CHURCHES OF CHRIST
BRIEF HISTORY:
“Churches of Christ trace their beginnings to the times of the apostles. Members believe that the first church of Christ was established on Pentecost after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.(Acts 2:47) The claim that the church spread through the Roman world, but later declined.”1 Churches of Christ were restored in America through the efforts of Barton W. Stone in Kentucky (1803), James O’Kelley in the Carolinas (1794), Abner Jones and Elias Smith in the New England around the turn of the century, and later Thomas Campbell (1808) of Virginia. Later, Alexander Campbell arrived from England (in 1809) and became a prominent leader in the restoration movement.2 Groups in other countries have been discovered who are identical in doctrine and practice which also follow the New Testament as their only rule of faith and practice. This, they believe, is evidence that the work is of God, rather than being the product of a man-made set of traditions which produces denominations. They insist they are not a denomination( Acts 1:8 , ,Eph. 3:8-11, Eph 4:4, Col. 1:23,24)
Jesus Christ is regarded as founder, head and savior of the church. They contend that the word of God is the seed of the kingdom, the church. When it is faithfully preached and obeyed without the addition of man’s traditions or opinions, it will produce true Christians, collectively known as a church of Christ. They maintain that the New Testament set forth faith, repentance, confession and baptism (immersion) as the conditions of salvation by Christ’s blood.
There are about 18,000 independent churches of Christ. A group of elders oversee each church and a group of deacons serve. Most of the members are in the southern United States, with sizeable numbers in several foreign countries. They support about 500 family units in 75 foreign nations. 3 They have 6 affiliated senior colleges, some on university campuses. They support orphanages and homes for the elderly. There are 120 known periodicals published by members of churches of Christ
1 B.C Goodpasture, “Churches of Christ”, World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 3. P. 423. – 1996 Edition
2 Bill Humble, “Back To The Bible”, Parts 2 and 3. Religious Services, Abilene, Texas.
3 World Mission Information Bank, Webb Chapel Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. 1980.
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having a combined circulation of 1.6 million. 4 Total membership is estimated at 3 million.
*Since no official source of authority or history is recognized by churches of Christ other than the New Testament scriptures, the traditions of men listed below will necessarily be limited to the record of the false teachings of human philosophy and wisdom recorded in that volume.
Traditions of Men
Word of God
• Ananias and his wife discussed together and agreed to misrepresent the truth about a gift to the church. Obviously one first taught and the other accepted this error. This is the first sin in the church. False notions lead to false statements or teachings, yielding evil fruit in the lives of those involved.
• Lying is not tolerated in the church. When a member of the church teaches falsely or is party to an untrue report, plan or doctrine, he (or she) lies not only to men but to God and the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:4, 9; Col. 3:9.
• Simon thought and stated that the power of God, specifically to work miracles, could be bought with money and suggested that a person other than an apostle could transmit such power to others by the laying on of hands. Acts 8:12-24
• This power cannot be bought with money. Acts 8:20. Only the apostles could transmit this power by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-18). Thus. After the apostles died, and those died upon whom they had laid hands, the power to work miracles came to an end.
• Jewish Christians taught their brothers not to be associated nor eat with Gentiles (uncircumcised men). Acts 11:2-3
• God through His Son upon the cross, broke down the barrier between Jew (the circumcised and the Gentile (the uncircumcised), so that in the church of Christ there is no distinction or preference in race or national background. All are one in Christ. Acts 11:9; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:11-22; Romans 3:21; 10:12
4 Periodicals Published by Members of Churches of Christ, p. 27. 1975 edition
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Traditions of Men
Word of God
• Some Christians who were of the Pharisee sect of Jews said, “Except a man be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” Acts 15:5.
• This is the same problem as in above. To become a Christian, a person is not required to first become a Jew religiously by submitting to the requirements of Moses’ law. Acts 15:2-33; Romans 2:21-29.
• The baptism of John was taught by Apollos at Ephesus. Acts 18:25
• Baptism by the authority (“in the name”) of Jesus was the only baptism to be administered after the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:38
Early Christians therefore never wore the name of “John” or “Baptists”. Believers who were baptized (immersed) into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27) were added and wore only His name. Acts 2:47; 26:28; Col. 3:17; Phil. 2:10.
Those who were baptized erroneously as a result of tradition of an uninformed or misguided preacher or teacher, should be baptized in water for the remission of sins by the authority of Christ. Acts 19:1-5.
• Some Christians boasted of their secure position, not acknowledging that they had a debts to others, nor that they themselves could possibly fall away and be lost. Rom. 11:18.
• It is possible for any branch (Christian) to fall away from grace unto unbelief, and to be off by the severe justice of God. Romans 11:22; Gal. 5:4; John 15:4-6
• Judging, despising and condemning others in the church over matters of indifference (such as eating meats and or observing certain days), was a prevalent teaching. Rom. 14:1-5.
• If a man regards a day, or eats, he does so with the full consent of his conscience (Rom. 14:5).
The feelings and conscience of others should be respected in matters which in themselves are neither right nor wrong. None lives “unto himself.” Rom. 14:7-23
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Traditions of Men
Word of God
• Some made “fair speeches” and yet caused division because their words were not the true and pure doctrine of Christ. Rom. 16:17-18
• Hold fast the pattern of sound words and preach no other gospel. Titus 1:9-14; 2:1, 7-8; Gal. 1:6-9.
Strive for unity among all believers, based on true doctrine. Eph. 4:1-6.
• Divisions within the body of Christ were promulgated by those who said they were “of” a certain preacher, wearing his name. 1 Cor. 1:10-12; 3:1-4
• Christ is not divided, nor is one baptized in the name of any man other than Christ. 1 Cor. 1:13-17; 3:5-10
• By teaching and promoting on the basis or foundation of Peter or Paul, men advocating a foundation other than Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11.
• The church is not built on any man – only upon Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11-15, 21-23.
Men’s person or teaching is not to be held above what is written. 1 Cor. 4:6.
• The speech of some was proud and puffed up, discrediting the teachings of the apostles. 1 Cor. 4:8-21.
• The same things are to be taught everywhere in all the churches, not any man’s gospel, but the doctrine of Christ alone, as delivered by the apostles. 1 Cor. 4:17; Jude 3.
• Some in the church were glorying and puffed up over harboring immorality within the church. 1 Cor. 5:1, 2, 6.
• Such teachings and attitudes must not be tolerated. The church was to have no company with such persons within the church. 1 Cor. 5:9-13.
• It had become a practice among members of the church of Christ to take matters against each other into the civil courts. 1 Cor. 6:1-8.
• Righteous men within the fellowship are to judge between brethren. It is better to take wrong than to enter lawsuits against brethren. 1 Cor. 6:5-8.
• There is no resurrection of the dead. 1 Cor. 15:12, 35.
• Christ was raised and all men will be raised for judgment and eternal rewards or punishment. John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15
The end (not the beginning of a reign upon earth) will come at Christ’s return. 1 Cor. 15:23-24.
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Traditions of Men
Word of God
• Many corrupt the word of God by false writing and teaching. 2 Cor. 2:17; 11:4; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Tim. 1:3.
• The apostles Paul, Peter and other men inspired of the Holy Spirit only taught and wrote sincerely what was the word of the Lord. 1 Cor. 2:23; 2 Cor. 1:13; 2:14-17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:1-4.
• Is it proper to do evil if good would come from it. Rom. 3:8
• It is never right to do wrong. Speak the truth in love. Eph. 4:15; 1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Tim. 2:7
• The resurrection is past already, taught by Hymaneus, and Philetus. 2 Tim. 2:18.
• There are events yet to be fulfilled before the end comes. 2 Thess. 2:2-12; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
• Treat the poor with less honor and respect than the rich. James 2:2-3, 6.
• There is to be no respect of persons with God. James 2:1, 4, 9.
• Faith alone will save. James 2:14
• Acts of obedience must prove the genuineness of faith and the perfection of faith. Faith alone is dead. James 2:15-26.
Many other sins in the first century church could be enumerated, most of which could be traced to following erroneous man-made teachings. Examples would include abuse of the Lord’s Supper, women leading in assemblies, men demanding pre-eminence in ruling the church, etc.
BRIEF HISTORY:
“Churches of Christ trace their beginnings to the times of the apostles. Members believe that the first church of Christ was established on Pentecost after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.(Acts 2:47) The claim that the church spread through the Roman world, but later declined.”1 Churches of Christ were restored in America through the efforts of Barton W. Stone in Kentucky (1803), James O’Kelley in the Carolinas (1794), Abner Jones and Elias Smith in the New England around the turn of the century, and later Thomas Campbell (1808) of Virginia. Later, Alexander Campbell arrived from England (in 1809) and became a prominent leader in the restoration movement.2 Groups in other countries have been discovered who are identical in doctrine and practice which also follow the New Testament as their only rule of faith and practice. This, they believe, is evidence that the work is of God, rather than being the product of a man-made set of traditions which produces denominations. They insist they are not a denomination( Acts 1:8 , ,Eph. 3:8-11, Eph 4:4, Col. 1:23,24)
Jesus Christ is regarded as founder, head and savior of the church. They contend that the word of God is the seed of the kingdom, the church. When it is faithfully preached and obeyed without the addition of man’s traditions or opinions, it will produce true Christians, collectively known as a church of Christ. They maintain that the New Testament set forth faith, repentance, confession and baptism (immersion) as the conditions of salvation by Christ’s blood.
There are about 18,000 independent churches of Christ. A group of elders oversee each church and a group of deacons serve. Most of the members are in the southern United States, with sizeable numbers in several foreign countries. They support about 500 family units in 75 foreign nations. 3 They have 6 affiliated senior colleges, some on university campuses. They support orphanages and homes for the elderly. There are 120 known periodicals published by members of churches of Christ
1 B.C Goodpasture, “Churches of Christ”, World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 3. P. 423. – 1996 Edition
2 Bill Humble, “Back To The Bible”, Parts 2 and 3. Religious Services, Abilene, Texas.
3 World Mission Information Bank, Webb Chapel Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. 1980.
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having a combined circulation of 1.6 million. 4 Total membership is estimated at 3 million.
*Since no official source of authority or history is recognized by churches of Christ other than the New Testament scriptures, the traditions of men listed below will necessarily be limited to the record of the false teachings of human philosophy and wisdom recorded in that volume.
Traditions of Men
Word of God
• Ananias and his wife discussed together and agreed to misrepresent the truth about a gift to the church. Obviously one first taught and the other accepted this error. This is the first sin in the church. False notions lead to false statements or teachings, yielding evil fruit in the lives of those involved.
• Lying is not tolerated in the church. When a member of the church teaches falsely or is party to an untrue report, plan or doctrine, he (or she) lies not only to men but to God and the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:4, 9; Col. 3:9.
• Simon thought and stated that the power of God, specifically to work miracles, could be bought with money and suggested that a person other than an apostle could transmit such power to others by the laying on of hands. Acts 8:12-24
• This power cannot be bought with money. Acts 8:20. Only the apostles could transmit this power by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-18). Thus. After the apostles died, and those died upon whom they had laid hands, the power to work miracles came to an end.
• Jewish Christians taught their brothers not to be associated nor eat with Gentiles (uncircumcised men). Acts 11:2-3
• God through His Son upon the cross, broke down the barrier between Jew (the circumcised and the Gentile (the uncircumcised), so that in the church of Christ there is no distinction or preference in race or national background. All are one in Christ. Acts 11:9; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:11-22; Romans 3:21; 10:12
4 Periodicals Published by Members of Churches of Christ, p. 27. 1975 edition
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Traditions of Men
Word of God
• Some Christians who were of the Pharisee sect of Jews said, “Except a man be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” Acts 15:5.
• This is the same problem as in above. To become a Christian, a person is not required to first become a Jew religiously by submitting to the requirements of Moses’ law. Acts 15:2-33; Romans 2:21-29.
• The baptism of John was taught by Apollos at Ephesus. Acts 18:25
• Baptism by the authority (“in the name”) of Jesus was the only baptism to be administered after the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:38
Early Christians therefore never wore the name of “John” or “Baptists”. Believers who were baptized (immersed) into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27) were added and wore only His name. Acts 2:47; 26:28; Col. 3:17; Phil. 2:10.
Those who were baptized erroneously as a result of tradition of an uninformed or misguided preacher or teacher, should be baptized in water for the remission of sins by the authority of Christ. Acts 19:1-5.
• Some Christians boasted of their secure position, not acknowledging that they had a debts to others, nor that they themselves could possibly fall away and be lost. Rom. 11:18.
• It is possible for any branch (Christian) to fall away from grace unto unbelief, and to be off by the severe justice of God. Romans 11:22; Gal. 5:4; John 15:4-6
• Judging, despising and condemning others in the church over matters of indifference (such as eating meats and or observing certain days), was a prevalent teaching. Rom. 14:1-5.
• If a man regards a day, or eats, he does so with the full consent of his conscience (Rom. 14:5).
The feelings and conscience of others should be respected in matters which in themselves are neither right nor wrong. None lives “unto himself.” Rom. 14:7-23
32 | P a g e
Traditions of Men
Word of God
• Some made “fair speeches” and yet caused division because their words were not the true and pure doctrine of Christ. Rom. 16:17-18
• Hold fast the pattern of sound words and preach no other gospel. Titus 1:9-14; 2:1, 7-8; Gal. 1:6-9.
Strive for unity among all believers, based on true doctrine. Eph. 4:1-6.
• Divisions within the body of Christ were promulgated by those who said they were “of” a certain preacher, wearing his name. 1 Cor. 1:10-12; 3:1-4
• Christ is not divided, nor is one baptized in the name of any man other than Christ. 1 Cor. 1:13-17; 3:5-10
• By teaching and promoting on the basis or foundation of Peter or Paul, men advocating a foundation other than Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11.
• The church is not built on any man – only upon Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11-15, 21-23.
Men’s person or teaching is not to be held above what is written. 1 Cor. 4:6.
• The speech of some was proud and puffed up, discrediting the teachings of the apostles. 1 Cor. 4:8-21.
• The same things are to be taught everywhere in all the churches, not any man’s gospel, but the doctrine of Christ alone, as delivered by the apostles. 1 Cor. 4:17; Jude 3.
• Some in the church were glorying and puffed up over harboring immorality within the church. 1 Cor. 5:1, 2, 6.
• Such teachings and attitudes must not be tolerated. The church was to have no company with such persons within the church. 1 Cor. 5:9-13.
• It had become a practice among members of the church of Christ to take matters against each other into the civil courts. 1 Cor. 6:1-8.
• Righteous men within the fellowship are to judge between brethren. It is better to take wrong than to enter lawsuits against brethren. 1 Cor. 6:5-8.
• There is no resurrection of the dead. 1 Cor. 15:12, 35.
• Christ was raised and all men will be raised for judgment and eternal rewards or punishment. John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15
The end (not the beginning of a reign upon earth) will come at Christ’s return. 1 Cor. 15:23-24.
33 | P a g e
Traditions of Men
Word of God
• Many corrupt the word of God by false writing and teaching. 2 Cor. 2:17; 11:4; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Tim. 1:3.
• The apostles Paul, Peter and other men inspired of the Holy Spirit only taught and wrote sincerely what was the word of the Lord. 1 Cor. 2:23; 2 Cor. 1:13; 2:14-17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:1-4.
• Is it proper to do evil if good would come from it. Rom. 3:8
• It is never right to do wrong. Speak the truth in love. Eph. 4:15; 1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Tim. 2:7
• The resurrection is past already, taught by Hymaneus, and Philetus. 2 Tim. 2:18.
• There are events yet to be fulfilled before the end comes. 2 Thess. 2:2-12; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
• Treat the poor with less honor and respect than the rich. James 2:2-3, 6.
• There is to be no respect of persons with God. James 2:1, 4, 9.
• Faith alone will save. James 2:14
• Acts of obedience must prove the genuineness of faith and the perfection of faith. Faith alone is dead. James 2:15-26.
Many other sins in the first century church could be enumerated, most of which could be traced to following erroneous man-made teachings. Examples would include abuse of the Lord’s Supper, women leading in assemblies, men demanding pre-eminence in ruling the church, etc.