“The Churches of Christ”
The churches of Christ are completely different from pretty much every other church you have probably ever visited. This is obvious right from the very beginning, in that we – unlike virtually every other church out there – are found in the very pages of the Bible itself. When the divinely-inspired Apostle Paul was writing to the members of the Lord’s church in Rome, centuries before any man-made division or denomination ever came into existence, he closed his letter to them by stating that “the churches of Christ” where he was writing from, sent their greetings and salutations to their brethren at Rome as well (See: Romans 16:16).
But the differences don’t stop there. As soon as one walks into one of our worship assemblies, one of the other differences they will more than likely quickly notice, is the notable absence of any musical instruments. This, once again, because of absolutely no other reason, than that we want more than anything else on earth, to be that church we see in the pages of the New Testament Scriptures. We believe that God’s Biblical plan, pattern, or blueprint – the one which He gave us in the Bible for building His holy house in each generation (1 Tim. 3:15; 2 Tim. 1:13) – is absolutely perfect.
In that sacred blueprint, we see that God’s people always sang their praises to God, together, to one another, and never with the addition of any instrumental accompaniment (Mt. 26:30; Mk 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:18-19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12, 13:15; and James 5:13). Hence, seeking to be that church we see in the Scriptures; the church which God so meticulously outlined therein; and the church which the apostles so diligently worked and worshipped in in the first century;we do appear completely different from any and all other churches,which, for whatever reason, seekto be something other than that churchwe see in the New Testament,which goes by God’s divine design, description,and designation alone(For further study, please listen to this free audio sermon: https://soundcloud.com/user-640047687/351-building-gods-house-requires-following-gods-blueprint-6-26-22-am).
But perhaps one of the biggest differences that most of our guests and visitors should notice right away between the churches of Christ and pretty much any and every other church they’ve ever visited, is that we request that our guests and visitors PLEASE, DO NOT, put any money whatsoever in the offering plate. That’s right. None. Unlike so many other churches that constantly hold so-called “free” concerts (wherein donations however, are readily and eagerly accepted), as well as a multitude of other “special events” (wherein so-called “love offerings” – a term never once seen in the New Testament Scriptures by the way – are taken), we do no such thing. We do not host concerts, car washes, bake sales, or anything else of the sort to raise money. Why? Once again, for the same reason: because of the New Testament pattern which God gave for His church to follow. And that pattern very specifically calls for “members only” to have the express privilege of giving to support the work and needs of the church– and NOT our guests and visitors (See: Acts 2:38-47, 4:32-35, 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-2 {which was written to the church –1 Cor. 1:2}; and 2 Cor. 8:1-5 {also written to members – 2 Cor. 1:1}).Not only would we be transgressing the blueprint to invite you to visit the church and then charge you for coming (no matter what label one wants to put on it), but it would be like inviting you over for dinner and then billing you for the meal!(For further study, please listen to this free audio sermon, at: https://soundcloud.com/user-640047687/354-its-safe-to-visit-leave-your-wallet-at-home-7-3-22-pm.
Yes, the churches of Christ are definitely different. But that’s because we truly believe that God knows best; that He knows what He wants His Son’s church to be called; that He knows how He wants His Son’s church to worship; as well as what He wants them to preach and teach as far as giving, salvation, and every other subject; and that He left usthose exact instructions in His word, which we therefore strive to faithfully follow.
Come see the difference, following God’s pattern makes!
