Every Doctrine Could Cost You....!

[TCGreek]

In traditional churches of Christ, every doctrine can cost you your salvation.

1. If a church uses instrumentals...

2. If a church doesn't have the "right" name...

3. If a church doesn't observe the Lord Supper every Sunday...

4. If a church calls its preacher pastor...

5. If a church has praise teams or worship teams...

6. If a church doesn't share the same convictions about baptism as they do...

7. If a church is premillennialist or something other than Amillennialist...

They have appointed themselves as the gatekeepers of salvation and who goes to heaven.

A person is not saved until a traditional church of Christ-er says so.

 

[ray Marshall]

In traditional churches of Christ, every doctrine can cost you your salvation.

1. If a church uses instrumentals...

2. If a church doesn't have the "right" name...

3. If a church doesn't observe the Lord Supper every Sunday...

4. If a church calls its preacher pastor...

5. If a church has praise teams or worship teams...

6. If a church doesn't share the same convictions about baptism as they do...

7. If a church is premillennialist or something other than Amillennialist...

They have appointed themselves as the gatekeepers of salvation and who goes to heaven.

A person is not saved until a traditional church of Christ-er says so.

This church was founded by Alexander Campbell, Wasn't it?

 

[LeBuick]

They have appointed themselves as the gatekeepers of salvation and who goes to heaven.

A person is not saved until a traditional church of Christ-er says so.

Scary, isn't it?

 

[TCGreek]

Scary, isn't it?

Scary indeed!

But my final authority is Scripture.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Scary indeed!

But my final authority is Scripture.

I am curious, not arguing, would the person or persons who put together the list in your OP have said, "My final authority is Scriputure?" I have heard many people make this statement and after thinking it over for quite some time have decided that yes, God is the final authority ... but we use scripture to help us.

Now, having said that, is it not true that it is not scripture that causes us problems, but the interpretation of scripture that causes differences of opinion and arguments.

 

[Zenas]

I am curious, not arguing, would the person or persons who put together the list in your OP have said, "My final authority is Scriputure?" I have heard many people make this statement and after thinking it over for quite some time have decided that yes, God is the final authority ... but we use scripture to help us.

Now, having said that, is it not true that it is not scripture that causes us problems, but the interpretation of scripture that causes differences of opinion and arguments.

Indeed. And why is interpretation so different for us. I don't think that is how God wants it. John 17:22-23.

22 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one;
23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

So how do we come together on these issues that divide us?

 

[Darron Steele]

This church was founded by Alexander Campbell, Wasn't it?

No.

It was founded by a variety of people who lived after he died in the 1860's. The split of the Churches of Christ from the rest of the Restoration Movement was finalized in 1906.

 

[Ed Edwards]

This church was founded by Alexander Campbell, Wasn't it?

Alexander Campbell died for your sins.
My militant American Indian friend says: "Custer died for YOUR sins"

I sure flunk that test in the Opening Post (OP)

 

[EdSutton]

In ______ church , every doctrine can cost you your salvation.

They have appointed themselves as the gatekeepers of salvation and who goes to heaven.

A person is not saved until a _____________ says so.

You are so right, but I submit that this is not limited to the 'Church o' Crast'. For 'Babdists' and 'Hol--ness' and 'Methadistes' and 'sna-candlers' and other 'Cammalites' and _______s are to be found who say much the same thing. Or, you may also find... -

(Well, you get the picture! You may fill in the blanks with about any other name you like, but you are required to both spell and pronounce it in the manner, consistent with what one is likely to hear in my 'redneck' area of KY.) :laugh:

Let me invite all of you to come down to my "neck of the woods" for a visit, anytime.

For both good measure and self-defense, I would also strongly recommend that you carry a black, leatherbound KJV of the 1769 edition (Dresses or skirts are required for ladies, BTW!); be well-versed in out of context, memorized 'proof texts'; and loudly proclaim (while pointing to, but never actually opening that Bible outside of the pulpit) - "It says so right here in the REAL Bible - not one of them new ones - but the old inspired real 1611 King James!" And when you have the opportunity to preach a message, I recommend that one "give the invitation" employing every known and conceivable 'church-speak' cliche known, such as the one found here, which I posted shortly after joining the BB.

http://www.baptistboard.com/showpost.php?p=102961&postcount=60

I tend to want to :laugh: about this, when I really should only :tear: .

Thankfully, not everyone in my area is as "willfully ignorant" as those in my above only partial parody (I do fully assure you that I have personally heard uttered, each and every practice, phrase and word I have used above, and that more than once! And I have also heard each and every word and phrase found in the above linked 'invitation' post used, as well!)

And thankfully, one can find churches and individuals who (do a fairly good job of) clearly preaching and teaching the written Word of God! :thumbsup:

Ed

 

[EdSutton]

This church was founded by Alexander Campbell, Wasn't it?

Not directly, by any means, although this 'branch' 'developed' internally over several years, starting around the time of the Civil war, from those who were adherents of the teachings of what has become known as the Stone/Campbell Restoration Movement. The early adherents chose to be known as either a "Christian Church" (the preference of Stone), a "Church of Christ" (large "C") or as the "Disciples of Christ" (the name preferred by Alexander Campbell). The "churches of Christ" (small "c") as a loosely defined 'non-entity' entity, seem to have started appearing as distinct around the 1880's.

As an interesting historical footnote, most of the earliest adherents of these teachings of the Campbell(s) and Scott, if and when forming their own bodies or congregations, prior to the 'merger' with the 'Stone' followers, called themselves as "Reformers" and were mostly Baptists, along with some few Presbyterians.

The first church body of these individuals to only call themselves a 'Christian' church, was the Lancaster Christian Church, located in my own hometown, 5 miles from where I live, and established in 1827. The majority of the founding members came from my own home church, the Forks of Dix River Baptist Church (est. 1782), which church granted them their letters of dismissal from the 'Fork' Church, for this purpose, and at their request. so it can be said that the first so-named 'Christian Church', was really "nuthin' but just another buncha' onery 'Baptists' ". :laugh: :laugh:

Ed

[Esited to add!] I had not gotten to the post of Darren Steele, when I posted my own. We are essentially saying the same thing, I think. I apologize, Darren Steele. I am in no way, trying to usurp what you have already written.

 

[Darron Steele]

...

I had not gotten to the post of Darren Steele, when I posted my own. We are essentially saying the same thing, I think. I apologize, Darren Steele. I am in no way, trying to usurp what you have already written.

No problem. No apology is necessary. I would have needed to apologize had I been displeased.

Sharing additional information never offends me, and helps us all.

Thank you for sharing the additional information.

 

[LeBuick]

I am curious, not arguing, would the person or persons who put together the list in your OP have said, "My final authority is Scriputure?" I have heard many people make this statement and after thinking it over for quite some time have decided that yes, God is the final authority ... but we use scripture to help us..

Here's the catch, "My final authority is Scripture" implies "As I see or Interpret Scripture". This almost takes us back to square one. Scripture is almost always interpreted to support a person's worldview instead of scripture used to shape or determine one's worldview. We see it here in subjects like Abortion, Church Discipline, etc... How do so many Christians use the same Scripture to support opposing sides? Interpretation...

Also, the KKK used Scripture to support their positions and we now see g@y Episcopal clergy finding support in Scripture. This means "My final authority is Scripture" leaves a world of views on the table. Most likely, none are God's.

 

[defenderofthefaith]

In traditional churches of Christ, every doctrine can cost you your salvation.

My friend, is this an attempt to open up a topic to directly try to 'redicule' a particular church - because this is very sad and pathetic indeed.

1. If a church uses instrumentals...

If a church adds to the confirmed word (Galatians. 3:15; Mark 16:20) , goes beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6), and go outside Christ's doctrine (2 John 9).

2. If a church doesn't have the "right" name...

If a church would rather name themselves after a man[founder], man-made name, or something other than the name of the true church's founder (Matthew 16:18) and who bought it with his own blood (Acts 20:28) - hence we have the church of Christ.

3. If a church doesn't observe the Lord Supper every Sunday...

If a church doesn't follow in the Apostle's doctrine (Acts 2:42) and their example (Acts 20:7)

4. If a church calls its preacher pastor...

Hah. Calling your preacher 'pastor' we've never condemned anyone for that - we just don't find that to be the correct name for the preacher.

5. If a church has praise teams or worship teams...

Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 is a command to every Christian - not just those who you think sound best or those who are 'more into it'. Every christian should be apart of the 'praise team'.

6. If a church doesn't share the same convictions about baptism as they do...

If a church wants to deny Acts 2:38; Romans 6:2-11; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; ect; ect

7. If a church is premillennialist or something other than Amillennialist...

If a church wants to deny that Christ is actually already reigning - Mathew 3:1-2; Mark 1:15; Matthew 6:9-10; Mark 9:1; Luke 10:9; Hebrews 12:28; John 18:36; ect.
Revelation is a book of figurative language and uses symbolic terms to reveal its message to those informed - from an outsider it will look like a literal 1000; but it musn't be taken that way.

They have appointed themselves as the gatekeepers of salvation and who goes to heaven.

When one looses an argument, he often turns to insults to cover his defeat.

 

[billwald]

All our "scripture" is a translated interpretation.

 

[rbell]

If a church adds to the confirmed word (Galatians. 3:15; Mark 16:20) , goes beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6), and go outside Christ's doctrine (2 John 9).

Well, that sums up a majority of what you've posted on here...

 

[Darron Steele]

They have appointed themselves as the gatekeepers of salvation and who goes to heaven.

Correct: in many Churches of Christ, they believe that the way to salvation is to join their group/s and become an `acceptable' member.

Fortunately, this is passing away in the Churches of Christ. More and more are realizing that `No one comes to the Son except by us' is bogus. A small portion of those have gone past the recognition stage, and are even acting on that truth. However, progress seems to be slow.

If a church adds to the confirmed word (Galatians. 3:15; Mark 16:20) , goes beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6), and go outside Christ's doctrine (2 John 9).

Well, that sums up a majority of what you've posted on here...

Amen.

 

[defenderofthefaith]

Well, that sums up a majority of what you've posted on here...

Right, since I used scripture in every single one of my answers...nice.

Correct: in many Churches of Christ, they believe that the way to salvation is to join their group/s and become an `acceptable' member.

Again, you and many others here continue to show your ignorance in what we actually teach.
We teach you are added to the church - you cannot join anything, it is God who adds you to church (Acts 2:47) and it is God who writes you into the Lambs book of life (Revelation 3:5; 21:27; 20:15; Exodus 32:32).

Fortunately, this is passing away in the Churches of Christ. More and more are realizing that `No one comes to the Son except by us' is bogus. A small portion of those have gone past the recognition stage, and are even acting on that truth. However, progress seems to be slow.

'No one comes to the Son except by us' - well since we strive to be the church Christ founded (Matthew 16:18) and are named after the Son (Romans 16:16) and we have Christ as the only head of the church (Ephesians 5:23) I'd say how can you find Christ if you aren't added to his church that he bought (Acts 20:28)?

 

[Darron Steele]

Correct: in many Churches of Christ, they believe that the way to salvation is to join their group/s and become an `acceptable' member.

...
Again, you and many others here continue to show your ignorance in what we actually teach.
We teach you are added to the church - you cannot join anything, it is God who adds you to church (Acts 2:47) and it is God who writes you into the Lambs book of life (Revelation 3:5; 21:27; 20:15; Exodus 32:32).

Maybe not your group.

Some do teach that. I have been among them. They teach that if you try to attach yourself to a `faithful, sound congregation' and you are `acceptable' to that `sound, faithful congregation,' then the Lord will add you to His church.

It comes down to this: if a person tries to attach to a `sound, faithful congregation,' and that `sound, faithful congregation' judges the person 'acceptable,' then s/he might be saved -- if not, then s/he cannot be saved.

So my description stands as accurate.

As for the rest of your post about the church: Acts 2:44-7 examples how "all that believed" (ASV) were "added to them day by day" (ASV). All believers on Jesus Christ are added to His church by Him, and He sets the boundaries of His church -- not your groups. I and all other Christians are members of His church whether accepted by your group or not.

 

[defenderofthefaith]

Some do teach that. I have been among them. They teach that if you try to attach yourself to a `faithful, sound congregation' and you are `acceptable' to that `sound, faithful congregation,' then the Lord will add you to His church.

No, we teach that once something follow the Lords plan of salvation as laid out for us in the New Testament - then one is added to the Lords church.
We never 'judge' anyone, we never announce someone to be 'acceptable' or 'not acceptable' we do not keep a record of 'those saved' 'those not saved' 'those who tried to be saved but really aren't' ect...

 

[rbell]

Right, since I used scripture in every single one of my answers...nice.

Quoting Scripture...then adding to it via your interpretation...is not the same as simply quoting Scripture.