Introduction Conformity is the name of the game in today’s society (‘PC’). Most don’t know it, but when it comes to religion, conformity can cost you your soul! You may not be aware of it, but the church of Christ is very different from other religious organizations.
How Is The Church of Christ Different?
Different from paganism Paganism believes in many gods: Acts 17:22- 23 We believe in only one God: 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6 Paganism is a morally and spiritually bank- rupt system of philosophy: Isa. 44:9-20; Rom. 1:20ff; Acts 17:23-31 How Is The Church of Christ Different?
Different from atheism Atheism denies there is a God: Gen. 1:1 God is different than man: Rom. 1:20; Isa. 55:8-9; Psa. 90:1-2; 19:1 For one reason or another, man does not like to entertain thoughts that God exists: Rom. 1:20-22; Psa. 14:1; Acts 17:28; Heb. 11:6 There are many atheists in our society today, but their philosophy too is morally and spiritually bankrupt. Despite their denials, one day they will confess Christ: Phil. 2:10-11 How Is The Church of Christ Different?
Different from Judaism Judaism is the religion God gave to Israel in the Old Testament: Deut. 7:6 Judaism was God’s “approved” religion, but it was only temporary: Gal. 3:24-25 Like ancient Judaism, modern Judaism rejects their own Savior: Jn. 1:11; 1 Jn. 2:22-23 We believe Jesus is God’s Son: Jn. 3:16; 20:30-31 Judaism too is morally and spiritually bankrupt; they await a Savior that will come but not to save them! Jn. 14:6; Matt. 21:33-45 How Is The Church of Christ Different?
Different from Catholicism The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the true and original “church of Christ”: Matt. 16:18 Quite interesting since “Roman Catholic Church” does not appear on the pages of the New Testament. In reality the RCC is the first church; the first man- made church! Acts 20:28-31; 2 Thess. 2:7 RCC came about as a developing apostasy as predicted in the Bible: 2 Thess. 2:3-4 How Is The Church of Christ Different?
Different from Catholicism Catholicism determines “truth” differently than the church of Christ: Flawed translation of the Bible: Douay Version. Catholic “traditions” trump Scripture. “The living voice” of the RCC trumps everything! The Scriptures are the ONLY source of divine authority: 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jude 3; Jn. 14, 15, 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:9-13 We believe Jesus Christ is in charge, not the Pope! Col. 1:18 How Is The Church of Christ Different?
Different from Protestant Denominationalism “Protestant” came into being during the time of the Reformation Movement (circa 1500’s). The true church of Christ is not a “Protestant Denomination” even though it protests RCC. Every protestant denomination is at least a thousand years too young to be the church of Christ! Protestant denominations use creeds, catechisms, confessions of faith, etc. not the Bible alone: 1 Pet. 4:11 “Faith only” is the mantra of protestant denomination- alism and it is false! Eph. 2:8-10; Jas. 2:14-26; 1 Pet. 3:21; Phil. 2:12; Matt. 28:18; Jn. 12:48; Matt. 7:29; 16:18 How Is The Church of Christ Different?
Different from most Churches of Christ Not every church of Christ is truly a “church of Christ”! Rom. 16:16 A sign on the building does not make one a “church of Christ”! Wearing the name is easy; but it’s something entirely different to be the real article. The vast majority of “churches of Christ” are in reality nothing more than another denomination. They range from quite conservative to quite liberal, but they all have one thing in common: They do not “abide in the doctrine of Christ” : 2 Jn. 9 How Is The Church of Christ Different?
Conclusion 1 Peter 2:9-10: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” We’re different because we’ve chosen to follow the Bible ALONE! It’s that simple! Matt. 7:13-14