The church of Christ...

[Goose 11]

Hey guys, I found this explaination of what the church of Christ believes, and wanted to share it with y'all. I get a number of questions here on the forumabout my faith and church-family, so I posted this to describe what I believe.

Restored On Principles Of The First-Century Church
During the late 18th century, men and leaders of different denominations throughout the world, each studying individually, began to question the establishment of denominations and creeds and some of the practices that were being taught. These men asked: Why not go back to the origins of the first-century church? Why not rely on the Bible as the only guide to our lives and worship, rather than the creeds of man that had been established over years of corruption in the church? These men encouraged teaching ONLY what the Bible taught, without additions or subtractions, which are both condemned in the New Testament (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelations 22:18,19).
Each Congregation Is Self-Governed
The restoration of the church of Christ was not the establishment of another denomination, but instead was the abolition of denominationalism that had been destroying Christ's church. Each congregation is autonomous and independent of other congregations. They are not ruled by a bureaucracy formed by man to govern the activities and worship of the congregation. These type of organizations are not ordained in the New Testament.
Congregations of the churches of Christ are governed locally by the elders selected from among the local members. These are men that meet the qualifications of an elder outlined in the Bible in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Deacons are also appointed in each congregation to help in service to it's members and in missionary activities. These are men that meet specific qualifications outlines in 1 Timothy 3.
Forms Of Worship
There are five primary forms by which churches of Christ worship. These forms are singing, praying, preaching, giving, and partaking of the Lord's Supper, the same five observed by the first-century Christians. Jesus tells us in John 4:24, "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." To properly worship God, we must do so in a proper manner, in spirit and truth.
To worship God in truth, we must do so according to his Word, because his Word is truth (John 17:17). Therefore, we must not exclude that which is found in his Word, and we must not include anything not found in his Word. In an effort to worship in truth, the churches of Christ hold firm to the belief that we should Speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. In following this belief, there are two forms of worship practiced by churches of Christ that are different from most other religious groups:
[ul][*]A Cappella Singing [*]Weekly Observance of The Lord's Supper [/ul]
A Cappella Singing
One of the things most often noticed about churches of Christ is that we sing without the aid of any type of mechanical instrument of music. A Cappella singing is the only form of music used in our worship. The reason for this is simple. We are striving to worship according to the teachings of the New Testament. Therefore, since the New Testament does not ordain the use of instrumental music, we believe it proper to leave it out of our worship. To make use of instrumental music, we would have to do so without the authority of the New Testament, and therefore without the authority of God.
The following verses make up the complete list of New Testament scriptures on the subject of music. Notice the absence of direction regarding instrumental music in these passages.
[align=center]




Matt. 26:30
"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives"


Acts 16:25
"... about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God ..."

Rom. 15:9
"Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name"


1 Cor. 14:15
"... I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also"

Eph. 5:18,19
"... be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart"


Col. 3:16
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God"

Heb. 2:12
"I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee"


James 5:13
"Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise" [/align]The first appearance of instrumental music used in church worship occurred in the sixth century. The first regular use of instrumental music in worship did not occur until the eighth century. At these times, and in later years, instrumental music was strongly opposed by religious leaders and viewed as a form of false worship. They rightly believed that the introduction of instrumental music by man, without the ordaining of God through the New Testament, made it's use a form of false worship. This is still the belief in the churches of Christ today.
Weekly Observance of The Lord's Supper
Another form of worship often noticed about churches of Christ is that the Lord's Supper is partaken of on the first day of every week. Most religious groups agree that the memorial supper was established by Jesus on the night of his betrayal (Matthew 26:26-28). Most also observe this supper in memory of the Lord's death (1 Corinthians 11:24,25). The unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine used in the supper symbolize the body and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16). However, unlike many other religious groups, churches of Christ partake of the Lord's Supper on the first day of every week. The reason for partaking every week is due to our determination to obey the teachings found in the New Testament. Acts 20:7 reads "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them ...".
There are many people in the religious community that will argue that the scripture does not say every first day of the week, only the first day of the week. This may be true, but in the Old Testament, when the Jews were commanded to "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8) they had no problem in understanding the intent of the command was every Sabbath, although the word every is not in the command. This was also not a point of confusion or conflict for the early Christians who partook of the Lord's Supper on every first day of the week, as recorded by a number of noted historians such as Neander and Eusebius.
How Do I Become A Member?
Churches of Christ do not have a written set of procedures or initiation steps that must be met for you to obtain membership. The steps necessary for becoming a Christian, a member of Christ's church, are outlined in the New Testament. The steps taken by the Christians of the first century which resulted in salvation will bring you salvation as well.
The establishment of the church is recorded in Acts 2 and all those who repented and were baptized were saved (vs. 38). Since that day, all who were saved were added to the church. Verse 47 tells us that God did the adding. For this reason there is no established criteria that must be met to be considered a member of Christ's church other than those recorded in the New Testament. We have no authority to require any more of someone than their submission and obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The conditions taught in the New Testament for becoming part of Christ's church are:
[ol][*]The gospel must be heard - "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). [*]You must believe - "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). [*]You must repent and turn away from past sins - "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ..." (Acts 3:19). [*]You must confess Jesus as Lord - Jesus said "He that confesses me before men, him will I also confess before my father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). [*]You must be baptized for the remission of your sins -"Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins ..." (Acts 2:38). [/ol]
Churches of Christ are known for putting an emphasis on baptism, but the emphasis is not as a church creed or ordinance, but as a command of Christ recorded in the New Testament. Baptism is taught in the New Testament as an act that is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).
Baptism is performed as an immersion by churches of Christ, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12). Immersion is used because the original Greek word from which the word baptize comes means "to dip, to immerse, to submerge, to plunge." Sprinkling does not meet the New Testament definition of baptism and does not properly symbolize the burial of Christ as we are buried in the watery grave of baptism.
We also do not practice infant baptism because the New Testament teaches a baptism for sinners who repent and turn to the Lord, believing Him to be the Son of God. Infants neither have sins to repent of, nor can they affirm themselves as believers.
Churches of Christ believe baptism to be an extremely important part of one's salvation. The New Testament declares baptism to serve the following purposes:
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John 3:5
It is to enter the kingdom of God

Rom. 6:3,4
It is to contact Christ's blood by being buried with Him in death

Gal. 3:27
It is to get into Christ and put on Christ

Mark 16:16
1 Pet. 3:21
It is for salvation

Acts 2:38
It is for the remission of sins

Acts 22:16
It is to wash away sins

1 Cor. 12:13
Eph. 1:23
It is to get into the church[/align]Christ died for the sins of the world, and an invitation has been extended to everyone (Acts 10:34,35; Revelation 22:17). His saving grace is available for all to choose. No one is predestined for salvation or for condemnation. Those who choose to come to Christ in faith, obedient to the commandments given in the New Testament, will be saved. Others will reject His plea and be condemned (Mark 16:16). These will not be lost as a result of a predetermined condemnation, but because they have chosen that path in this life.

I found this at the Madison church of Christ (Alabama) http://www.madisonchurch.org/whattoexpect.aspwebsite, I thought it was a really good explaination of what I believe. Hope you enjoyed reading it and now have more insightto my faith and the faith ofother members of the church of Christ.

Sincerly,
Trae

[strut]

Well written and very easy to understand, God Bless you Trae in your work to spread the Gospel.



Baptism is so , so important according to the new testament, every conversion we read about in the NT involved baptism, I wish some groups would not brush it aside so easy, its not a matter of whos right and whos wrong, its a matter of salvation, its a matter of eternity, God bless ya'll.

[Snooky]

Just a couple of questions to help my personal understanding.

Is the Church of Christ an organization? or a denomination?

If is either of the above, where is the headquarters located? If neither of the above is true, how does one qualify as the spokesman to publish what "The Church's of Christ",do or do not believe?

I noticed that the observance of The Lord's Supper on the first day of the week, is proven, (??) by refering to the Old Testament. Can the use of Old Testament scripture and Law also be used to prove other practices that are common in the modern New Testament Church's?

[LBR]

Is the Church of Christ an organization? or a denomination?

The Church of Christ is a congregation gathered together with a common purpose. The name is derived from Roman's 16:16--one of the few names for the New Testament Church given in the Bible. Sister congregations often support one-another or a common cause, but have no earthly leadership other than that which is decribed in the Bible--elders and deacons which have no authority outside their own congregation. Most congregationswill carry the same or very similar views, as many congregations have been started and supported by other churches. There is no association that determines what will or will not be acceptable, national or otherwise.

If is either of the above, where is the headquarters located?

Heaven of course!(as if you had to ask )

If neither of the above is true, how does one qualify as the spokesman to publish what "The Church's of Christ",do or do not believe?

As I said, sister congregations generally share the same beliefs. Whoever wrote the article was not elected, appointed, or otherwise selected to represent everyone--he is right on the money though.

I noticed that the observance of The Lord's Supper on the first day of the week, is proven, (??) by refering to the Old Testament.

No, you are mistaken. Thecomparison used from the Old Testament is just that--a comparison--oftwo different practices, both of which were appointed a particular day of the week to be observed. The explanation given was the first day of the week comes every week, therefore we should observe the Lord'sSupper every first day of the week. In the comparison, the Israelites understood this with the command "Remember the Sabbath, and keep it Holy"; however,many seem to disregard that example today. The proof is from the New Testament.

What day of the week to you take the Lord's Supper? How did you come to the conclusion that it should be done on that day? How often does that day of the week come?

Can the use of Old Testament scripture and Law also be used to prove other practices that are common in the modern New Testament Church's?

It was not used to prove any practice.Galatians 5:4 answersyour question better than I ever could. "Christ is become ofno effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."

[Alex The Hawk]

Instrumental music as a means of praising God
2 Samuel 6:5,21 - Israel played before the lord on instruments.
1 Chronicles 23:5 - They praised the lord with instruments which David made for giving praise (NKJV).
2 Chronicles 7:6 - The Levites had instruments of music, which David had made to praise the lord. David offered praise by their ministry.
2 Chronicles 29:25 - The Levites were arranged with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps. This was commanded of the Lord.
Psalm 43:4 - On the harp I will praise you. Cf. 71:22; 33:2.
Psalm 68:25 - Singers went before, players followed after.
Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise Him with the trumpet, harp, etc.
Altogether over 60 Old Testament verses refer favorably to worshiping God by using instruments.
[Cf. Psa. 87:7; 1 Chron. 13:8; 2 Chron. 29:28.]
Dancing as a means of praising God
Dancing in the Bible was generally not a sexually suggestive act involving couples as is done today. It meant to leap, twirl, and gyrate as an expression of joy.
Exodus 15:20,21 - Miriam led the women with timbrels and dances, saying to sing to the Lord.
2 Samuel 6:14 - David danced before the Lord with all his might.
Psalm 149:3 - Let them praise his name with the dance.
Psalm 150:4 - Praise him with the timbrel and dance.
At least 6 Old Testament verses refer favorably to dancing in worship to God.
Observations on musical praise in the Old Testament
The Old Testament is clear and explicit.
(1) Singing, playing instruments, and dancing were all clearly stated to be acceptable acts of worship.
(2) Singing, playing, and dancing were three different types of musical praise. They were often done together, but each one constituted an additional, distinct act of praise to God.
(3) Playing instruments and dancing were each, in and of themselves, a means or avenue of praising God, just as singing was.
(4) When God was willing to accept instrumental praise, He very plainly said so.
These facts will be important in our study; however, they prove nothing about what God wants in His worship today. We will later show that we are no longer under the Old Testament, and the acts it authorizes do not apply to us (Gal. 5:1-4; Heb. 10:9,10; Rom. 7:1-6; Col. 2:14).

B. Musical Praise in the New Testament

Singing as praise to God for New Testament Christians
Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26 - After instituting the Lord's supper Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn.
Acts 16:25 - In prison, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.
Romans 15:9 - Prophets had predicted that (in the gospel age) Gentiles would glorify God for His mercy and sing to His name.
1 Corinthians 14:15 - I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding.
Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Hebrews 2:12 - In the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You.
Hebrews 13:15 - Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
James 5:13 - Is any cheerful, let him sing psalms.
This is a complete list of all New Testament verses that mention musical praise to God by Christians on earth. As in Old Testament examples, words like "sing," "speak," "teach," "admonish," and "lips" all clearly refer to vocal music. Note that this is proved, not just by the word "sing," but also by other words.

When you take away the Old testament from Christianity ,you have now joined in a cult or a dogma ruled Group.

Shalom

[LBR]

Alex, I'm not sure what you are getting at. Your post seems to contradict itself.

Altogether over 60 Old Testament verses refer favorably to worshiping God by using instruments

These facts will be important in our study; however, they prove nothing about what God wants in His worship today. We will later show that we are no longer under the Old Testament, and the acts it authorizes do not apply to us (Gal. 5:1-4; Heb. 10:9,10; Rom. 7:1-6; Col. 2:14).

(emphasis mine)

This is a complete list of all New Testament verses that mention musical praise to God by Christians on earth. As in Old Testament examples, words like "sing," "speak," "teach," "admonish," and "lips" all clearly refer to vocal music. Note that this is proved, not just by the word "sing," but also by other words.

(emphasis mine)

When you take away the Old testament from Christianity ,you have now joined in a cult or a dogma ruled Group.

If you are implying that the Church tries ignore or disregard the Old Testament, you are very mistaken. Again, I'm not sure what point(s) you are trying to make here.

[Soilarch]

Listen y'all. I've got no problems with a church that chooses to sing a capello, and I know music in church isn't the only thing being discussed here. Now, as I predict this thread will prove, you can argue till you blue in the face as to if its 'Biblical'. I don't believe there's anything in the Bible that says you must use instruments, and I don't believe there's anything that says you must not use instruments.

Hopefully we can all agree that we have access to a personal relationship with Christ. By definition this means we can interact, converse, and know each other. Not merely know of each other and be constrainded to learning about the other solely through a book. The "Word" is not only found in a Bible. It is living, timeless, present and ever-speaking. Sooooo....as Christians, we can ask the living God if our praise with instruments please him and he can answer us, personally. He is not bound to answer any man. That is a perk of being Creator. But seeing as he went to such trouble to make a way for us to regain out lost relationship with him I think its safe to say he desires to talk with us. This is what he did in the Garden.

Now I love all kinds of music, most involves instruments other than the human voice. I have had many a "quiet time" and "group time" when there was a guitar, or more, involved. While I've sensed his displeasure in a service I've never sensed a displeasure towards the instruments. I am not a skilled guitar player by any means, but I've poured my heart out w/o ever opening my mouth through that thing. And get this, I sensed his pleasure!!!!

So, at the risk of sounding postmodernistic, I encourage us to each do as they feel God would have them. I believe there is a time to "be still" (the hardest by far for me) a time to "sing praise to Lord" and a time to "praise him with the sound of the trumpet..lute and harp...timbrel and dance...stringed instruments and flutes....clashing cymbals" (Psalms 150).

You're mileage may vary. Just make sure you on the right road

[Alex The Hawk]

ORIGINAL: LBR

Alex, I'm not sure what you are getting at. Your post seems to contradict itself.

(emphasis mine)

(emphasis mine)

If you are implying that the Church tries ignore or disregard the Old Testament, you are very mistaken. Again, I'm not sure what point(s) you are trying to make here.

Exactly , I knew someone would realise it! That is what this church believes, Not what I believe, There are ample scripture of How God was Worshipped and how He commanded he should be worship with all types of Instruments, Then these people come along and say we should worship without music, so how are they equal to the first church that was all Jewish and worshipped as we all do, with music ,songs and and dance of praise.

Once you go against what God has shown He prefers by commandingit and someone changes it, then it is not original in anyway shape or form. It is a new dogma.

Shalom

[Tazman]

You know Alex you brought a thought to my weak little mind!

Christ being a Jew certainly during services at a minimum listened to music and sang along with it, if it was wrong to do so it seems to me he would have done the same to the musicians as he did to the money changers in his Fathers house and that would have been mentioned in the New Testament.

[LBR]

Alex, you took bits and pieces out of context, added your own comments, then refer to it as a "cult or dogma ruled Group". You give no scripture to validate your opinions, and you disregard the scriptural referances given.

I dare say if I'd referred to a religion that I obviously knew little or nothing aboutand referred to them as a cult, I would have been called out for "judging".I guess I'm held to a different standard here.

Christ was indeed a Jew, and lived by the Law perfectly, thus fullfilling the Law. Matt 5:17 When a contract has been fulfilled, the new contract comes into effect and the old is no longer binding. The new may even contain some of the same provisions, but that does not justify using parts that were not reinstated just because of personal preferance.

Can you argue against any of the scripture that has been given, even in thestatements that were taken out of context? Can you argue with thewarning given in Galatians 5:4? Can you validate your opinions with commandments or examples directly pertaining to Christianity? Can you show where God has commanded us to use instruments in the worship service?

Christ changed a lot of things. Would He also be accused of instituting a "new dogma"? Do you follow Abraham, or do you follow Christ?