but we fall short so many times. This is why we, as the body of Christ, must continually uplift and push each other to the ultimate goal.
HERE is The Savior HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH” YaH is The Heavenly Father YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins ** NO FEMALE INVOLVED WHATSOEVER ** - Hebrew Book of Isaiah Isaiah 42:8 "I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 43:11 I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me. Isaiah 45:5 I am YaH, and there is none else.
Yes we put our trust in God but when we do God also puts his trust in us. ( 1Ti 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.). God puts the gospel in our hands to share with others. So yes he counts on us!
Am Emma from Uganda and my gladness for now is unmeasurable for having found my family. Am an active member and servant in the church of Christ. Thanks to this video that has created a new beginning in some of us who never thought of any other person around the globe that believes the same way we believe. I therefore welcome you to Uganda COC to build and encourage more souls here, thank you!
We are members of Church of Christ in the Philippines, and I can say that we are very blessed to be a member of this congregation, really God's word in the scriptures is proof of how God reveals himself through Jesus Christ our savior.
No man can fulfill the law. Period. No man is called to practice the law to be saved. Beware, a lot of false teachers that want to use the old testaments to Decieve you. Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Jesus was introducing love to those that were under the law. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” New International Version Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others ( has fulfilled the law.) When you believe God that produces love and obedience, and a hatred for sin, and a concern for the souls of man. New International Version For this is the message you heard FROM THE BEGINNING: We should love one another. New International Version But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been (released from the law) so that (we serve in the new way of the Spirit,) and not in the old way of the written code. The new way of the of the Spirit, With the fruits of the spirit. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. We are called to believe the testimony of God That He sent his only son, his only begotten Son into the world to save sinners. He gave his life on the cross was buried and rose from the grave on the 3rd day According to the scriptures. New Living Translation He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. Galatians 5:13-18: “For you were called to freedom, BRETHREN; ONLY DO NOT TURN YOUR FREEDOM INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE (FLESh) , but through love serve one another. DO NOT THINK THAT YOU CAN SIN AND GET AWAY WITH IT. New International Version Whoever sows to please their FLESH, from the flesh will reap DESTRUCTION; whoever sows to please the SPIRIT, from the Spirit will reap eternal LIFE. King James Bible For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But I say, WALK BY THE SPIRIT, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. . . . If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. New King James Version Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. We establish the law by loving each other, that is how the law is kept. But The law is a destroyer to those who think that they can get saved by keeping it. You either trust in the Finnished work of CHRIST or you don't. THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND .. If you trust in your own works for salvation You are not saved. If you practice good works because you know you are saved that is ok because you are not doing it to get saved, or to remain saved but because you are a new creation in christ and that is your new life ( nature) and bearing fruit is a gift from God produced by the Holy Spirit who lives in you. No one lives the Christian life to get saved, they live it because they are saved. The ones who try to live the Christian life and are not saved will find themselves doing works in order to be saved. (They are the self righteous) They are the ones that will find themselves saying what is written. King James Bible Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Then the Lord will tell them plainly I never knew you. The lord is looking for true believers People that would worship him in truth and in spirit. The truth is we can't add anything To our salvation. And because the Spirit lives in us we, We live a life of faith only trusting in him, ( because we have believed. ) No one can see the kingdom of God unless TheY are born again. Born from above. God gives this gift to any one that will want it because they know that they need it. ( they believe ) New International Version On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” If you think that you are healthy when it come to keeping the law And that you are OK, pretty good,not that bad, or that you do not need to be saved because you are a good person. You have no part with him. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND. New International Version He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” New Living Translation “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars-their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” New Living Translation And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. You are in darkness if you think that you can add anything to the gift of God which he has given you through the finnished work of his Son. For those that believe the Spirit of God lives in you.
Thank you brother because I just started attending Church Of Christ for Bible study 📖 and love how they too stand on the Sole Athority of the Holy Bible like my previous Baptist and Pentecostal Churches ive attended.
I'm agnostic and a teenager but my family attended a Church of Christ until I was about 8 years old. I got a strange sense of nostalgia watching this video. Most of my friends come from a Southern Baptist background, and so their experience of having the Lord's Supper once or twice a year, big worship bands, etc. has always felt very alien to me. For once, I could really feel a personal connection to what was being described. I had a lot of "yep, I remember that" moments in this video. As a sidenote, thank you for the thoughtful, well-researched content. It has been a tremendous tool in my re-exploration of the beautiful garden that is the Christian faith.
THE PLAN OF SALVATION. 📢 New International Version EPHESIANS 2:8⛑️ FOR IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, THROUGH FAITH -AND THIS IS NOT FROM YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD 🎶🎵🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶 IF YOU BELIEVE IN WHAT JESUS CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU ON THAT CROSS, HIS DEATH BURRIAL AND RESURRECTION ON THE 3RD DAY, ACCORDINGTO THE SCRIPTURES, YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED.👔 IF YOU DOUBT IN WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR YOU, AND YOU WANT TO ADD SOME OF YOUR OWN RELIGIOUS WORKS, YOU HAVE NO SALVATION. JESUS CHRIST TOOK THE PUNISHMENT THAT YOU DESERVE BECAUSE OF YOUR SIN ON HIMSELF ⛑️, SO THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE TO. JESUS CHRIST LIVED A PERFECT AND SINLESS LIFE. THE PERFECT AND SINLESS LIFE THAT GOD REQUIRED OF US, THE PERFECT AND SINLESS LIFE THAT WE COULD NOT LIVE. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 HE MADE HIM WHO KNEW NO SIN TO BE SIN ON OUR BEHALF, SO THAT WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM. King James Bible Roman's 5:12 WHEREFORE, AS BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH BY SIN; AND SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED: New Living Translation Roman's 5:16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. New Living Translation EPHESIANS 2:9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. IT IS ⬇️ King James Bible EPHESIANS 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. D🚫 N🚫T PUT YOUR TRUST IN MAN.🚻 New Living Translation Psalms 146:3 Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. New King James Version Psalms 146:3 Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in ( A ) son of man, in whom there is no help. New International Version Roman's 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. New Living Translation Roman's 1:16 For I am not ashamed OF THIS Good News ABOUT CHRIST. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile. Berean Standard Bible Isaiah 55:1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! New Living Translation Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. King James Bible For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Can one of these law keepers please tell me all the laws. I bet you can't find one. New International Version galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” New International Version But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. New International Version Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ c 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ d 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
No man can fulfill the law. Period. No man is called to practice the law to be saved. Beware, a lot of false teachers that want to use the old testaments to Decieve you. Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Jesus was introducing love to those that were under the law. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” New International Version Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others ( has fulfilled the law.) When you believe God that produces love and obedience, and a hatred for sin, and a concern for the souls of man. New International Version For this is the message you heard FROM THE BEGINNING: We should love one another. New International Version But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been (released from the law) so that (we serve in the new way of the Spirit,) and not in the old way of the written code. The new way of the of the Spirit, With the fruits of the spirit. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. We are called to believe the testimony of God That He sent his only son, his only begotten Son into the world to save sinners. He gave his life on the cross was buried and rose from the grave on the 3rd day According to the scriptures. New Living Translation He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. Galatians 5:13-18: “For you were called to freedom, BRETHREN; ONLY DO NOT TURN YOUR FREEDOM INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE (FLESh) , but through love serve one another. DO NOT THINK THAT YOU CAN SIN AND GET AWAY WITH IT. New International Version Whoever sows to please their FLESH, from the flesh will reap DESTRUCTION; whoever sows to please the SPIRIT, from the Spirit will reap eternal LIFE. King James Bible For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But I say, WALK BY THE SPIRIT, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. . . . If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. New King James Version Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. We establish the law by loving each other, that is how the law is kept. But The law is a destroyer to those who think that they can get saved by keeping it. You either trust in the Finnished work of CHRIST or you don't. THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND .. If you trust in your own works for salvation You are not saved. If you practice good works because you know you are saved that is ok because you are not doing it to get saved, or to remain saved but because you are a new creation in christ and that is your new life ( nature) and bearing fruit is a gift from God produced by the Holy Spirit who lives in you. No one lives the Christian life to get saved, they live it because they are saved. The ones who try to live the Christian life and are not saved will find themselves doing works in order to be saved. (They are the self righteous) They are the ones that will find themselves saying what is written. King James Bible Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Then the Lord will tell them plainly I never knew you. The lord is looking for true believers People that would worship him in truth and in spirit. The truth is we can't add anything To our salvation. And because the Spirit lives in us we, We live a life of faith only trusting in him, ( because we have believed. ) No one can see the kingdom of God unless TheY are born again. Born from above. God gives this gift to any one that will want it because they know that they need it. ( they believe ) New International Version On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” If you think that you are healthy when it come to keeping the law And that you are OK, pretty good,not that bad, or that you do not need to be saved because you are a good person. You have no part with him. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND. New International Version He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” New Living Translation “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars-their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” New Living Translation And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. You are in darkness if you think that you can add anything to the gift of God which he has given you through the finnished work of his Son. For those that believe the Spirit of God lives in you.
@@reynaldoperez7285 yes true but reading the old testament is not a sin we are under the new covenant but we also should read the whole Bible both old testament and new testament because in the old testament it all points to Christ if you just read the new testament only without understanding the old as nd what the burnt offerings were pointing to the story of Israel and there future there' is more written about the end times in the old testament than in the new I'm not talking about the law that has been fulfilled on Christ but the new testament interprets the old testament so don't misunderstand me but all the Bible is to be understood it's will take a lifetime though to understand all
@신자 adriana starr ,....Jesus did not take on the sin of the world, he only took on the sins of the few he came to save. And these few have nothing to do with anything called the church. You have been deceived.
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 John 1:29-The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
@@Thomas116-m2n ,...So, what is this supposed to mean? Posting scripture without giving a/your meaning/explanation is meaningless. Jesus did not take on the sin of the world, not only is that absolutely ridiculous, but it goes against everything the Bible teaches. Jesus took the sin of the few who are his chosen ones, his elect who have lived at all different times throughout the earths history and who are scattered all across the plane of the earth. All those who have lived in this Godless world from Adam to the last person saved have all been saved by Jesus. There is no other savior in the world other than Jesus. That is the meaning of this scripture you have tried to pervert into saying what you want (need) it to say/mean. Repent!
My family started attending a COC congregation about 8 months ago and we love it . The focus on the Bible and its authority without creeds is wonderful . Great video .
You do know the Catholic Church produced the Bible in the late 4th century at the council’s of Rome and Carthage? That’s called authoritative when you make the Bible.
@@Pickup_man_1973 ,....No, absolutely not. The ungodly cult of catholicism did not produce the Bible. God produced the Bible. Who he used to do it is irrelevant. The 100% antigod/antibible/antichrist manmade cult of catholicism has nothing whatsoever to do with God.
Church of Christ kid, here. Great video! I would add that with autonomous churches the spectrum of belief is vast… incredibly vast. This information comes from the more traditional sources of our movement.
I agree, but I'd also say that most people in the cofC are in that traditional vein, especially those in rural or exurban areas. I don't think that this video misrepresents the majority of the churches of Christ.
Take time in reading the 4 Gosples and stay with Jesus. CoC are a cult that aren't honest. Jesus said he had to go for the COMFORTER TO COME . Paul is not him. Paul had his own gospel.
@@maegardnermills4292 Jesus said love one another. He did NOT say point fingers and slander each other till the cows come home. I am pretty fed up with backbiters masquerading as Christians. Check your mirror madam.
@@lindahutchens8612 Thank you. I have not visited yet, family reasons make it complicated. But I have not seen any church that I like more and hope to visit eventually. Your kindness is much appreciated.
I’ve also left the coC. My dad was a preacher and I was an AIMer (apprentice missionary). My mom is still coC and we have a mutual respect for each others faiths but I really could no longer stay in that church. I also am impressed by how well this video was done and how accurate the information was.
That was clear and brief enough. Anyone with further questions is encouraged to research into any of the topics presented. I grew up in this church and still attend, but I have also visited many other kinds of churches over the years. The big question I notice at times is disagreement over whether scripture is normative or regulatory. As in many religions, opinion is sometimes considered the absolute truth. I will dedicate myself to trying to stay with God, as many everywhere try, rather than following a specific preacher's idea. God bless you all.
I'm glad you are pursing truth in God's Word. Though I'm not convinced such a dichotomy can be useful in defining Scripture on a macro level. We need to respect that God chose for the Bible to exist in a diverse range of genre and style which should inform our reading of it. It's always best to understand first what the passage is trying to say within its direct context before seeking to decide whether it fits bucket a or b. Some parts of Scripture are overtly regulatory, but many are not. If you read the histories in the Old Testament for example, there's a lot of unsavoury behaviour from people who are later defined as heroes of the faith, but it should be pretty obvious that their behaviour is neither intended to be regulatory *or* normative for the saints in Christ today. Yet some things are praiseworthy, such as David having a heart after God; we take this example while acknowledging this didn't mean David had perfect obedience. So we're always parsing Scripture and it's important to discern where Scripture speaks most clearly on a given topic before drawing any conclusions. On some topics the Scripture doesn't have a clear mandate and 'each should be fully convinced in their own mind.'
Thank you for a fair, objective look at the Church. Given we're congregationally autonomous I can't speak to the accuracy on all of your comments. I can say that most of your observations are correct from my (albeit limited) experience.
I was raised in the Church of Christ until age 18. Everything you reported here is as I remember it, except the church I attended did have Sunday School classes for all age groups. Only the adults had one class. Well done on your synopsis! I'm happily in a true Bible-believing church now that is not based on works, but in salvation by grace through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9). When you truly believe in Christ, the fruit of that belief will become apparent...you will want to serve Him. God bless!
Hi just wondering, I work at a church of Christ private school and my kids attend as well…. We are not church of Christ…. I find it extremely exclusive and sectarian…. Sometimes their legalism is extreme… our kids are young and some times it’s concerning…. Any thoughts about your upbringing ???
@@truthbetold2146 if it’s conservative just go by the Bible, talk to the people in charge, and if they are the people who they say they are they will help you and your children to the best of there ability.
Look closely at the next verse. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV
JR,....If you are still in that ungodly cult, you had better immediately cry out to God for mercy. Ask him to open your blind eyes and to raise you from your spiritually dead state.
@@penttimuhli9442 ,....Yes, correct. Those who go from one denomination to another have only gone from one deception into another deception. Every denomination is apostate from God and Biblical truth. If it is called a church, then it is apostate from God and from the Bibles Christianity.
Thank you for this video. CoC was a very small part of my faith journey. I attended a few services after placing my faith in Christ. I dove into the Word and asked questions. While I ultimately disagree with some of the doctrines of CoC, I respect the ideal of trying to remain true to God's Word and will.
Don't be deceived by the COC. If you have repented and put your faith and trust in Jesus, acknowledging he is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins, you're saved. When they read you comment they think you're going to hell for simply disagreeing with them. I can tell you there's a deep abiding peace and joy that comes from living for Jesus, knowing my sins are forgiven and I'm bound for heaven. I live for Jesus because I love him and he loves me. We're saved "by grace through faith, not of works lest any man should boast." Period. Don't be fooled by these modern day pharisees. God bless.
@@joelm4847 That you have to be baptized for salvation and that you can lose salvation for a couple of examples. That was what the CoC pastor told me then.
@fbcfnh their view of Christianity makes it no different than any other religion: a great leader/prophet we must follow, we get to heaven based on works, if we stop doing the works we go to hell. There are many examples in the New Testament of people being saved and being forgiven of their sins where baptism isn't mentioned. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is a gift from God; it is not a result of works, lest any man should boast" Ephesians 2:8-9 Praise God he did all the work, he sent his son to earth to die for me, and my sins. Now I'm free to live for Him because I love Him and he loves me.
Good Morning, I've been going to a Church of Christ. I've went to around 20 services, I have heard ZERO mention of any other denomination. Good or bad. I have not heard one whisper of Gossip, they truly follow the Bible, and that is all anyone is there for. I love the people. We all love God and Jesus, and treat everyone as such.
....most members of Churches of Christ are very sincere "salt of the earth" Types...but sometimes "legalistic" pulpit Preachers can cause problems and arguments...sounds like you found "a Pearl of Great Price" type of congregation...I found the people of the CoC in my teens...their pious faith and fellowship has blessed my life ever since...be patient with them ...they always mean well...and they are "the real McCoy"..God Bless you on your journey, my brother...
It sounds like you found one of the best ones! Treasure them! Your "mileage" may vary widely from church to church within the movement. That's one of the results of not having a governing body or authority beyond the level of the individual churches. I belong to the similar Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, who are similar in not having a denominational structure, and have a similar variety from church to church. The upside to doing things that way is that if a church goes weird, the weirdness tends not to spread beyond that church, whereas if a denomination with a governing body has enough of the governing body go weird, it impacts the whole denomination.
For one who is closely following the events of the United Methodist church (with pending major divisions), my reading of the church governance here in the CoC is a relief and indeed a joy. The church was never intended to have a "General Assembly" or other assembly which issues policy downward. No ecclesiastical hierarchy was seen the early, first century church. I feel for my denominational friends who are going through this. You would not believe the anguish. The Baptists too - will encounter the same problem, if not already. All because of man-make dictates such as the Book of Discipline, and etc. My hope is that those who profess Christianity will return to the simple form of worship which the Churches of Christ have largely embraced.
I am astounded by your statement that "The church was never intended to have a "General Assembly" or other assembly which issues policy downward. No ecclesiastical hierarchy was seen the early, first-century church." I have been on a journey looking into Christianity for a couple of years now and found the exact opposite. The book of Acts (Chapter 15) describes an ecclesiastical hierarchy that constituted binding authority for those living in the first-century church. In this New Testament passage, we read about the first serious theological dispute to arise in the early Church. And, more importantly, we read about how that dispute was settled. The question was: Must Gentile believers receive circumcision and keep the customs of Moses (i.e., essentially become Jews) in order to be saved? Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question (Acts 15:1-2). What Acts chapter 15 goes on to describe is the first “council” of the Christian Church, referred to now as the Council of Jerusalem. In a nutshell, here’s what happens: (a) The Apostles and elders meet to discuss, debate and decide the issue (vs. 6-21). (b) A decree is issued - a letter drafted and sent out to ALL the churches informing them of the council’s ruling (vs. 22-30). (c) In this letter, the council's decision (this is important!) is described as the decision of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements (vs. 27-28). (d) The letter is received by the churches with joy. So, when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and when they had gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation (vs. 30-31). The ruling of the council is accepted as authoritative and binding. It is the ruling of the Holy Spirit. None of the Christians in Antioch think to respond, “Thank you very much for your guidance on this matter. We will examine the council’s decision and let you know our position.” No, instead, the Christians “rejoice” that the matter has been settled, and now they can focus on living out the truths of their faith. As I have examined Christianity I have been looking for this ecclesiastical hierarchy whose authority would necessarily originate with Jesus and should be traceable throughout history. As I have continued my studies I have found that all the evidence for this ecclesiastical hierarchy is pointing to either the Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church. Alexander Campbell had no association with either of these institutions. He and a few other individuals started what is known as the Church of Christ in the 19th century. I am not trying to disparage Alexander Campbell or anyone else. He was probably a very good God-fearing man. However, I am saying his lack of ecclesiastical authority means that he could only offer his opinion, but was unable to compel others to accept/follow specific Christian doctrine or practice.
@davidcawrowl3865 ---> I like many of the things the "Churches of Christ" mention and stand for, such as being against the foul stench of "Birth sin" / "original sin" cooked-up by Disgustin' Augustin of Hippo, and the heresy of infant baptism, and having "Priests" and the badness of "Calvinism". - but .... for you to not know about a general assembly or deny that there was one, tells me that you need to read the whole Bible and specifically Acts chapter 15. The headquarters of the 1st century church was at Jerusalem and problems and difficulties and squabbles in the various churches and church plants around the Mediterranean Sea were taken to the General Assembly at Jerusalem and James and other Apostles/Disciples acted as the judge/counselors. Many of the things written in the N.T. epistles are to fix / straighten out problems that this new organization / religious community were having disputes about. The scripture is plain as black ink on white paper about the offices of the "churches" ---- Use your concordance and look these words up before posting comments on the internet! Apostle, Apostleship. Bishop, Bishopric. Deacon. Evangelist. Minister. Ministry. Pastor/Pastors. Teacher(s). Those are New Testament jobs/tasks/offices. Just because you descendants of Stone & Campbell guys despise the R.C.C. & the E.O. organizations does not mean that there are no church officers. They are to be ordained and paid/compensated.
The immense variance from church to church within the CoC manifests a lot in terms of eschatology. I've encountered CoC members with views ranging from full 70 AD preterism to all-out "Left Behind Series" premillennialism. Even the extremely conservative CoC I attended in west Texas didn't embrace preterism.
...from about the 1860's to 1940s Premillenialism was actually quite popular in the CoC...both David Lipscomb and Harding were held to a doctrinally ancient-style of default premillennial eschatology, however the term itself was not used ("Bible Names")...Latter in the 1920's the newer dispensational premillennial theories ("Left Behind") became a hot debate controversy in the CoC, resulting in the marjority CoC embracing less sensational amillennial eschatologies and peterisms ...a odd rarity amongst American protestant fundamentalists...and a small minority of CoC located around Louisville Kentucky still embrace Premillenialism ...
@@RosaryMIlitia ...is that why you have traditional Latin mass..and 60's hippie Guitar masses..and Vatican2 vernacular Masses..and Byzantine Masses...and married convert priests...actually what you have is a mush mash of masses .. Magisteriums and Sacred Traditions {plural}...some date all the way back to 600AD...but most are much more modern...
@@RosaryMIlitia ...oh and btw ...if you note carefully the comment above was specifically regarding the variety of Eschatologies (End Times) within the Restorationist/Church of Christ tradition...is not a similar wide variety of approaches to the End Times tolerated amongst Roman Catholics???...and that ...regardless of your "Magisteriums and Sacred Traditions"?...
@@RosaryMIlitia I need neither of those false and satanic abominations that stem from pagan Rome and were utterly alien to Christianity until that empire hijacked the dominant form of it.
I'm a member and it's crazy how much this stuff can vary by church. The upside: we focus on the details and really care about trying to get our faith right. The downside: it gets political and lots of hair splitting
I was raised in the church of Christ until I was about sixteen I think. My parents divorced when I was four but remained on friendly terms. I kept going to services and got saved and baptized around ten, but the church forgot to register it or lost the papers. But I recognized I felt different after baptism and had a love for my mom that I never had before. She was crying in the pew afterwards and I felt sorry for her. Also later on I started realizing that I was actually listening to the sermons instead of doing off like I used to do.
Very good video. I grew up Church of Christ and I guess I still am, but loosely. The only thing I would add is how much of an emphasis there is on Scripture. This was certainly true for me growing up, and from what I hear this is the case at most Churches of Christ. I grew up with a strong foundation in Biblical knowledge, both of the text itself and the context of the 1st century. It’s arguably the CoC’s greatest strength
Let's not forget that Jesus purchased the church with His own blood; Acts 20:28. Why not return to His church; Romans 16:16? Why are you upset that churches of Christ have an emphasis on scripture? I would think that was a very good thing for the Bible says "thy word is truth."
Glad you clarified that cOC uses lots of scripture. I cannot find your last post to understand why I thought you had a problem with lots of scripture being used; but glad you think it is a great strength. Are you attending worship now with the church of Christ?
I just found your post and I see that you did say there was much emphasis on scripture; my mistake and this is a good thing like you said. What I would like to ask you is what do you mean by your comment "I grew up Church of Christ and I GUESS I AM, BUT LOOSELY?"
@@lindahutchens8612 I don’t go to church every week, I actually work a lot of Sundays. My wife and daughter alternate between my parents’ church (Church of Christ) and a friend’s church (hispanic pentecostal). So I still go sometimes to the Church of Christ, I belong more there than any other denomination. That’s what I meant by loosely
Your videos are pure quality. And your business model is genius. With another ten Protestant denominations popping up every day, you can keep this ship going until the second coming.
The best part about the second coming is that the Catholic Church will be the only one left standing after the wheat is separated from the chaff and weeds.
@@geordiewishart1683 Oh this is rich, so protestants have found in the last 500 years that universalism is true, homosexual marriage is fine, divorce is good, it's ok to have priestesses, the Bible only has 66 books and the world was supposed to end in 1844. But it's fine because all their clubs are "Bible based". What will they think up next?
The Church of Christ I grew up in never used instruments and opposes/opposed images, and yes that includes the image of the cross. I love every aspect of it. It's a very spiritual experience to worship in peacefulness and quietness.
I fully believe in every point. The church of Christ is correct in saying the age of miracles has passed along with all the tools needed to establish the church. A building needs scaffolding in its inception, when the building is finished the scaffolding is taken away. As to works a Christian should treat others respectfully no matter what or how they believe. That is counted as works. We have faith in Jesus as our savior and advocate before God. We believe the Holy Spirit helps us discern scripture. We believe that we should use our voices to sing as a congregation together. The bible is all sufficient for teaching, as it is the infallible word of God. Hell is a horrible thought and one should evangelize any that come to you asking why you believe as you do. Please take salvation seriously as Jesus paid a heavy price with his flesh and blood even his death for us. That grace He bestowed on us is amazing. Jesus is Lord. May God bless and keep you all in Jesus name.
I have followed this channel for a while in my journey to be more open to understanding other traditions and their unique history. I have greatly appreciated your content that you put out to help others understand. With that being said, I have grown up in the church of Christ and went to a church of Christ affiliated university in Texas. What was amazing about my education is that it didn’t just teach me the doctrine of the church of Christ, but instead I had the opportunity to read theology from scripture through all of history until modern times. What happened is my heart was opened to the fact that I have so much more in common with other “tribes” of the faith then just my own. I have a lot of respect and love for my tribe and I know we are not perfect. What I think is really hard and unique for understanding the church of Christ is how unique each church has the possibility of being. For example, one can not simple understand what kind of CoC theology one church is going to have unless one does research on the congregation from either a website, facebook, or finding sermons on websites or simply visiting the congregation. I may be weird and on the outside but I have been able to find much love and appreciation for the more conservative churches like I grew up with and those who have also “developed” their thinking. What else is interesting is that in the states mentioned at the end in the bigger cities one can experience a more conservative congregation and then only have to walk or drive 5 minutes to a more “progressive” congregation. I have experienced how churches will inherently put up walls against each other and I have also witnessed how congregations will try to bridge the gap by having events where multiple congregations are welcomed to participate at. Yes through I did cringe at some parts of this video, not by what was said but what people of the church have said. I still am able to have joy because I know how much my life and circumstances have developed and I know that there is one heaven for all and I’m excited for us all to be United with Christ, whether it be in this life or the next. Thank you for the video and the opportunity to reflect on my own tradition (tribe). If you would like more content for this tradition and history that was not included. I would encourage to look at the development of church of Christ affiliated universities and also preaching schools. How they have developed over the years and how they have also how they might have stayed sane in some aspects. Some of these universities include Abilene Christian University, Freedhardman, Harding, Lipscomb Lubbock Christian, Pepperdine etc. Also, the effect this tradition has had on campus ministry throughout the nation is very interesting. Again thank you for the excellent content!
HERE is The Savior HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH” YaH is The Heavenly Father YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins ** NO FEMALE INVOLVED WHATSOEVER ** - Hebrew Book of Isaiah Isaiah 42:8 "I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 43:11 I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me. Isaiah 45:5 I am YaH, and there is none else.
The fact that you hear is that you are a child of God (John 8:47). The fact that you believe shows the work of Christ in you (John 6:29). The fact that you confess that Jesus is Lord proves that God has gave you a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26), and that the spirit is in you (1 Corinthians 12:3). The fact that you repented shows the goodness of God that lead you to repentance (Romans 2:4). The fact that you got baptized is another evidence of His mercy in you (Titus 3:5). The fact that you live faithfully shows that you are are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph 2:10). These are all evidence that one is already in possession of eternal salvation, and not to obtain eternal salvation.
My mom was COC for a long time until the church had a rift. Then only the original families that started the churc were called to resolve it. No converts. So much for being a member of the Church of Christ
This is how it was at the church I went to up until I was 18. When I was a child, there were around 200 people in the church. Rift after rift, there are now around, I would guess, 30 people and it's a dying church. I doubt it will be there at all in the next 5-10 years.
After being Jehovah's witness for over twenty years I found refreshment in the Church of Christ. Actually, I was baptized there when I was young, but life circumstances took me away where I couldn't find this church. True, churches of Christ vary in their beliefs and practices, but what I appreciate is emphasizing practical Christianity. As JW I never felt good enough, and I knew many were there because of fear to lose friends and family. I kept some beliefs I had as JW since I think it is biblical. I am not trinitarian and I do not believe in immortal soul. Still some my other beliefs are different than Watchtower. At least I would not be shunned because I believe differently. What I like here is giving right glory to Christ what is not a case in my previous denomination. Only I know I do not want to belong to any denominational church, I am fed up of leaders. My only leader is Christ. Also, I convinced most of them that Christ came for many others not only for us and we take whole Bible as the Word of God. As JW I did not have right to say my opinions while here my voice is heard.
@@X23Ninja Ecclesiastes 9:5. Read story of Lazarus, conversation between Jesus and Martha. Only hope for dead is resurrection. Satan lied Eve saying - you will not die. And God said: from dust you were made, to dust you will return.
The belief in the immortal soul is what got me to leave the JWs, so I find it interesting that you don't believe in it. How do you reconcile Matthew 10:28 and the lack of an immortal soul?
I'm glad you made the first steps away from the JW. It really is something of a cult, relying on a body of laws of man to interpret scripture, just like the apostles and even Christ warned against, like the Pharisees.
I think it'd be interesting for you to do a video about the different Christian colleges and their denomination ties. For instance, I went to Harding University, a CofC college and while talking to a coworker who went to Liberty University, we discovered we had some shared experiences going to a private Christian college, but also differences based on denominations. I'm curious to learn about other Christian colleges.
I was once a fool hearted REPROBATE no one wanted me. I was accepted by no one. I saw this man on Tv approximately 4am and I liked what he said. So I called and asked for a transcript. The very next day a local Pastor showed up at my door and I welcomed him in. We began to have a discussion and the next day I was Baptized and started going to Church most every Sunday. I am SO INCREDIBLY HAPPY to have a Church family that will accept me. So as for me I don’t agree with all that is said but for my situation I going to this Church because they welcomed me!
I did church shopping 19 years ago and I found that the church of Christ was the best church that sticks with scripture, I belong to son rise church of Christ on the outer banks of North Carolina..
Quick question about the Lord's Supper: What is "fermented juice" and how is that different from "fermented wine" Is fermented juice like welch's grape juice? Or is it in a different bucket entirely?
None whatsoever. Fermented juice is wine. Welch's was originally sold under the name "unfermented wine", as Welch used a process similar to pasteurizing milk, which halts the fermentation process.
I have attended a variety of congregations and denominations over the years. I seek a church where Jesus and the Bible are preached and earnest Christians pray. I have been involved in music ministry most of my life. Music worship is beautiful, but has a down-side of tending to get off-focus. Acapella music with a simple music leader tends to keep the focus on worship, which is refreshing. COC is a good solid denomination.
Actually, the Church of Christ is not a denomination. This is one of the things that sets it apart from others. It is the Word, preached and followed, pure and simple.
@@cryptoopestv technically, yes, however, people generally don't understand it that way. And people in the Church of Christ get the full explanation. We must not get caught up in petty arguments especially now when so much is at stake. True?
As someone who worships with CoC in the town I live, my biggest annoyances are: 1.) AD 70 (full preterism) doctrine. I find this doctrine absurd and even approaching heresy. 2.) The name "Church of Christ". I'm certain that if another congregation were in 100% agreement with CoC dogma over even minor doctrinal issues, but called themselves something like "Church of the Redeemer of Man", they'd be disfellowshipped by a number of CoCs. 3.) Musical instruments. I *strongly* prefer acapella song worship. But I refuse to believe for an instant that people who use instruments are doing so in rejection of scripture. And I get sick of hearing it snuck into every other sermon (at least seemingly). 4.) Baptism for remission of sins. I think we have a grammar problem here and need to have grace for those who word the same idea in a different way. 5.) Alcohol. To say that Christ didn't drink alcohol and that modern translations don't properly distinguish between wine and grapejuice is another absurdity. There are plenty of practical reasons supported by scripture to strongly caution, but not condemn, alcohol use within the context of modern society. That being said, I am never worried about my congregation allowing women, homosexuals, or SJWs into leadership. And I am convinced of our fearfulness, awe, and love of the Saviour of mankind and our desire to honour Him in all things. I have grace for the rest and hope they do too.
In my experience, most members where I grew up were at least leery about it. One member in particular was adamant that the word "Trinity" not be used, because of its perceived association with Catholicism. From my experience, this basically sums up the general attitude of the CoC when it comes to any theological term. I mean, add on the caveat that there is some variety between congregations, but broadly speaking, this is the general culture of the movement
I heard the term used, but more often we discussed the concept without using the word itself. And I never heard it as “the Holy Trinity,” only “the Trinity,” occasionally clarified as “the Tri-Unity of the Godhead” when explaining the concept.
A lot of people have already noted the wide diversity within churches of Christ on a number of the issues discussed in the video, so there’s no need for me to reemphasize the point. Some suggested reading for anyone interested might be helpful, though. On the conservative end of the spectrum would be books like Leroy Brownlow’s Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ. Everett Ferguson’s The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today represents a moderate-conservative perspective that incorporates biblical scholarship. John Mark Hicks’ Searching for the Pattern would probably be a good choice for the more progressive end of the spectrum (comparatively speaking, at least).
15:27 Commenting as a member of the church of Christ. So far you've been accurate and presented a fair view of our faith. Thank you. My expectation is that this will continue for the rest of the video. I commented at this time stamp to say that eschatology, one of the meatier topics of scripture, IS varied within the church. Many are partial preterists like me (and no, I'm not a member of the liberal congregations). Some are a form of preterism that believes Revelation is about the fall of Rome. Others are amillennialists. There are even a few Full Preterists. No congregation I am aware of espouses millennialism.
I have debated a couple of them on justification by faith. And both times they rejected that sinners are justified by christ death and resurrection. They insisted that you are a christian unless you are baptized.
Hi Sergio. The ideas of being justified by Christ's death and resurrection, and only becoming a Christian at baptism, are not mutually exclusive. It is upon submitting to baptism (through faith), that a person IS justified by Christ's death and resurrection (Col. 2:11-12). 1 Peter 3:21 - There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), *through the resurrection of Jesus Christ* There is no inherent power in the act of baptism, and I have never heard anyone say that baptism somehow saves apart from the death and resurrection of Christ. The basis of salvation is God's grace in the atonement. The condition is faith (from which flows repentance and baptism).
@@sdgarrison with all due respect st paul states that it is faith in christ finish work that saves not faith plus rituals. Baptism is a ritual that does not pay for our own sins.
@@sergiocantu1000 Again, no one is saying baptism itself pays for our own sins. Neither does faith, by the way. The blood of Christ does. Does faith save you? (yes) Wait, I thought Jesus saves you? Obviously, both are true. What does it mean for something to happen "by faith"? Does this preclude any action whatsoever? Consider an example from Hebrews 11:30 - By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. This says the walls fell "by faith"...AFTER they were encircled. You see, the walls did not fall at the moment of Israel's trust in God, but only after they met His condition of walking around the city the prescribed number of times. Yet it is still true that the walls fell by faith, not of works (it was not by their own power, nor were they deserving of the victory). This example illustrates the principle we find concerning salvation. Salvation is not of works - it is not based on works - it cannot be, because no one is without sin. Everyone needs the grace of God, full stop. However, this does not exclude an obedient response to the gospel, such as believing, confessing, repenting, etc. The New Testament has quite a bit to say about baptism, but never calls it a "ritual". Why do you?
Ex-CoC member here. This is a really good synopsis of the CoC. I stuck with them for many years because the pastors were like fathers to me but when they retired or died I had to deal with the reality of the problem of doctrine superseding scripture. Mostly due to a new pastor that didn't like doctrinal questioning. I think the CoC's biggest downfall is that the lack of structure inherent in their ideals gives interlopers a foot in the door.
I've been in the Church of Christ for 28 of my 40 years. This is well researched and describes well the conservative mainline ideas, some of which are fairly consistent everywhere. I've never been to 2 coc's that were identical, though we do have a surprisingly similar doctrine base for a group with no centralizing synod or convention. That said, most of this is describing what is rapidly becoming the minority view of dying, ultra-conservative wing of the tradition. There are not many churches with more than, say, 30 members who claim to be THE church at the excusion of all others (though the ones who do say this are very vocal). It is pretty rare to find churches today that are teetotal in their teaching on alcohol. It is much more common to see deaconesses, special communion services, liturgical observations, and a view of Universal Christendom being much larger than those who agree with us. I'd also say our views on the absolute essentiality of baptism for the forgiveness of sins has somewhat waned (though we all hold it as sacred and in the highest regard).
Hmmmmm. My home congregation numbers 500 to 600 in Sunday a.m. attendance, in a very large southern metropolitan area, and we are very conservative theologically, and very traditional in worship style. Most churches in this area, with some exceptions are the same, and definitely throughout the state. Sure there are cultural differences among mainstream congregations, but theologically and in practice we are virtually the same. It is true that nationally, a minority of churches, about one to two thousand, out of about 11 to 12 thousand churches are more progressive in various degrees. Equally so, the mainstream are indeed more conservative and traditional in various degrees. To say though that the churches have changed to a more progressive outlook is simply, demographically nearly impossible. About 9 to 10 thousand churches have less than 200 in attendance, with about 8 thousand of these, less than 100, not likely to be the hotbed of anything different. If the progressives all left on their own tomorrow, the mainstream would still number nearly ten thousand churches.
@@larrymcclain8874 You understand then, that when Church of Christ people talk about being conservative, we generally mean it differently from what most people call conservative Christianity. You can be theologically conservative as a congregation and still be considered progressive for Church of Christ. You can, for instance, affirm inerrancy of the Bible, traditional gender and marriage, etc, but still be considered progressive because you think that churches who use other names still have saved people in them, baptism is normative rather than essesntial, and those use instruments are not automatically heretics. When I say ultra conservative, I mean those who pretend Alexander Campbell had nothing to do with the Church of Christ movement, doubt the salvation of those outside the Churches of Christ, refuse to use words like Christmas and Easter because those words are not in the Bible, and recite the proof-texts of the church doctrines every single week. Most Churches of Christ today, while theologically conservative, have moved away from that ridged, sectarian, cultish attitudes we were famous for 40+ years ago.
Thank you for being fair and objective in your presentation! This was very well-researched and generally accurate to what the churches I have attended all my life teach. All-ages Bible classes are actually fairly common now in my experience, but I don’t doubt that they weren’t always. Some Christians in the church of Christ, especially those in younger generations, are working to communicate our message about salvation more clearly: that salvation is by faith, received at the point of baptism, and followed by a lifelong process of sanctification in which we do good works out of gratitude and desire to grow more like Jesus and be in relationship with Him, rather than falling back on those old knee-jerk reactions against “once saved, always saved.” But that message is still not often communicated or understood well in the churches of Christ, and I don’t doubt that most of what you found in your research didn’t come across that way. It didn’t to me either for the first 18-ish years of my life.
@@bama101010 As I alluded to above, I was saved by grace through faith; I received salvation at the point of my baptism for remission of sins in a symbolic representation of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the pattern seen in the early church throughout the book of Acts.
@@jennasink8743 I was not saved by water, but by my faith in the finished cross work of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My sins were forgiven on the cross. I was saved the Bible way. I was saved the way that God through Paul tells us we are saved when we believe the gospel of the death, burial and resurrection. I was saved when I believed the gospel of the death, burial and resurrection as seen in I Corinthians 15:1-4. I Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. When I was saved, I was sealed with the Holy Spirit until Christ redeems me. Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Please keep reading I Corinthians 15:1-4 until you understand the gospel. Why do we never hear from Peter after Acts Chapter 15? Because there was a new gospel, and it IS called the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. The gospel of the kingdom was rejected when the Jews rejected and crucified their messiah, redeemer and king. The Jews stoned Stephen to death - thereby rejecting the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank God that He gave us (the world) the gospel of the grace of God after Stephen was stoned to death. The Bible is a progressive Book. It does not stop at Acts 2:38, as many believe. The Book of Revelation tells of Christ defeating Satan. However, many call the Book of Revelation a "symbolic book." Yet they love their "symbolic water baptism." Satan combines the gospel of the kingdom with the gospel of the grace of God through water baptism. I do believe that Ephesians 2:8-9 pours cold water on your water baptism salvation myth. Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Will you keep boasting of your salvation through water baptism?
@@bama101010 you are blatantly and dangerously ignoring Christ's own words. Christ literally stated, in HIS OWN WORDS, that baptism is a requirement for salvation. You mention a lot on what Paul said, but practically nothing on what Jesus says. Are you saying that Paul's words, hold more importance than Christ's?
Some of the doctrine is very obvious and is easy to agree on. But you can delve down into obscure minutia where the answers are not so obvious. This is where we pray for understanding, forgiveness, and trust in God's grace.
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 Not sure I follow? I didn’t go from one denomination to another. I am a Christian. I’m in the only church there is. I have merely grown to understand doctrinal & theological truth better. My being saved by grace has not changed. It can’t change. I wasn’t saved by something I did or didn’t do. Therefore, I cannot be unsaved by something I do or don’t do. (Rom 4: 1-8)
@@PeteGoode ,...True, no Christian can unsave themselves, just as no one can save themselves. You have this correct. However when you say you are a reformed Christian you are indicating that you are in a reformed church. The entire church is apostate from God and from the Bibles Christianity. So being in any church or going from any church into a different one is just going from one deception into another slightly different one. Everything called the church is apostate from God and Biblical truth. You stated that you went from church of Christ to a reformed church? Is that not going from one denomination to another? The few actual Christians that exist have nothing to do with anything called the church. Hope this helps clarify.
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 I’m curious where you can find this in scripture. Hebrews 10:24-26 is pretty clear about “forsaking the assembly.” I.e. don’t do it. I went from coc theology to reformed theology. I have been (since I was saved) and will continue to be in the only church that exists. There is no other church. That church has people who attend many different denominations. But they are all saved By grace alone Through faith alone In Christ alone To the glory of God alone As attested by scripture alone
@@PeteGoode ,.... As to Hebrews 10- 24-26, The assembling of ourselves together refers only to the actual Christians. There are no actual Christians in any church. So, anyone assembling in any church is assembling together with unbelievers. Also, more accurately, this is referring to a spiritual gathering and not a physical gathering. The few actual Christians that exist gather together spiritually in that they all understand the Bible correctly and all the same just as the first Christians did. This is not talking about a physical gathering. The few actual Christians gather together spiritually from all across the plane of the earth. One here and one there. They are all spiritually on the same page. They are all outside of everything called the church. What do you mean the only church that exists? You, nor nearly anyone else actually understands what saved by grace means. 99.9% of those calling themselves Christians do not at all understand what saved by grace means, they only think they do. No one in any church is saved. If they were saved they would not be in or have anything to do with any church. The church is made up of and for the unsaved, the blind, lost, and the deceived. Jesus does not bring any of his people into the church, he rescues them from the church.
I grew up going to this kind of church. That's definitely what they say. But unfortunately in my opinion it's not what they always do. Though I do feel like they have good intentions overall. Good luck in your spiritual journey
They sound very close to the Baptists on many things, especially doing what the Bible requires by having believers baptism and by immersion ONLY. Good for them
No they don’t. Baptist’s believe in salvation by confessing belief in Christ only. They don’t teach baptismal regeneration because the Bible does t teach it. COC’s twist acts 2:38
@@truthnottradition7 Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them Being the mouth of the apostles, and being ready to give advice, and speak a word of comfort to their distressed minds: repent: change your minds, entertain other thoughts, and a different opinion of Jesus of Nazareth, than you have done; consider him, and believe in him, as the true Messiah and Saviour of the world; look upon him, not any more as an impostor, and a blasphemer, but as sent of God, and the only Redeemer of Israel; change your voice and way of speaking of him, and your conduct towards his disciples and followers; a change of mind will produce a change of actions in life and conversation: bring forth fruits meet for repentance; and make an open and hearty profession of repentance for this your sin. And this the apostle said, to distinguish between a legal and an evangelical repentance; the former is expressed in their being pricked to the heart, on which they were not to depend; the latter he was desirous they might have, and show forth; which springs from the love of God, is attended with views, or at least hopes of pardoning grace and mercy, and with faith in Christ Jesus: it lies in a true sight and sense of sin, under the illuminations and convictions of the Spirit of God; in a sorrow for it, after a godly sort, and because it is committed against a God of love, grace, and mercy, and it shows itself in loathing sin, and in shame for it, in an ingenuous acknowledgement of it, and in forsaking it: and this is moreover urged, to show the necessity of it, as to salvation, for such that God would not have perish, he will have come to repentance; so to their admission to the ordinance of baptism, to which repentance is a pre-requisite; and to which the apostle next advises: and be baptized everyone of you; that repents and believes; that is, in water, in which John administered the ordinance of baptism; in which Christ himself was baptized, and in which the apostles of Christ administered it; in this Philip baptized the eunuch; and in this were the persons baptized that were converted in Cornelius's house; and it is distinguished from the baptism of the Spirit, or with fire, the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit mentioned in the last clause of this verse; and which ordinance of water baptism was administered by immersion, as the places, Jordan and Aenon, where John performed it, and the instances of it particularly in Christ, and in the eunuch, and the end of it, which is to represent the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as well as the primary signification of the word, show. And this is to be done, in the name of Jesus Christ; not to the exclusion of the Father, and of the Spirit, in whose name also this ordinance is to be administered, ( Matthew 28:19 ) but the name of Jesus Christ is particularly mentioned, because of these Jews, who had before rejected and denied him as the Messiah; but now, upon their repentance and faith, they are to be baptized in his name, by his authority, according to his command; professing their faith in him, devoting themselves to him, and calling on his name. The end for which this was to be submitted to, is, for the remission of sins; not that forgiveness of sin could be procured either by repentance, or by baptism; for this is only obtained by the blood of Christ; but the apostle advises these awakened, sensible, repenting, and believing souls, to submit to baptism, that by it their faith might be led to Christ, who suffered and died for their sins, who left them buried in his grave, and who rose again for their justification from them; all which is, in a most lively manner, represented in the ordinance of baptism by immersion: the encouragement to it follows, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost: not the grace of the Spirit, as a regenerator and sanctifier; for that they had already; and is necessary, as previous to baptism; unless it should mean confirmation of that grace, and stability in it, as it appears from ( Acts 2:42 ) they afterwards had; but rather the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, particularly the gift of speaking with tongues, which Christ had received from the Father, and had now shed on his apostles; see ( Acts 19:5-6 )
I would love to see a comparison between Church of Christ and Eastern Orthodox. There seems to be a lot in common, especially in their articulations of original sin/ ancestral sin.
I've thought about the same thing and I've searched for videos and articles online for a comparison. To me, CoC is the sola scriptura version of Eastern Orthodox.
You should do an episode on Sola Scriptura, because that is the main point dividing and classifying Christian denominations. But it seems that for some Sola Scriptura is a given.
yes i have thought that too. COC and other denomination deny the Solas but don't answer back with scripture to deny the solas scripture that it is representing.
Sola Scriptura is kinda tricky because it means different things to different denominations. For example the Lutheran (LCMS) view will be much different from a Southern Baptist view.
This is the clearest explanation of Church of Christ doctrine that I’ve ever heard. Thank you. Matthew 16:18 King James Version 18 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.
This channel is great evangelisation for the Catholic Church because you highlight the disunity / chaos / rampant heresy and confusion within Protestantism!
DL,.....As completely astray from God and Biblical truth the protestant churches are, they still do not compare to how absolutely astray the ungodly cult of catholicism is. However bad the protestants are, the catholics are much worse.
@@jenex5608 i believe the Church of Christ is the right but here's the thing.......even jews of the 1st Century who were members of the church of christ had problems as well as those today in the 21st Century. i believe God had a remnant in the 1st Century when those jews fled from the coming destruction of jerusalem in 70 A.D. as well as today, those who r members of COC But have done there own thing instead of the right thing.......either way its still gonna be THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The problem with fundamentalist denominations like the CoC (and yes, they are a denomination), is that they are mis-defining what is meant by "being saved". Saved from what? Eternal torture? Eternal separation from God? Being "saved" is a process, not a moment. It's only the beginning of a journey towards complete communion with God through Jesus.
I grew up in the musical Church Of Christ I got baptized by around 7 years old as I didn’t know what it was all about and get rebaptize in my 20s after understanding the meaning. I did not know that they would a non-musical church and went there for five years. I got tired of them trying to shove Ephesians 5:19 down my throat about non-music. So I left and went back to my old musical church I go to now. It’s really sad that they tell you you are going to hell over a guitar (man made rule btw) instead of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: Biblical Authority For New Testament Worship + Common Objectionsruclips.net/video/20gmf4N80bc/видео.html The Truth About..... Singingruclips.net/video/J7xLW8KHE4c/видео.html
I also grew up in a movement who shunned musical instruments in church but they also shunned them in everyday life. That I can understand. But calling it sinful (they must at some point, right?) to use in church services, but otherwise in everyday life they play guitars and violins and wherever else. That I don’t get.
@@Johntom2k Funny timing in your response, I stopped attenting ICOC a month ago after going for 3-4 months when I started seeing all the red flags popping up. That, plus all the new lawsuits coming in I decided to take my conscience elsewhere. Very strange place with a very backwards culture when it comes to managing its members and trying to take over their lives and personal decisions.
Which is/what church was the Church of Christ during Paul's writing the Book of Romans?... There was Judiasm, The Way, lots of schematic/dividing sects... Which one was Church of Christ? Roman Catholiticism began, formally, C.325 A.D....
None of them are Jesus's church. Jesus's church is a spiritual church not a physical church. Everything known as and called the church is apostate from God and from the Bibles Christianity.
Great report. They seem pretty mainstream. I remember when COCs were considered to be nearly a cult. In that their members thought they were the only real Church and other denominations were apostate. Some old timers referred to them as "Cambellites" . Also do they have regular denominational conventions? What about their governance? Who is leading the COC. Do they send missionaries internationally? What about their seminaries , colleges and universities?
They absolutely have colleges including Harding University, Abilene Christian, Pepperdine and Lipscomb. International missionaries are supported by individual congregations. There is no overarching governance or conventions in the sense you are talking about.
My research led me to see the structure of influence exists around publications, colleges, bible schools and influential ministers. Similar to the way Independent Baptist (my church) find themselves cooperating and fellowshipping.
The CoCs in Texas I've attended (I've attended about a dozen CoCs, plus 2 or 3 Methodist churches, a few Lutherines, some Episcopalians, etc) and all CoCs I've attended have explicitly stated that anyone in "denominationalism" are not Christians and are not part of the "Real" church, and will go to hell upon passing.
@24:14 you referred to the Christian Standard. I was under the opinion that the Christian Standard was associated with the Independent Christian Church and churches of Christ.
Bro you did a whole video on the CoC and didn't mention the universities? Abilene, Lipscomb, Pepperdine, Harding, Freed Hardiman? There's a whole subculture here.
I left the coc some years ago, I surrendered to God back in 1981,myself and only 1 other Caucasian brothers were the only whites in a predominantly black congregation. I'm grateful to God for my Foundation of salvation, and understand the revelation of Acts 2:38, however the maturity of Bible knowledge in the church has been stunted in many believers. I'm all for holiness according to the Bible, but some of the leaders lack love, and forgiveness, along with having much self-righteousness, wich is harming many of God's people, instead of learning to grow in grace and the knowledge of our lord and savior Jesus Christ, and learning relationship with him. God Bless you all
This video is accurate. I am a 70 year old and have lived in many different areas. Most of the churches of Christ are alike in believing the Bible and rejecting the ideas of man.
@@truthnottradition7 what makes u think they dont follow behind the bible like alexander. and by the way, alexander didnt invent the coc because it was here before they were born.
@@stephancobb13 I was CoC for 34yrs... I know them VERY well. CoC's R-E-J-E-C-T Laws of God as binding on us followers today. I was called Satan and a Heretic to my face when I tried to study this with Elders. Matt 5:17-18 and John 14:15 have to be dealt with. And since CoC'ers have thrown laws of God away.. the moral vacuum leaves a void that will be filled with something. Therefore.. hello Mr Campbell, Mr Stone, and MANY other non-inspired men.
Having gone to one of your Bible colleges, I understand your position. Having ministered in music in many different churches throughout my life has also taught me that Christ has His followers in many denominations. They aren't often in leadership positions, and they may only attend due to many life circumstances. They also may not always agree with every point in the denominations. I find this true across the board, and more so, as the time of His appearing draws closer. There is a definite rift in many of the denominations, as the leadership bows to society, and prophecy starts unfolding concerning the apostate church. The thing to remember is that we shouldn't paint with an overly large paintbrush. Many of the true believers in other churches are still standing firm on God's word, and telling their leadership sin is wrong. Keep up the good work, and when you reach out, reach out in love to brothers and sisters found in Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, and all of the other denominations out there. They are there, but the main thing I would leave here for you is, grow where you are planted. He has planted you in the COC, So serve faithfully, and keep looking up! ❤
Church of Christ (igreja de Cristo) in Brazil here. Well done job!
COC is false doctrine. Baptism for salvation? Way to invalidate Christ on the cross.
Well done sir. I am a preacher in a Church of Christ and the amount of research you did is obvious and astounding; that you went to such lengths for what would be considered a "small" contingent of Christians. Not only the research but the accuracy of which you present almost all the major points of differences within the congregations and did so with no apparent bias. Well done, and I am going to refer many to this video to understand what the Church of Christ is.
The only point I would have added is the Churches view of innactive Holy spirit that works through the scripture and not in a miraculous or active interaction with a corporeal human post the 1st century church.
Glad to hear it, thanks for the kind words!
I just have to say one thing. Jesus the lord of the universe saves, not water.
@@mississippinative4578 Amen, Jesus saves! I'm not a part of any of their fellowships, and believe their view of a baptism amounts to legalism. That said, the more biblical position is that baptism doesn't save, but those who refuse to be baptized will not be saved either. We are not saved by works, but evil works will condemn us. It shows that we do not have true saving faith. For true, saving faith, leads to obedient works.
@@BibleMythBustersI agree with this statement. What denomination do you belong to?
Read Romans 8:26-27. The Holy Spirit prays for us. This has nothing to do with the Word.
Since I'm in my teenage years am already in the Body of Christ as member of the Church..I have been invited some denominational Churches but because am guided in Spirit guiding me always in obedience to God's teachings accordingly to His will..I Love ❤️ the Church of Christ for God Lord Jesus Christ love's me..Am on my 78 age now Thanks be to God Lord Jesus Christ am blissfully happy..Great sharing this lessons Bro..for everyone to know Church of Christ is the true Church..I love it..God Bless us all in Prayers.
Please stop saying "is the true church". That is foolish and wrong, None of our churches are "the true church". Your church might be part of the church catholic, but when anyone claims their church is "THE true church" you have offended all of the legitimate churches out there.
The Catholics claim they are the "true church" while the Orthodox claim to be the "true church" and you are claiming your church is the "true church". That claim alone makes you wrong. Your church is not the true church.
It's the false church
Great video. I like how you try to present more of a factual description without opinion. I'm a lifelong and active member of the Churches of Christ and I think you did a great job. I enjoy your channel. God bless.
you have my sympathies
Youre deceived and not trusting in Christ alone and on your way to hell
This church has more than a few false doctrines. It is not a cult, but it has too many erroneous teachings - from replacement theology to the millennium of Revelation chapter 20.
Sing and make melody in your heart❤ praise God. I find COC to be so refreshing. We simply follow scripture. Amen
Ha, you said COC.
It's impressive how thorough this video is for such a small faith tradition. Your work is top-notch for surveying the religious landscape!
Thank you, Kelton!
@@ReadyToHarvest just another American man-made religion
How many you up to now ? I heard 40,000?
@@cantrait7311 we use no man made doctrines. I left the baptist church after realizing everything we believed was basically made up by John Calvin. Now do literally whatever the Bible says. If we dont know we dont do it
@@claymcgregor4856 exactly. But as we know, the devil wastes NO time in slandering the Lords church and lying via the vessels of destruction -ie: liars & denominationalists who disregard the Bible to their own peril.
@@youtube6817 well I'm done with the coc thanks to Jonny Robertson Caleb Robertson and others doesn't mean I've left the LORD JESUS CHRIST it means he I've left a bunch of people who think they know it all but they dont
I left the denominations (former Southern Baptist) and joined a church of Christ congregation.
To me, it is where God has placed me and I love the liberty, unity, and devotion here.
Amen 🙏🏽
What instrument they played?
Were you baptized at the church of Christ for the remission of your sins? (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16).
@@lindahutchens8612 I do not ascribe to the belief that only baptisms in CoC congregations are valid.
@@Jack-er6wi One can be baptized in a river, lake, swimming pool, etc, wherever there is enough water to immerse the person. What is important is that the person understands what is happening when they are baptized. Many come from sectarian groups and believe salvation occurs before baptism but that is not what Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16 teaches. Also read Acts 8:35-39 and note what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. Most churches of Christ teach the truth on how to be saved but you would need to visit to make sure they teach the apostle's doctrine and not
some man made doctrine like saying the sinner's prayer and asking Jesus into their heart which is no where found in the word of God. People everywhere need to study the word of God and see if what they are being taught is in fact taught in the Bible for many false teachers have gone out into
the world.
I appreciate your delivery here, brother. Pure information. I grew up in a CoC congregation, but fell away for a while. Im here trying to learn more about how I was raised.
What is the Church of Christ? | Counterpoint with Mike Hixson & BJ Clarke ruclips.net/video/gBdavo7SNtQ/видео.html
The Church of Christ ruclips.net/video/v_DApJ5kPVI/видео.html
The Truth About the Church of Christ ruclips.net/video/B3h2peKPVtc/видео.html
Let me encourage you to return to the church the Lord purchased with His own blood; Acts 20:28. He is waiting with open arms.
I'm happy to be a new member baptism last month 😂❤🎉 thank God for Jesus to have saved us all that come 🙏 🙌
Praise the Lord!
As a member of the Church of Christ, I can't find fault with this. I am impresssed. Thank you @readytoharvest. Your research is amazing.
Glad to hear it, Gregor!
Amen brother
It's the false church
I went to a Church of Christ here in Florida. I didn't know anything good or bad about them. I could walk there so I just did one night after work. It was in the evening. The preacher said, "I want to begin tonight by asking a simple question of you all." Then he said, "Can Christ count on you?" I just said out loud, no! That was the wrong answer. Most everyone else said yes. I said, without Him, I can do nothing and I count on Him for even my next breath. They hated that.
You have my respect. I believe in all honesty non of us are infallible. Most of us the best of intentions with our heart when it comes to serving and being "counted on" but we fall short so many times. This is why we, as the body of Christ, must continually uplift and push each other to the ultimate goal.
HERE is The Savior
HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH”
YaH is The Heavenly Father
YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING
YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins
** NO FEMALE INVOLVED WHATSOEVER **
- Hebrew Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 42:8
"I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.
Isaiah 43:11
I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me.
Isaiah 45:5
I am YaH, and there is none else.
@@Praise___YaH Right your are. Woman was made from man. She comes from the bone and flesh of a man. She was made to help a man. She hates that!
Yes we put our trust in God but when we do God also puts his trust in us. ( 1Ti 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.). God puts the gospel in our hands to share with others. So yes he counts on us!
@@darrellwoodard4535 What if you fail?
Am Emma from Uganda and my gladness for now is unmeasurable for having found my family.
Am an active member and servant in the church of Christ.
Thanks to this video that has created a new beginning in some of us who never thought of any other person around the globe that believes the same way we believe. I therefore welcome you to Uganda COC to build and encourage more souls here, thank you!
We are members of Church of Christ in the Philippines, and I can say that we are very blessed to be a member of this congregation, really God's word in the scriptures is proof of how God reveals himself through Jesus Christ our savior.
Church of Christ does not reject the authority of the church and replacing it with the false sola scriptura doctrine
No man can fulfill the law. Period.
No man is called to practice the law to be saved.
Beware, a lot of false teachers that want to use the old testaments to
Decieve you.
Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Jesus was introducing love to those that were under the law.
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
New International Version
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others ( has fulfilled the law.)
When you believe God that produces love and obedience, and a hatred for sin, and a concern for the souls of man.
New International Version
For this is the message you heard FROM THE BEGINNING: We should love one another.
New International Version
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been (released from the law) so that
(we serve in the new way of the Spirit,)
and not in the old way of the written code.
The new way of the of the Spirit,
With the fruits of the spirit.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
We are called to believe the testimony of God That He sent his only son, his only begotten Son into the world to save sinners.
He gave his life on the cross was buried and rose from the grave on the 3rd day
According to the scriptures.
New Living Translation
He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
Galatians 5:13-18: “For you were called to freedom,
BRETHREN; ONLY DO NOT TURN YOUR FREEDOM INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE (FLESh) ,
but through love serve one another.
DO NOT THINK THAT YOU CAN SIN AND GET AWAY WITH IT.
New International Version
Whoever sows to please their FLESH, from the flesh will reap DESTRUCTION; whoever sows to please the SPIRIT, from the Spirit will reap eternal LIFE.
King James Bible
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
But I say, WALK BY THE SPIRIT, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. . . . If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
New King James Version
Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.
We establish the law by loving each other, that is how the law is kept.
But The law is a destroyer to those who think that they can get saved by keeping it.
You either trust in the Finnished work of CHRIST or you don't.
THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND ..
If you trust in your own works for salvation
You are not saved.
If you practice good works because you know you are saved that is ok because you are not doing it to get saved, or to remain saved but because you are a new creation in christ and that is your new life ( nature) and bearing fruit is a gift from God produced by the Holy Spirit who lives in you.
No one lives the Christian life to get saved, they live it because they are saved.
The ones who try to live the Christian life and are not saved will find themselves doing works in order to be saved.
(They are the self righteous)
They are the ones that will find themselves saying what is written.
King James Bible
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Then the Lord will tell them plainly
I never knew you.
The lord is looking for true believers
People that would worship him in truth and in spirit.
The truth is we can't add anything
To our salvation.
And because the Spirit lives in us we,
We live a life of faith only trusting in him, ( because we have believed. )
No one can see the kingdom of God unless TheY are born again.
Born from above.
God gives this gift to any one that will want it because they know that they need it. ( they believe )
New International Version
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
If you think that you are healthy when it come to keeping the law
And that you are OK, pretty good,not that bad, or that you do not need to be saved because you are a good person.
You have no part with him.
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND.
New International Version
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
New Living Translation
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars-their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
New Living Translation
And the judgment is based on this fact:
God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.
You are in darkness if you think that you can add anything to the gift of God which he has given you through the finnished work of his Son.
For those that believe the Spirit of God lives in you.
I'm also a church of Christ member from India
I am also a member of the. Church of Christ in northeast India and by the grace of God have been for over 50 years. The Lord is good to me.
Thank you brother because I just started attending Church Of Christ for Bible study 📖 and love how they too stand on the Sole Athority of the Holy Bible like my previous Baptist and Pentecostal Churches ive attended.
I'm agnostic and a teenager but my family attended a Church of Christ until I was about 8 years old. I got a strange sense of nostalgia watching this video. Most of my friends come from a Southern Baptist background, and so their experience of having the Lord's Supper once or twice a year, big worship bands, etc. has always felt very alien to me. For once, I could really feel a personal connection to what was being described. I had a lot of "yep, I remember that" moments in this video.
As a sidenote, thank you for the thoughtful, well-researched content. It has been a tremendous tool in my re-exploration of the beautiful garden that is the Christian faith.
God bless you.
THE PLAN OF SALVATION. 📢
New International Version
EPHESIANS 2:8⛑️
FOR IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, THROUGH FAITH -AND THIS IS NOT FROM YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD 🎶🎵🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶
IF YOU BELIEVE IN WHAT JESUS CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU ON THAT CROSS, HIS DEATH BURRIAL AND RESURRECTION ON THE 3RD DAY, ACCORDINGTO THE SCRIPTURES, YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED.👔
IF YOU DOUBT IN WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR YOU, AND YOU WANT TO ADD SOME OF YOUR OWN RELIGIOUS WORKS, YOU HAVE NO SALVATION.
JESUS CHRIST TOOK THE PUNISHMENT THAT YOU DESERVE BECAUSE OF YOUR SIN
ON HIMSELF ⛑️, SO THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE TO.
JESUS CHRIST LIVED A PERFECT AND SINLESS LIFE. THE PERFECT AND SINLESS LIFE THAT GOD REQUIRED OF US, THE PERFECT
AND SINLESS LIFE THAT WE COULD NOT LIVE.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:21
HE MADE HIM WHO KNEW NO SIN TO BE SIN ON OUR BEHALF, SO THAT WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM.
King James Bible Roman's 5:12
WHEREFORE, AS BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH BY SIN; AND SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED:
New Living Translation
Roman's 5:16
And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.
New Living Translation
EPHESIANS 2:9
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
IT IS ⬇️
King James Bible EPHESIANS 2:9
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
D🚫 N🚫T PUT YOUR TRUST IN MAN.🚻
New Living Translation
Psalms 146:3
Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.
New King James Version
Psalms 146:3
Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in ( A ) son of man, in whom there is no help.
New International Version
Roman's 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
New Living Translation
Roman's 1:16
For I am not ashamed OF THIS Good News ABOUT CHRIST. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile.
Berean Standard Bible Isaiah 55:1
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!
New Living Translation
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
King James Bible
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Can one of these law keepers please tell me all the laws.
I bet you can't find one.
New International Version galatians 5:14
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
New International Version
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
New International Version
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ c 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ d 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
No man can fulfill the law. Period.
No man is called to practice the law to be saved.
Beware, a lot of false teachers that want to use the old testaments to
Decieve you.
Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Jesus was introducing love to those that were under the law.
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
New International Version
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others ( has fulfilled the law.)
When you believe God that produces love and obedience, and a hatred for sin, and a concern for the souls of man.
New International Version
For this is the message you heard FROM THE BEGINNING: We should love one another.
New International Version
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been (released from the law) so that
(we serve in the new way of the Spirit,)
and not in the old way of the written code.
The new way of the of the Spirit,
With the fruits of the spirit.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
We are called to believe the testimony of God That He sent his only son, his only begotten Son into the world to save sinners.
He gave his life on the cross was buried and rose from the grave on the 3rd day
According to the scriptures.
New Living Translation
He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
Galatians 5:13-18: “For you were called to freedom,
BRETHREN; ONLY DO NOT TURN YOUR FREEDOM INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE (FLESh) ,
but through love serve one another.
DO NOT THINK THAT YOU CAN SIN AND GET AWAY WITH IT.
New International Version
Whoever sows to please their FLESH, from the flesh will reap DESTRUCTION; whoever sows to please the SPIRIT, from the Spirit will reap eternal LIFE.
King James Bible
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
But I say, WALK BY THE SPIRIT, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. . . . If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
New King James Version
Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.
We establish the law by loving each other, that is how the law is kept.
But The law is a destroyer to those who think that they can get saved by keeping it.
You either trust in the Finnished work of CHRIST or you don't.
THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND ..
If you trust in your own works for salvation
You are not saved.
If you practice good works because you know you are saved that is ok because you are not doing it to get saved, or to remain saved but because you are a new creation in christ and that is your new life ( nature) and bearing fruit is a gift from God produced by the Holy Spirit who lives in you.
No one lives the Christian life to get saved, they live it because they are saved.
The ones who try to live the Christian life and are not saved will find themselves doing works in order to be saved.
(They are the self righteous)
They are the ones that will find themselves saying what is written.
King James Bible
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Then the Lord will tell them plainly
I never knew you.
The lord is looking for true believers
People that would worship him in truth and in spirit.
The truth is we can't add anything
To our salvation.
And because the Spirit lives in us we,
We live a life of faith only trusting in him, ( because we have believed. )
No one can see the kingdom of God unless TheY are born again.
Born from above.
God gives this gift to any one that will want it because they know that they need it. ( they believe )
New International Version
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
If you think that you are healthy when it come to keeping the law
And that you are OK, pretty good,not that bad, or that you do not need to be saved because you are a good person.
You have no part with him.
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND.
New International Version
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
New Living Translation
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars-their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
New Living Translation
And the judgment is based on this fact:
God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.
You are in darkness if you think that you can add anything to the gift of God which he has given you through the finnished work of his Son.
For those that believe the Spirit of God lives in you.
@@reynaldoperez7285 yes true but reading the old testament is not a sin we are under the new covenant but we also should read the whole Bible both old testament and new testament because in the old testament it all points to Christ if you just read the new testament only without understanding the old as nd what the burnt offerings were pointing to the story of Israel and there future there' is more written about the end times in the old testament than in the new I'm not talking about the law that has been fulfilled on Christ but the new testament interprets the old testament so don't misunderstand me but all the Bible is to be understood it's will take a lifetime though to understand all
@@reynaldoperez7285 One man did: Our Lord Jesus Christ. By His works, our salvation is secured.
As a former attendee of a congregation of this movement, I must say well done. This is about the most objective analysis that I've found so far.
TLB,....The church of Christ is a 100% ungodly cult. You are lucky to be out of it.
@신자 adriana starr ,....Jesus did not take on the sin of the world, he only took on the sins of the few he came to save. And these few have nothing to do with anything called the church. You have been deceived.
@timothy long, we still need you back in the lord's church. Consider your first love
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 John 1:29-The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
@@Thomas116-m2n ,...So, what is this supposed to mean? Posting scripture without giving a/your meaning/explanation is meaningless.
Jesus did not take on the sin of the world, not only is that absolutely ridiculous, but it goes against everything the Bible teaches. Jesus took the sin of the few who are his chosen ones, his elect who have lived at all different times throughout the earths history and who are scattered all across the plane of the earth.
All those who have lived in this Godless world from Adam to the last person saved have all been saved by Jesus. There is no other savior in the world other than Jesus. That is the meaning of this scripture you have tried to pervert into saying what you want (need) it to say/mean. Repent!
My family started attending a COC congregation about 8 months ago and we love it . The focus on the Bible and its authority without creeds is wonderful . Great video .
All churches have creeds, some formal, and some informal.
GC,......The church of Christ is a 100% ungodly cult. Get away from it as fast as you can.
@Lane Tate what church do you attend ?
You do know the Catholic Church produced the Bible in the late 4th century at the council’s of Rome and Carthage? That’s called authoritative when you make the Bible.
@@Pickup_man_1973 ,....No, absolutely not. The ungodly cult of catholicism did not produce the Bible. God produced the Bible. Who he used to do it is irrelevant. The 100% antigod/antibible/antichrist manmade cult of catholicism has nothing whatsoever to do with God.
Iam from Nagaland church of Christ
By listening your message I am very happy
Brother kindly prayer 🙏 for us for Nagaland church of Christ.
Church of Christ kid, here. Great video!
I would add that with autonomous churches the spectrum of belief is vast… incredibly vast. This information comes from the more traditional sources of our movement.
I agree, but I'd also say that most people in the cofC are in that traditional vein, especially those in rural or exurban areas. I don't think that this video misrepresents the majority of the churches of Christ.
Church of Christ kid here too
@@itstriplem2069 Christian kid who is a member of the church of Christ.
This may be the Church Ive been looking for. Thank you!
The churches of Christ salute you; Romans 16:16. Have you visited yet?
Take time in reading the 4 Gosples and stay with Jesus. CoC are a cult that aren't honest. Jesus said he had to go for the COMFORTER TO COME . Paul is not him. Paul had his own gospel.
DISHONEST
@@maegardnermills4292 Jesus said love one another. He did NOT say point fingers and slander each other till the cows come home. I am pretty fed up with backbiters masquerading as Christians. Check your mirror madam.
@@lindahutchens8612 Thank you. I have not visited yet, family reasons make it complicated. But I have not seen any church that I like more and hope to visit eventually. Your kindness is much appreciated.
I left the churches of Christ 30 years ago, but this is thorough and well done. Few outsiders get the coC doctrines and practices right.
I left the Church of Christ too. And agree with your thought that his review of their practices is very good!
I’ve also left the coC. My dad was a preacher and I was an AIMer (apprentice missionary). My mom is still coC and we have a mutual respect for each others faiths but I really could no longer stay in that church.
I also am impressed by how well this video was done and how accurate the information was.
And the ones that
do don’t practice
what they preach
Sorry you left, May I ask why?
@@lindahutchens8612, skewed theology.
That was clear and brief enough. Anyone with further questions is encouraged to research into any of the topics presented. I grew up in this church and still attend, but I have also visited many other kinds of churches over the years. The big question I notice at times is disagreement over whether scripture is normative or regulatory. As in many religions, opinion is sometimes considered the absolute truth. I will dedicate myself to trying to stay with God, as many everywhere try, rather than following a specific preacher's idea. God bless you all.
I'm glad you are pursing truth in God's Word. Though I'm not convinced such a dichotomy can be useful in defining Scripture on a macro level. We need to respect that God chose for the Bible to exist in a diverse range of genre and style which should inform our reading of it.
It's always best to understand first what the passage is trying to say within its direct context before seeking to decide whether it fits bucket a or b. Some parts of Scripture are overtly regulatory, but many are not. If you read the histories in the Old Testament for example, there's a lot of unsavoury behaviour from people who are later defined as heroes of the faith, but it should be pretty obvious that their behaviour is neither intended to be regulatory *or* normative for the saints in Christ today.
Yet some things are praiseworthy, such as David having a heart after God; we take this example while acknowledging this didn't mean David had perfect obedience. So we're always parsing Scripture and it's important to discern where Scripture speaks most clearly on a given topic before drawing any conclusions. On some topics the Scripture doesn't have a clear mandate and 'each should be fully convinced in their own mind.'
Very clearly you have explained the teaching of the bible after your thorough research about the church that Jesus promised and built.Thank you.
Thank you for a fair, objective look at the Church. Given we're congregationally autonomous I can't speak to the accuracy on all of your comments. I can say that most of your observations are correct from my (albeit limited) experience.
Ready to Harvest Videos are great reviews for teaching & learning. Thank you.
I was raised in the Church of Christ until age 18. Everything you reported here is as I remember it, except the church I attended did have Sunday School classes for all age groups. Only the adults had one class. Well done on your synopsis! I'm happily in a true Bible-believing church now that is not based on works, but in salvation by grace through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9). When you truly believe in Christ, the fruit of that belief will become apparent...you will want to serve Him. God bless!
Praise God!
Hi just wondering, I work at a church of Christ private school and my kids attend as well…. We are not church of Christ…. I find it extremely exclusive and sectarian…. Sometimes their legalism is extreme… our kids are young and some times it’s concerning…. Any thoughts about your upbringing ???
@@truthbetold2146 if it’s conservative just go by the Bible, talk to the people in charge, and if they are the people who they say they are they will help you and your children to the best of there ability.
@@truthbetold2146 if you are do concerned why have your children there?
What do you mean by extreme?
Look closely at the next verse.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
As a preacher in CoC who came out of denominational world. I think this video was well done.
JR,....If you are still in that ungodly cult, you had better immediately cry out to God for mercy. Ask him to open your blind eyes and to raise you from your spiritually dead state.
Out of one denomination and into another one 😄
@@penttimuhli9442 ,....Yes, correct. Those who go from one denomination to another have only gone from one deception into another deception. Every denomination is apostate from God and Biblical truth. If it is called a church, then it is apostate from God and from the Bibles Christianity.
@@biblealone9201 there is only one way to prove it name one thing we teach that orginated with campbell rather than christ
@@biblealone9201 there is only one way to prove it name one thing we teach that orginated with campbell rather than christ
These videos are wonderful and so informative. I love them all. I have learned so much. Thank you and keep up the wonderful work.
Thank you!
I really love the church because they speak the truth always
Thank you for this video. CoC was a very small part of my faith journey. I attended a few services after placing my faith in Christ. I dove into the Word and asked questions. While I ultimately disagree with some of the doctrines of CoC, I respect the ideal of trying to remain true to God's Word and will.
Which parts you disagree with
Don't be deceived by the COC. If you have repented and put your faith and trust in Jesus, acknowledging he is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins, you're saved. When they read you comment they think you're going to hell for simply disagreeing with them. I can tell you there's a deep abiding peace and joy that comes from living for Jesus, knowing my sins are forgiven and I'm bound for heaven. I live for Jesus because I love him and he loves me. We're saved "by grace through faith, not of works lest any man should boast." Period. Don't be fooled by these modern day pharisees. God bless.
@@joelm4847 That you have to be baptized for salvation and that you can lose salvation for a couple of examples. That was what the CoC pastor told me then.
@fbcfnh their view of Christianity makes it no different than any other religion: a great leader/prophet we must follow, we get to heaven based on works, if we stop doing the works we go to hell.
There are many examples in the New Testament of people being saved and being forgiven of their sins where baptism isn't mentioned.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is a gift from God; it is not a result of works, lest any man should boast" Ephesians 2:8-9 Praise God he did all the work, he sent his son to earth to die for me, and my sins. Now I'm free to live for Him because I love Him and he loves me.
Good Morning, I've been going to a Church of Christ. I've went to around 20 services, I have heard ZERO mention of any other denomination. Good or bad. I have not heard one whisper of Gossip, they truly follow the Bible, and that is all anyone is there for. I love the people. We all love God and Jesus, and treat everyone as such.
We all love God and Jesus ? I don't
@@sergejromanov4945 You need to work on your reading comprehension. He's talking about the members of his local church and himself.
....most members of Churches of Christ are very sincere "salt of the earth" Types...but sometimes "legalistic" pulpit Preachers can cause problems and arguments...sounds like you found "a Pearl of Great Price" type of congregation...I found the people of the CoC in my teens...their pious faith and fellowship has blessed my life ever since...be patient with them ...they always mean well...and they are "the real McCoy"..God Bless you on your journey, my brother...
It sounds like you found one of the best ones! Treasure them! Your "mileage" may vary widely from church to church within the movement. That's one of the results of not having a governing body or authority beyond the level of the individual churches. I belong to the similar Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, who are similar in not having a denominational structure, and have a similar variety from church to church. The upside to doing things that way is that if a church goes weird, the weirdness tends not to spread beyond that church, whereas if a denomination with a governing body has enough of the governing body go weird, it impacts the whole denomination.
@@sergejromanov4945 I am not sure what you're saying. Is your question mark in the wrong spot?
I am from India and I and my small fellowship under Church of Christ request your help by sending your information and prayer supports.
Great video. I have never been a member of church of Christ. However, I did got to a church of christ College. Good people there.
For one who is closely following the events of the United Methodist church (with pending major divisions), my reading of the church governance here in the CoC is a relief and indeed a joy. The church was never intended to have a "General Assembly" or other assembly which issues policy downward. No ecclesiastical hierarchy was seen the early, first century church. I feel for my denominational friends who are going through this. You would not believe the anguish. The Baptists too - will encounter the same problem, if not already. All because of man-make dictates such as the Book of Discipline, and etc. My hope is that those who profess Christianity will return to the simple form of worship which the Churches of Christ have largely embraced.
I am astounded by your statement that "The church was never intended to have a "General Assembly" or other assembly which issues policy downward. No ecclesiastical hierarchy was seen the early, first-century church."
I have been on a journey looking into Christianity for a couple of years now and found the exact opposite. The book of Acts (Chapter 15) describes an ecclesiastical hierarchy that constituted binding authority for those living in the first-century church.
In this New Testament passage, we read about the first serious theological dispute to arise in the early Church. And, more importantly, we read about how that dispute was settled.
The question was:
Must Gentile believers receive circumcision and keep the customs of Moses (i.e., essentially become Jews) in order to be saved?
Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question (Acts 15:1-2).
What Acts chapter 15 goes on to describe is the first “council” of the Christian Church, referred to now as the Council of Jerusalem.
In a nutshell, here’s what happens:
(a) The Apostles and elders meet to discuss, debate and decide the issue (vs. 6-21).
(b) A decree is issued - a letter drafted and sent out to ALL the churches informing them of the council’s ruling (vs. 22-30).
(c) In this letter, the council's decision (this is important!) is described as the decision of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements (vs. 27-28).
(d) The letter is received by the churches with joy.
So, when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and when they had gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation (vs. 30-31).
The ruling of the council is accepted as authoritative and binding. It is the ruling of the Holy Spirit. None of the Christians in Antioch think to respond, “Thank you very much for your guidance on this matter. We will examine the council’s decision and let you know our position.”
No, instead, the Christians “rejoice” that the matter has been settled, and now they can focus on living out the truths of their faith.
As I have examined Christianity I have been looking for this ecclesiastical hierarchy whose authority would necessarily originate with Jesus and should be traceable throughout history. As I have continued my studies I have found that all the evidence for this ecclesiastical hierarchy is pointing to either the Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church. Alexander Campbell had no association with either of these institutions. He and a few other individuals started what is known as the Church of Christ in the 19th century. I am not trying to disparage Alexander Campbell or anyone else. He was probably a very good God-fearing man. However, I am saying his lack of ecclesiastical authority means that he could only offer his opinion, but was unable to compel others to accept/follow specific Christian doctrine or practice.
Gavin Ortlund with "Truth Unites" has some very scholarly work on this. I would encourage you to investigate. @@sinfulman9708
@@sinfulman9708 Alexander Campbell did not start the church of Christ.
@davidcawrowl3865 ---> I like many of the things the "Churches of Christ" mention and stand for, such as being against the foul stench of "Birth sin" / "original sin" cooked-up by Disgustin' Augustin of Hippo, and the heresy of infant baptism, and having "Priests" and the badness of "Calvinism". - but .... for you to not know about a general assembly or deny that there was one, tells me that you need to read the whole Bible and specifically Acts chapter 15.
The headquarters of the 1st century church was at Jerusalem and problems and difficulties and squabbles in the various churches and church plants around the Mediterranean Sea were taken to the General Assembly at Jerusalem and James and other Apostles/Disciples acted as the judge/counselors.
Many of the things written in the N.T. epistles are to fix / straighten out problems that this new organization / religious community were having disputes about. The scripture is plain as black ink on white paper about the offices of the "churches" ---- Use your concordance and look these words up before posting comments on the internet!
Apostle, Apostleship. Bishop, Bishopric. Deacon. Evangelist. Minister. Ministry. Pastor/Pastors. Teacher(s).
Those are New Testament jobs/tasks/offices. Just because you descendants of Stone & Campbell guys despise the R.C.C. & the E.O. organizations does not mean that there are no church officers. They are to be ordained and paid/compensated.
I said to my self I will give this video 5 minutes to see if it catches my interest, saw it all the way to the end, really fascinating. Thank you.
The immense variance from church to church within the CoC manifests a lot in terms of eschatology. I've encountered CoC members with views ranging from full 70 AD preterism to all-out "Left Behind Series" premillennialism. Even the extremely conservative CoC I attended in west Texas didn't embrace preterism.
...from about the 1860's to 1940s Premillenialism was actually quite popular in the CoC...both David Lipscomb and Harding were held to a doctrinally ancient-style of default premillennial eschatology, however the term itself was not used ("Bible Names")...Latter in the 1920's the newer dispensational premillennial theories ("Left Behind") became a hot debate controversy in the CoC, resulting in the marjority CoC embracing less sensational amillennial eschatologies and peterisms ...a odd rarity amongst American protestant fundamentalists...and a small minority of CoC located around Louisville Kentucky still embrace Premillenialism ...
It’s almost like you need a Magisterium and Sacred Tradition also.
@@RosaryMIlitia ...is that why you have traditional Latin mass..and 60's hippie Guitar masses..and Vatican2 vernacular Masses..and Byzantine Masses...and married convert priests...actually what you have is a mush mash of masses .. Magisteriums and Sacred Traditions {plural}...some date all the way back to 600AD...but most are much more modern...
@@RosaryMIlitia ...oh and btw ...if you note carefully the comment above was specifically regarding the variety of Eschatologies (End Times) within the Restorationist/Church of Christ tradition...is not a similar wide variety of approaches to the End Times tolerated amongst Roman Catholics???...and that ...regardless of your "Magisteriums and Sacred Traditions"?...
@@RosaryMIlitia I need neither of those false and satanic abominations that stem from pagan Rome and were utterly alien to Christianity until that empire hijacked the dominant form of it.
I'm a member and it's crazy how much this stuff can vary by church. The upside: we focus on the details and really care about trying to get our faith right. The downside: it gets political and lots of hair splitting
Is this the picture of the church we get when we read the Scripture?
The People's Front of Judea doesn't like the Judean People's Front?
These church are in every university every where
@@aaronheth5888 I believe what the early church believed about baptism.
That is, it is the new birth
Which one is the one that's right?
You are incredible at research! Thanks for doing all this work - so helpful!
Thank you, I am glad you have enjoyed the videos. I have a good time studying and making them and am glad to share.
I was raised in the church of Christ until I was about sixteen I think. My parents divorced when I was four but remained on friendly terms. I kept going to services and got saved and baptized around ten, but the church forgot to register it or lost the papers. But I recognized I felt different after baptism and had a love for my mom that I never had before. She was crying in the pew afterwards and I felt sorry for her. Also later on I started realizing that I was actually listening to the sermons instead of doing off like I used to do.
Grew up Church of Christ, excellent foundation for life, thank you for this excellent video
Very good video. I grew up Church of Christ and I guess I still am, but loosely. The only thing I would add is how much of an emphasis there is on Scripture. This was certainly true for me growing up, and from what I hear this is the case at most Churches of Christ. I grew up with a strong foundation in Biblical knowledge, both of the text itself and the context of the 1st century. It’s arguably the CoC’s greatest strength
Let's not forget that Jesus purchased the church with His own blood; Acts 20:28. Why not return to His church; Romans 16:16? Why are you upset that churches of Christ have an emphasis on scripture? I would think that was a very good thing for the Bible says "thy word is truth."
@@lindahutchens8612 Why do you think I’m mad about that? I said it was the Church of Christ’s greatest strength!
Glad you clarified that cOC uses lots of scripture. I cannot find your last post to understand why I thought you had a problem with lots of scripture being used; but glad you think it is a great strength. Are you attending worship now with the church of Christ?
I just found your post and I see that you did say there was much emphasis on scripture; my mistake and this is a good thing like you said. What I would like to ask you is what do you mean by your comment "I grew up Church of Christ and I GUESS I AM, BUT LOOSELY?"
@@lindahutchens8612 I don’t go to church every week, I actually work a lot of Sundays. My wife and daughter alternate between my parents’ church (Church of Christ) and a friend’s church (hispanic pentecostal). So I still go sometimes to the Church of Christ, I belong more there than any other denomination. That’s what I meant by loosely
I will also say for the churches I have attended there is a sense of humility and simpleness that I appreciate. In the COC.
Definitely simple sometimes
Great overview of the churches of Christ (as a member of this fellowship.) 👏
Young man you put it together so well, I will try to learn everything you said.
Your videos are pure quality. And your business model is genius. With another ten Protestant denominations popping up every day, you can keep this ship going until the second coming.
Easier and quicker to conduct studies of emerging bible based denominations that it would be to study the sins and errors of papacy
The best part about the second coming is that the Catholic Church will be the only one left standing after the wheat is separated from the chaff and weeds.
Papacy is anti Christ
papacy is based on forgeries.
@@geordiewishart1683
Oh this is rich, so protestants have found in the last 500 years that universalism is true, homosexual marriage is fine, divorce is good, it's ok to have priestesses, the Bible only has 66 books and the world was supposed to end in 1844. But it's fine because all their clubs are "Bible based".
What will they think up next?
The Church of Christ I grew up in never used instruments and opposes/opposed images, and yes that includes the image of the cross. I love every aspect of it. It's a very spiritual experience to worship in peacefulness and quietness.
I fully believe in every point.
The church of Christ is correct in saying the age of miracles has passed along with all the tools needed to establish the church.
A building needs scaffolding in its inception, when the building is finished the scaffolding is taken away.
As to works a Christian should treat others respectfully no matter what or how they believe. That is counted as works.
We have faith in Jesus as our savior and advocate before God.
We believe the Holy Spirit helps us discern scripture.
We believe that we should use our voices to sing as a congregation together.
The bible is all sufficient for teaching, as it is the infallible word of God.
Hell is a horrible thought and one should evangelize any that come to you asking why you believe as you do.
Please take salvation seriously as Jesus paid a heavy price with his flesh and blood even his death for us.
That grace He bestowed on us is amazing.
Jesus is Lord.
May God bless and keep you all in Jesus name.
Amen brother 🙏
I have followed this channel for a while in my journey to be more open to understanding other traditions and their unique history. I have greatly appreciated your content that you put out to help others understand.
With that being said, I have grown up in the church of Christ and went to a church of Christ affiliated university in Texas. What was amazing about my education is that it didn’t just teach me the doctrine of the church of Christ, but instead I had the opportunity to read theology from scripture through all of history until modern times. What happened is my heart was opened to the fact that I have so much more in common with other “tribes” of the faith then just my own. I have a lot of respect and love for my tribe and I know we are not perfect. What I think is really hard and unique for understanding the church of Christ is how unique each church has the possibility of being. For example, one can not simple understand what kind of CoC theology one church is going to have unless one does research on the congregation from either a website, facebook, or finding sermons on websites or simply visiting the congregation. I may be weird and on the outside but I have been able to find much love and appreciation for the more conservative churches like I grew up with and those who have also “developed” their thinking. What else is interesting is that in the states mentioned at the end in the bigger cities one can experience a more conservative congregation and then only have to walk or drive 5 minutes to a more “progressive” congregation. I have experienced how churches will inherently put up walls against each other and I have also witnessed how congregations will try to bridge the gap by having events where multiple congregations are welcomed to participate at.
Yes through I did cringe at some parts of this video, not by what was said but what people of the church have said. I still am able to have joy because I know how much my life and circumstances have developed and I know that there is one heaven for all and I’m excited for us all to be United with Christ, whether it be in this life or the next.
Thank you for the video and the opportunity to reflect on my own tradition (tribe). If you would like more content for this tradition and history that was not included. I would encourage to look at the development of church of Christ affiliated universities and also preaching schools. How they have developed over the years and how they have also how they might have stayed sane in some aspects. Some of these universities include Abilene Christian University, Freedhardman, Harding, Lipscomb Lubbock Christian, Pepperdine etc. Also, the effect this tradition has had on campus ministry throughout the nation is very interesting.
Again thank you for the excellent content!
HERE is The Savior
HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH”
YaH is The Heavenly Father
YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING
YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins
** NO FEMALE INVOLVED WHATSOEVER **
- Hebrew Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 42:8
"I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.
Isaiah 43:11
I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me.
Isaiah 45:5
I am YaH, and there is none else.
The fact that you hear is that you are a child of God (John 8:47). The fact that you believe shows the work of Christ in you (John 6:29). The fact that you confess that Jesus is Lord proves that God has gave you a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26), and that the spirit is in you (1 Corinthians 12:3). The fact that you repented shows the goodness of God that lead you to repentance (Romans 2:4). The fact that you got baptized is another evidence of His mercy in you (Titus 3:5). The fact that you live faithfully shows that you are are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph 2:10).
These are all evidence that one is already in possession of eternal salvation, and not to obtain eternal salvation.
@@janeyue7491 Great points of proof and scriptures used. Thanks for sharing.
When the CoC teaches that grace is something that is operative when we do something, it blurs the lines of distinction between grace and works.
Growing up I attended the Church of Christ in London England. Our Pastor was the late Fred Miller from Vermont.
My mom was COC for a long time until the church had a rift. Then only the original families that started the churc were called to resolve it. No converts. So much for being a member of the Church of Christ
This is how it was at the church I went to up until I was 18. When I was a child, there were around 200 people in the church. Rift after rift, there are now around, I would guess, 30 people and it's a dying church. I doubt it will be there at all in the next 5-10 years.
After being Jehovah's witness for over twenty years I found refreshment in the Church of Christ. Actually, I was baptized there when I was young, but life circumstances took me away where I couldn't find this church. True, churches of Christ vary in their beliefs and practices, but what I appreciate is emphasizing practical Christianity. As JW I never felt good enough, and I knew many were there because of fear to lose friends and family. I kept some beliefs I had as JW since I think it is biblical. I am not trinitarian and I do not believe in immortal soul. Still some my other beliefs are different than Watchtower. At least I would not be shunned because I believe differently. What I like here is giving right glory to Christ what is not a case in my previous denomination. Only I know I do not want to belong to any denominational church, I am fed up of leaders. My only leader is Christ. Also, I convinced most of them that Christ came for many others not only for us and we take whole Bible as the Word of God. As JW I did not have right to say my opinions while here my voice is heard.
May I ask since you dont believe in the immortal Soul what do you believe happens to you after you die?
@@X23Ninja Ecclesiastes 9:5. Read story of Lazarus, conversation between Jesus and Martha. Only hope for dead is resurrection. Satan lied Eve saying - you will not die. And God said: from dust you were made, to dust you will return.
@@leadanon127 Thats called Soul Sleep. I would still say there is an awareness after death since when you Sleep you still Dream
The belief in the immortal soul is what got me to leave the JWs, so I find it interesting that you don't believe in it. How do you reconcile Matthew 10:28 and the lack of an immortal soul?
I'm glad you made the first steps away from the JW. It really is something of a cult, relying on a body of laws of man to interpret scripture, just like the apostles and even Christ warned against, like the Pharisees.
I think it'd be interesting for you to do a video about the different Christian colleges and their denomination ties. For instance, I went to Harding University, a CofC college and while talking to a coworker who went to Liberty University, we discovered we had some shared experiences going to a private Christian college, but also differences based on denominations. I'm curious to learn about other Christian colleges.
It's not water that washes sins away its the blood of Christ!
Agreed. The dispute is over when that occurs.
@@soundpreacherwym?
@@joelm4847 When in the process does the blood wash away sins?
@@soundpreacher when you believe in Jesus
@@soundpreacher but that’s common sense
I was once a fool hearted REPROBATE no one wanted me. I was accepted by no one. I saw this man on Tv approximately 4am and I liked what he said. So I called and asked for a transcript. The very next day a local Pastor showed up at my door and I welcomed him in. We began to have a discussion and the next day I was Baptized and started going to Church most every Sunday. I am SO INCREDIBLY HAPPY to have a Church family that will accept me.
So as for me I don’t agree with all that is said but for my situation I going to this Church because they welcomed me!
I did church shopping 19 years ago and I found that the church of Christ was the best church that sticks with scripture, I belong to son rise church of Christ on the outer banks of North Carolina..
Quick question about the Lord's Supper:
What is "fermented juice" and how is that different from "fermented wine"
Is fermented juice like welch's grape juice? Or is it in a different bucket entirely?
None whatsoever. Fermented juice is wine. Welch's was originally sold under the name "unfermented wine", as Welch used a process similar to pasteurizing milk, which halts the fermentation process.
I have attended a variety of congregations and denominations over the years. I seek a church where Jesus and the Bible are preached and earnest Christians pray. I have been involved in music ministry most of my life. Music worship is beautiful, but has a down-side of tending to get off-focus. Acapella music with a simple music leader tends to keep the focus on worship, which is refreshing. COC is a good solid denomination.
Actually, the Church of Christ is not a denomination. This is one of the things that sets it apart from others. It is the Word, preached and followed, pure and simple.
Coc is not a denomination. Other churches separated from Coc hence they are denomination.
Are you serious?
@@cryptoopestv technically, yes, however, people generally don't understand it that way. And people in the Church of Christ get the full explanation. We must not get caught up in petty arguments especially now when so much is at stake. True?
@@Joecho7777 of course.
As someone who worships with CoC in the town I live, my biggest annoyances are:
1.) AD 70 (full preterism) doctrine. I find this doctrine absurd and even approaching heresy.
2.) The name "Church of Christ". I'm certain that if another congregation were in 100% agreement with CoC dogma over even minor doctrinal issues, but called themselves something like "Church of the Redeemer of Man", they'd be disfellowshipped by a number of CoCs.
3.) Musical instruments. I *strongly* prefer acapella song worship. But I refuse to believe for an instant that people who use instruments are doing so in rejection of scripture. And I get sick of hearing it snuck into every other sermon (at least seemingly).
4.) Baptism for remission of sins. I think we have a grammar problem here and need to have grace for those who word the same idea in a different way.
5.) Alcohol. To say that Christ didn't drink alcohol and that modern translations don't properly distinguish between wine and grapejuice is another absurdity. There are plenty of practical reasons supported by scripture to strongly caution, but not condemn, alcohol use within the context of modern society.
That being said, I am never worried about my congregation allowing women, homosexuals, or SJWs into leadership. And I am convinced of our fearfulness, awe, and love of the Saviour of mankind and our desire to honour Him in all things. I have grace for the rest and hope they do too.
34yr ex-CoC'er here. Your biggest annoyance needs to become Matt 5:17-18 and John 14:15
I suggest starting with command #4
Wow. I had no idea they have such unique views. Very informative.
What a good evidence based history of the churches of Christ, thanks
Another well researched and presented video, thanks!
Would the church of Christ use the term Trinity? As it is not found in the bible, similar to the term sacrament?
The majority of members will use the word trinity with no qualms.
In my experience, most members where I grew up were at least leery about it. One member in particular was adamant that the word "Trinity" not be used, because of its perceived association with Catholicism. From my experience, this basically sums up the general attitude of the CoC when it comes to any theological term. I mean, add on the caveat that there is some variety between congregations, but broadly speaking, this is the general culture of the movement
I heard the term used, but more often we discussed the concept without using the word itself. And I never heard it as “the Holy Trinity,” only “the Trinity,” occasionally clarified as “the Tri-Unity of the Godhead” when explaining the concept.
The Bible uses the word "godhead."
A lot of people have already noted the wide diversity within churches of Christ on a number of the issues discussed in the video, so there’s no need for me to reemphasize the point. Some suggested reading for anyone interested might be helpful, though. On the conservative end of the spectrum would be books like Leroy Brownlow’s Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ. Everett Ferguson’s The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today represents a moderate-conservative perspective that incorporates biblical scholarship. John Mark Hicks’ Searching for the Pattern would probably be a good choice for the more progressive end of the spectrum (comparatively speaking, at least).
Thank u well said stay with what is written in the HOLY BIBLE
15:27 Commenting as a member of the church of Christ. So far you've been accurate and presented a fair view of our faith. Thank you. My expectation is that this will continue for the rest of the video.
I commented at this time stamp to say that eschatology, one of the meatier topics of scripture, IS varied within the church. Many are partial preterists like me (and no, I'm not a member of the liberal congregations). Some are a form of preterism that believes Revelation is about the fall of Rome. Others are amillennialists. There are even a few Full Preterists.
No congregation I am aware of espouses millennialism.
Yeah full prterists are wild they don’t believe anyone is filled with Holy Spirit. I talked to Don Preston about that once he confirmed.
I have debated a couple of them on justification by faith. And both times they rejected that sinners are justified by christ death and resurrection. They insisted that you are a christian unless you are baptized.
Hi Sergio. The ideas of being justified by Christ's death and resurrection, and only becoming a Christian at baptism, are not mutually exclusive. It is upon submitting to baptism (through faith), that a person IS justified by Christ's death and resurrection (Col. 2:11-12).
1 Peter 3:21 - There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), *through the resurrection of Jesus Christ*
There is no inherent power in the act of baptism, and I have never heard anyone say that baptism somehow saves apart from the death and resurrection of Christ. The basis of salvation is God's grace in the atonement. The condition is faith (from which flows repentance and baptism).
@@sdgarrison with all due respect st paul states that it is faith in christ finish work that saves not faith plus rituals. Baptism is a ritual that does not pay for our own sins.
@@sergiocantu1000 Again, no one is saying baptism itself pays for our own sins. Neither does faith, by the way. The blood of Christ does. Does faith save you? (yes) Wait, I thought Jesus saves you? Obviously, both are true.
What does it mean for something to happen "by faith"? Does this preclude any action whatsoever? Consider an example from Hebrews 11:30 - By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
This says the walls fell "by faith"...AFTER they were encircled. You see, the walls did not fall at the moment of Israel's trust in God, but only after they met His condition of walking around the city the prescribed number of times. Yet it is still true that the walls fell by faith, not of works (it was not by their own power, nor were they deserving of the victory).
This example illustrates the principle we find concerning salvation. Salvation is not of works - it is not based on works - it cannot be, because no one is without sin. Everyone needs the grace of God, full stop. However, this does not exclude an obedient response to the gospel, such as believing, confessing, repenting, etc.
The New Testament has quite a bit to say about baptism, but never calls it a "ritual". Why do you?
Ex-CoC member here. This is a really good synopsis of the CoC. I stuck with them for many years because the pastors were like fathers to me but when they retired or died I had to deal with the reality of the problem of doctrine superseding scripture. Mostly due to a new pastor that didn't like doctrinal questioning. I think the CoC's biggest downfall is that the lack of structure inherent in their ideals gives interlopers a foot in the door.
I've been in the Church of Christ for 28 of my 40 years. This is well researched and describes well the conservative mainline ideas, some of which are fairly consistent everywhere.
I've never been to 2 coc's that were identical, though we do have a surprisingly similar doctrine base for a group with no centralizing synod or convention.
That said, most of this is describing what is rapidly becoming the minority view of dying, ultra-conservative wing of the tradition.
There are not many churches with more than, say, 30 members who claim to be THE church at the excusion of all others (though the ones who do say this are very vocal).
It is pretty rare to find churches today that are teetotal in their teaching on alcohol. It is much more common to see deaconesses, special communion services, liturgical observations, and a view of Universal Christendom being much larger than those who agree with us.
I'd also say our views on the absolute essentiality of baptism for the forgiveness of sins has somewhat waned (though we all hold it as sacred and in the highest regard).
I met some nice people from this denomination. I like your based view on creation.
Hmmmmm. My home congregation numbers 500 to 600 in Sunday a.m. attendance, in a very large southern metropolitan area, and we are very conservative theologically, and very traditional in worship style. Most churches in this area, with some exceptions are the same, and definitely throughout the state. Sure there are cultural differences among mainstream congregations, but theologically and in practice we are virtually the same.
It is true that nationally, a minority of churches, about one to two thousand, out of about 11 to 12 thousand churches are more progressive in various degrees. Equally so, the mainstream are indeed more conservative and traditional in various degrees. To say though that the churches have changed to a more progressive outlook is simply, demographically nearly impossible.
About 9 to 10 thousand churches have less than 200 in attendance, with about 8 thousand of these, less than 100, not likely to be the hotbed of anything different. If the progressives all left on their own tomorrow, the mainstream would still number nearly ten thousand churches.
@@larrymcclain8874 You understand then, that when Church of Christ people talk about being conservative, we generally mean it differently from what most people call conservative Christianity. You can be theologically conservative as a congregation and still be considered progressive for Church of Christ. You can, for instance, affirm inerrancy of the Bible, traditional gender and marriage, etc, but still be considered progressive because you think that churches who use other names still have saved people in them, baptism is normative rather than essesntial, and those use instruments are not automatically heretics.
When I say ultra conservative, I mean those who pretend Alexander Campbell had nothing to do with the Church of Christ movement, doubt the salvation of those outside the Churches of Christ, refuse to use words like Christmas and Easter because those words are not in the Bible, and recite the proof-texts of the church doctrines every single week.
Most Churches of Christ today, while theologically conservative, have moved away from that ridged, sectarian, cultish attitudes we were famous for 40+ years ago.
BM,.....You are snared into a 100% ungodly cult. You are steeped in darkness and deception. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 What have I said which causes you to believe I am steeped in darkness and deception brother?
I don't understand the non-instrumental position considering the New Testament teaches using instruments. Both in Ephesians 5:19 and Revelation.
I'd love to hear more about the Church of Christ, Boston Movement.
Thank you for being fair and objective in your presentation! This was very well-researched and generally accurate to what the churches I have attended all my life teach. All-ages Bible classes are actually fairly common now in my experience, but I don’t doubt that they weren’t always. Some Christians in the church of Christ, especially those in younger generations, are working to communicate our message about salvation more clearly: that salvation is by faith, received at the point of baptism, and followed by a lifelong process of sanctification in which we do good works out of gratitude and desire to grow more like Jesus and be in relationship with Him, rather than falling back on those old knee-jerk reactions against “once saved, always saved.” But that message is still not often communicated or understood well in the churches of Christ, and I don’t doubt that most of what you found in your research didn’t come across that way. It didn’t to me either for the first 18-ish years of my life.
How were you saved?
@@bama101010 As I alluded to above, I was saved by grace through faith; I received salvation at the point of my baptism for remission of sins in a symbolic representation of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the pattern seen in the early church throughout the book of Acts.
@@jennasink8743 I was not saved by water, but by my faith in the finished cross work of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My sins were forgiven on the cross.
I was saved the Bible way. I was saved the way that God through Paul tells us we are saved when we believe the gospel of the death, burial and resurrection.
I was saved when I believed the gospel of the death, burial and resurrection as seen in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
When I was saved, I was sealed with the Holy Spirit until Christ redeems me.
Ephesians 1:13-14
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Please keep reading I Corinthians 15:1-4 until you understand the gospel.
Why do we never hear from Peter after Acts Chapter 15?
Because there was a new gospel, and it IS called the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
The gospel of the kingdom was rejected when the Jews rejected and crucified their messiah, redeemer and king.
The Jews stoned Stephen to death - thereby rejecting the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank God that He gave us (the world) the gospel of the grace of God after Stephen was stoned to death.
The Bible is a progressive Book. It does not stop at Acts 2:38, as many believe.
The Book of Revelation tells of Christ defeating Satan. However, many call the Book of Revelation a "symbolic book." Yet they love their "symbolic water baptism."
Satan combines the gospel of the kingdom with the gospel of the grace of God through water baptism.
I do believe that Ephesians 2:8-9 pours cold water on your water baptism salvation myth.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Will you keep boasting of your salvation through water baptism?
@@bama101010 you are blatantly and dangerously ignoring Christ's own words. Christ literally stated, in HIS OWN WORDS, that baptism is a requirement for salvation. You mention a lot on what Paul said, but practically nothing on what Jesus says. Are you saying that Paul's words, hold more importance than Christ's?
@@gokurules22 Where are your Bible verses to back you up?
Wow this is a fantastic video. Thank you!
You are welcome! Glad it was helpful.
I was born and raised in the CofC for 52 years now I'm Catholic. I will never back to the c of c. I feel at peace now.
Thanks for your teaching ! You are fair and don't insert your opinion and I like it.
Some of the doctrine is very obvious and is easy to agree on. But you can delve down into obscure minutia where the answers are not so obvious. This is where we pray for understanding, forgiveness, and trust in God's grace.
This video is accurate and matches my understanding of CofC. As a former cofC’er, I’m happily a reformed Christian.
PG,.....Anyone that goes from one church (denomination) to another has only gone from one ungodly cult right into another.
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436
Not sure I follow?
I didn’t go from one denomination to another.
I am a Christian. I’m in the only church there is.
I have merely grown to understand doctrinal & theological truth better.
My being saved by grace has not changed. It can’t change.
I wasn’t saved by something I did or didn’t do. Therefore, I cannot be unsaved by something I do or don’t do. (Rom 4: 1-8)
@@PeteGoode ,...True, no Christian can unsave themselves, just as no one can save themselves. You have this correct. However when you say you are a reformed Christian you are indicating that you are in a reformed church.
The entire church is apostate from God and from the Bibles Christianity. So being in any church or going from any church into a different one is just going from one deception into another slightly different one. Everything called the church is apostate from God and Biblical truth.
You stated that you went from church of Christ to a reformed church? Is that not going from one denomination to another?
The few actual Christians that exist have nothing to do with anything called the church. Hope this helps clarify.
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436
I’m curious where you can find this in scripture.
Hebrews 10:24-26 is pretty clear about “forsaking the assembly.”
I.e. don’t do it.
I went from coc theology to reformed theology.
I have been (since I was saved) and will continue to be in the only church that exists.
There is no other church.
That church has people who attend many different denominations.
But they are all saved
By grace alone
Through faith alone
In Christ alone
To the glory of God alone
As attested by scripture alone
@@PeteGoode ,.... As to Hebrews 10- 24-26, The assembling of ourselves together refers only to the actual Christians. There are no actual Christians in any church. So, anyone assembling in any church is assembling together with unbelievers.
Also, more accurately, this is referring to a spiritual gathering and not a physical gathering. The few actual Christians that exist gather together spiritually in that they all understand the Bible correctly and all the same just as the first Christians did. This is not talking about a physical gathering.
The few actual Christians gather together spiritually from all across the plane of the earth. One here and one there. They are all spiritually on the same page. They are all outside of everything called the church.
What do you mean the only church that exists?
You, nor nearly anyone else actually understands what saved by grace means. 99.9% of those calling themselves Christians do not at all understand what saved by grace means, they only think they do.
No one in any church is saved. If they were saved they would not be in or have anything to do with any church. The church is made up of and for the unsaved, the blind, lost, and the deceived. Jesus does not bring any of his people into the church, he rescues them from the church.
I love ❤this church because they believe and do only what the bible teaches
I grew up going to this kind of church. That's definitely what they say. But unfortunately in my opinion it's not what they always do. Though I do feel like they have good intentions overall. Good luck in your spiritual journey
They sound very close to the Baptists on many things, especially doing what the Bible requires by having believers baptism and by immersion ONLY. Good for them
A.C. wanted to be Baptist. But he couldn't fully agree and sign some statement so they went in different (but similar) paths.
No they don’t. Baptist’s believe in salvation by confessing belief in Christ only. They don’t teach baptismal regeneration because the Bible does t teach it. COC’s twist acts 2:38
@@BIGLOVE4TRUTH I've never heard that claim that CoC's twist Acts 2:38
Can you tell me about that or link to some info?
@@truthnottradition7
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them
Being the mouth of the apostles, and being ready to give advice, and speak a word of comfort to their distressed minds:
repent:
change your minds, entertain other thoughts, and a different opinion of Jesus of Nazareth, than you have done; consider him, and believe in him, as the true Messiah and Saviour of the world; look upon him, not any more as an impostor, and a blasphemer, but as sent of God, and the only Redeemer of Israel; change your voice and way of speaking of him, and your conduct towards his disciples and followers; a change of mind will produce a change of actions in life and conversation: bring forth fruits meet for repentance; and make an open and hearty profession of repentance for this your sin. And this the apostle said, to distinguish between a legal and an evangelical repentance; the former is expressed in their being pricked to the heart, on which they were not to depend; the latter he was desirous they might have, and show forth; which springs from the love of God, is attended with views, or at least hopes of pardoning grace and mercy, and with faith in Christ Jesus: it lies in a true sight and sense of sin, under the illuminations and convictions of the Spirit of God; in a sorrow for it, after a godly sort, and because it is committed against a God of love, grace, and mercy, and it shows itself in loathing sin, and in shame for it, in an ingenuous acknowledgement of it, and in forsaking it: and this is moreover urged, to show the necessity of it, as to salvation, for such that God would not have perish, he will have come to repentance; so to their admission to the ordinance of baptism, to which repentance is a pre-requisite; and to which the apostle next advises:
and be baptized everyone of you;
that repents and believes; that is, in water, in which John administered the ordinance of baptism; in which Christ himself was baptized, and in which the apostles of Christ administered it; in this Philip baptized the eunuch; and in this were the persons baptized that were converted in Cornelius's house; and it is distinguished from the baptism of the Spirit, or with fire, the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit mentioned in the last clause of this verse; and which ordinance of water baptism was administered by immersion, as the places, Jordan and Aenon, where John performed it, and the instances of it particularly in Christ, and in the eunuch, and the end of it, which is to represent the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as well as the primary signification of the word, show. And this is to be done,
in the name of Jesus Christ;
not to the exclusion of the Father, and of the Spirit, in whose name also this ordinance is to be administered, ( Matthew 28:19 ) but the name of Jesus Christ is particularly mentioned, because of these Jews, who had before rejected and denied him as the Messiah; but now, upon their repentance and faith, they are to be baptized in his name, by his authority, according to his command; professing their faith in him, devoting themselves to him, and calling on his name. The end for which this was to be submitted to, is,
for the remission of sins;
not that forgiveness of sin could be procured either by repentance, or by baptism; for this is only obtained by the blood of Christ; but the apostle advises these awakened, sensible, repenting, and believing souls, to submit to baptism, that by it their faith might be led to Christ, who suffered and died for their sins, who left them buried in his grave, and who rose again for their justification from them; all which is, in a most lively manner, represented in the ordinance of baptism by immersion: the encouragement to it follows,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost:
not the grace of the Spirit, as a regenerator and sanctifier; for that they had already; and is necessary, as previous to baptism; unless it should mean confirmation of that grace, and stability in it, as it appears from ( Acts 2:42 ) they afterwards had; but rather the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, particularly the gift of speaking with tongues, which Christ had received from the Father, and had now shed on his apostles; see ( Acts 19:5-6 )
@@truthnottradition7 the cowardly person who posted this video deleted my Biblical response.
I agree with much more of this than I thought I would.
I have to admit im impressed with the work you put into your vids.
I cannot imagine how long it took you to put this together.
He does an incredible job!
I would love to see a comparison between Church of Christ and Eastern Orthodox. There seems to be a lot in common, especially in their articulations of original sin/ ancestral sin.
You really have no idea about the COC to write this statement. Wow
@@RedJesus666-k9z Yeah, someone needs to get a new set of hearing aids.
Lol Irony usa
I've thought about the same thing and I've searched for videos and articles online for a comparison. To me, CoC is the sola scriptura version of Eastern Orthodox.
@@nathanmorales9584 If I had to ever leave my church, it would be either EO, or something similar. I probably won't though.
You should do an episode on Sola Scriptura, because that is the main point dividing and classifying Christian denominations. But it seems that for some Sola Scriptura is a given.
yes i have thought that too. COC and other denomination deny the Solas but don't answer back with scripture to deny the solas scripture that it is representing.
Sola Scriptura is kinda tricky because it means different things to different denominations. For example the Lutheran (LCMS) view will be much different from a Southern Baptist view.
@@timothybrooks1429 That makes it even more interesting
@@timothybrooks1429 it shouldn't mean different to anyone but what the scripture says it means.
do you mean sola one liner scriptura or Sola remove the end of the verse scriptura
This is the clearest explanation of Church of Christ doctrine that I’ve ever heard. Thank you. Matthew 16:18
King James Version
18 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.
The Catholics make the same argument. Why does the CoC deny the Holy Spirit?
That's real truth from the Bible great lesson brother I am Victor Raj Preacher coc India
This channel is great evangelisation for the Catholic Church because you highlight the disunity / chaos / rampant heresy and confusion within Protestantism!
Look at what Jesus said in John 17:21 about unity. Unfortunately this cannot be achieved in Protestantism.
DL,.....As completely astray from God and Biblical truth the protestant churches are, they still do not compare to how absolutely astray the ungodly cult of catholicism is. However bad the protestants are, the catholics are much worse.
Unity doesn't exist with the Catholic Church as well
@@jenex5608 i believe the Church of Christ is the right but here's the thing.......even jews of the 1st Century who were members of the church of christ had problems as well as those today in the 21st Century. i believe God had a remnant in the 1st Century when those jews fled from the coming destruction of jerusalem in 70 A.D. as well as today, those who r members of COC But have done there own thing instead of the right thing.......either way its still gonna be THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
Unity in error such as the Roman Catholics teach is not worth having. A group of Satanists can be perfectly united, too.
The problem with fundamentalist denominations like the CoC (and yes, they are a denomination), is that they are mis-defining what is meant by "being saved". Saved from what? Eternal torture? Eternal separation from God? Being "saved" is a process, not a moment. It's only the beginning of a journey towards complete communion with God through Jesus.
I grew up in the musical Church Of Christ I got baptized by around 7 years old as I didn’t know what it was all about and get rebaptize in my 20s after understanding the meaning. I did not know that they would a non-musical church and went there for five years. I got tired of them trying to shove Ephesians 5:19 down my throat about non-music. So I left and went back to my old musical church I go to now. It’s really sad that they tell you you are going to hell over a guitar (man made rule btw) instead of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation.
did you tell them David worshipped playing a harp?? very confusing rule.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: Biblical Authority For New Testament Worship + Common Objectionsruclips.net/video/20gmf4N80bc/видео.html
The Truth About..... Singingruclips.net/video/J7xLW8KHE4c/видео.html
I also grew up in a movement who shunned musical instruments in church but they also shunned them in everyday life. That I can understand. But calling it sinful (they must at some point, right?) to use in church services, but otherwise in everyday life they play guitars and violins and wherever else. That I don’t get.
@@HadrianFC98 yes I did. They didn’t want to hear that. They waved it off as “Old Testament”.
@@Johntom2k Funny timing in your response, I stopped attenting ICOC a month ago after going for 3-4 months when I started seeing all the red flags popping up. That, plus all the new lawsuits coming in I decided to take my conscience elsewhere. Very strange place with a very backwards culture when it comes to managing its members and trying to take over their lives and personal decisions.
Which is/what church was the Church of Christ during Paul's writing the Book of Romans?...
There was Judiasm, The Way, lots of schematic/dividing sects...
Which one was Church of Christ?
Roman Catholiticism began, formally, C.325 A.D....
None of them are Jesus's church. Jesus's church is a spiritual church not a physical church. Everything known as and called the church is apostate from God and from the Bibles Christianity.
Dude, you are so good at summarizing things. Thank you!
Great report. They seem pretty mainstream. I remember when COCs were considered to be nearly a cult. In that their members thought they were the only real Church and other denominations were apostate. Some old timers referred to them as "Cambellites" . Also do they have regular denominational conventions? What about their governance? Who is leading the COC. Do they send missionaries internationally? What about their seminaries , colleges and universities?
They absolutely have colleges including Harding University, Abilene Christian, Pepperdine and Lipscomb. International missionaries are supported by individual congregations. There is no overarching governance or conventions in the sense you are talking about.
My research led me to see the structure of influence exists around publications, colleges, bible schools and influential ministers. Similar to the way Independent Baptist (my church) find themselves cooperating and fellowshipping.
The CoCs in Texas I've attended (I've attended about a dozen CoCs, plus 2 or 3 Methodist churches, a few Lutherines, some Episcopalians, etc) and all CoCs I've attended have explicitly stated that anyone in "denominationalism" are not Christians and are not part of the "Real" church, and will go to hell upon passing.
@Robert Dullnig my grandmother called Abilene Christian liberal about 20 years ago. Lol
@24:14 you referred to the Christian Standard. I was under the opinion that the Christian Standard was associated with the Independent Christian Church and churches of Christ.
It is, but they also provide statistics for the Church of Christ, which was the only thing I referenced them for.
Bro you did a whole video on the CoC and didn't mention the universities? Abilene, Lipscomb, Pepperdine, Harding, Freed Hardiman? There's a whole subculture here.
Also Lubbock Christian University.
Florida Collège & Oklahoma Christian too
Brother Joshua I'm want to going to regular your video of church of christ details watching,listening / From part of India Telangana /V. Ajay
Thanks brother. I'm going to look for one here in Tucson.
I left the coc some years ago, I surrendered to God back in 1981,myself and only 1 other Caucasian brothers were the only whites in a predominantly black congregation. I'm grateful to God for my Foundation of salvation, and understand the revelation of Acts 2:38, however the maturity of Bible knowledge in the church has been stunted in many believers. I'm all for holiness according to the Bible, but some of the leaders lack love, and forgiveness, along with having much self-righteousness, wich is harming many of God's people, instead of learning to grow in grace and the knowledge of our lord and savior Jesus Christ, and learning relationship with him. God Bless you all
"Generally, those who generalize, err." Pun intended.
This video is accurate. I am a 70 year old and have lived in many different areas. Most of the churches of Christ are alike in believing the Bible and rejecting the ideas of man.
@@MichaelTheophilus906 what men? where did the creed come from? who invented it?
@@MichaelTheophilus906 why cant u just tell me? if u r talkin about alexander campbell then u r wrong
@@stephancobb13 CoC's have adopted MANY non-scriptural theologies and act accordingly. And YES they closely fall in line with AC / BS teachings.
@@truthnottradition7 what makes u think they dont follow behind the bible like alexander. and by the way, alexander didnt invent the coc because it was here before they were born.
@@stephancobb13 I was CoC for 34yrs... I know them VERY well.
CoC's R-E-J-E-C-T Laws of God as binding on us followers today. I was called Satan and a Heretic to my face when I tried to study this with Elders.
Matt 5:17-18 and John 14:15 have to be dealt with. And since CoC'ers have thrown laws of God away.. the moral vacuum leaves a void that will be filled with something. Therefore.. hello Mr Campbell, Mr Stone, and MANY other non-inspired men.
I was raised Church of Christ, but currently consider myself a mix of CoC and Southern Baptist.
Come out of Babylon... join the torah observant believers in Yeshua.
I'm Non-Denominational, but Theologically speaking I'm somewhere between Catholic and Anglican
Having gone to one of your Bible colleges, I understand your position. Having ministered in music in many different churches throughout my life has also taught me that Christ has His followers in many denominations. They aren't often in leadership positions, and they may only attend due to many life circumstances. They also may not always agree with every point in the denominations. I find this true across the board, and more so, as the time of His appearing draws closer. There is a definite rift in many of the denominations, as the leadership bows to society, and prophecy starts unfolding concerning the apostate church. The thing to remember is that we shouldn't paint with an overly large paintbrush. Many of the true believers in other churches are still standing firm on God's word, and telling their leadership sin is wrong. Keep up the good work, and when you reach out, reach out in love to brothers and sisters found in Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, and all of the other denominations out there. They are there, but the main thing I would leave here for you is, grow where you are planted. He has planted you in the COC, So serve faithfully, and keep looking up! ❤
You just summed up 23 years of listening to CoC sermons. They hammer home the not just faith but works thing
@Roanen Do you believe baptism is for remission of sins? (Acts 2:38).