Why The Church of Christ

Is Different

The world in general place us in a category along with all the other faith

based groups.

INTRODUCTION

• The average person in our society does not know that the church of Christ is different from the denominations.

• Sadly, some who are members of a local church do not know why the church of Christ is different from the denominations.

• The fact that they are all different should speak volumes, because each group is different from the others.

Denomination

• The very definition means to be just another brand of a larger entity.

• We speak of different value of money as denominations– ones, fives, tens, twenties, etc.

• People consider each different denomination to be just another entity or denomination within the universal church of Christ.

Denomination

• Each entity is different as they all have differences.

• Doctrine, beliefs, creeds, works, actions are different.

• Some designate their denomination by a name.

• Some by a belief.

Denomination

• Of the eight definitions in the dictionary, we only meet one criteria of denomination;

• That is we are different from the rest in name only.

• We do not consider ourselves as a denomination like the world does.

• We are different, and we are going to view some of those differences.

The Bible

• One of the primary and foremost reasons we are not a denomination is because of how we treat the BIBLE.

• We respect it as the word of God.• Denominations also claim to respect the word

of God, yet their actions and doctrines are a disclaimer that they do not follow the Bible.

The Bible

• One of our motto’s is this:• Speak where the Bible speaks and be silent

where it is silent.• This is partly based upon 1 Peter 4:11.• Our view, is if God has revealed in His word

how we are to worship Him, we had better be right.

The Bible

• That is why we use scripture to teach us and guide us.

• Everything we do has scripture to support our actions and teachings.

• Book, chapter, verse is very important.• Much preaching takes place without referencing

the holy Scriptures as a source of authority.• These are the words of God, Christ, Holy Spirit.

The Bible

• The authority of scripture comes in the form of:

• Statements of Fact• Direct Commands• Approved Apostolic Examples• Necessary Implication or Inference• Silence of Scripture

Gods Plan Of Salvation

• One of the most obvious differences between denominations and us is in how we teach the plan of salvation.

• Hearing the gospel message• Believing the message and believing in Christ• Repenting• Confessing• Being baptized.• Denominations use some of these, but not all.

Creeds

• Another difference is in the fact that most every denomination has its own written creed that is their guide.

• Of course, these man—made written creeds are rewritten all the time to satisfy political desires.

• In the church of Christ, we have no creed but the BIBLE.

• Most of these creeds will declare the BIBLE to be the inerrant word of God, but ignore the BIBLE to pursue their own religious error.

The Name

• Of course the name segregates from other groups and tells outsiders we are different.

• Some groups use the names of men as their identity.

• Some groups use a doctrinal belief as their identity.

• We choose to identify ourselves with Christ.• Thus the designation: Church of Christ.

Organization

• Many groups are known for their levels of hierarchy.• According to the Bible, we read that Christ is head of

the church.• Within the local churches, the scriptures authorize

elders over each individual congregation, and deacons to assist the elders.

• Nothing more, nothing less. • Evangelists are a different category and should not be

confused with the other offices, neither do they have any authority over the church.

Work of the Church

• According to the bible the work of the church is limited to three things.

• Evangelism• Edification• Limited benevolence• General benevolence, evangelism and

edification are all duties that individuals possess.

Work of the Church

• Church are limited to what Scripture authorizes.

• While we cannot deny that many denominations do good works, the fact of the matter is that they do not have authority for what they do.

• Of course, many works of denominations do nothing for the spiritual building up that the BIBLE teaches needs to be done.

Worship of the Church

• According to scripture we have:• Prayer• Singing• Observance of the Lords Supper• Giving to support the local church (?)• Sermon or words of encouragement.

Conclusion

• There are many differences.• All have to do with the identity of the true

church of Christ as revealed in the Bible.• Each one of the points made in this sermon

could have an entire sermon dedicated to such subject.

• Find the church that most closely follows the Bible, and you have a good church.