The Church of Christ is Different
Quite often, when people observe that churches of Christ do not participate in interdenominational activities, they exclaim, “The church of Christ is just different.” Let us see how the Lord’s church differs from the segments of the religious world. The church is different from paganism — by its faith in one true God. Paganism hardly […]
Church Growth by the Gospel or by Gimmicks?
On the first Pentecost following the resurrection of the Lord, the church of Christ exploded into existence. Under the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit, the apostles, for the very first time, proclaimed the full facts of the gospel message — namely, that Jesus of Nazareth had been crucified and buried, but that He had […]
The Fallacy of Institutionalism
In Acts 6, a group of Christians brought an accusation against another group because their widows were not being properly cared for. It was at news of this the apostles instructed the church to select certain men from among them to tend to the physical needs of those being neglected. Apparently, this inspired method was […]
Youth Groups Driving Teens to Abandon Faith
A new study might reveal why a majority of teenagers abandon their religious beliefs upon high school graduation. Some time ago, pollster George Barna documented that 61% of today’s 20-somethings who had attended religious assemblies at one point during their teen years are now spiritually disengaged. They do not attend church, read their Bible, or […]
The Beginning of the Church
When analyzing the New Testament to determine the beginning of the church, three arguments are plainly seen. The first relates to the kingdom and the law. The kingdom was to begin and the law goes forth from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-3; Luke 24:47). The law went forth on Pentecost from Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-38). Therefore, Pentecost was […]
What Constitutes a Strong Church
A look at the New Testament reveals that early in the history of the Lord’s church, some congregations were not as strong as the Lord desired. While Paul’s epistle to the church in Philippi indicated that congregation to be strong and faithful, his first letter to the Corinthians revealed a congregation inundated with spiritual problems, […]
What Jesus has Done for His People
The Bible is a never-ending repository of the mysteries of salvation. What has Jesus done for mankind? The answers can be found in the pages of scripture! He descended to earth that we might ascend to Heaven (John 6:38; 14:3). He became poor that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9; James 2:5). He was […]
Another Texas Church Uses Beer
After last week’s bulletin article, “Texas Church Attracts New Followers With Beer,” I had a brother call me about another Texas church that he knew of using a bar and beer to try to “minister” to people. Only this time — it was a church of Christ. The Bar Church is located in Abilene, TX […]
Ten Commandments for a Happy Congregation
Speak to people. Speak to everyone, especially to those you do not know. There is nothing quite so nice as a cheerful word of greeting. Smile at people. It takes far more muscles to frown than to smile. Your smile is one of your finest assets. Use it! It does not cost a thing! Call […]
Texas Church Attracts Followers with Beer
A Texas church is trying something different to attract new congregates. A pub in Fort Worth is home to the Church-in-a-Pub, where members of the Calvary Lutheran Church meet for services and grab a pint at the same time. Calvary Lutheran Church “pastor” Phillip Heinze explained how the idea first came about. “We we’re looking […]