SOME STRANGE THINGS ABOUT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
By Mike Gurganus
(Adapted From A Sermon Outline By James Rogers)

INTRODUCTION

  1. Many are aware of the church of Christ because of our advertising; radio and TV programs etc.
     

  2. As people come to hear of the church, they discuss it, and often as they discuss it, because of misunderstanding and misinformation, they present a weird and distorted picture of the church and that for which it stands.
     
  3. There were strange things said about the church in the first century:

  1. In Thessalonica it was said that its leaders were "turning the world upside down" Acts 17:6

  2. In Corinth it was reported that one of its apostles was "persuading men to worship God contrary to the law" Acts 18:13.

  3. In Rome the church was regarded as the "sect everywhere spoken against" Acts 28:22.

  1. Let us notice some of the strange things that are said about the church today.
     

  1. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST DOES NOT BELIEVE THE OLD TESTAMENT.

  1. Many people readily accuse us of not believing the Old Testament.

    1. They are amazed when we use an Old Testament reference or text in our preaching.

    2. They do not understand the Bible’s emphasis upon the New Testament.

  1. The truth regarding the Old Testament.

    1. The Old Testament is inspired. 2 Peter 1:20

    2. The Old Testament is profitable. Romans 15:4

    3. The Old Testament law was given exclusively to the Israelites. Deuteronomy 5:1-4

    4. This law was for the purpose of bringing the Israelites to Christ. Galatians 3:24

    5. Jesus Christ is the bringer of a far better covenant Hebrews 8:8-11

    6. This covenant was ushered in by shedding of Jesus blood upon the cross. Matthew 26:28

    7. This covenant, testament, gospel is for all. Romans 1:16

C. The approach by many to the Old Testament.

    1. They say "We take it all." When we examine their practices we see that they really do not.

    1. They refuse to practice animal sacrifice. Leviticus 1-5

    2. They do not keep the 3 annual feasts in Jerusalem. Leviticus 23

    1. The truth is that people go to the Old Testament to get what they want to do and leave everything they do not want to do. God says that if one takes part of the law he is debtor to take all of it and live by all of it. Galatians 5:3
       

  1. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST DOES NOT BELIEVE IN SALVATION BY GRACE.

  1. Salvation by God's grace is plainly taught in the New Testament and I fully accept it as it is taught there.

    1. Ephesians 2:8

    2. We are saved by grace but only as God directed.

  1. We need to understand the meaning of grace. It is unmerited favor. God saved us from sin when we did not deserve it, and He will save us in Heaven though we are unprofitable servants.
     

  2. Grace does not do away with the conditions that must be met by the sinner to be saved but rather connects them.

    1. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), but he was not saved until he had complied with the conditions of his salvation (Genesis 6:22).
    2. God's grace is extended to all (Titus 2:11), but it must be accepted by obedience to the plan of salvation. (Romans 10:17; John 8:24; Luke 13:3; Acts 8:37; Mark. 16:16)

 
  1. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST THINKS THEY ARE RIGHT AND EVERYBODY ELSE IS WRONG.

  1. "If you're not a member of the church of Christ, you’re going to hell" is quoted by many, but is misunderstood by the majority.
     

  2. Can we know who is right and who is wrong?

    1. One group denies the existence of God and the other confesses God. Can we know who is right and who is wrong?

    2. One man denies the deity of Jesus and the other believes it. Can we know who is right and who is wrong?

    3. We must decide who is right and who is wrong in the realm of religion.

  1. Can two people be right and teach contradictory doctrines?

    1. The earth is round. The earth is flat.

    2. Two + Two = Five. Two + Two=Four

    3. It is impossible for both to be right. We must decide which is which.

    4. Children are born totally depraved in sin. Children are pure.

    5. Only the elect are saved. All men have the right to choose whether they will obey God.

    6. Baptism is essential to salvation. Baptism is not essential to salvation.

    7. Who is right and who is wrong? Can we know?

  1. How can we tell who is right and who is wrong?

    1. Not by human wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:21

    2. Not by the number of people who believe or practice a doctrine. Majority will be lost. Matthew 7:13,14

    3. It is only by the Word of God that we can know. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

    1. Someone says, "You believe everyone is wrong who disagrees with you."

    2. No! I believe that everyone is wrong who disagrees with the Bible.

    1. We must be willing to let the Bible settle it.

  1. Does it make any difference if one is wrong in religion?

    1. Truth means freedom. John 8:32. Does freedom matter?

    2. Truth means purity. 1 Peter 1:22. Does purity matter?
    3. Error means damnation. 2 Thessalonians 2:11. Does damnation matter?


CONCLUSION

  1. You will hear many strange things about the church of Christ. Many of the things are either not so or are misunderstood by the religious world.

  2. We want to give you an answer for that which we practice religiously. 1 Peter 3:15

  3. Are you willing to give us a chance? Will you open your mind to the truth of the word of God?

  4. Can you find scriptural authorization for that which you practice religiously?

  5. It is not the church of your choice that matters; but the church of God’s choice.