We are often asked about the absence of instrumental music in our worship services. Although there are references in the Old Testament regarding instrumental music, the example of the New Testament church given in scripture is to "sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). Individuals who point to such passages as Psalm 150 should be reminded that the Law also allowed for incense burning, animal sacrifices and other practices that we no longer adhere to in the New Testament Church. We no longer practice such acts of worship because we are under a New Covenant (Colossians 2:14, Hebrews 10:9-10). New Testament examples of singing were always without the accompaniment of instruments (Matthew 26:30, Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, Hebrews 13:15, James 5:13).
With or without instrumental music, the purpose for worship is not man's entertainment. The purpose of worship has always been to attribute praise, glory and honor to God in a manner that is acceptable to Him. Those seeking instruments in worship are encouraged to study and consider whether this desire is born out of a desire to please God or entertain man.
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We respect those who wish to honor our preachers by bestowing a title of dignity upon them. A greater honor, however, must be placed upon the God whom we serve. He alone deserves a title that magnifies and exalts. The only Biblical usage of the word "reverend" is found in the King James Version of Psalms 111:9. It is translated from the Hebrew word "Yare" and it means, "to stand in awe, to fear." The reference there is to God - not the preacher. God alone is to be reverenced with an awesome fear and respect. We are in awe of His Holiness.
During the earthly ministry of Jesus He forbade the use of exalting titles. In Matthew 23:5-11 Jesus spoke to the multitude about the Scribes and Pharisees who sought preeminence and power. The usage of titles stroked their egos and caused others to place them on pedestals. Ultimately, self-exaltation interferes with honoring our God. Even John the Baptist saw the need to decrease so that his own popularity and influence would not interfere with the superior work of Jesus the Christ (John 1: 20-27, 3:30). John ministry's was simply about promoting the earthly ministry of Jesus (John 1:29-30). No preacher, regardless as to how loved he may be, should stand in the way of glory and honor that belongs to God.
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As with the word "reverend," we are thankful for those who wish to honor the man of God for his service and dedication to the local church. The Bible teaches to give honor where honor is due (Romans 13:7). The preacher in most cases, however, is not a pastor. All pastors must be preachers, but all preachers are not necessarily pastors. In the organization of the New Testament church, God included the role of a preacher, elders (pastors) and deacons. A preacher is charged with the responsibility of preaching/teaching sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:1-5). Elders, who are also called pastors/shepherds/overseers/bishops of the flock, are mentioned with a particular duty to care for and feed the church of God (Acts 20:28). Men aspiring to serve in the capacity of pastors must meet the qualifications in the Bible (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).
Furthermore, the word is a description of the work that one does and not a title that one has in the kingdom of God. Throughout the New Testament we see examples where great men of God simply referred to themselves and others by first name only - so as to not exalt themselves (Titus 3:12-13, Philemon 23-24, Hebrews 13:23, 1 Peter 1:12).
Of special interest are the great men of renown in the Bible like Paul and James who mostly described themselves with less flattery language ("less than the least of all saints" Ephesians 3:8, "prisoner of the Lord" Ephesians 4:1, "servant of God" Titus 1:1, "prisoner of the Jesus Christ" Philemon 1:1, "a servant of God" James 1:1). Even when Paul describes himself as an Apostle it is a description of his ministry and not a title to exalt his person.
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According to the example of the New Testament we are to commune each Lord's Day. Acts 20:7 declares that it was "upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread." Every week has a first day. Thus, every week we are to commune on the first day. Some religious organizations commune monthly for convenience sake. This does not, however, align with the scriptures. In the same regard, people pass a collection basket weekly and sight that it aligns with the scriptures to pass the basket weekly, as noted in 2 Corinthians 16:2. The same "first day of the week" that authorizes us to take up collection each week is the same "first day of the week" that authorizes us to partake of the Lord's Supper on a weekly basis.
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In the development of the early church God saw fit to include spiritual gifts to aid in the church's maturity. When we read about spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11) we are fascinated to consider how blessed the church was to have those gifts in her early development. Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 13:10 that the usage of spiritual gifts was a precursor to the church having the Word of God in the completed form that we now know as the Bible. Since the New Testament had not been completed and was, in fact, being written (by inspired men like Paul, Luke, James, John, etc…) the first century church was given spiritual gifts as a means of accommodating the infant needs of an infant church. 1 Corinthians 13:11 draws an analogy to the church and that of a child. The development of a child causes him to cease using bottles, pacifiers, diapers, rattlers, etc… As the child grows up, he no longer needs what used to be essential to him. Likewise, the development of the church and the completion of the scriptures would make the usage of spiritual gifts of little to no value to the developing church. Paul says, "when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (1 Corinthians 13:10). He stresses that the need for a maturing church is not spiritual gifts, but spiritual transformation - faith, hope and charity (1 Corinthians 13:13).
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The church of Christ has no earthly headquarters. The Bible does teach that our "citizenship is in heaven" and thus our headquarters is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Each congregation is autonomous/independent with no allegiance to an earthly assembly of conventions or orders that govern the local congregation. The preachers, elders and deacons work in harmony together to promote the cause of Jesus the Christ. Because servants are "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20) no person can effectively serve the church with self-seeking interests or a hierarchal disposition. Servants that are pleasing to God only seek to serve in such capacities that will allow for the promotion of God's agenda to save souls.
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There are individuals who disagree with our doctrinal views who are quick to label the church of Christ a cult. This is an inflammatory statement that has neither merit nor validity in any form. Cults, by definition, are designed around a charismatic human leader who brainwashes adherents to separate from mainstream society for one purpose or another. Cult leaders familiar to readers include, David Koresh, Jim Jones, Jose Louis De Jesus Miranda, all of whom have lead individuals to extreme behaviors from poverty to suicide.
- In the church of Christ the only leader is Jesus the Christ (Ephesians 1:22).
- In the church of Christ the only power is that which belongs to Jesus the Christ (Matthews 28:18-20).
- In the church of Christ members are not isolated from family or society. They are to live in the world as lights and not of the world (Matthew 5:13-14, John 17:14-15).
- In the church of Christ the organization of the church includes that of the preacher, elders and deacons (Titus 1:5, Acts 20:28, Philippians 1:1) - there is no emphasis on a single charismatic leader.
- In the church of Christ no person has any special revelation or knowledge exclusive of what may be known by others. The Bible is our sole authority on all matters (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20).
We are open to Bible study on any related matter. The Bible says to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Accordingly, we allow the Bible to dictate the norms of our worship and practices.
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We do not teach in any way that a relationship with God is to be determined by one's material possessions. Jesus responded to a man who experienced sorrow because he saw that his brother had more than he did. "Take heed, and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). Unfortunately, there are some who "suppose that gain is godliness" (1 Timothy 6:5), but the Bible says that we are not to fellowship with those who hold such a carnal view. In fact, we are to recognize that "contentment" speaks more about one's godliness than does any material or financial accumulation (1 Timothy 6:6). While it is not a sin to be in possession of things, money or the privileges that life can offer, it is not the test to determine godliness. Certainly, it is not the pursuit of one's walk with the master. The Christian walk is about serving others, living a Christ-like life and attributing praise to God (Luke 14:15-24, John 4:23-24, Philippians 2:5, James 1:27).
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The church of Christ certainly believes in the Old Testament. Romans 15:4 instructs us that the Old Testament writings "were written for our learning." We recognize that we are no longer under the old law and not bound by the Mosaic system (Galatians 3:23-25). The entire book of Hebrews deals with the new and better covenant we have in Christ. Christ's earthly ministry was about mediating a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15-17).
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Believers in the New Testament church are required to give to support the work of ministry. Even though the Old Testament specified an amount, no New Testament scripture specifies a particular amount. If God required a specific percentage then the New Testament scriptures would have commanded such. Clearly, we have to give with a free and loving spirit (1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Jesus determined how much a widow woman gave by her willingness to make a personal sacrifice, whereas others gave of their abundance (Mark 12:41-44). When a person gives of himself to God, then a person will naturally give of his substance to support the work of God. A person who truly understands the concept of giving in the New Testament will ask God to help them give in a manner that is pleasing to Him and not an amount that is mandated by Mosaic custom. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life and the subsequent growth will cause an individual to not only give of his treasure, but also recognize that giving involves a person's time, talents, temple, testimony and all that one has to be used for God's purposes (Romans 12:1-2).
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You cannot "join" the church. The Bible teaches that God adds to the body those who are being saved (Acts 2:47). It is absolutely unnecessary to complete an application, submit tax returns, meet for a board approval or other man made methods. There is no such thing as a "sinner's prayer" that one can say to gain entrance into God's family. Salvation is a gift afforded to man by God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Man cannot earn his salvation and we do righteous things as a result of salvation - not to earn it.
The response to God's grace is realized by:
Hearing the Word (Acts 18:8, Romans 10:17)
Believing the Word (Acts 18:8)
Repenting of sin (Acts 2:38)
Confessing Christ as Lord and Savior (Acts 8:37, Romans 10:10)
Baptism for the Remission (John 3:1-8, Acts 2:36-38, 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:11-12, 1 Peter 3:21).
God's grace affords us the privilege of eternal life and peace. Man must respond to God with obedient faith. We are happy to sit down with those seeking a closer walk with God to study the Sacred Scriptures. Please contact us if you would like a personal Bible study at: sagmicoc@um.att.com or (989) 752-5051
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Names are extremely important. For instance, most people would not name a little girl Jezebel because of Ahab's wicked wife by that name (1 Kings 19:1-3). Neither would most people name a boy Judas because of the one who betrayed our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ (Matthew 26:14-16). Accordingly, we do not assume just any name as a body of Christ. Consider, the respect to the Lord Jesus.
The church is a Holy Priesthood: Christ is the High Priest - 1 Peter 2:5
The church is a Spiritual House: Christ is the Foundation - 1 Peter 2:5
The church is the Body: Christ Died for the Body - Ephesians 1:22-23
The church is the Bride: Christ is the Bridegroom - Ephesians 5:22-23
The church is God's Building: Christ is the Chief Cornerstone -1 Corinthians 3:9, Ephesians 2:20
The church is the Household of God: Christ is the Head of the House - Ephesians 2:19
The church is the flock: Christ is the Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:2
The church is the Temple of God: Christ Dwells in Us - 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 3:17
The church is the People of God: Christ Avails us to God's Mercy - 1 Peter 2:10
The church is the Lamb's Wife: Christ is the Husband - Revelation 19:7
Since the Sacred Scriptures makes clear the preeminence of Christ (Colossians 1:18, Hebrews 1:1-14) the church takes on the name of her preeminent Lord and Savior - Jesus the Christ.
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Christ himself started the church that bears the name of Christ. He announced in Matthew 16:18 that he would build His church. Our aim is to live and worship in a manner consistent with the character, examples and teachings of Christ.
If you have a question about the Bible, please email us at sagmicoc@um.att.com or call us at(989) 752-5051 On the subject line, put "Bible Questions." We will do our best to respond to you promptly. [ Top of Page ]
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