The Church of Christ?

[JesusMyOnly]

I know denominations are not important to God and that there should be no division. We should adhere to and follow the bible itself. So on so forth. But when it comes to this church called "The Church of Christ" (NOT to be confused with Church of Christ latter day saints, no Mormonism) I'm interested. I'm praying and starting my own walk in the faith and am trying to learn.


Does anyone here on CC attend The Church of Christ? Has anyone before went to one but was lead away because of personal convictions? Any personal testimonies with this church? Just I want to get a better idea of others' experiences. Not that just their experiences alone would persuade me to attend this church but so I can gain more knowledge about it in general. I also understand that not every church of the same denomination even will be exactly the same. Just over all, how is the Church of Christ?

 

[crossnote]

All I've heard of it is that it has some legalistic tendencies...sorta along the lines of "I don't smoke, I don't chew and I don't run with those who do." e.g. no musical instruments.

 

[Joidevivre]

Just watch out for any teachings that put you under any works to gain salvation; such as baptism, laws of don't-or do, or anything other than the gift of Christ's righteousness purchased by His blood for you. Nothing gives you right standing before God or eternal life outside of the free gift of His Grace. If it did, it would belittle the blood of Christ which cleanses you from all unrightousness. Nothing else can do that.

All else are:

1. Means of His grace to bring you into a deeper awareness of Christ's work.
2. To reveal to others the life of Christ in you.
3. For your spiritual growth.

(just to list a few)

 

[Anonimous]

All I've heard of it is that it has some legalistic tendencies...sorta along the lines of "I don't smoke, I don't chew and I don't run with those who do." e.g. no musical instruments.

I took some literature from a stand last week and read through it. It seemed pretty legalistic in part. Also, no "mechanical musical instruments". The name of the church must contain God or Christ in its name... other wise it is not a church??? Seemed pretty works based. Also, I had the feeling that they believe that baptism is a condition OF salvation... no baptism = no salvation.

 

[Anonimous]

They are also very much against denominational names like Baptist, Methodist, etc. Which to a degree is correct I suppose. But, it goes deeper than that according to them. I don't doubt their sincerity and love for God in the least however.

 

[Joidevivre]

Should have also said to read Ephesians 2:8,9 - For by grace have you been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

Very profound words - and throws all "works" away. This is hanging on my wall and I see it every day.

 

[Anonimous]

Should have also said to read Ephesians 2:8,9 - For by grace have you been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

Very profound words - and throws all "works" away. This is hanging on my wall and I see it every day.

I believe we ARE called to do good works, but they are supposed to be a result of not the cause of salvation. All these "good works" is what many churches are in to. I DO think they are important... but, not as much as God's grace which is why we have salvation to begin with.

 

[Anonimous]

Should have also said to read Ephesians 2:8,9 - For by grace have you been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

Very profound words - and throws all "works" away. This is hanging on my wall and I see it every day.

Good words, too. The church in general seems to get all wrapped up in ourselves, don't we? I also think that are motives behind our works matter... especially God who knows the hearts of people. We tend to think that we have to go all out... but even a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty doesn't go unnoticed.

 

[3Scoreand10]

I know denominations are not important to God and that there should be no division. We should adhere to and follow the bible itself. So on so forth. But when it comes to this church called "The Church of Christ" (NOT to be confused with Church of Christ latter day saints, no Mormonism) I'm interested. I'm praying and starting my own walk in the faith and am trying to learn.


Does anyone here on CC attend The Church of Christ? Has anyone before went to one but was lead away because of personal convictions? Any personal testimonies with this church? Just I want to get a better idea of others' experiences. Not that just their experiences alone would persuade me to attend this church but so I can gain more knowledge about it in general. I also understand that not every church of the same denomination even will be exactly the same. Just over all, how is the Church of Christ?

My grandmother was Church of Christ.
She believed that only those baptised by and a member of Church of Christ were saved.
Everyone else were going to Hell.
If she could get you to attend one time, her church would not give you any peace until you joined.
She had 5 sons that grew to hate God and any church and are probably in Hell today.
I am glad I always lived a long way from her and only saw her every few years.
I don't know if all C of C are this way, but her church was.
I would suggest that you stay away.

 

[Mitspa]

I heard they do not believe in the Holy Spirit? I don't know ...never been to one of their churches...but what I have heard is not good...sorry

 

[Anonimous]

I heard they do not believe in the Holy Spirit? I don't know ...never been to one of their churches...but what I have heard is not good...sorry

I heard one guy from the Reformed Church of God talking about the abominable doctrine of the Trinity. They shared mu the same stuff as C of C. This was in an issue of a magazine called The Real Truth... which used to be called The Plain Truth by Herbert W. Armstrong. I had a free issue in the mail one day and stopped reading once I read the sentence that if anyone does NOT believe that he was the last prophet of God that they were deceived and headed for hell.

If that is not just one sign of a cult, I don't know what is.

 

[Mitspa]

I heard one guy from the Reformed Church of God talking about the abominable doctrine of the Trinity. They shared mu the same stuff as C of C. This was in an issue of a magazine called The Real Truth... which used to be called The Plain Truth by Herbert W. Armstrong. I had a free issue in the mail one day and stopped reading once I read the sentence that if anyone does NOT believe that he was the last prophet of God that they were deceived and headed for hell.

If that is not just one sign of a cult, I don't know what is.

Wow that's how cults talk!

 

[Thailand_Paul]

I am a member of the Church of Christ and I'll give some quick answers to what I've read here. (busy today...open to more questions and proper answers tomorrow sorry)

We DO believe in the Holy spirit.
No we don't use mechanical instruments for worship, Worship is done using acapella. (and believe me it sounds great. even with my dirge voice), but music is fine to listen to when not worshiping (my personal preferences are hard rock, heavy metal and death metal..go figure.... and yes, there are many Christian death bands)

We DO believe that Baptism is necessary for salvation and that is backed up by the gospel.
Just as the Eunuch was immediately baptized.
The faith alone doctrine doesn't stand up to scrutiny when the whole of the new testament is read instead of selected passages.
The sinner's prayer for forgiveness and salvation by faith alone wasn't around until about 100-150 years ago.

Don't smoke don't chew...? Umm no. I am a human chimney, trying to quit for health reasons, not doctrinal ones.

The aim of the Church of Christ is to live as closely as possible to the doctrines of the Church in the first century. In that time there were no man made denominations with their man made rules.
However, the churches are run by humans (elders and deacons) who sometimes give in to their human nature. So like all churches there are good and bad.
I've heard the "cult" tag often and when I first learnt of the church, I checked it out very carefully. As far as I know and witnessed personally, there are no cultish elements. Just sincere God loving people worshiping God through Christ.
Again that is not to say that there is no possibility of a renegade church defiling itself with corrupted doctrine.
Hope that clears it up a little for you and if anyone wants questions answered, I'm happy to do so.
Blessings in His holy name

 

[gb9]

thank you for a refreshing honest nice answer. no attacking, just presenting facts. love it man!!!

 

[Thailand_Paul]

thank you for a refreshing honest nice answer. no attacking, just presenting facts. love it man!!!

Thanks gb9 no effort really.
One of the reasons I choose to worship through the Church of Christ is that I was very disheartened by the attitude of some mainstream or well known denominations, who, rightly or wrongly condemn, mock and attack others for their method of faith.
I left all Church associations / denominations and nurtured my faith alone for several years. Got it wrong sometimes, got it right others.
The thing I was looking for, was to live and worship, purely as told in the Gospel, straight from the mouth of Jesus our Lord as related in the Holy text. Not some made up stuff that some "churches" come out with a few hundred or couple of thousand years later.
For me, the Church of Christ does practice this and because of what is an ancient way of worship it is sometimes vilified by the mainstream Churches as a cult.
Personally, I believe that C of C IS His church and that in a perfect world all His faithful would come to it. At the same time, I try very hard to NOT judge or vilify people who sincerely love Christ or wish to live their life through Him.
At the end of time or when we are called home by God, we will know who is truly "right" in their worship practices and I know that God in His grace, Love and Wisdom will judge us according to our faithfulness to Him.
When He sees that as part of a denomination's doctrine they practiced hatred towards other worshipers, I think He will be angered and they will pay the price. this goes for individual C of C members or renegade branches also.
No-one, especially someone like me, has the right to attack others who believe they are worshiping in a pleasing manner to God. We only have the right to advise and encourage.

 

[Mitspa]

Thanks gb9 no effort really.
One of the reasons I choose to worship through the Church of Christ is that I was very disheartened by the attitude of some mainstream or well known denominations, who, rightly or wrongly condemn, mock and attack others for their method of faith.
I left all Church associations / denominations and nurtured my faith alone for several years. Got it wrong sometimes, got it right others.
The thing I was looking for, was to live and worship, purely as told in the Gospel, straight from the mouth of Jesus our Lord as related in the Holy text. Not some made up stuff that some "churches" come out with a few hundred or couple of thousand years later.
For me, the Church of Christ does practice this and because of what is an ancient way of worship it is sometimes vilified by the mainstream Churches as a cult.
Personally, I believe that C of C IS His church and that in a perfect world all His faithful would come to it. At the same time, I try very hard to NOT judge or vilify people who sincerely love Christ or wish to live their life through Him.
At the end of time or when we are called home by God, we will know who is truly "right" in their worship practices and I know that God in His grace, Love and Wisdom will judge us according to our faithfulness to Him.
When He sees that as part of a denomination's doctrine they practiced hatred towards other worshipers, I think He will be angered and they will pay the price. this goes for individual C of C members or renegade branches also.
No-one, especially someone like me, has the right to attack others who believe they are worshiping in a pleasing manner to God. We only have the right to advise and encourage.

ok lets not get carried away wit everybody else is wrong and we are right... Im glad you feel comfortable there and maybe you could tell me about there doctrine as it relates to the Holy Spirit?

 

[Thailand_Paul]

Hi everyone,
Mitspa, glad you asked.
Okay I'll start by saying that like any church, there are always members of the congregations who have a different understanding of His inspired word. The Church of Christ, in recent times has seen this occur also.

Because of this, the church's stance on the Holy Spirit depends on who you ask. There are two main views on the indwelling of the Spirit, and I will explain both. Then I will tell you my position (which of course is the right one
We pretty much all agree on some things:
1. The Spirit is one of the three divine beings that make up the one and only God/Deity.
2. The Spirit is a He, not an It.
3. The Spirit was involved in the lives of men throughout the Old and New Testament period.
4. The Spirit was the author of the Bible using the hands of inspired men.
5. The Spirit indwells, helps, and guides Christians. (Here is the controversy. How does he do this.)
I am leaving out things, but you get the general idea. In the past, there has been no division in the conviction that the only way you could know about the Spirit's work was through the scriptures. You would not have a "still, small voice" or any special feelings. You could not have a conversation with him, and he did not give anybody any special revelations after the scriptures were completed.
That is changing. There are now those who are becoming "Pentecostal" in their views. I'm happy to be in fellowship with them so long as they respect my view as I do theirs.


Now the indwelling of the Spirit. Two views:
1. At baptism, the Spirit is given to Christians, enters their bodies and dwells there. Their bodies then become the temple of the Holy Spirit. From inside the Christian's body, the Spirit does whatever he does--again nobody can profess to explain His ways.what that Until the last 20 years or so, this view was a small minority view. There are many more in the church who believe this now and it is certainly a strong view in some mainstream denominations.
2. Acts 2:38 says: Repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The second view is that the "gift" is not the Holy Spirit himself, but the gift which the Holy Spirit gives at baptism--salvation. According to this view, all three are involved at baptism: we are baptized into Christ's death where we contact the cleansing blood; we are given the gift of salvation by the Holy Spirit, and then the Father adds us to the church. All three divine beings are in heaven but have infinite knowledge of what transpires on the earth and are involved in the lives of everybody in a providential way (He makes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45.) They are involved with Christians in a familial way. They are all involved with the prayers of Christians. The Spirit helps to communicate what we mean when we are having difficulty expressing ourselves; our Lord Jesus Christ is our advocate who intercedes for us with the Father. He is qualified to do so not only as God's son, but also because he lived as a man and built a bridge between God and man. The Father answers our prayers in the best way according to his will (no, yes, wait a while) not ours. Sometimes the worst thing that he could do for us is to give us what we want.
So as I said at the outset, there is some division creeping into the church around the way in which the Spirit acts and carries out His will. But we all agree that the spirit is an inseparable part of our Triune God.
I hope that answers your question and clarifies it for the members of this forum.
I suspect that you can tell which view is mine. If you want to, check out the link below.
That site might help you understand this better.
However, none of this may be what you are actually asking me. If I haven't hit it, let me know exactly what your question referred to, and I'll try again.
Blessings to all in Christ's name.


Indwelling

Note to moderators: If I am not allowed to post links yet, please accept my apologies and delete the offending link.

 

[gb9]

Thanks gb9 no effort really.
One of the reasons I choose to worship through the Church of Christ is that I was very disheartened by the attitude of some mainstream or well known denominations, who, rightly or wrongly condemn, mock and attack others for their method of faith.
I left all Church associations / denominations and nurtured my faith alone for several years. Got it wrong sometimes, got it right others.
The thing I was looking for, was to live and worship, purely as told in the Gospel, straight from the mouth of Jesus our Lord as related in the Holy text. Not some made up stuff that some "churches" come out with a few hundred or couple of thousand years later.
For me, the Church of Christ does practice this and because of what is an ancient way of worship it is sometimes vilified by the mainstream Churches as a cult.
Personally, I believe that C of C IS His church and that in a perfect world all His faithful would come to it. At the same time, I try very hard to NOT judge or vilify people who sincerely love Christ or wish to live their life through Him.
At the end of time or when we are called home by God, we will know who is truly "right" in their worship practices and I know that God in His grace, Love and Wisdom will judge us according to our faithfulness to Him.
When He sees that as part of a denomination's doctrine they practiced hatred towards other worshipers, I think He will be angered and they will pay the price. this goes for individual C of C members or renegade branches also.
No-one, especially someone like me, has the right to attack others who believe they are worshiping in a pleasing manner to God. We only have the right to advise and encourage.

we do not have to agree on every point to be brothers and sisters in Christ. we just respect each other, as you said. again, it Is very refreshing to see someone pleasantly and RESPECTFULLY presenting their church.

 

[Mitspa]

Hi everyone,
Mitspa, glad you asked.
Okay I'll start by saying that like any church, there are always members of the congregations who have a different understanding of His inspired word. The Church of Christ, in recent times has seen this occur also.

Because of this, the church's stance on the Holy Spirit depends on who you ask. There are two main views on the indwelling of the Spirit, and I will explain both. Then I will tell you my position (which of course is the right one
We pretty much all agree on some things:
1. The Spirit is one of the three divine beings that make up the one and only God/Deity.
2. The Spirit is a He, not an It.
3. The Spirit was involved in the lives of men throughout the Old and New Testament period.
4. The Spirit was the author of the Bible using the hands of inspired men.
5. The Spirit indwells, helps, and guides Christians. (Here is the controversy. How does he do this.)
I am leaving out things, but you get the general idea. In the past, there has been no division in the conviction that the only way you could know about the Spirit's work was through the scriptures. You would not have a "still, small voice" or any special feelings. You could not have a conversation with him, and he did not give anybody any special revelations after the scriptures were completed.
That is changing. There are now those who are becoming "Pentecostal" in their views. I'm happy to be in fellowship with them so long as they respect my view as I do theirs.


Now the indwelling of the Spirit. Two views:
1. At baptism, the Spirit is given to Christians, enters their bodies and dwells there. Their bodies then become the temple of the Holy Spirit. From inside the Christian's body, the Spirit does whatever he does--again nobody can profess to explain His ways.what that Until the last 20 years or so, this view was a small minority view. There are many more in the church who believe this now and it is certainly a strong view in some mainstream denominations.
2. Acts 2:38 says: Repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The second view is that the "gift" is not the Holy Spirit himself, but the gift which the Holy Spirit gives at baptism--salvation. According to this view, all three are involved at baptism: we are baptized into Christ's death where we contact the cleansing blood; we are given the gift of salvation by the Holy Spirit, and then the Father adds us to the church. All three divine beings are in heaven but have infinite knowledge of what transpires on the earth and are involved in the lives of everybody in a providential way (He makes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45.) They are involved with Christians in a familial way. They are all involved with the prayers of Christians. The Spirit helps to communicate what we mean when we are having difficulty expressing ourselves; our Lord Jesus Christ is our advocate who intercedes for us with the Father. He is qualified to do so not only as God's son, but also because he lived as a man and built a bridge between God and man. The Father answers our prayers in the best way according to his will (no, yes, wait a while) not ours. Sometimes the worst thing that he could do for us is to give us what we want.
So as I said at the outset, there is some division creeping into the church around the way in which the Spirit acts and carries out His will. But we all agree that the spirit is an inseparable part of our Triune God.
I hope that answers your question and clarifies it for the members of this forum.
I suspect that you can tell which view is mine. If you want to, check out the link below.
That site might help you understand this better.
However, none of this may be what you are actually asking me. If I haven't hit it, let me know exactly what your question referred to, and I'll try again.
Blessings to all in Christ's name.


Indwelling

Note to moderators: If I am not allowed to post links yet, please accept my apologies and delete the offending link.

So some don't believe in the born-again experience where we receive the New Creation nature? I also heard about baptism before belief and of babies and such...what you view and whats your churches doctrine?

 

[Thailand_Paul]

So some don't believe in the born-again experience where we receive the New Creation nature? I also heard about baptism before belief and of babies and such...what you view and whats your churches doctrine?

We do believe in the born again experience, in that we are reborn at the time of our repentance and baptism. We become new beings in Christ or to put it better we are new creations in Christ (albeit with a past :/ ) and the spirit dwells in us or alternatively the gift of salvation from the Spirit. Salvation to a future life.
No to baptism before belief. You must believe first then confess your belief and repentance of sins at your baptism.
Also no to baptism of babies because we believe that until someone is old enough to know sin you are without sin. We don't believe in the inherent sinfulness doctrine. Sin is something we learn as we mature and decide to do. A baby doesn't know what's right or wrong for the first year or so of his or her life. Then it is not really choosing sin, rather testing mum n dad's patience and boundaries. Further, a toddler cannot possibly comprehend God and the consequences of his or her actions. Lord knows we adults have a hard enough time of that
Therefore no infant baptism.