WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

History of The Church Patriarchal Age Mosaical Age Christian Age God spoke directly to Adam, Abraham, etc. No written law Mosaical Age God spoke and gave the law to Moses 10 commandments Judaism Christian Age Began with death and resurrection of Jesus Matthew 16:13-20 New testament church established, Old Testament church (Judaism) no longer applies

Our Origin With the death of Christ, came a new covenant Romans 15:4-6 “4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be likeminded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 16:16 “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” I Corinthians 1:2 – The church of God The name “Church of Christ” is a reference to “The Church” instilled by the new covenant about 2000 years ago Just because the name on the sign is Church of Christ, doesn’t mean that they are doing the will of God

Are We a Protestant Church? Protestant Reformation Martin Luther Catholic monk in Germany who believed in justification through faith alone (Protestantism), instead of justification through faith and good works (Catholicism) 95 Theses (Oct. 31, 1517) – list of complaints and abuses of the Catholic Church Luther is kicked out of Catholic Church and creates the first Protestant religion, Lutheranism (between 1521 & 1546)

Are We a Denomination? 1 John 2:15-17 Matthew 15:8-9 “’8 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me , Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Denominations are man made The Protestant faith was created by man (Martin Luther) The true church comes from God, not man. Therefore, we are neither a denominational or Protestant church

Our Services Why do we have deacons and elders? Titus 1:5-9 (Elders) I Timothy 3:1-7 (Elders); 8-13 (Deacons) Why isn’t our preacher referred to as “Father” or “Reverend?” Matthew 23:6-10 Romans 15:16 – Paul calls himself “minister” Women’s role in the church I Corinthians 14:33-35 I Timothy 2:11-12

The Lord’s Supper Why do we partake of the Lord’s Supper? Matthew 26:26-28 Mark 14:22-24 Luke 22:14-20 John 6:53-58 Why do we take it every Sunday? Acts 20:7 Conduct during the Lord’s Supper I Corinthians 11:23-29

Why Don’t We Use Musical Instruments During Services? We must look at what the Bible commands about using music Ephesians 5:19-21 Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace to your hearts to the Lord” Matthew 26:30 Revelation 22:18-19; Deuteronomy 4:2 God tells us to NOT add to or take away from his word

WE MUST SPEAK WHERE THE BIBLE SPEAKS, AND BE SILENT WHERE THE BIBLE IS SILENT!!! When the Bible gives us a command, we must always follow it exactly If the Bible does not say to do something, we must keep from doing it Liberal or Moderate vs. Conservative churches Liberal churches try to interpret what the Bible says Conservative churches follow the Bible as closely as possible What if liberals/moderates are wrong? Not following God’s word will keep you out of Heaven Revelation 3:15-16 What if conservatives are wrong? We have lost nothing Would you rather be safe or sorry? This is why we do not have a fellowship hall, plays, etc.

Do We Believe That We Are The Only Ones Going To Heaven? Many look to God only being forgiving , but we must also fear Him Matthew 10:27-31 “…fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Too many believe and teach of the ease of getting into Heaven Matthew 7:13-14 Matthew 7:21-23 Luke 13:23-30 Not everyone who seeks the kingdom of Heaven will find it…We must NOT take God for granted! How do we get to Heaven?

Baptism You cannot get to Heaven by JUST being baptized, but you DO HAVE to be baptized to go to Heaven Mark 16:15-16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Acts 2:38 John 3:3-8 Romans 6:4 I Peter 3:21

God’s Plan For Salvation Hear Acts 18:8 Believe John 3:16; Mark 16:16; Acts 16:31 Confess Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10 Repent Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Acts 8:22 Be Baptized Mark 16:14-20; John 3:3, 5-8; Romans 6:4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38 Live a Faithful Life Revelation 2:10