"WHAT DO YOU PEOPLE TEACH?"

It is not unusual to be confronted by such a question that heads this article. There are many churches in the land today. This makes it necessary to be knowledgeable to what various groups are teaching. One is obligated to investigate and follow the truth always (John 8:32).

I would like to set forth some of the facts concerning churches of Christ. This is not meant to answer all the questions one might have, but I hope it will be enough to cause you to investigate upon your own. Always, desire to know the truth by following God's Word.

FIRST, THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS NOT MAN-MADE. The church was planned by God. It therefore is of God. Paul affirmed this in Ephesians 3:9-11. "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Christ promised to build His church. He said that even hell could not prevent His doing so (Matthew 16:18). As we continue to study we see that Christ's blood was shed to purchase the church (Acts 20:28). The church of Christ came into existence on the first Pentecost, following the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Acts 2). Any church that started at another time, or any other place, than Jerusalem, is not the New Testament Church. People who obeyed the gospel that day, were added to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41,47). Anyone, who does the same thing today, will likewise be a Christian...a Christian only. This is because the word of God is alive and active. It produces today the same it did 2,000 years ago. The word of God is the seed of the kingdom, and when you plant that seed, you produce a Christian...and, the Lord adds them to the New Testament church (Luke 8:11; Acts 2:41).

Therefore the church of Christ is not man-made - it was God proposed. It was His desire to have His children in this age through the preaching of the gospel of Christ.

SECOND, CHRIST IS THE ONLY HEAD OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18,19). The church of Christ was established on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ, in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-47). Christ is the only head of the church (Colossians 1:18). He also has promised to save His church (Ephesians 5:23). We do not believe that man has a right to assume authority as the head of the church. Neither, does one have the right to build his own church.

Christ has authorized that each congregation of his people, established according to the word of God, should have elders, or overseers. These men are chosen to oversee the congregations of the churches of Christ (I Timothy 3; Titus 1). These men serve in each congregation of God's people. They are not "Lords" over the flock (I Peter 5:3). These men are known also as elders (I Peter 5:1). They are charged with the responsibility of tending and feeding the flock of God (Acts 20:28).

Christ has authorized that each congregation of his people should have deacons. Their qualifications can be found in First Timothy, chapter three. They assist the flock in various ways. In Acts, chapter six, we see them helping to care for the poor among the flock.

Also, in the church of Christ, you will find ministers. God designed His plan, that the gospel would be published by preaching (I Corinthians 1:18-25). Preachers in the churches of Christ do not wear special titles. In New Testament times, no teacher ever did so. Paul was not called "Reverend", and Peter was not called "Your Holiness." We are specifically told not to wear such titles. Listen to Christ..."But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:8-12). Thus, when you visit with churches of Christ, you will not see the preacher elevated above others with a special title. Sometimes, people want to know what they should call me...my response is: "Call me Dan, that's what mamma named me."

THIRD, THE CHURCH OF CHRIST HAS NO MAN-MADE CREEDS. The churches of Christ subscribe to no creed, but Christ. We have no man-made articles of faith. Our only creed is Christ...our only rule of faith is the Bible. We seek to speak where the Bible speaks; and to be silent where the Bible is silent.

FOURTH, WE TEACH THE FACTS OF THE GOSPEL FOR MAN'S SALVATION. The facts of the gospel include the preaching of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-4). We believe that this message must be proclaimed today, for Christ said that the gospel was to be preached to the whole world unto the last day (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16). In order to be saved, one must obey the gospel of Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The commands of Christ are simple...yet, so meaningful.

FIFTH, MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST ONLY WEAR THE NAME CHRISTIAN. In Bible times, there was the name Christian. There was no hyphenation with that name. There was not such a thing as X-Christian, Y-Christian, or Z-Christian. These people were Christians only. They belonged to God. They had obeyed the gospel and had been added to the church of Christ, by Christ. If they remained faithful unto death, they would have heaven as their home (Revelation 2:10).

CONCLUSION: There are many other things we could discuss at this time, but this will give you an understanding of what is believed and taught by members of the churches of Christ. We desire to restore New Testament Christianity in our time. We believe the only way to do that is to return to the Bible. We invite you to visit any of our services. Step back 2,000 years. Worship as the Bible sets forth our devotion in worship to God.

If you have not taken our correspondence course, sign up today. This study is free of charge. It will take you on a study from Genesis through Revelation. You will be able to see more clearly what the Will of God is in reference to your soul.

- Dan Carter