Church of Christ / Is it a Cult?
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- Опубликовано: 18 авг 2024
- This is a difficult question to answer due to the label “Church of Christ” being such a broad description. There are many churches who refer to themselves as the “Church of Christ.” Even within the most widespread “Church of Christ” association, which is the “Church of Christ” that came out of the Restoration Movement, there can be significant differences among the churches. There is no doubt that many in the Church of Christ group are genuine believers in Christ who desire to truly worship, follow, and obey Him. At the same time, there are others in the Church of Christ, and some Church of Christ churches, that are borderline cult-like in their preferences, practices, and doctrines. We are by no means disparaging every Church of Christ congregation or all churches that refer to themselves as the “Church of Christ.” The purpose of this article is to express some concerns and answer some questions about the Restoration Movement “Church of Christ” that we have observed and experienced.
One “minor” issue is the Church of Christ policy of not allowing musical instruments in their church services. While we entirely agree that a church is well within the freedom God gives to not use musical instruments in worship, the problem is that some within the Church of Christ are fanatically against musical instruments. Some are fanatical to the point of declaring any church that uses musical instruments as not being a true, biblical, or godly church. Such dogmatism on a clearly non-essential issue is often the mark of a cult, not the mark of a good biblical church.
A second issue is the fact that some in the Church of Christ claim to be “the one true church,” outside of which there is no salvation. By no means do all Church of Christ members believe this, but it is prevalent enough to warrant concern. Some go so far as to argue that since the name is “Church of Christ,” that indicates that the church / denomination is the one and only true Church of the Lord Jesus. This is completely unbiblical. There is no one church or denomination that encompasses the entire Body of Christ. The “one true church of Christ” is comprised of all those who have, by grace through faith, personally received Jesus Christ as Savior. The Church is composed of true believers everywhere, no matter the local church or denominational affiliation. The claim of exclusive access to salvation is another common identification of a cult, not the teaching of a good biblical church.
A third and very important issue is the Church of Christ’s emphasis on baptism as being necessary for salvation. Church of Christ advocates point to Scriptures such as Acts 2:38, John 3:5, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, and Acts 22:16 as biblical evidence that baptism is required for salvation. There is no denying that baptism is very important. Baptism is intended to be an initial act of obedience to Christ, an illustration of Christ’s death and resurrection, a public declaration of faith in Christ, a step of identification with Him, and a proclamation of desire to follow Him. In the minds of the apostles and early Christians, baptism was so inextricably linked with salvation that the two were viewed as inseparable. The idea that a person could receive Christ as Savior and not be baptized was completely foreign to the early church.
With that said, however, baptism is not required for salvation. There are biblically plausible and contextually valid interpretations of each of the above Scriptures that do not indicate baptism as being necessary for salvation. There are many Scriptures that declare salvation to be received by faith / believing, with no mention of baptism or any other requirement (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9). If baptism is necessary for salvation, these Scriptures are in error and the Bible is contradictory.
Church of Christ advocates argue that when the Bible speaks of salvation “by faith,” it is speaking of a living faith, a faith that produces works of obedience, such as baptism and confession (Romans 10:9-10). They do not claim that baptism is a work that earns salvation, or in any sense makes a person worthy of salvation. Rather, the Church of Christ teaches that baptism is a work that God requires before He grants salvation. For the Church of Christ, baptism and confession are no different from faith and repentance-they are what God requires before He grants salvation to a person. The problem with this is that, while it may seem to be a subtle difference from the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, it is in fact a crucially important difference.....
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People can say all they want about the Church of Christ but they are spot on on baptism.
Even my 16 year old granddaughter cannot understand why folks just cannot get the teaching on baptism right and she isn't a member of the church of Christ.
@@GordonMcElvany It's because they do not want to. That's my conclusion after 45 years. They erroneously view water baptism as a "work" - and go downhill from there.
@@brendanjobe6895Lutherans are also very spot on with baptism, salvation, interdenominational alliance, faith, repentance, sola scriptura, etcetera.
WHAT IF WE DIE BELIEVING A FALSE GOSPEL?
The Bible and specifically our Apostle Paul tells us the answer to that question. We find the answer in the gospel of the grace of God recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 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.
Our Apostle Paul tells us that WE ARE SAVED when we believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
In II Corinthians 5:21 we are told that God made Christ to be sin for us.
II Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
This gospel is easy to understand and very straightforward. We only have to believe that the God that spoke this world into existence gave His life for us, He was buried and that He rose on the third day. This seems like a very easy choice. Doesn’t it?
Let's look back to a time where a couple of other people also had a very easy choice to make. Let’s call them Adam and Eve. Let’s say that they lived in the best place on earth. Let’s say that they could live with God forever. Let’s say that they would never get old, sick or die.
We all remember Adam and Eve and the choice that they made. Would they have made the right choice if God had written the instructions that they needed on a piece of paper and they could carry that piece of paper with them everywhere that they went?
Well, guess what? God has written down the instructions that we need to follow in order to inherit eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is called the Bible, and we can carry it everywhere we go. If we follow the instructions in the Bible, we can live in the best place imaginable. We can be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever and we will never get old, sick or die.
Have you made the decision to believe God and follow His written instructions, so that you will become a child of God forever? God doesn’t make mistakes. When He adopts you as His child, it is a forever adoption. Yet, some of us question God and His promises.
Now you may ask yourself what Satan is up to these days. That is an easy question to answer. Satan is not hanging around in the obvious places where everyone goes to sin. Satan has total control of those places.
No, Satan hangs out at the places where people feel safe, and they go to in order to feel closer to God. No, I’m not talking about your “prayer closet” or “on your knees beside your bed” praying to God. No, I’m talking about…
…places where false gospels are preached. These are places where people are fooled by Satan into believing an adulterated gospel, and thus BELIEVE IN VAIN. God, through the Apostle Peter warns us in II Peter 3:15-16 that people who twist the scriptures do so to their own destruction.
II Peter 3:15-16
15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
God has warned us through the Apostle Peter about those that twist the Scriptures. Peter tells us the final destination of someone that twists the Scriptures. God, through our Apostle Paul tells us that we are saved by believing the gospel unless we have believed in vain.
Will you put your trust in someone that twists and distorts the gospel by adding to or subtracting from the gospel? Will you believe someone that tells you that you must do something extra for your salvation?
Do you remember Adam and Eve? A little bit of Satan goes a long way. A little bit of twisting the Scriptures can last for an eternity.
I have made a decision to learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake. I have believed the gospel of the grace of God “alone” for my salvation. Call me wise if you want to. I will just call myself a forever saved and blessed child of God.
Spot on how? I agree EVERY Christian must be baptized, if they don't it casts massive doubt on their profession of faith since Biblically baptism was to act as your public profession , I just believe the blood of Jesus washes away sin not water. Its clearly a symbolic act as is the Lord's supper as were the I AM statements of Jesus but the mistake people make is they think symbolic = not important.
I'm a member of the church of Christ like named in Romans 16:16. The Bible says that "baptism now saves" in 1 Peter 3:21, also around there it says baptism is the answer of a good conscience to God. What people need to understand, especially the "Church of Christ," is that baptism is an act of faith. You have faith that this simple act of submission does anything, like Naaman did in 2 Kings 5. Just do the thing!
Saying you are saved by baptism is not a contradiction of "saved by faith alone" because baptism is an act of faith, not works. Knowing that shows how Mark 16:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9 do not contradict. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved." "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Amen brother! Any good deed I do I had to learn from someone, giving to the poor, being kind, smiling and blessing those who curse me, are all acts that I model after someone else. God is good and all good things come from him, so whatever good I do it isn't me but rather for God's glory. So if I am baptized, although I do the act, deed, work, whatever people want to call it, it's God's doing for if he had not told me then it would have never crossed my mind to do it.
Your name has nothing to do with Rom. 16:16! I was raised in your cult and it certainly is NOT the NT Church!! I escaped.......thank God!
Be a Berean!! Blessings!
@@EverlastingLife-pl9ug I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the "Church of Christ" but I said I'm a member of the church of Christ, not the "Church of Christ". I'm as much a member of the church of God as the church of the saints or the church of the firstborn (those are all Bible names for the Church if you didn't know, I just can't remember the verses). That's just a name on a sign. Though I do gather under that name, there's only one Church and God's Church can't be limited by walls or names, it dwells in the hearts of men. I understand where you're coming from though, I've tried to correct that thought in many brothers from the older generation that "the Church of Christ is the only one going to heaven." Not untrue but too often used in an incorrect manner.
Do you realize that the bible only says "church of Christ" once in the bible? However, it does say "church of God" 8 times. Just a fun fact for ya!!
@@jeremyroeder151 YES!!! I had heard 12 times, but I will check it! Blessings!!
2:31 - you say the restorationists (Stone, Campbell, etc.) looked around at others and said they aren't real Christians. This is incorrect. Thomas Campbell, for example, was known for saying "We are Christians only, but not the only Christians." That which you describe became true of later members of the restoration movement, and in particular the CoC after the movement split b/w CoC and Disciples of Christ in the late 1800s, but early on the movement was one of unity and fellowship across denominational lines.
Great content, just a minor correction I wanted to point out.
Source: Thomas Campbell's "Declaration and Address" and my 43 years in the CoC which I just recently left.
Church of Christ is only a cult because they try to keep everyone to agree with their oligarchs and to not debate their non-biblical ideas such as “no instruments” “no crosses”, “bread and wine represents”, and are really upset if someone leaves or isn’t devoted enough, and rant about other denominations.
the original belief about baptism with the first couple hundred years after the apostles was that baptism was absolutely part of salvation. Baptism not being part of salvation was a later introduction into the church.
the Bible never states "faith alone" and in James it specifically states that a person is NOT justified by faith alone but by works.
The baptism thing aside, the comment by works, as you know the Bible specifically says not by works in many more places so James 2 is justified before men, or not justified in a forensic sense like Paul in Romans who says faith and not works.
@@Pastor_Grant "not by works" of the Law of Moses, but by works of the Perfect Law of Christ, the Law of liberty (from the burdens of Mosaic Law).
The water doesn't wash away sins (that isn't taught in churches of Christ)...it is only the blood of Christ that washes away sins, which is reached and applied to a believer in the submissive and obedient faithful act of baptism into Christ and his body...the church. We are baptized into his death, into his body, into Christ, all by faith...not merit raising up washed in the saving and cleansing blood of Christ and added by God, not by ourselves or another, but by God to the church, the body of the saved.
True. true. Romans 6.
Actually, the CoC doctrine is that you contact the blood of Jesus Christ in your baptistry water.
Most CoC people don't even know their own doctrine.
Amen
So when a person Believes and Repents but is not Baptized, are they not Saved?
@@randym.7238water doesn’t save, only Jesus does. So no, baptism does not save OR not being baptised does not get you into hell.
Mr. Grant,
Thank you for creating this video and sharing your insights, as well as for your dedication to exploring this topic. Having spent over 30 years in the Restoration Movement (RM), I would like to offer some additional context on a couple of points discussed in your video.
Firstly, I want to clarify the initial intention of the Restoration Movement. It began as a unity movement, uniting Christians across denominations by encouraging them to reject divisive manmade creeds. The primary goal was to restore Christian fellowship and promote unity, rather than claiming to be "the one true church." It's crucial to understand that the movement emerged as a response to the divisive use of creeds in the 19th century. In the early decades of the RM, no one denied that there were Christians in other denominations.
Unfortunately, in the latter part of the 19th and early 20th centuries, some within the movement drifted towards sectarianism. This shift led to certain sects within the RM denying the salvation of believers outside the movement. In this you are correct, and it is a sad fact that some RM churches to this day are sectarian.
Regarding baptismal beliefs, I have never known anyone in the RM who believes in "baptismal regeneration." This simply is not taught, although I can understand why others conclude that they believe in baptismal regeneration.
The belief is not that the water itself washes away sins; instead, those in the RM typically believe that it is during baptism that a believer is united with Christ. It’s not a question of what or who washes away sins, it’s a question of when. It is during immersion that God takes away sin. Baptism is seen as the God-given means of responding, in faith, to the gospel. However, they would do well to put a stronger emphasis on what God is doing in the process and less on the water.
It's important to note that RM churches exhibit a diverse spectrum of beliefs. Are they a cult? Generally speaking, I'd say no, but many RM groups are sectarian. The non-instrumental Church of Christ is particularly known to fall into the sectarian category, but even here there are exceptions. The only RM group I am aware of that might fall into the cult category is the International Church of Christ; they are a fringe group within the movement.
Best regards
Thanks for the response. I talked to an Evangelist in our local church of Christ assembly and he flat out told me you need to be baptized to be saved. For what its worth. Thanks again.
@@Pastor_Grant Yes, you are correct about that. I just wouldn't equate that to baptismal regeneration. I'm sure it depends on how one defines the term. Anyway, thanks for engaging. 🙂
@@Pastor_Grantis the Watchtower JW part of the Jesuits order as well the Mormon? Thanks
I've also been active in non-instrumental churches of Christ for several decades across multiple regions of the US. @kf4zmt I think your summary is correct.
We reject mechanical regeneration through water - and I've known of no-one that would teach it. Baptism is God's work where we are united with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. We believe that we're justified by faith, and that saving faith is faith that is obedient by trusting, repenting of sin, and putting on Christ in baptism. We would emphasize that according to the promise of God salvation is delivered to those who by faith obey - by bringing us into contact with the blood of Christ, cleansing us. "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, ... the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." Not earning merit, but receiving the promise of God.
When it comes to acapella worship, we believe that singing is what God has asked for so that is how we ought to seek to please him. There tends to be a dogmatic minority in most churches that would go further and say that instruments are sinful. But most people I've talked to don't believe that's true. Instruments in worship are seen as a gateway towards manipulating emotions in worship, to putting on a show, or to entertainment - and my experiences in other churches point to these being true many times though not all.
I've not seen any of these churches that were outright sectarian or cults. We would say that you must be in the church that belongs to Christ to be saved - and that's true. That church is not equated with the visible congregation and building. Rarely you might find some that would say the building has to be labelled "church of christ" or you're not saved. But I don't believe this sort of thing is a CoC issue as it pops up in all churches in different ways. More often than that you'll find people who are seeking to honor God according to what he's said and come together to worship simply and acceptably in a way in which all can be unified.
@@burgernofries beautiful words from you....but please answer my question. Thank you
Thank you for putting this together. I have been a pastor in the Christian Church/Church of Christ for 20 + years. There are true distinctions that get blurred in my opinion and experience. The Restoration Movement is the background from which our group comes. There have been branches out of the original group. There is the non-instrumental churches of Christ who refuse to use instruments in their worship. Then there are the Disciples of Christ which also branched out from the original RM group. Then there is the International Church of Christ, another branch. I've never encountered anyone from this group, that I am aware of, and at this point, I'm okay with that.
I believe there is a blurred line. In the southern United States, it seems that if the building says "Church of Christ", then it is most likely a non-instrumental church. If it says, "Christian Church" then it would be a group that uses instruments in worship. In the northern portions of the U.S. Christian Church and Church of Christ are synonymous and utilize instruments in worship. However, there are non-instrumental Churches of Christ in the northern territory too. So, one must do their homework/research to discern which is which.
I've started attending a Church of Christ in Iowa when I was in junior high. I accepted Jesus and was baptized at Bible camp when I was 13. I went to a Bible College associated with RM and Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. I have served as a youth minister, associate minister and senior minister within s handful of the churches. I have met many people over the years who presume to know what I believe, simply because of my association with the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. I have told people before that I am not a "company man" when it comes to holding onto every single doctrine that has historically been associated with RM/CC/CoC. I strive to dig into Scripture, study the original languages, understanding there was an original audience, original writer and original purpose. I strive to understand what the passages meant in their time and how we can glean application for today. And I do not do this perfectly but strive to do so faithfully.
Anyway, I appreciate you tackling the subject. I do not believe there is any one denomination that has cornered the market on God and the Bible. I personally believe that within every denomination that claims Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, and faith in Him is our only hope for salvation, that there are God-fearing, Christ-following, Spirit-filled, Bible believing Christians in each group. However, I also believe there are phonies just going through the motions in each of those groups as well. When there is obvious, blatant false teaching, it needs to be addressed. However, I also believe we need to demonstrate some patience, grace, and mercy, because we do not always know where an individual stands even though they may be part of a certain group. We should be careful with our assumptions and strive to have honest conversation. And I know... that is not always go to be a reality. Just recently our church received a message on its Facebook message board from a guy who simply wrote: "You know you're a cult don't you?" I wrote him back and asked him what qualifications he was using to say this. He went to the baptism argument right away. I shared my thoughts and perspective and had some back and forth with him. After about 20 minutes, he apologized for making his first statement about us being a cult. I said no worries, I forgive you, be blessed. Never heard any more from him.
I think the secular culture does enough "lumping together" of all people who call themselves Christians. As brothers/sisters in Christ, we should always be willing to lead with grace while refusing to abandon truth. A difficult balance that needs to be on the foundation of love.
Blessings to you, your family, your minsitry, and further work with these podcasts, Mr. Grant.
Some excellent observations here. I went to the church of Christ for many years. I wasn't raised in it so had some conflicts with some of their beliefs but overall it was a great learning experience to really understand the Bible in ways I had never learned before. Things I didn't like were trashing other denomination's from the pulpit. Didn't happen a lot but seemed to early on. Never understood the no instruments to this day. I was born with a musical talent that I couldn't share in the COC. Singing a cappella was fine actually but thinking it's a sin to have a piano or other instruments seemed odd. Even a choir was considered wrong. I grew up singing in church choirs with my mom. But no regrets raising my kids in the COC as they got a good foundation in the Bible and now that they are fine Christian adults.
I tried to attend a COC in Colorado and it was very exclusive. I had to leave!
WHAT IF WE DIE BELIEVING A FALSE GOSPEL?
The Bible and specifically our Apostle Paul tells us the answer to that question. We find the answer in the gospel of the grace of God recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 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.
Our Apostle Paul tells us that WE ARE SAVED when we believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
In II Corinthians 5:21 we are told that God made Christ to be sin for us.
II Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
This gospel is easy to understand and very straightforward. We only have to believe that the God that spoke this world into existence gave His life for us, He was buried and that He rose on the third day. This seems like a very easy choice. Doesn’t it?
Let's look back to a time where a couple of other people also had a very easy choice to make. Let’s call them Adam and Eve. Let’s say that they lived in the best place on earth. Let’s say that they could live with God forever. Let’s say that they would never get old, sick or die.
We all remember Adam and Eve and the choice that they made. Would they have made the right choice if God had written the instructions that they needed on a piece of paper and they could carry that piece of paper with them everywhere that they went?
Well, guess what? God has written down the instructions that we need to follow in order to inherit eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is called the Bible, and we can carry it everywhere we go. If we follow the instructions in the Bible, we can live in the best place imaginable. We can be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever and we will never get old, sick or die.
Have you made the decision to believe God and follow His written instructions, so that you will become a child of God forever? God doesn’t make mistakes. When He adopts you as His child, it is a forever adoption. Yet, some of us question God and His promises.
Now you may ask yourself what Satan is up to these days. That is an easy question to answer. Satan is not hanging around in the obvious places where everyone goes to sin. Satan has total control of those places.
No, Satan hangs out at the places where people feel safe, and they go to in order to feel closer to God. No, I’m not talking about your “prayer closet” or “on your knees beside your bed” praying to God. No, I’m talking about…
…places where false gospels are preached. These are places where people are fooled by Satan into believing an adulterated gospel, and thus BELIEVE IN VAIN. God, through the Apostle Peter warns us in II Peter 3:15-16 that people who twist the scriptures do so to their own destruction.
II Peter 3:15-16
15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
God has warned us through the Apostle Peter about those that twist the Scriptures. Peter tells us the final destination of someone that twists the Scriptures. God, through our Apostle Paul tells us that we are saved by believing the gospel unless we have believed in vain.
Will you put your trust in someone that twists and distorts the gospel by adding to or subtracting from the gospel? Will you believe someone that tells you that you must do something extra for your salvation?
Do you remember Adam and Eve? A little bit of Satan goes a long way. A little bit of twisting the Scriptures can last for an eternity.
I have made a decision to learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake. I have believed the gospel of the grace of God “alone” for my salvation. Call me wise if you want to. I will just call myself a forever saved and blessed child of God.
“Hyper-biblical”??? A cult is a cult. I was raised in C.O.C. Until I was 19. When I attended a “spirit-filled” church in college, I found out how “Real” God is. And how “real” the Holy Spirit is. Have you ever seen a demon manifest in someone? Have you ever seen someone who was diagnosed with a terminal illness healed, like for real for real healed. With documented proof by Drs. Scrutinize the scriptures for yourself and tell me if you don’t think that, doctrinally, what they are teaching is not “truth”.
What I have learned from the Church of Christ is absolutly Biblcal. No pre trib rubbish, no false Calvinistic teachings, no once saved always saved doctrines. No triune 3 headed god teachings. Things I never could come to terms with. Babtism was a commanment from our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ himself as well as taught by Peter and all the Apostels.
Spoken as a true "church of Christer" as opposed to a Christian.
Are the Churches of Christ not Trinitarian?
@@mydejaynes i believe they're oneness pentecostals/modalist. Which believe God has switched "modes" or "hats" during our time on earth. They believe Jesus is the Father. And not in three distinct persons all separate but equal. They are not trinitarian. You may also know there doctrine as the "Jesus Only" movement which believe you must be baptized or even re-baptized in Jesus name only (Acts 2:38) and not the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit This belief is also called Saballianism which was a guy that brought this belief to the early church and was considered a heretic. This teaching of oneness pentecostal/Jesus only/Saballianism is a false doctrine by denying the deity of Jesus. Same as the Jehovah witnesses and Mormons...
@@justinoverton87153 so they are not descended from the Stone-Campbell movement then. I’ve heard of oneness Pentecostals, but never seen one that went by the name “Church of Christ.”
Amen! The church of Christ follows the teachings of the Bible and not man made denominational beliefs
If a church believes in Trinity and adult baptism and most likely believing in local church autonomy, that church would never be a cult, but has link with Anabaptist churches. Church of Christ believes and practices on these things.
WHAT IF WE DIE BELIEVING A FALSE GOSPEL?
The Bible and specifically our Apostle Paul tells us the answer to that question. We find the answer in the gospel of the grace of God recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 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.
Our Apostle Paul tells us that WE ARE SAVED when we believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
In II Corinthians 5:21 we are told that God made Christ to be sin for us.
II Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
This gospel is easy to understand and very straightforward. We only have to believe that the God that spoke this world into existence gave His life for us, He was buried and that He rose on the third day. This seems like a very easy choice. Doesn’t it?
Let's look back to a time where a couple of other people also had a very easy choice to make. Let’s call them Adam and Eve. Let’s say that they lived in the best place on earth. Let’s say that they could live with God forever. Let’s say that they would never get old, sick or die.
We all remember Adam and Eve and the choice that they made. Would they have made the right choice if God had written the instructions that they needed on a piece of paper and they could carry that piece of paper with them everywhere that they went?
Well, guess what? God has written down the instructions that we need to follow in order to inherit eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is called the Bible, and we can carry it everywhere we go. If we follow the instructions in the Bible, we can live in the best place imaginable. We can be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever and we will never get old, sick or die.
Have you made the decision to believe God and follow His written instructions, so that you will become a child of God forever? God doesn’t make mistakes. When He adopts you as His child, it is a forever adoption. Yet, some of us question God and His promises.
Now you may ask yourself what Satan is up to these days. That is an easy question to answer. Satan is not hanging around in the obvious places where everyone goes to sin. Satan has total control of those places.
No, Satan hangs out at the places where people feel safe, and they go to in order to feel closer to God. No, I’m not talking about your “prayer closet” or “on your knees beside your bed” praying to God. No, I’m talking about…
…places where false gospels are preached. These are places where people are fooled by Satan into believing an adulterated gospel, and thus BELIEVE IN VAIN. God, through the Apostle Peter warns us in II Peter 3:15-16 that people who twist the scriptures do so to their own destruction.
II Peter 3:15-16
15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
God has warned us through the Apostle Peter about those that twist the Scriptures. Peter tells us the final destination of someone that twists the Scriptures. God, through our Apostle Paul tells us that we are saved by believing the gospel unless we have believed in vain.
Will you put your trust in someone that twists and distorts the gospel by adding to or subtracting from the gospel? Will you believe someone that tells you that you must do something extra for your salvation?
Do you remember Adam and Eve? A little bit of Satan goes a long way. A little bit of twisting the Scriptures can last for an eternity.
I have made a decision to learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake. I have believed the gospel of the grace of God “alone” for my salvation. Call me wise if you want to. I will just call myself a forever saved and blessed child of God.
The only churchs of Christ there are are those that obey his commandments. Christ said, if you love me ,keep my commandments. John 14:15
I was told the only way to salvation was to accept the Lord Jesus 🙏 Christ as lord 🙏 an personal savior.
give the verse that says so
There is no verse that that says so. We shouldn't simply go off what we are taught as children or what others have told us we need to do for salvation. JESUS is the authority and we will all be judged by His Words. Read and study the Bible for yourself. Only ONE church mentioned in the N.T. and that is the church that Jesus started (Acts 2) and He is the head of.
Yeah, we're going to see some book chapter and verse for that. 1 Peter 3:18-21 on the other hand...
You were told wrong!
We are saved by believing the gospel of the grace of God which is recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I belong to a church founded out of the Restoration Movement, but not the non-instrumental Church of Christ. One of our primary affirmations is that we are Christians, but NOT the only Christians. We occasionally read from the two creeds you mentioned.
I would like to plead with you not to put all Christians and congregations affiliated with the Restoration Movement into the same lump. This is exactly what Stone, Campbell, and others were trying to get away from. The non-credal traditions our churches uphold come not from the rejection of biblical, gospel creeds, but from the tradition of denominational creeds which were written to do exactly what you accuse the Church of Christ of doing, which is to separate us all into camps who must hold certain beliefs in order to belong.
We're not by any standard perfect, but no church of men ever is.
WHAT IF WE DIE BELIEVING A FALSE GOSPEL?
The Bible and specifically our Apostle Paul tells us the answer to that question. We find the answer in the gospel of the grace of God recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 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.
Our Apostle Paul tells us that WE ARE SAVED when we believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
In II Corinthians 5:21 we are told that God made Christ to be sin for us.
II Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
This gospel is easy to understand and very straightforward. We only have to believe that the God that spoke this world into existence gave His life for us, He was buried and that He rose on the third day. This seems like a very easy choice. Doesn’t it?
Let's look back to a time where a couple of other people also had a very easy choice to make. Let’s call them Adam and Eve. Let’s say that they lived in the best place on earth. Let’s say that they could live with God forever. Let’s say that they would never get old, sick or die.
We all remember Adam and Eve and the choice that they made. Would they have made the right choice if God had written the instructions that they needed on a piece of paper and they could carry that piece of paper with them everywhere that they went?
Well, guess what? God has written down the instructions that we need to follow in order to inherit eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is called the Bible, and we can carry it everywhere we go. If we follow the instructions in the Bible, we can live in the best place imaginable. We can be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever and we will never get old, sick or die.
Have you made the decision to believe God and follow His written instructions, so that you will become a child of God forever? God doesn’t make mistakes. When He adopts you as His child, it is a forever adoption. Yet, some of us question God and His promises.
Now you may ask yourself what Satan is up to these days. That is an easy question to answer. Satan is not hanging around in the obvious places where everyone goes to sin. Satan has total control of those places.
No, Satan hangs out at the places where people feel safe, and they go to in order to feel closer to God. No, I’m not talking about your “prayer closet” or “on your knees beside your bed” praying to God. No, I’m talking about…
…places where false gospels are preached. These are places where people are fooled by Satan into believing an adulterated gospel, and thus BELIEVE IN VAIN. God, through the Apostle Peter warns us in II Peter 3:15-16 that people who twist the scriptures do so to their own destruction.
II Peter 3:15-16
15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
God has warned us through the Apostle Peter about those that twist the Scriptures. Peter tells us the final destination of someone that twists the Scriptures. God, through our Apostle Paul tells us that we are saved by believing the gospel unless we have believed in vain.
Will you put your trust in someone that twists and distorts the gospel by adding to or subtracting from the gospel? Will you believe someone that tells you that you must do something extra for your salvation?
Do you remember Adam and Eve? A little bit of Satan goes a long way. A little bit of twisting the Scriptures can last for an eternity.
I have made a decision to learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake. I have believed the gospel of the grace of God “alone” for my salvation. Call me wise if you want to. I will just call myself a forever saved and blessed child of God.
@@TheHeavenTestdotnet-gr2ou Are you saying that I believe in a false gospel? Why would you believe that I am? How would you know if I am? Please, tell me what I believe and the specific reasons I am wrong. Here's your opportunity. I'm listening.
@@jahintx Paul tells us that we are saved when we believe the gospel of I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 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.
Paul tells us in II Thessalonians 1:8-9 and II Thessalonians 2:10 who Jesus Christ will destroy when He comes back to earth. Below are the relevant verses.
II Thessalonians 1:8-9
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
II Thessalonians 2:10 - And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
We see that Paul says that he who believes that Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures is saved.
Paul also says that those who do not obey (believe not) the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction. Paul also says that those who perished received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
I have two questions for you.
Do you believe the gospel and love the truth?
If you don't believe the gospel and love the truth, then what do you believe and why do you believe it?
A question for Church of Christ members, if you die in a car crash on your way to being baptized, will you still make it to Heaven?
Crickets..... however they utilize the "god's grace" in this argument.... my argument towards that is the fact that I am Baptist and do not believe in the regerative part of the Baptism.... so if God's grace is great enough to cover your scenario, why wouldn't it be great enough to cover our misenterpretation of the bible in regards to how the CoC view baptism, or music, or women leading singing...etc... Why are they THE authority??
I’d be happy to share my thoughts since no one has answered. Before I begin, it’s important to note that emotive reasoning cannot be allowed to over ride the teaching of Scripture. The New Testament consistently affirms baptism is the line of demarcation between one in sin and one forgiven of sin (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 Cor. 12:13 & Eph. 5:23). How could such a clear line of demarcation be so easily dismissed?
To answer your question, no. The actions of men, or their failure to act, cannot determine truth. The Bible plainly teaches that all men and women who are morally accountable for their sins (excluding those with special needs and children), must be baptized to be saved.
What would happen if we just backed up the “dilemma” from the point of baptism to the point of confession, repentance, or even faith? Surely we’re all willing to admit that those who die prior to confessing, repenting, or believing would die in their sins since they’re all necessary to be saved (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:9-10). If we don’t have an issue admitting that those who die prior to faith, repentance, or confession are lost, why then is it so hard to admit that those who die prior to being baptized are equally lost?
Here’s the good news. Each day we wake up, we’re given another opportunity to obey the words of Christ (2 Cor. 6:2). Whether than waiting, why not obey the words of Christ right now? (Jm 4:13-14)
Church of christ was established on day of Pentecost not Alexander Campbell all he did was try to bring back what christ had already established and we are not big on anything your speaking about Jesus and his church.I can give you all kinds of scriptures just get the context
I attend Mid-Columbia Church of Christ in Dallesport, WA. Regarding what you said about that denomination, the only thing true is that the congregation sings acapella (w/out instruments). I've also preached there. The people are great. I know every regular attendee.
I've sent the pastor Messianic songs with music, and he has never said anything derogatory about it. I think a lot members probably listen to old hymns with musical instruments when out of church.
I am appreciated there because of my translation work in the Bible. I had discussions with one younger member about this topic. I told him:
the definition of a psalm (מִזְמוֹר) is a hymn / song accompanied by a musical instrument(s).
If the other things you were saying regarding the teaching of the Church of Christ were taught, then I would have to rebuke them. Our family has been there for ~7 years.
Your video is new news to me. I never heard this stuff about their historical beginnings.
If you are ever in the area then please come by. We would love to have you.
Thanks. Obviously every Church and denomination has its different stripes
Some points true about the church of Christ having been reared in that church. Churches of Christ are nnot centralized organizations, each is autonomous, but one church may share spiritual kinship with another church based on shared beliefs and faith. I do not have any problem with instrumental music in churches as psallo (psalms) denotes some musical accompanient. I do like the primitive aspect of a cappella music. One learns to sing by listening to voices around them. I have been to churches such as Assembly of God, Abundant Life, and Church of God that use instrumental music. The instrumental dominates. One cannot hear any one really sing and make melody in their hearts to the lord, nor edify anyone else because the loud music drowns out human voices. With regard to the church of Christ believing they are the true church, there are many ways of indicating this, whether one phrases it as such or one seeking or recruiting members or teaching one how a centrally organized church works. I think if one decodes the church of Christ statement they are the "true church" is that doctrine does matter. Still, like any church there is seed sown on rocks and tares. The church of Christ in that regard is no different than any other church. With regards to baptism, the Church of Christ does not believe that water literally washes away sins, but is symbolic of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The faith is striving to follow the example of Christ, as is the Lord's supper, a ritualistic, symbolic act. The bread/wine represents, not is, but the social construction keeps the human plugged in to the great gift of Christ.
I have learned in All churches there are good and bad ones.. I have a great COC congregation, They teach from the Bible , they are loving , They are always open to being corrected by biblical standards.. many churches today don’t even come close to preaching sound doctrine.. I believe most COC does ..
Thoughtful presentation.
True or false: there is one church? True or false: denominations are divisions? True or false: Christ's prayer 🙏 was for unity in the church? True or false: there are false teachers and false doctrines? True or false: musical instruments in worship is an addition dating from the 7th century? True or false: we are baptized into Christ? True or false: the first gospel sermon commands, "Repent and be baptized every one of you?" True or false: Jesus taught that the new birth involved "water and the Spirit?"
"The churches of Christ salute you!" 😊
Oh, and I would add one more thought, the one church is a cult; hopefully, the cult of Christ.
WHAT IF WE DIE BELIEVING A FALSE GOSPEL?
The Bible and specifically our Apostle Paul tells us the answer to that question. We find the answer in the gospel of the grace of God recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 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.
Our Apostle Paul tells us that WE ARE SAVED when we believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
In II Corinthians 5:21 we are told that God made Christ to be sin for us.
II Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
This gospel is easy to understand and very straightforward. We only have to believe that the God that spoke this world into existence gave His life for us, He was buried and that He rose on the third day. This seems like a very easy choice. Doesn’t it?
Let's look back to a time where a couple of other people also had a very easy choice to make. Let’s call them Adam and Eve. Let’s say that they lived in the best place on earth. Let’s say that they could live with God forever. Let’s say that they would never get old, sick or die.
We all remember Adam and Eve and the choice that they made. Would they have made the right choice if God had written the instructions that they needed on a piece of paper and they could carry that piece of paper with them everywhere that they went?
Well, guess what? God has written down the instructions that we need to follow in order to inherit eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is called the Bible, and we can carry it everywhere we go. If we follow the instructions in the Bible, we can live in the best place imaginable. We can be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever and we will never get old, sick or die.
Have you made the decision to believe God and follow His written instructions, so that you will become a child of God forever? God doesn’t make mistakes. When He adopts you as His child, it is a forever adoption. Yet, some of us question God and His promises.
Now you may ask yourself what Satan is up to these days. That is an easy question to answer. Satan is not hanging around in the obvious places where everyone goes to sin. Satan has total control of those places.
No, Satan hangs out at the places where people feel safe, and they go to in order to feel closer to God. No, I’m not talking about your “prayer closet” or “on your knees beside your bed” praying to God. No, I’m talking about…
…places where false gospels are preached. These are places where people are fooled by Satan into believing an adulterated gospel, and thus BELIEVE IN VAIN. God, through the Apostle Peter warns us in II Peter 3:15-16 that people who twist the scriptures do so to their own destruction.
II Peter 3:15-16
15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
God has warned us through the Apostle Peter about those that twist the Scriptures. Peter tells us the final destination of someone that twists the Scriptures. God, through our Apostle Paul tells us that we are saved by believing the gospel unless we have believed in vain.
Will you put your trust in someone that twists and distorts the gospel by adding to or subtracting from the gospel? Will you believe someone that tells you that you must do something extra for your salvation?
Do you remember Adam and Eve? A little bit of Satan goes a long way. A little bit of twisting the Scriptures can last for an eternity.
I have made a decision to learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake. I have believed the gospel of the grace of God “alone” for my salvation. Call me wise if you want to. I will just call myself a forever saved and blessed child of God.
Matt 7:24 " Every one who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man, And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man.." John 3:20 " every one who does evil hates the light....but he who does what is true comes to the light..." 1John 1:6 " if we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth, BUT IF WE WALK IN THE LIGHT, as he is in the light....the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin". Doing what Jesus says is not earning your salvation, it is called faith. Doing what you want, is trying to earn your salvation. I am saved by faith, an obedient faith and was saved by faith when I was baptized into Christ. Gal 3:26-27
WHAT IF WE DIE BELIEVING A FALSE GOSPEL?
The Bible and specifically our Apostle Paul tells us the answer to that question. We find the answer in the gospel of the grace of God recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 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.
Our Apostle Paul tells us that WE ARE SAVED when we believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
In II Corinthians 5:21 we are told that God made Christ to be sin for us.
II Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
This gospel is easy to understand and very straightforward. We only have to believe that the God that spoke this world into existence gave His life for us, He was buried and that He rose on the third day. This seems like a very easy choice. Doesn’t it?
Let's look back to a time where a couple of other people also had a very easy choice to make. Let’s call them Adam and Eve. Let’s say that they lived in the best place on earth. Let’s say that they could live with God forever. Let’s say that they would never get old, sick or die.
We all remember Adam and Eve and the choice that they made. Would they have made the right choice if God had written the instructions that they needed on a piece of paper and they could carry that piece of paper with them everywhere that they went?
Well, guess what? God has written down the instructions that we need to follow in order to inherit eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is called the Bible, and we can carry it everywhere we go. If we follow the instructions in the Bible, we can live in the best place imaginable. We can be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever and we will never get old, sick or die.
Have you made the decision to believe God and follow His written instructions, so that you will become a child of God forever? God doesn’t make mistakes. When He adopts you as His child, it is a forever adoption. Yet, some of us question God and His promises.
Now you may ask yourself what Satan is up to these days. That is an easy question to answer. Satan is not hanging around in the obvious places where everyone goes to sin. Satan has total control of those places.
No, Satan hangs out at the places where people feel safe, and they go to in order to feel closer to God. No, I’m not talking about your “prayer closet” or “on your knees beside your bed” praying to God. No, I’m talking about…
…places where false gospels are preached. These are places where people are fooled by Satan into believing an adulterated gospel, and thus BELIEVE IN VAIN. God, through the Apostle Peter warns us in II Peter 3:15-16 that people who twist the scriptures do so to their own destruction.
II Peter 3:15-16
15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
God has warned us through the Apostle Peter about those that twist the Scriptures. Peter tells us the final destination of someone that twists the Scriptures. God, through our Apostle Paul tells us that we are saved by believing the gospel unless we have believed in vain.
Will you put your trust in someone that twists and distorts the gospel by adding to or subtracting from the gospel? Will you believe someone that tells you that you must do something extra for your salvation?
Do you remember Adam and Eve? A little bit of Satan goes a long way. A little bit of twisting the Scriptures can last for an eternity.
I have made a decision to learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake. I have believed the gospel of the grace of God “alone” for my salvation. Call me wise if you want to. I will just call myself a forever saved and blessed child of God.
A Christian is a disciple of Christ, a follower of Christ, a member of the church belonging to Christ. I've never asked if someone was a disciple. LOL.
From the description:
"One “minor” issue is the Church of Christ policy of not allowing musical instruments in their church services"
"Such dogmatism on a clearly non-essential issue is often the mark of a cult, not the mark of a good biblical church."
This could be seen as quite the shot at many of the great theologians across church history - would all the below be considered cult leaders?
I would encourage that people look into Church history on this topic -- Musical Instruments were highly contested all throughout the history of Christianity. It is certainly not just a coC topic (which is a modern day misconception!)-- it spanned ALL denominations -- from protestants to catholics! Look into what happened when the catholics implented the organ for the first time!
*John Calvin* quote:
"Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Papists therefore, have foolishly borrowed, this, as well as many other things, from the Jews."
Another *Calvin* quote:
"the use of musical instruments in worship smelled of popery, and was an unnecessary aid, a form of distraction from worship which is contrary to Paul’s principles that the tongue be employed in the praise of God"
*John Wesley* quote:
"I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor heard."
*Clement* quote:
"Leave the pipe to the shepherd, the flute to the men who are in fear of gods and intent on their idol worshipping. Such musical instruments must be excluded from our wingless feasts, for they arc more suited for beasts and for the class of men that is least capable of reason than for men"
Spurgeon, Knox, Adam Clarke, This list goes on…
Several good *Modern* books (not coC! baptist/presbyterian etc..) that are out there that reflect this sentiment (across denominations!) Instruments in church as being mainstream/popular is actually a fairly new thing in the 2,000 years of the Church!
I was told the no instruments was because after the Civil War there was little money for an organ.
@@francinesmith6893 That explanation does not logically hold through any type of scrutiny... That may be the case on an individual church basis -- but take a look at the quotes that were provided above --- each one of those were well before the American Civil War..... Think whoever told you that either was hoping you wouldnt look into it yourself or hasnt done there own digging.
These are the arguments that ferment and torment among Protestants. Viva Cristo Rey! 🌹🍀
When I was a child and in junior high school I attended and was confirmed in the UCC. I'm 70, so this is going back a while. We left when the student minister started teaching things like Bill Cosby's comedy record of Noah and the flood was just as believable as the Bible account among other wrong teachings.
We then had no church. Mom's family came through town. They were Church of Christ. They pointed out that there was a Church of Christ in walking distance of us. We visited and joined. It was right across the street from my high school. The preacher talked three of us into going to Freed-Hardeman College in TN where he had attended. Very stringent rules. Women could not wear blue jeans except if involved in sports. Slacks could only be worn after 4pm or on weekends, and you had to wear a loose fitting tunic top that was mid hip length or longer. Back then in the 70's the only tunic tops like that were either maternity tops or looked like them. The modest school image really made us look like the school for unwed mothers. No dances. The school pool had set days for guys and set days for gals. Even though women were not swimming around men, only one piece suits. If you took, I am serious, if you took even one sip of alcohol, you were kicked out of school immediately! Your parents had to stop everything and get you and all your stuff even in the middle of the night. It happened a couple of times.
Of course no instrumental music. One year Ann Murray did a concert. All was going well...until she started with her band playing singing...put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the waters...... Half of the students walked out because instruments were being used while she sang about Jesus. I felt so sorry for her. Singing a capella didn't bother me, but I didn't see anything wrong with instruments. I could really never buy into that.
They do think they are the only church. After college my mom and I were in a ladies Bible study. The mother of one sweet gal died. Only a couple of them went to the funeral service at the church because her mom wasn't Church of Christ. The next time they were together one lady told her it's a shame her mom isn't going to heaven since she wasn't in "the" church. She tried to tell the lady that her mom was a Christian, but got told how that could not be because they are the only true church. That's horrible!
A few years after college I left the Church of Christ. I made the mistake of going to a college class reunion. Everyone asks everyone where they are going to church. When I gave them a name that was not Church of Christ, I was totally shut down and shunned. I only have four people I met there who will still be casual friends. I think one may have passed away. No one has heard from him and he has not posted on Facebook for several months. All that shunning is very cult like.
In my circles, I never remember hearing anyone ask a person if they were a disciple. They wanted to know where you went to church and if you were baptized. Things might be different regionally. I live in MO.
I have rambled on far too long. So sorry!
Thanks for all you do! Your ministry is such a blessing to me ❤❤❤
First off.. Why do you say the 1800's.. and cambelites... NO..
I came up through the ICC/ICOC 20+ yrs ago. Came back to Jesus Christ 3.5 yrs ago. Not with that church though fo-sho. Peace and grace in Jesus Christ
Concerning instruments, not all Churches of Christ practice that nonsense. I wasn’t a part of that movement.
It definitely was a cultish environment. But, I still believe today, most, if not all, were saved.
Even if we’re unfaithful, Gods is always faithful. Peace and grace in Jesus Christ!
Thank you. I’ve had friends and some family that are hard core C of C.
Depending on who you speak to, most c of c believe they are the restored church. That everyone else is wrong. You are right, that denomination hasn’t been around that long. I was given a book to read about c of c. Scripture pulled out of context often. I say, if they want the truth, they need to go back to the book of Acts where the Christian church began. Read the ancient church fathers and see how the church was organized and what was taught. I don’t know why they are against the Nicene Creed or any Christian creed. To me, it lays out what that church believes. Musical instruments: I understand they don’t want the instruments in the service because it can take away from the service, but again, it is taken out of context. Do I believe c of c are Christian or a cult? Yes to Christian, but some come pretty close to being a cult. I know some lovely people who are c of c. I’ve also seen people shoot scripture out of their mouth with no gentleness or kindness. Again, go back to the beginning of what the Christian church taught. Humble people laying their life down. Living for Christ.
As a CoC member, I would ask what verses you are referring to that we take out of context.. also, in terms of Nicea, I’m not against it.. there are things that I don’t agree with, but also things I do. Things before and at the counsel were still relatively on the right page.. however, as it started to look to Rome for authority, I feel there was a shift that even the Apostles would have disagreed with. Bishops should be in control of each church they belong to, if they have questions, it’s good to ask from more than one person.. I feel it’s strange to go to one mere person for all the answers and have what they say go.. even they could be wrong. Simply being placed in “Rome” shouldn’t make them the all authority especially since the Church didn’t even start in Rome… but that’s my opinion.
Have you considered "Christ Rescued Me from the Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson?
I hear it's a pretty good book :D
@@TheApologeticDog Excellent, in fact!! : )
The movement was ultimately started by people who were tired of all the tradition and man-made doctrine (like needing a coin to take communion - Alexander Campbell) that had slipped into the church; they simply wanted to get back to the Bible and to "restore" the New Testament church. What they meant by that was that they wanted to model themselves after the first century church. They view a lot of Acts as prescriptive rather than descriptive. Ironically over the years they've created their own traditions.
The issue of believing people outside the Church of Christ are not saved is definitely present in some congregations, although Alexander Campbell himself didn't believe that and worshiped with others at times. Thomas Campbell, for example, was known for saying "We are Christians only, but not the only Christians." That which you describe became true of later members of the restoration movement, and in particular the CoC. Many members of the CoC. today, think more along the lines of Thomas Campbell. They believe that if you were baptized of your own will, whether you understood it to be a necessary act of obedience or the moment you receive forgiveness, you’ve been forgiven.
As for baptism. The Restoration Movement doesn't believe baptism itself saves you, they believe it is an act of faith and obedience and the moment when you receive God's grace and, according to Acts 2:38, the Holy Spirit (our seal [Eph. 1:13]). It is an act of God that you submit to in faith.
Thayer on "faith" (pisteuo): "a conviction, full of joyful trust, that Jesus is the Messiah - the divinely appointed author of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God, conjoined with obedience to Christ." "Conjoined " is a bit archaic, but still used as in "conjoined twins". At any rate, the definition is simple, but do you know how many Baptist - not Christian, but Baptist - preachers I've heard actually quote it in nearly fifty years? Somewhere between a naught, a cipher, and a goose egg. Why? The church of Christ accepts Thayer's definitions. These Baptist and "Community Churches" do not. That's why they lose every debate with the church of Christ.
You said: They believe you have to have faith AND be baptized" Notice: > Being baptized in water is an expression of your faith. Next: The water DOES NOT wash away your sins, God washes away your sins when you do what He has told you to do. Michael, why don't you except the plain and simple words on the page? If you have not been baptized in water "for the forgiveness of sins" (Acts 2:38), you ARE NOT saved. Ask me about it.
Let's keep in mind that they are being hypocritical with the creed thing. They do have a creed, they just say they don't because on the front cover it reads "why i am a member of the Church of Christ" instead of "creed"
Thats not a creed. Thats a small booklet that a preacher in the church wrote on why hes a member and why he believes what he does
@@claymcgregor4856 that's what a creed is. Your argument is no different than someone calling abortion "reproductive rights" or someone calling extortion "child support".
@@Christianpreaching you know a creed would be a formal writing that goes along with all denominational bodies as a guideline. In which this does not. There is no headquarters to distribute this and im willing to bet most congregations dont even know what this booklet is. I happened to come across it online. Whether your a part of the church or not we should be honest and try not to misrepresent. A gospel tract is not a formal creed
@@claymcgregor4856 Same exactly as a CREED!!!
@@EverlastingLife-pl9ug so if you wrote a gospel tract that would become one of your denominations adopted creeds?
Didn’t the disciples in the gospels have to receive the gift of The Holy Spirit?
Didn’t the disciples have to cast out demons? Didn’t the disciples have to heal the sick?
When was the last time any of these things were done in a C.O.C.?
They have an issue with Organized religion.
If these are common everyday occurrences can you link to a video of someone speaking in tongues or casting out a demon?
Its more baptismal justification as they don't really believe in a literal new birth.
This group does believe in baptismal regeneration, (but, for that matter, so do Lutherans) but there is more. It's not enough that you have been baptized, you have to be baptized by THEM.
Actually it depends on what you were taught before baptism… if the fundamentals are correct, they’ll accept it.
There's a subtle difference in what this man is saying and what's actually practiced in the churches of Christ. There might be some among them who say that a person isn't saved until baptism but that would be the exception instead of the rule. The reason baptism is taught along with salvation is that nearly every time it's mentioned in the NT the people responding to the gospel message were baptized very soon after hearing it. The Apostles didn't wait until a scheduled baptism session but conducted the baptisms almost immediately. You can argue the point all you want but that's how it was soon after the church was established. In that you cannot fault the C of C but you have to blame the Apostles for doing that and then giving the example.
I support the immediate baptisms and think all believers should be baptized but CoC members have told me salvation doesn't happen until they hit the water.
By definition, aren't ALL churches and religions cults? (a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object).
I go to the church of Christ but it's not mandatory to baptize its up to you, and our church adhere to doctrine scriptures and we have musical instruments..I guess every church is different..
There are so many misconceptions about what churches of Christ teach and practice. There is nothing inherently wrong with the desire to identify with what was believed and practiced in the first century before and without all of the additional denominational baggage. Simply Christians-nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
I had a church of Christ pastor or evangelist. Tell me you need to be baptized to be saved and musical instruments are not allowed in church. Are you saying those are misconceptions because I verified that with many sources.
@@Pastor_Grant
Jesus said you have to be baptized. Mark 16:16.
@@Real_Josh_King I agree, you need to be baptized.
CoC is a cult!
@@EverlastingLife-pl9ug Everything is listed as a "cult" now. Means nothing
Cult is the one who practiced idolatry.. praying to man made stones ,woods .. man made image
The most true thing said in this video was “there was no denominations” when the church started. That is true. So when you read 1 cor 1 why does anybody think God will be happy with denominations today? There was a church. It belonged and still belongs to Christ. Not to Luther, Wesley, etc. In Ephesians it was called “the body of Christ” and in that same letter we are told that the body is the church. So if it’s the “body of Christ” it is also the “Church of Christ”. That’s why we put that on our sign. We are a body of believers that belongs to Christ.
you are a member of the body of Christ, if you are Orthodox Protestant or Catholic. (obviously according to Scripture) but to tackle your point about denominations, the disciples got mad that other people, that weren’t in their group were casting out demons, and Jesus told them let them be. there’s some correlation, so yeah.
Here, as in other passages (Romans 14), Paul will clarify: he is not demanding everyone in the church agree with whomever is in charge. Nor is he teaching that believers can never disagree about something. The standard here is not to reach perfect conformity, only that they must reach unity. Disagreement does not have to mean division.
@@iggy9226 my point had to do with 1 Cor 1 where individuals within the church were dividing up by who baptized them. Paul said….that is wrong. What people have done is take an issue like that and leave and start there own congregation under some other name. Paul would say…that is wrong. Paul also had this no say in 1 Cor 1…10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Do you think the Baptist, Catholics, Methodist, Presbyterians and Lutherans would fit in with verse 10? Absolutely not!
My friend, I was raised from birth into the Church of Christ. I know what they teach. They believe every other church in the World that doesn’t believe what they believe is wrong and are teaching false doctrines, and they are right about some of them.
They believe that one has no hope of being Saved unless they are Baptized with Water and even then God won’t do his part to Save them unless they do their part.
That they could be In a “Saved condition today but lost tomorrow”, it all depends on them.
I left because I lived in fear never knowing if I was Saved or not, and I was pretty sure I wasn’t because I knew I still Sinned. So why bother, I knew that if my Salvation depended on me that I would always fall short.
Later in Life, God gave me an understanding through Scripture that My Salvation did depend on “works” but not on my works, but on the Works of Jesus Christ and He said it was finished on the Cross. I learned the Truth of Romans 10: 9-11. Ephesians 1:13-14. John 10:28 and Romans 8:1-4. These verses and more helped me understand that what I was taught in the CoC was not correct. Yes we should be Baptized as it is an outward testimony of Inward Faith. But we who know the Truth of Scripture serve the Lord BECAUSE we are Saved not in order to be Saved. I hope you consider these things.
@@randym.7238 that is what this is about. Denominations. There were no other “churches” in the New Testament. If today you are not a part of the body or church of Christ then you are teaching false doctrine. You find no other churches in the New Testament. The only place under the New covenant where you see sins being remitted, washed away, etc is in water baptism….acts 2:38, 22:16. Consider 1 Peter 3:21. In Eph 5:26 Paul told them they had been cleansed and sanctified “through the washing of water by the word”. You can deny it all you want but that is what the New Testament teaches. And yes if a converted individual does not remain faithful they can be lost and there are too many examples and verses to mention in such a short area as this. The Bible NEVER says baptism is “an outward testimony of inward faith”. You made that up.
@@chipspratlin2780 First of all just because the name of your Congregation is “The church of Christ” doesn’t mean it is. Any group of Religious people with a name is a Denomination. That includes the “Church of Christ”. The true Church must teach and adhere to what is taught in Scripture is this not true? The Bible teaches that Salvation is obtained through Faith alone in Christ alone to the Glory of God alone and Romans 10:9-11 proves it. The Church of Christ you belong to doesn’t teach that. The Church of Christ bases Salvation on Works of the person and not the power of the Holy Spirit alone.
Even Titus 3: 5-8 clearly tells you that you’re not Saved based on your “Righteous Acts.”
Jesus referred to Himself as the Living Waters which is a metaphor for the event that occurs in the regeneration of the Spirit that is laid out in Titus 3: 5-8.
What is washing and regenerating those who are being Saved? It is the Holy Spirit that is cleansing you. The water doesn’t turn into the Holy Spirit. Spirit is Spirit and water is water.
If your act of Being baptized Saved you then Ephesians 2: 8-9 is a lie.
It’s all about Faith and even that is not of yourself as Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states. I never said we shouldn’t be Baptized but I know the Baptism of Water isn’t what Saves us. The Church you belong to won’t speak a lot on the Power of the Holy Spirit, because they were never taught about it.
This is what you won’t hear from your preacher; You were chosen before the foundation of the World (Ephesians 1).
You were dead in your Sins until you were washed and Regenerated by God’s Holy Spirit ( Titus 3: 5-8). and were made alive in Christ Jesus ( Ephesians 2) for the purposes of doing good works prepared in advance ( Ephesians 2:10). You were chosen to be an object of God’s Mercy ( Roman’s 9: 22-23) You were given to Christ Jesus and nothing can snatch you out of His hand ( John 10:28) and you are no longer condemned ( Roman’s 8:1) even if you are Faithless Jesus will not forsake you ( 2 Timothy 2:13). This is the “Good News” or “Gospel” of Christ. That all who believe will not Perish but have Everlasting life. I know that the CoC doesn’t teach “Once Saved always Saved” which is what the Previous Scripture prove, but is taught in Scripture.
I know this is a lot for someone like you and I who were steeped in the “Church of Christ” but when you get it, you will really get it, Lord Willing.
By the way according Scripture, if you believe your Saved by Faith through Christ’s Sacrificial Death and that God raised Him from the Dead and that Jesus is Lord, you will be Saved whether your a Baptist, a Presbyterian or anything in between. Attending a Church that Doesn’t teach what the Apostles teach is one to avoid. All Salvation is brought about by the Power of God’s Holy Spirit. You Salvation and your perseverance in Christ to the end is the Work of Jesus who is “The Author and Finisher of our Faith” (Hebrews 12:2 ) If Salvation depended on our efforts, none would be Saved. This doesn’t mean that we are supposed to sit on our Hands and do nothing. We have good works that God Has planned for us to do, and we can earn Rewards in Heaven too. The Saved are known by their “Fruit” which is the Fruit of the Spirit. ( Mathew 7: 15-20) I hope you consider these things.
Thank you Pastor Grant
The Church of Christ began the day of Pentecost not the 1800’s. I attend the Sealy Texas Church of Christ and the church started Day of Pentecost. 🙏🏻
@@Nick-wn1xwtechnically speaking, in Romans 16:16 Paul refers to the church as Churches of Christ… but I digress.. a “title” has nothing to do with if you belong to Christ. It’s the message that is taught and understood. If it’s from Christ you are a Church that belongs to Christ.. if not, then you are doing your own thing.
CoC is a CULT!!
Just read the words written in the Bible. Thats our guidance
@@garysizemore411 Yes, that's what all churches say!
Unfortunately the coc only teaches the parts of the bible that seem to agree with their beliefs.
After I studied on my own for 2 decades I realized how much of the bible the coc doesn't teach at all!
@@EverlastingLife-pl9ug. I disagree with your statement, Love you brother 🙏🏻
The Church of Christ is one of the most man centered churches there is.
Absolutely true!! It's all about how they "achieve" heaven!
They, indeed are a cult and sadly, they don't even know it. What do they do with the Scripture the Scripture in Genesis that reads, "Let us make man?" Who was God talking to????
@@pearlsdaughter2281 God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit..yet One God. All present at the time of creation.
Just because a Christian doesn't go to church doesn't mean they're not a Christian. I have needed therapy after some of my church experiences, and I refuse to be abused any more. At the age of 70 I read my Bible and keep away from the wolves and Jezebel spirits.
Not sure I said that but we all have excuses as why we can't do the right thing but at the end of the day they're still just excuses.
I’m guilty of this. We are not to forsake the assembly. So says Hebrews.
Mutasis, the book of Hebrews was written to the Hebrews. The Jews were under the gospel of the kingdom. We have the gospel of the grace of God found in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
Commandment #8 do not steal.
I have shared with you the gospel of the grace of God recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
Space invader, you are correct. The gospel of the grace of God is recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4. When we believe the gospel of the grace of God we are saved.
Ephesians 1:13-14 says that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption when we believe the gospel of the grace of God.
I call myself a child of God, since that is what God calls me when I believe the gospel and I have been saved.
All denominations combine the gospel of the kingdom with the gospel of the grace of God.
Denominations are unsafe for those who want to be saved.
@@TheHeavenTestdotnet-gr2ou I can’t imagine the writer of Hebrews not encouraging Christians to attend church - in whatever capacity “church” is. Tired of this cheap grace bit.
How many churches does God recognize? Hmm.
My church is a bible only church. And they practically only go by the Bible
christ said to one of the criminals he was killed with that his sins were forgiven and that he would see him in heaven. baptism was not necesery for him, or all the obedient jews from pre-christ, including Lot. yes it is an owtwardly sign of obedience and i know people who after they are baptised thier walk takes on a new dimention. we are all works in progress
Rom 9:14-18
It’s not possible to be in Christ, when you haven’t put the old man away. Believe with your heart, repentance, and baptism.
You have to bury the old man, and come up a new man.
The thief on the cross was under the old covenant, Jesus had not yet been resurrected. Baptism wasn't a requirement for the old testament.
You made it seem like baptism was the worst trait of the coc but that’s like the only thing the coc is right about lol. They are definitely cultish though in their tendency to believe that anyone who isn’t a member is going to hell.
Baptism is the issue. The NT teaches baptism as the coc teaches it. Just because so many today neglect this does not make the coc a cult.
The church of Christ believes in the Godhead...which is just the biblical term for trinity.
The churches of Christ are non-Zwinglian and non-Calvinist as opposed to Mr. Grant and his congregation. The restoration movement as started by Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone was a unity movement. They sought to base their unity on Biblical principles and not on man-made creeds or traditions. I don't like the disunity that developed, but there are still those pockets of us that are trying to follow a first century Christian model.
I think one problem people have with the Church of Christ is people cant wrap their head around a church that is not a denomination. Nobody in the church of Christ would say “leave your denomination and come to ours” they are saying leave denominationalism all together and come to the Bible alone.
Another thing is baptismal regeneration teaches that the water has a special power that washes away sins. The Bible teaches that the blood of christ washes away/remitts sins Matthew 26:28.. and baptism also washes away/remitts sins acts 2:38-acts 22:16. We believe the Bible doesnt contradict therefore the blood of Christ washes away our sins at the point in which we are baptized into Christ Romans 6:1-4.
You are right we have no creed, but the Bible alone. Each local church is autonomous, thats why there may be variations in teachings. If it is found that a congregation is teaching unscripturally on a subject , we simply dont fellowship.
As far as music, we simply dont find a new testament example of instruments in worship and choose to stay on the safe side. We know instruments were commanded under the old covenant. But now all new testament examples we have are sing, sang, sung, offer the fruit of our lips, etc.
There is no difference in a church that is called “the church of Christ, the church of God, the church of the firsborn, the body of Christ, etc. if it is a scriptural name and follows the sound doctrine of Christ, then it is the church of Christ.
I am writing this as a former baptist, troubled by the teaching if John Calvin and trying to reconcile them with the Word of God. Please dont follow the teaching of men and if you do stop. Again noone is saying “if you arent a part of our denomination youre going to hell”. Were saying flee denominations and become part of the Lords church not mans. By rejecting mens teachings and theology and going back to the Bible. Mark 7:7
Well said. You nailed it.
Correct me if i’m wrong, but John Calvin, was a Calvinist, and not a Baptist. 2nd and i say this with no disrespect, but this comment just reeks of ignorance. most of “man’s” theology and teaching stems from the Bible. Correct me if i’m wrong, but would “man’s” teaching (or tradition) include the Catholic, and Orthodox churches too? If so 2 Timothy 2:2, and 2 Thessalonians 2:15. Most well established, denominations in Protestantism, and the branches of Orthodoxy and Catholicism stem from the Bible. The Nicene Creed was biblical, and just because men said it, doesn’t make it wrong to follow.
@@iggy9226 john calvin wasnt a baptist and i dont know where you got that i made that correlation. The statement refers to baptist churches that i attended that followed his teachings. And no just because a person says something is not what makes it wrong. Whats wrong is when we dont follow what the scriptures explicitly say, and we follow what some man says “it says this.. but this is what i think it really means” that would be following after the traditions of men. And im not really that concerned with what the catholic, orthodox, presbyterians teach because they are all a denomination. A division.. as im sure you are aware the mormons, jehovas whitnesses, sevent day adventists, etc also stem from the Bible originally but as you leave those teachings for your own you are no longer a part of the lords Body. Following scripture and not departing from the left or to the right. God has given us the way to become part of his body, the way to be set up and worship as his body, and the way to remain faithful to him. If you abide you are part of the Body of Christ
Clay, the gospel of the grace of God is recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4. When we believe the gospel of the grace of God we are saved.
God tells us in Ephesians 1:13-14 that when we rightly divide the gospel of the grace of God from the gospel of the kingdom that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption.
God has given me the opportunity to share the gospel with you today.
@@TheHeavenTestdotnet-gr2ou your right. That is the good news. So are you saying you dont have to repent? Its not stated there.. You dont have to confess either?.. or be baptized because those all say they are unto salvation but are not listed in 1 Cor 15:1-4
Look up the catholic mission statement.
It is the only true Church. The word of God does not change. Jesus only established 1 church.
In the Bible there were many churches, Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth etc.
Christ only established his church. Romans 16:16. Denominational churches are churches made by man not christ
Joseph Smith founded the Church of Christ
Answer: Is it in America? Then yes.
You do not need to be a member of any denomination or any one denomination to be saved...but you do need be a member of the church belonging to Christ. Be pre-denominational. Just a Christian which is a member of Christ church. That's all the church of Christ has preached.
define church... if you talking about a building where people meet .. wrong
@@bbeard7 No. Not building. The church is the body of the saved in Christ. Members of the church are Christians and if Biblical New Testament Christians then members of his body, the church. Members of the church are members universally and locally congregationally. They meet wherever they gather together and that is not confined to a building or meeting house.
Saved from what exactly? I know many people who are not religious who conduct themselves more christ-like than those claiming to be "Christians". Just because one goes to church does not automatically make you a good person. If you are a spiritually conscious individual filled with god's love in your actions here on earth, that I think is the most relevant thing.
@@ulrichskaarsgard7848 I agree that many who are not 'religious' have good character. Love their family and others No doubt. Just because one has been baptized into Christ does not mean they are going to be saved if they do not live their life faithfully according to his words. However not being in Christ would mean one will be eternally lost, in darkness, and separated from love itself for eternity. I realize many do not believe that...but we are told that many will not. It's a choice individuals make and will answer for one way or another.
I belong to a church of Christ, most of what you said is very wrong.
Can you explain it then? I got this from multiple sources as well as personal experience.
I guess Acts 2:38 doesn’t mean anything to you! What must I do to be saved!
@@brucemoore463 salvation is by grace alone through faith, the thief on the cross was never baptized yet Jesus said "Today thou shalt be with Me in paradise". People also must be baptized, it is a command not a suggestion but the water does not literally wash away sin, the blood of Jesus does that.
@@Pastor_Grant the old thief on the cross! I have heard that a many times! When did the church start, on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached the first gospel sermon! Before Jesus descended into heaven Mark 16:15-16 he gave the great commission! He who believe and has been baptized shall be saved, but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned! Are you willing to take that chance and not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ!
@@brucemoore463 I've been baptized and I've never told a person to ignore it, I tell people it is a command so I'm not sure what your issue is, like I said the blood of Jesus washes away sin not the H2O from the local river, do you think the river water is what saves?
No it is not a cult
More disagreements from your speech with scripturally based doctrine.
1. Discipleship-Learner, pupil of Christ. Disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26
Man is considers the Lord’s church alone as Sectarianism, but the Bible declares it as not holding on to sound doctrine…2 Timothy 4:3-4
3. Praise to God- Is a subject I would love to discuss as well. The peculiar way that it can be done with the vessels that God created to praise him is truly enlightening. Heb 13:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16.
Just a challenge: please locate in the New Testament where mechanical or man designed instruments were authorized in the worship?
Then read Amos 5:23 & Amos 6:5.
I just know we are the creature , created in God’s own image, and gave us the ability, the heart, the breath, & the mouth, to praise HIM!
What else is needed or required by Him?
We are to worship God in spirit and in truth, that's all that matters.
"Worship" is first mentioned in Genesis 22:5, it didn't talk about singing or playing instruments at all.
@@ynaizmiranda9838 you have a confirmation bias.. the Psalms are full of stringed instruments and you will ignore that
Wasn't Jesus called the son of David who wrote a large portion of Psalms. Wasn't David called a Man after Gods own heart. I don't see anywhere that God said he was a man after God's own heart except for the musical instrument thing
Answer................Revelations 5:6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign[b] on the earth.”
@@bbeard7 The challenge to you was: after Jesus said It is finished. (The law). Furthermore, after the day of Pentecost Acts chapter 2. In Christ’s Church that He built, Matthew 16:18, when there was no denominations set apart, denominated from the one, there is No New Testament instrumental example.
Even After Psalms 150… Amos 5:23 God said take away the melody of the viols away. Then in Amos 6:5, God declared that man was inventing to themselves instruments of music like David.
Man can continue their way, (free will), but the instrument that God requires is the one that can Let the word of Christ dwell in them richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs in grace in our hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16.
Man can only can safely and emphatically do that with praise.
Nothing I placed on this text nor the first one was biased. The scriptures are lining up with what I am presenting.
In the Spirit of Christ
The Church of Christ is correct because the Bible is correct.
They also reject the indwelling Holy Spirit! This is the worst heresy that they teach!
They claim that since the Bible was inspired by the Spirit, we don't need the Holy Spirit today!
This means they cannot be saved.
What church of Christ have you gone to? That’s not what they teach at all.
@@allisontowell2274 I've been to dozens of coxs in the south. They ALL teach that. What do you teach?
@@EverlastingLife-pl9ug My Church of Christ and another Church of Christ I went to in Alaska teach that the Spirit does dwell within you.
@@EverlastingLife-pl9ug My Church of Christ and a few Churches of Christ I went to in Alaska teach that the Spirit does dwell within you.
@@allisontowell2274 Unusual for this denomination, but some are teaching this now.🙏
7:11
The COC is known for splits division and mistreatment of members
@@skwills1629 You must be new to the church. Splits are par for the course. Abused women are told to stay with abusive men. Legalism is the norm. It's rare to find a healthy congregation
I believe your experience, though "growing up in the church" you may have been limited to a few.
I've been a member of many and have seen them all divide some before I arrived. My first month as a Christian I saw a divided church built a church 1/10 mile from the church they left.
And there you have it.
The spirit of the "one true church".
John 13.:44-35
I spoke with some Church of Christ guys at my door. They told me they don't believe the Holy Spirit or Jesus is God. Or part of the God head. They rejected the trinity. Yet they wouldn't admit those 2 were created beings. Which in my mind they would be if you don't believe they are God.
Ive definitely heard CoC doesn't believe in the Holy Spirit but can't find anything definitive.
@@Pastor_Grantthat’s definitely misconstrued, how about you watch or refute members of the church on RUclips? Or simply google things about the CoC, blind misrepresentation is not truthful
@@Pastor_GrantThat’s because the majority do believe in the Trinity and the in dwelling of the Spirit. It’s important to me, as a CoC member, to not just judge a church by its “title.” You can have any title in the world for your church, but unless you preach from the gospels and believe in all it says (meaning believing in the words of Christ) then you aren’t a part of His Church…. No matter what title that is. I just find from the Churches I’ve gone to, they are the closest to what the gospels preach.
The Doctrine Matters shirt!!!!
There was a Church of Christ that was established and built in 1914 A.D. in Philippines.
They claimed that they are the one mentioned in Matthew 16 : 18 and Isaiah 43 and on Acts 20 original manuscript says church of God.
George Lamsa translations of Act 20 church of God becomes church of Christ.
But then this said church opposed Romans 16 : 16 ....the churches of Christ salute you. They believed it's not plural its singular.
They opposed also abt 1 John 5 : 20
Because their belief and doctrines that Jesus is only a man. They don't believed that Yeshua becomes human or flesh from God originally.
I didn’t know that they believed jesus wasn’t originally part of the God-head but was born a man and became God. Is that what you are saying?
@@Orthodixi
No...Jesus-Christ is God became and incarnate as a human being with flesh and blood for 33 years. Crucified, died and rose again and ascended back to heaven and returned as (Matthew 28 : 19) true God and of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost and eternal life.
(1 John 5 : 20)
@@Orthodixi
The Church of Christ (Misyon Kristiyana) originally brought by the American missionaries in 1901 A.D. in which a former minister named Felix M. Ysagun was used to served in 1909 to 1911.
Then 1914 a.d. bro. Felix M. Ysagun established his own and officially named his church as iglesia ni cristo aka inc, who believes that Jesus-Christ is only human with flesh and blood.
Church of Christ 1901 named in Tagalog as Iglesya ni Kristo aka INK, and registered to Manila Patent and Trademark Office who believes that Jesus-Christ is God.
Thank you for clarifying c of c beliefs.
@@Orthodixi
The 1914 a.d. Philippines' established iglesia ni cristo or church of christ (all lowercase means on their beliefs that jesus-christ is only human, died as human, second coming as human).
They were not submit to Christ doctrine as pattern to new testament Christians established in Jerusalem.
Their communion is once a year, no christmas celebration. Tithing is mandatory. Conducts 2 Sundays in a week mainly: Thursday and Sunday are both same worship service. Baptism followed after 27 lessons of indoctrination or 2 years. Bringing bibles inside chapel are not allowed for they had no doubt at all. Shutting down the door when you are late. Segregation of men and women seat. Must wore all white garments.
Rarely use KJV bible translations who tells exact truth.