Various religious groups are known for certain features that seem to be prominent or noticeable. One, for example, is noted for its pomp, traditions, and rituals. Some are noted for going door to door or having a “new” covenant. Still others are marked by their enthusiasm or perhaps their piety. So what are churches of Christ known for? Unfortunately, all too often it is for not using a piano.
That would not be our choice as something by which to be characterized, but it is a fairly obvious observance by anyone who visits and worships with us. We can’t help that; it’s not exactly something you can keep secret. Oftentimes that is the first question people ask, and there is a Biblical answer, but there’s something more fundamental that we would prefer being known for, which will eventually result in that question being answered. But rather than begin with an application, we need to start with the Biblical principle that we would like to be known for.
First of all, it ought to be emphasized that Christians need to exhibit balance, by which is meant that whatever Jesus, the Lord and Savior of all who obey Him (Heb. 5:9), commands us to do we have an obligation to fulfill. In other words, does He command us to be evangelistic? Yes (Matt. 28:18-20). Therefore, we cannot say, “Oh, that requires a lot of work; let’s sit that one out and concentrate on something else.” So we are evangelistic. We help support 5 men in the United States (two in Tennessee, one in Virginia, one working primarily with the Haitian population in Miami, and one in Pierre, South Dakota). We help seven men around the world, including the Philippines, the Virgin Islands, Kiev, Ukraine, and four in the Pacific Islands. This is a large part of our budget each year, but most people will not learn that on their first visit here.
We also have an obligation to be evangelistic in our area as well. Therefore, we have sent publications into homes in this area, and we have knocked on doors to set up Bible studies. More than 20 members have completed the “Fishers of Men” course to enable us to better study with people and answer questions effectively. We have a desire to bring those who are lost to Jesus, Who can wash away their sins in His blood (Rev. 1:5).
Very clearly the Bible teaches throughout that God expects His people to be holy. Under the covenant that God made with Israel through Moses, He commanded them: “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy’” (Lev. 19:2). They were to avoid sin in their lives.
Under the New Testament of Jesus we have the same commandment (1 Peter 1:15-16) and many more like it, such as 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Therefore, having those promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” The things which Christians must abstain from are mentioned in several passages of Scriptures (Rom. 1:26-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Rev. 21:8). We take all of these verses seriously and strive to live a holy life; we live in the world but are not of the world (John 17:14-17). Of course, most visitors would not be immediately aware of the efforts of members along these lines.
We once had a reputation for being a people of the Book. Members often knew the Scriptures well and could either quote dozens of verses or at least know where to find them. Has this changed among churches of Christ? In some instances, yes. Some have chosen to follow the trend of many religious groups by substituting Scriptures with illustrations and humorous stories. While these are undoubtedly interesting, they cannot take the place of the Word of God. So, some of our brethren are much weaker today than they were in times past.
You will find the right emphasis here, because we make it a point that everyone study the entire Bible. We are currently on our second time through the 5½ year Chronological Bible Odyssey. Now this is something that a visitor would probably not know, just coming to worship. In our Bible classes we actually study the Bible instead of just a few portions of it or the wisdom of men. Sermons are Bible-based, also.
In fact, the emphasis on the Scriptures may actually unsettle some. Once, a young woman visited with us a few weeks and then left to attend another congregation. About three months later her boyfriend insisted on returning. Several months after that, she explained why she was at first reluctant to worship with us. In the church she had grown up with, they did not discuss the Scriptures that much, and (based on that experience) she thought there must be something wrong with us!
What irony! One would think that almost everyone would consider it valuable to know The Book, but some regard it as a liability. Imagine Israel at Mount Sinai with all the nation of Israel ready to hear Him speak. The Almighty says, “I have Ten Commandments to give you today, but I thought we’d begin with a few jokes.” Now, honestly, who could understand humor better than God and be able to deliver an effective punchline? While laughter has a great value (Pr. 17: 22), there is a time and a place for everything. Worship is designed to honor God and edify—not amuse— ourselves.
About 30 years ago, many members of the church appeared on the Donahue television program. One was representing us; several were in the audience. If many in the audience seemed hostile toward us, the reason was that someone came out before the program started and did an effective job of riling up those present before any members of the church had an opportunity to say anything. When the topic was introduced, several in the audience and, eventually, the representative on stage, explained our philosophy by appealing to the teachings of the Scriptures. Finally, a woman in the audience blurted out, “These people are blinded by the Bible!” Really?
Apparently, if we had quoted from a prominent psychologist or a recognized expert like Dr. Oz, we could have emerged unscathed, but to actually appeal to the Word of God was definitely not acceptable. No one is recorded as saying of Jesus, after listening to Him for three days, “He seems to be blinded by His own teachings.” On the other hand, Paul was accused of his great learning driving him mad (Acts 26:24). Paul was not crazy; he was simply explaining the fulfillment of the Scriptures. The woman in Donahue’s audience had it wrong. The Scriptures do not blind anyone; they clarify and reveal reality. Satan is the one who blinds people (2 Cor. 4:3-4)—especially those who do not know what the Bible teaches.
Related to the preceding topic is this one. Although it is not our only emphasis, it is one that we would like to be known for. The Bible teaches that we must all be seekers of truth. Even in the Old Testament era, the wise King Solomon wrote: “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Pr. 23:23). Jesus prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). The only way we can be made holy is through the truth as declared in the Word of God. We are not sanctified by our feelings or any other subjective means but by following the objective Word of God, which arises from God rather than human beings.
Jesus had emphasized this point earlier in His ministry when He taught these words: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).
Notice that the truth is known by abiding in the Word. The teachings of Christ must be studied, examined, believed, and followed. Most people in today’s society are like Pontius Pilate who scoffed at the concept of truth. When Jesus told the governor that he came into the world to bear witness to the truth, he answered, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38). Many people today express the same attitude. It is considered arrogant, first of all, for anyone to assert that he knows anything, and, second, to claim to know the truth. Some college professors ridicule students who would dare to affirm such a position.
To say that one knows the truth on a matter or a subject is not arrogant, however. It does not require advanced education or theological degrees. In order to know truth, a person does not even need above average ability. It is not due to his own cleverness that anyone comes to a knowledge of the truth; the reason for it is that God made it available. If we know His Word, we can know truth. Paul told all the brethren in Ephesus that, when they read what he wrote, they might “understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4).
Apparently, some people have not gotten past the philosophy of the Middle Ages that was kept alive by certain individuals with a vested interest. That ideology was that the average person could not understand the Bible for himself; it had to be explained by a “professional.” What those folks, who had a limited access to the Bible, probably did not know is that the epistles (letters) of the New Testament were written to the common, average person with no special training in religion. The Holy Spirit wrote in words that we all can understand.
The same one who helped bring sin into this world has contradicted God at every turn. He told Eve, “You shall not surely die” (Gen.3:4). As Jesus said, the devil is a liar and the father of it; there is no truth in him (John 8:44). He has contradicted and challenged every major teaching in the New Testament. Just about every book contains one or more warnings against error (Matt. 7:15-20; Acts 20:28-32; Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; et al.). For that reason we must search the Scriptures diligently to be certain that we know the truth.
It is especially important to know the truth about salvation; if there is one area that Satan will challenge, it is this one. We encourage everyone to study the book of conversions (Acts) and see what was required (2:36-41; 8:26-40; 16:31-34; 22:16). Next, it is important to know what constitutes acceptable worship. Jesus talked about true worshippers worshipping the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). Most people today are sincere and fervent in their worship, but it must be according to what God commands—not according to what pleases us. This sin was first committed by Cain, who did not give God what He asked for, but what he wanted to give (Gen. 4:3-5; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:4; 12:24).
Then we must continue in the right doctrine (Acts 2: 42). It is lamentable that for many truth is not a high priority. Many have bought into the devil’s lie when he says, “It really doesn’t matter what you believe, so long as you are sincere.” Notice that this sentiment contradicts not only the Scriptures already cited, but also 2 Thessalonians 2:10, where Paul mentions that some “did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” The only way to learn truth is through diligent Bible study and earnest discussion. Churches of Christ have never encouraged visitors or members to accept what we teach—just because we teach it. Instead we admonish people to evaluate what they hear us say, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:10-11). Truth is essential.
Why doesn’t Jesus tell any who is in heaven speaking with Him that denominationalism is sinful and that He only established one church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22-23)? Why don’t people return from the dead with an evangelistic fervor and an emphasis upon truth? Why is there no passion to spread the Gospel when Jesus taught the urgency of such before He ascended into Heaven (Matt. 28:18-20)? These are things worthy of thinking about when evaluating what sincere people are telling us. When studying with someone who has had such an experience, these are appropriate things to have them contemplate.