Churches of Christ (not a “brand name” but a designation) have long been known for having Bible authority for all we teach and practice. Of course, this concept originated with God, not the church (Colossians 3:16-17). In fact, no true doctrine ever originates with the church, but rather the church becomes and remains the true church as it upholds and supports biblical teaching (1 Timothy 3:15). If we fail to uphold and hold fast to “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), then we cease to be the Lord’s church (Hebrews 3:6)! Just claiming to be the Lord’s does not make it so (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46). Often when we speak of the preceding passages, we refer to those in the denominational world. While it is true that these passages would apply to denominations, it certainly has application to us!
When Jesus spoke these words and the inspired penman recorded them, denominations were not yet in existence. Therefore, to whom originally were these passages directed? They were directed to disciples and followers of Jesus—those who would become the church. Brethren, we need to make personal application here. Just because we claim allegiance to Christ does not make it so. Our teaching and practice must be the same as that of the apostles and of Christ (Acts 2:42). We must make certain we have Bible authority for what we teach and practice. Do we?
What about doctrinally? It is quite heart-breaking to see the doctrinal differences among those claiming to be the New Testament church. From music, the qualifications and work of elders, the work of preachers, head-coverings, women’s role, marriage-divorce-and-remarriage, and on and on we could go. Is the Bible that difficult to understand? Is God the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)? Or, do we attempt to fit the Bible into our preconceived notions? The restoration plea was “speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent,” but among some brethren that philosophy is outdated. Is it with us as well? However, we must remember that concept did not originate with Thomas Campbell, but rather with God Almighty (Matthew 15:9; 28:18-20; Hebrews 8:5; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18-19, et al.). There is but one doctrine that is pleasing to God!
What about financially? Have we left the original pattern for the use of our Lord’s money? All we can ever know about how to spend the Lord’s money is what the Bible has said regarding that subject. Sadly, today, God’s treasury in many places has become used to purchase things for the entertainment of our young people, older people and everyone in between. What saith the Scripture in regard to the Lord’s money? Evangelism is one place we must spend God’s money (Romans 10:13ff; 1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians 6:6). We know that Paul was supported on some occasions to travel and preach God’s Word (2 Corinthians 11:9; Philippians 4:15). Benevolence is another area wherein we have Bible authority to use God’s money (Acts 4:32; 1 Corinthians 16:1ff; 2 Corinthians 8, 9; Galatians 6:10). Notice carefully, this money was used to supply a need, not entertainment or a want! Edification is another Scriptural use for the Lord’s money (Ephesians 4:11-16). Now we must be careful here, as “edification” is often the justification for gymnasiums, pizza parties, basketball courts, etc. Scriptural edification is spiritual in nature. Edification means “building up,” and it refers to building up spiritually. How do we do that? Bible class materials, tracts, DVD’s and other spiritual things contribute to edification. Financially, we cannot spend the Lord’s money in any other area and please God, for He has spoken in regard to how He wants His money spent.
What about evangelistically? The apostles and the church were given the task of evangelizing the world. Since there are no longer apostles living on earth, the church is the sole institution for spreading the message of salvation (Matthew 28:18-20). There were no “evangelism centers,” “missionary societies” or any other group in the first century to do God’s bidding. The church of Christ is solely charged with the propagation of truth. We need nothing larger than the church to do our work! Did Paul belong to a society for missionaries? Was Titus linked with some organization other than the Lord’s church? Never! These things were all foreign to the New Testament, and therefore, they did not and do not have scriptural authority!
I understand the things I write are not popular. I know that brethren all over this world are involved in such things. Yet, my plea is “Thus saith the Lord”! I want to please God, not the brotherhood. I want to seek the old paths (Jeremiah 6:16), not the status quo. Several years ago, I remember speaking with a brother in Christ regarding the preceding subject. I was told that my thinking was “too narrow.” However, I read in a book one time that “…strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life…” (Matthew 7:14), and spiritual life is all I seek. Brethren, let’s make sure we have Bible authority for all we teach and practice. “Thus saith the Lord” as our guide, Heaven will be our eternal home!
