“Why are you a member of the church of Christ?” If you were to be asked: “Why are you a member of the church of Christ?” Material taken from tract by Roy Cogdill found www.knowyourbible.co.za/tracts How would you answer?

The Basis For Any Religious Affiliation Conviction The Basis For Any Religious Affiliation Only One Acceptable Basis For Conviction Conviction “Faith comes by hearing…hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17)

Early disciples died in the Arena – Rather than deny their faith 1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Early disciples died in the Arena – Rather than deny their faith Can you give Biblical reason for your faith, practice and work? Can answer “Why?” Polycarp

Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ

of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It is built upon the foundation of the eternal truth: Jesus is the Son of God It Recognizes Christ as the only head & only source of authority It Gives Jesus Christ the preeminence in all things of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It is built after the divine pattern in organization It accepts the gospel of Christ as its only creed It does not employ any human innovations in worship

It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member

It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names Idea today: “Nothing in a name/ Name doesn’t matter” Phil. 2:9 – Christ has a name above all names 1 Pet. 4:16 – glorify God in the name “Christian” Acts 4:11-12 – Salvation in no other name Can we call the church “church of Satan?”

It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names Idea today: “Nothing in a name/ Name doesn’t matter” Church must wear a scriptural name “Church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2) “Church of the Living God (1 Tim. 3:15) “House of God” (1 Tim. 3:15) “The Church” (Eph. 5:32) “Churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16)

It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names Idea today: “Nothing in a name/ Name doesn’t matter” Church must wear a scriptural name Individuals must wear s scriptural name “Saints” (Phil. 1:1) “Disciples” (Acts 11:26) “Christians” (Acts 11:26) “Brethren” (1 Thess. 5:27)

It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names Idea today: “Nothing in a name/ Name doesn’t matter” Church must wear a scriptural name Individuals must wear s scriptural name Names of human origin are used in religion “Lutheran” – named after a man “Baptist” – named after a practice “United Pentecostal Church (Oneness)” – named after a doctrine Presbyterian – named after a form of government

of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member

It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity Today pleas are made for “unity in diversity” All agree to disagree Let’s focus on common ground & ignore difference Claim to have “unity” while holding to contradictory doctrines, etc.

It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity Today pleas are made for “unity in diversity” The church of Christ pleads for undenominational Christianity To be united as God and Christ (John 17:20-21) Should speak the same thing (1 Cor. 1:10-11) Divisions & factions are condemned (Gal. 5:19-21) There is one body (Eph. 4:4)

It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity Today pleas are made for “unity in diversity” The church of Christ pleads for undenominational Christianity Denominationalism – holds forth a divided Christ Idea of denominationalism – God’s people are divided in various sects As long as hold to human names – divided As long as hold to human creeds – divided As long as hold to human organization – divided Unity is impossible!

Such a plea is consistent It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity Today pleas are made for “unity in diversity” The church of Christ pleads for undenominational Christianity Denominationalism – holds forth a divided Christ Members of the church of Christ plead for all to give up human plans for Christ Do not plead for men to give up one human creed for another, etc. Plea that men give up ALL human creeds, organizations, practice – become NT Christians! Such a plea is consistent

of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It has only a spiritual (not a social) mission in the world

It has only a spiritual (not a social) mission in the world Mission of the Lord’s church is spiritual Work is to preach the Gospel (1 Tim. 3:15) Gospel – message of redemption (Rom. 1:16-17) Supports men to preach (2 Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15) Sends men out to preach (Acts 13-14)

It has only a spiritual (not a social) mission in the world Mission of the Lord’s church is spiritual Other missions pervert the Lord’s plan Political force – Catholic Social work – Church owned hospitals, social programs, etc. Educational – Denominations with schools Business – Catholics, other churches Entertainment – Church theaters, productions, etc.

of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It has only a spiritual (not a social) mission in the world It has no human requirements for membership

It has no human requirements for membership In the New Testament – Same process by which one was saved – added to the church (Acts 2) Heard the gospel (vv. 22-36) Believed on Christ (v. 36) Repented of their sins (v. 38) Baptized for remission of sins (vv. 38, 41) Added to the church (v. 47)

It has no human requirements for membership In the New Testament – Same process by which one was saved – added to the church (Acts 2) No such thing in NT as being saved & later doing something to become a member of the church Voted upon by membership – Baptist Answer 21 questions – JW Subscribe to a creed - Methodist

of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It has only a spiritual (not a social) mission in the world It has no human requirements for membership The doctrine that it supports is found in the New Testament

The doctrine that it supports is found in the New Testament Denominational groups teach doctrines that cannot be supported by the Scriptures Saved by faith alone (Jas. 2:24) Once saved always saved (Gal. 5:4) Makes no difference what one believes (2 Thess. 2:10-12) Jesus only (John 17:20-21) Limited atonement (Heb. 2:9) Miracles today (1 Cor. 13:8-10) Lord’s supper quarterly (Acts 20:7) Modern day revelation (2 Pet. 1:3) Baptism not essential (Mark 16:16)

The doctrine that it supports is found in the New Testament Denominational groups teach doctrines that cannot be supported by the Scriptures Church of Christ supports teaching found in NT Speak as oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11) Preach the word (2 Tim. 4:2) Urge people to study for selves (Acts 17:11) Plea for open discussion & debate (Phil. 1:17)

Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ

of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It is built upon the foundation of the eternal truth: Jesus is the Son of God Morning It Recognizes Christ as the only head & only source of authority It Gives Jesus Christ the preeminence in all things of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It is built after the divine pattern in organization It accepts the gospel of Christ as its only creed It does not employ any human innovations in worship

of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member Evening It refuses all human names & recognizes only divinely given names It makes a consistent plea for Christian unity of the Church of Christ Why I Am a Member It has only a spiritual (not a social) mission in the world It has no human requirements for membership The doctrine that it supports is found in the New Testament