I recall many years ago reading a statement by a more "progressive" writer in our midst. He was talking to his child, who had asked about the United Methodist Church that they were driving past, "Dad, what's the difference between that church and ours?" His answer was that there was nothing different that was important enough to worry about.
My reaction was: Then why not merge with them, to reduce the division in Christianity? Why are you still in a Church of Christ congregation if that is what you truly think? And likewise when I hear scathing criticisms.
My suspicion was that he did not believe what he was saying, that his actions spoke louder than his words, but in progressive circles he was saying what they like to say and hear.
About to enter my 51st year as a Christian and at the end of my 8th decade on terra firma and I can say the church has allowed its foundation to be eroded seriously. So much to say. I would rather tell you on the phone. It's worse than most, by far the most think, primarily because they do not see the problem because they have endured the influence of Secular Humanism for almost 60 years.
We don’t have to take a back seat to anyone. At the same time we can share some common ground with each other yet not compromise on doctrine. And in our individual studies start with this common ground. The truth is the truth. God makes it plain how to obey and be pleasing to him and thereby be saved. Sure there’s a few difficult areas. Satan is the divider. God is truth. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one body (church), one word. One savior, one resurrection, one doctrine (yes doctrine), one heaven, one faith one hope, one love Thanks
Thank you Jack for this article. I grew up in the "conservative" Churches of Christ. As I began preaching and teaching the Word of God, I began to weed my own garden. To understand the Bible better. I loved my parents and love being a part of the Churches of Christ. I still am and still preach for one.
I agree with all of your points. Any church has problems, some far more than others. Some of us have been Pharisees. Me too. So what? I need to stop being a Pharisee. I need to follow Jesus and teach what He commands. Pharisees need to be born again and follow Jesus.
Preaching, teaching the Word of God is the solution. We were raised exalting the Word of God. I think we do that as well, or better than many other group. We don't always teach the whole counsel of God. Acapella singing, when its good, is awe inspiring. Autonomy of each church is the Biblical pattern. We do need serious examination, humble work: Acts 17:11. Thanks.
I recall many years ago reading a statement by a more "progressive" writer in our midst. He was talking to his child, who had asked about the United Methodist Church that they were driving past, "Dad, what's the difference between that church and ours?" His answer was that there was nothing different that was important enough to worry about.
My reaction was: Then why not merge with them, to reduce the division in Christianity? Why are you still in a Church of Christ congregation if that is what you truly think? And likewise when I hear scathing criticisms.
My suspicion was that he did not believe what he was saying, that his actions spoke louder than his words, but in progressive circles he was saying what they like to say and hear.
About to enter my 51st year as a Christian and at the end of my 8th decade on terra firma and I can say the church has allowed its foundation to be eroded seriously. So much to say. I would rather tell you on the phone. It's worse than most, by far the most think, primarily because they do not see the problem because they have endured the influence of Secular Humanism for almost 60 years.
Preach on brother.
We don’t have to take a back seat to anyone. At the same time we can share some common ground with each other yet not compromise on doctrine. And in our individual studies start with this common ground. The truth is the truth. God makes it plain how to obey and be pleasing to him and thereby be saved. Sure there’s a few difficult areas. Satan is the divider. God is truth. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one body (church), one word. One savior, one resurrection, one doctrine (yes doctrine), one heaven, one faith one hope, one love Thanks
And the church says, “Amen!” 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😎
I believe your thought is perfectly summed up by Galatians 4:16-“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?”
Thank you Jack for this article. I grew up in the "conservative" Churches of Christ. As I began preaching and teaching the Word of God, I began to weed my own garden. To understand the Bible better. I loved my parents and love being a part of the Churches of Christ. I still am and still preach for one.
I agree with all of your points. Any church has problems, some far more than others. Some of us have been Pharisees. Me too. So what? I need to stop being a Pharisee. I need to follow Jesus and teach what He commands. Pharisees need to be born again and follow Jesus.
Preaching, teaching the Word of God is the solution. We were raised exalting the Word of God. I think we do that as well, or better than many other group. We don't always teach the whole counsel of God. Acapella singing, when its good, is awe inspiring. Autonomy of each church is the Biblical pattern. We do need serious examination, humble work: Acts 17:11. Thanks.
At least they understand eschatology