How are the Church and the Kingdom Related?

By Bob Prichard     The burning question in the hearts of the early Jews was the question of when the Messiah would establish His kingdom on earth and reign upon David’s throne. Most misunderstood the issue, and even the disciples were caught up in misconceptions of the nature of the Lord’s kingdom. Just before His ascension, they asked Jesus, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They just did not understand the true nature or identity of the kingdom of God.     The word “kingdom,” as used in the New Testament, means “royal power, kingship, the territory subject to a king, the reign of the Messiah,” with primary reference to the rule, reign, and authority of God. New Testament writers used it in several senses. Paul spoke of the eternity of the kingdom: “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Jesus used kingdom in another sense when He told the Pharisees, “behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21), meaning that the kingdom, or rule of God was in their midst through His ministry as the Son of God. The primary use of the term “kingdom,” however, is in reference to the church.     After Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus blessed Peter, saying, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus here used the phrases “my church” and “kingdom of heaven” interchangeably. Writing later, Paul rejoiced with the Colossian Christians that God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Just a few verses later he identified the kingdom as “the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18).     John the Baptizer, Jesus, and the apostles all preached that the kingdom was “at hand,” or near. “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). “Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).      The New Testament church surely fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the kingdom. Daniel declared that “in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). The “kings” referred to the Roman Empire, the fourth kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream image, the kings who controlled first century Judaea when the church was established.      Jesus Himself predicted that the kingdom would be established within the lifetime of the apostles. “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1). The kingdom surely came with power on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).     People become citizens of the kingdom of God, the church, by the new birth, being born of the water and the spirit. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

I Will Build My Church

By Bob Prichard     “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:13-19).     When Jesus asked, “Who do men say that I am?” the answers of men were wrong! Only Peter had the right answer, and it makes a difference Who we believe Jesus is. Can anyone be saved by believing He was John? Of course not!     Jesus said, “Upon this rock” not to emphasize the rock, but the One upon whom the belief is placed. Jesus was not promising to build his church on Peter, but on faith that He is the Messiah. But what did Jesus have in mind when He made this promise? WHEN WOULD HE BUILD HIS CHURCH?     We know clearly that it was not built by John. “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). John was never in His kingdom, the church.     Daniel prophesied the beginning of the church: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44).  A church built any other time would not be His church.     Jesus told the apostles, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).     This was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:14-16). At the conclusion of his sermon, as he invited all to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), “they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Act 2:41). “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47b). HOW MANY CHURCHES DID HE SAY HE WOULD HE BUILD?     Did Jesus envision thousands of denominational divisions? Did He envision a time when men would say “Join the church of your choice”?     John 17 records the prayer of Jesus as he prepared for the cross, praying first for his disciples, and then He added, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:20-23).     He did not say “I will build my churches.” He envisioned one church, not many denominations. Among the great unities of Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul said “There is one body,” meaning there is one church. WHAT WOULD HE CALL HIS CHURCH?     Names are important, and He would want His church associated with Him. The church at Corinth was divided, and Paul asked them to be united, speaking the same thing, and wearing the name of Christ. “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:11-13).     There are no exclusive names, but descriptive names given for the church in scripture, It is called “the church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2), “the church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23), “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16), “body of Christ” (Colossians 1:24), “bride” (Revelation 21:2), and “the house of God” (1 Timothy 3:15). These are not different churches, but the one church He established. WHAT WOULD GUIDE HIS CHURCH?     God has always given His people a pattern (Exodus 25:40 Hebrews 8:5). In the parable of the soils, Jesus explained, “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). If the seed, the word of God is properly planted and cultivated, the seed will produce the church. Church history is marked by men deviating from the Bible pattern to make the denominations what they desire. You could never find the churches or their doctrines in the Bible alone. But if you have the seed, you can produce the church of the New Testament. If you wanted Georgia watermelons in Texas, you wouldn’t need to run a vine from Georgia to Texas. You would just need the seed. HOW WOULD PEOPLE ENTER HIS CHURCH?     The pattern established on Pentecost. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:36-38).     The same pattern was followed as Phillip taught the Ethiopian eunuch. “And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:34-38).     You can be a member of the same church as those on Pentecost, the eunuch, Peter and Paul, if you will obey the gospel as they did.

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Good Soil in America

By Bob Prichard     The world out of which the American Restoration movement grew was truly a world of “good soil” (Luke 8:8). The new nation was a nation that did not have allegiance to any particular religious denomination. Many were searching for truth in the early decades of the nineteenth century. It was fertile soil for people to question what they had always believed.     The result was a variety of religious movements. Joseph Smith offered his mythical Book of Mormon, as he suggested that all of the churches of the day were corrupt, and it was necessary to restore the church in those “latter days.” The “United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing,” better known as the Shakers, spread west to Kentucky and Indiana from their base at New Lebanon, NY, attracting thousands to communal living.     And then there was the Restoration Movement. From diverse beginnings, many began to question the religious division and denominational loyalties of their world. A trickle of searchers departing from those loyalties became a roaring river of people seeking to restore the ancient order of things. James O’Kelly left the Methodists. Elias Smith and Abner Jones left the Baptists. Barton W. Stone, Thomas Campbell and Alexander Campbell left the Presbyterians. Although these had some differences in doctrine, they united in understanding that the need was a return to the church of the New Testament, following only the Bible as a guide. As heirs of the Restoration Movement, we can be thankful that the religious climate of the nineteenth century provided the fertile soil of truth seekers.     We must seek good soil in our nation today. The moral climate of our world can’t help but convince truth seekers that there is a better way. “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16a).

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

“Unity – No Matter What”

By Jim Faughn     That’s what the message was on a sign at a church building in our community. I’ve been thinking about that message ever since I saw it.      I cannot truly be loyal to Jesus if I’m not concerned about, praying for, and working toward unity. At the same time, I’m thinking that I cannot do all of those things no matter what.     Allow me to try to explain what I mean by that after I share with you a portion of the words that Jesus prayed to His Father very shortly before He went to the cross. As His thoughts transitioned from His apostles to “…them that believe on me through their word…,” He prayed:     that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:20-21)     To be sure, unity was on the mind of Jesus as He prayed. It is also clear that He viewed a lack of unity as a hindrance to belief in Him. While those things are true, we don’t need to overlook the connection between unity and the inspired message with which the apostles would be entrusted.     It might be helpful to remember that, not long after Jesus prayed the prayer recorded in John 17, He was on the cross. There was a strange and unusual combination of hatred, division, and unity that played a vital role in putting Him there.      One example of that has to do with two Jewish sects of that day. Pharisees and Saddducees were in opposition on a number of doctrines, but were united in their opposition to – and hatred of –  Jesus. That “unity” was a factor in putting Jesus on the cross. Whatever else that could be said, it should be acknowledged that this arrangement was both temporary and artificial.     Another example can be found with regard to two officials of the government. As we read about the trials which led to the crucifixion of the Savior, we find these interesting and telling words: And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves (Luke 23:12). This is yet another example of a temporary and artificial unity that played a role in the death of the Lord.     We now live in a world in which the most ungodly lifestyles, philosophies, beliefs, religions, practices, etc. are accepted and promoted. Not only are they accepted and promoted, we are now being told that people who do not celebrate what the Bible condemns are unloving and even unChristian.      How did we get here? How did so many who claim to be following the One who prayed for unity become so divided and divisive? Why has it gotten to the point where people who preach and talk about love actually practice hate? What makes people who promote tolerance become so intolerant with those who disagree with them?     For that matter, why would people whose stated intention is to follow Jesus produce creed books, catechisms, manuals, etc. that have the effect of dividing people? Why would any individual allow his or her opinions, preferences, or “comfort zones” to be of equal or greater importance than scripture?     I suppose that multiple volumes could be written to address questions like that, but I will suggest just one thing. It may not be all that profound, but I am hoping that you will give it some consideration.      It seems to me that the closer we get to Jesus and His Word, the closer we get to one another. That seems to me to be the answer to His prayer for true unity. A corollary to that might be that things which He condemns cannot be endorsed or practiced by those who are truly His followers.     Genuine unity includes a genuine connection to God’s Word, submission to the will of Jesus, and true fellowship with His followers. People can form temporary unions, but unity is eternal.     So – count me in for “unity,” but count me out for “no matter what.”

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Property Poor Church Members

By Jim Faughn     I recently came across an article in a religious periodical published in 1918. The title of that article was the same as the title for this post.     The article mentions a man who served as an elder in a local congregation who owned a great deal of property. According to a statement he made, the value of his property was $160,000. His weekly contribution to the local congregation of which he was a member was seventy-five cents!      When this man was encouraged to increase his contribution, he said that he could not do that because he was “property poor.” He even claimed that his financial “stress” made it necessary for him to borrow money at times.     With a little research and my elementary skills in mathematics, I discovered that $160,000 in 1918 would be the equivalent of almost $3,400,000 today. That “sacrificial” seventy-five cents would be the equivalent of a little less than $16.00 today. When numbers like this are discussed, it is not unusual to hear or read the term “adjusted for inflation.”      I’m thinking that another adjustment might need to be considered. In both 1918 and 2026, there might need to be an adjustment in the attitudes and priorities of some people.     I’ve never known and have never wanted to know how much monetary support is given to the work of the Lord by people with whom I worship. I’m wondering though if some haven’t gone from being property poor to also being automobile poor, boat poor, hobby poor, entertainment poor, fashion poor, travel poor, etc. In other words, I’m wondering if people have “obligated” themselves to so many other things that there is not much left for the Lord and His work.     Maybe we need to revisit a parable that Jesus taught. He spoke of a man whose mindset was totally on material things. You may remember that he was so prosperous that the only solution he could think of was to build bigger places where he could store his “stuff.” (Have you noticed the proliferation of “storage facilities” in most communities today?)     This man heard these words from God: Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Luke 12:20, KJV) You may remember how Jesus ended that parable. It should serve as a reminder and challenge to all of us: So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:21 KJV)

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

By Jim Faughn     I have a lot of friends who enjoy the game of golf. I am happy for them, but I am not a big fan. I discovered a long time ago that I could get frustrated without spending time and money trying to do something that could not even remotely be described as playing golf.      I do know enough about the sport, though, to recognize that there is a tournament that takes place at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia each spring during the first full week of April. The Masters Tournament has a long history and is considered to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. As you may know, those who promote The Masters use the following slogan: “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.”     As I understand it, there are even what could be called traditions within the tradition. Even a person like me who knows very little about golf knows that the winner of that tournament receives a green jacket. I also know that the course is known for its beauty and that a certain part of the course is known as “Amen Corner.” (I’m not sure what that means, but I’ve heard the phrase.)      Shortly after this year’s tournament was completed and Rory Mcllroy was awarded the green jacket, I was reading about a unique (and apparently fairly recent) tradition. There are no cell phones allowed on the course.     After I learned about that policy, I started reading some reports about it and even watched a television news report online about it. According to what I read and watched, there are “phone banks” available for people who feel that they really need to make a call, but the phones in these “banks” are what some refer to now as “landlines.”      I thought that the television report about these phone banks was particularly interesting because one seven-year-old boy described the experience of using one of the phones. It almost seemed as though he was describing something from ancient history when he said that the phone had a long cord and that you couldn’t see the person with whom you were talking. He said that what he was using was “not at all like a normal phone.” (just one of many reminders I keep getting about how old I am)     What I found most interesting was a common thread that ran through the reports I read or saw. Various sources reported that there was a real similarity between both the purpose of the prohibition of cell phones and the result of that prohibition. That similarity was that the entire experience of this prestigious tournament was enhanced. The positive results which were reported included things like more personal interaction, a greater appreciation of the natural surroundings, and a general sense of making the entire experience more meaningful.     The barber who cuts my hair is, unlike me, a huge fan of golf and loves to play the game himself. When I mentioned what I had learned about the “no cell phone policy” to him, he told me that the officials are very serious about its enforcement. According to him, if a cell phone “goes off’ or is found on an individual, that person is immediately escorted to the gate.      Have you figured out yet where I am going with this? If not, let me help you out a little.     Golf courses are not the only places where people assemble who at least claim to share a common interest. On a regular basis, assemblies take place in facilities which are designed to assist people in their worship of God.      Sadly, in some of those assemblies, there will be those who will be checking their emails, texts, the latest posts on social media, and/or just playing some sort of mindless game on a cell phone or tablet. All of this (and more) could and does happen when people are doing what these people must consider to be such “trivial things” as addressing God in prayer, hearing His word proclaimed, and singing songs like “Jesus is All the World to Me.”     Is it just me, or is there something wrong here? Why would people willingly give up their cell phones to watch a golf tournament, but balk at any suggestion about not having them “in hand” and using them during a worship assembly?     Before somebody “goes there,” I understand that some people use their phones as their Bibles. At the same time, I am not so naive as to believe that everybody who has a cell phone out during a worship service is using it for that purpose. If you think that is the case, I would invite you to talk to the guys in “the crow’s nest” where I worship and let them tell you about some of the things they have told me that they see from their vantage point or you could just ask me what I’ve seen from the pulpit while I was trying to preach.     Some traditions may have a very small beginning. The “seventh inning stretch” in baseball, for example, began when one person was tired of sitting and decided to stand and stretch between the top half and bottom half of the seventh inning at one baseball game. Admittedly, that one person happened to be the president of our nation at the time, but he was still only one person. His action influenced others to also stand as a demonstration of respect. As the saying goes, the rest is history. The “seventh inning stretch” is now almost as much a part of the game as the game itself.     Let me suggest something that you might be able to start all by yourself or join with others in implementing where you worship. Maybe you and some others could set the example of separating yourselves from your phones long enough to truly worship.        Maybe your congregation would be known as a people with… A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER.

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Values

By Bob Prichard     Doing some excavating on his North Carolina farm 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a strange rock. Three years later, in 1802, a Fayetteville jeweler offered him $3.50 for the rock. It tuned out that the rock was gold, and had a value of $3,600. This was the beginning of the Reed Gold Mine. In those three years before learning he had a large gold nugget, Reed had been using the rock as a doorstop.     Like Reed, we are often ignorant to the true value of things. We often place the greatest significance on the incidental and neglect the eternal. Not surprisingly, a death, an illness, or another tragedy often makes us stop and think and to consider what is really important.     In explaining to the Christians of Corinth the true meaning and place of spiritual gifts, Paul touched on this point. Though all parts of the body are important, we tend to place the greater emphasis on some parts to the neglect of others. “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).     As a simple comparison, in a week’s time, how does your time spent in grooming and caring spent in caring for the inner man? Paul prayed for Ephesians that God would grant them “according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). What is really valuable to you? Do you truly value the eternal over the temporal?

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Values

By Bob Prichard     Doing some excavating on his North Carolina farm 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a strange rock. Three years later, in 1802, a Fayetteville jeweler offered him $3.50 for the rock. It tuned out that the rock was gold, and had a value of $3,600. This was the beginning of the Reed Gold Mine. In those three years before learning he had a large gold nugget, Reed had been using the rock as a doorstop.     Like Reed, we are often ignorant to the true value of things. We often place the greatest significance on the incidental and neglect the eternal. Not surprisingly, a death, an illness, or another tragedy often makes us stop and think and to consider what is really important.     In explaining to the Christians of Corinth the true meaning and place of spiritual gifts, Paul touched on this point. Though all parts of the body are important, we tend to place the greater emphasis on some parts to the neglect of others. “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).     As a simple comparison, in a week’s time, how does your time spent in grooming and caring for the body compare to the time spent in caring for the inner man? Paul prayed for Ephesians that God would grant them “according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). What is really valuable to you? Do you truly value the eternal over the temporal?

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

One Body

By Brian Mitchell     There is hardly a congregation of the Lord’s church today—Large or Small—that is not feeling some type of pressure to change. Whether it comes from within or without, there is mounting pressure today to alter our teachings about the nature of the church, salvation and worship. This pressure can be either good or bad—positive or negative.     It can be positive if it causes us to examine closely what we believe and make sure that it is in accordance with the Word of God. If it helps us to be able to distinguish between the Truth of God’s Word and the Traditions of Men—holding to the former while being willing to let go of the latter. It can be negative, if in an attempt to ease the pressure or simply to be more like those around us, we are willing to give up any of the essentials of our faith. That are dictated to us by the Word of God and thus not subject to change.     It does not matter if they are popular or not, there are certain limits beyond which we cannot go, if we are to remain pleasing to God—Gal.1:6-9. Regardless of what is often heard from the “change-agents” among us, we cannot alter, adapt or change in any way the foundational principles and practices of the Lord’s church. And to do so would be of no benefit to ourselves or to those we would “supposedly” be reaching by doing so.     I believe that it was Barton Stone that long ago said: “In matters of faith, Unity, In matters of Opinion, Liberty and In all things, Love.” While I wholeheartedly agree with the principles behind these sentiments, the practice of them, even in the Lord’s church, has never come easily. What are matters of faith and opinion to one individual or group is often quite different than what is considered to be so by another group. And there has often been anything but love, expressed towards one another by those on opposing sides.     Is there any way that we can know what are and are not matters of faith upon which our unity is built and maintained? How Do We know the Biblical Limits of Faith and Practice Beyond which We May not Go? While I wish there was, within the Bible, a concise list of all the things that we must believe, practice and teach, the reality is that it is not quite that simple. If we were looking for one place in the NT that provides us with insight into the principles upon which the Unity of the Christian Faith is built, Eph.4 would be that passage.     The Basis of this Series—Eph.4:4-6. It is here that Paul provides 7 Foundational Pillars that serve as the foundation of the Christian Faith. Any one of which removed will cause the entire structure to crumble. There is ONLY ONE Body, Spirit, Hope of Your Calling, Lord, Faith, Baptism and God the Father of All. Thus, if an individual or groups teachings conflict with one of the 7 principles found in our passage, unity is destroyed.     If one teaches that one religious group is as good as another, they are violating the teaching that there is only 1 Body. And this teaching would destroy the unity for which Christ prayed and died, thus making our walk unworthy of our calling. So our goal beginning this week, is to more fully understand the 7 Ones and specifically to understand the One Body, of which Paul speaks in Eph.4:4.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Church Growth

By Ron Thomas     In an issue of The Christian Chronicle, the lead article gives attention to the decline in church attendance, and the pending death of the Lord’s church in certain locations. They addressed how do churches of Christ turn the decline in attendance around and spur new growth? One response: “Using the creativity that God has placed in each of us but keeping it holy – biblical and Spirit-led – is what we need to reach 21st century souls.”     I am in no position to say anything against an expert in church growth, but I do have a few ideas that might be worthily considered. First, according to the Holy Spirit, Christians need to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:16-17). If Christians were to live in accordance with this admonition, would not the fires of the Lord’s revival radiate outward, as it does internally?     Second, Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward (1 Thess. 5:16-18). There are good reasons to rejoice in the Lord. If there is no joy within your heart, there is none who can instill it within you. You are the solution to why there is no joy. In order to turn this around, consider the first point again. How fervently do you pray? The frequency of your prayers to God are not enumerated in Holy Writ, but heart-felt devotion is.     Third, “... let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh” (Heb. 10:22-25). Those who love the Lord choose to be nowhere else. This means, in practical terms, those who say they love the Lord and do not attend, they do not love the Lord. If they did, they would listen to Him. Since they are not present, they do not. Plain and simple.     Fourth, “Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences” (2 Cor. 5:11). The precise application of this verse is to Paul, the apostles, and those in Paul’s immediate environment. Yet, there is a profound application that each of us should make. If we do not fear the Lord, our lives reflect that, and so do the few words that come from the heart telling others about Jesus, hope, and judgment.     Church growth is crucial, and the methods employed are what they are. I bet whatever method applied, the method will work better if the four considerations above are applied.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

One Body

By Clifton Angel
    Paul wrote to the congregation at Ephesus: "There is one body" (Eph 4:4). No argument can be made against the meaning of “one;" however, many differ on the "body". In an attempt to be tolerant of every person's beliefs, many have subscribed to a "Let's agree to disagree” type of Christianity. Many settle with, "Choose the church of your choice." Therefore, the "one body" is interpreted to mean a collection of all the varying denominations of "Christianity" no matter their teachings, beliefs, or practices. May I challenge that interpretation and conclusion?    The "one body" is most assuredly referring to the church which belongs to Christ. We know this by considering Ephesians 4:4 in light of Ephesians 1:22–23 and Colossians 1:18. Furthermore, we cannot deny the singular possessive pronoun Jesus used when He said, "I will build my church" (Matt 16:18). Therefore, if the "body" is the "church," there must be only "one church.”    Some agree to these passages and still conclude that various denominations make up the "one church.” 1 Corinthians 12:12–30 shows this cannot be the case. The context of these verses are concerning the miraculous abilities entrusted to human beings in the first century church. Such abilities are not given to us today (1 Cor 13:10); however, the principles still stand. God desires those with various personalities, desires, and abilities to work together for the same purpose, as the same “body.”     Paul is referencing people and not whole groups/churches as the "members" of the "body" (1 Cor 12:28). Consider verses 24–25: "God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” If my left foot is headed in one direction and my right foot another, they are not working together for the same purpose—and that would be painful! Likewise, if a group of people are teaching that you are saved by personal belief without the need for baptism and another group of people are teaching that you are saved by submitting to immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins, these two groups cannot be working together for the same purpose; therefore, they cannot make up the same body. Furthermore, if one group of people teaches that baptism is sprinkling which is administered soon after the birth of a child and another group of people teaches that baptism is full submersion of an individual who has matured to an age of understanding, these two groups cannot be working together for the same purpose; therefore, they cannot make up the same body.    Paul wrote, "There is one body" (Eph 4:4). Jesus said, "I will build my church" (Matt 16:18). Are you a part of the "one body"—the one church—which we learn of in the pages of the New Testament?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

The Challenge Churches Don’t Want to Address

By Adam Faughn       Churches face a lot of challenges. Of course, there is no challenge so great that it cannot be overcome with God’s help. If we follow Him, there is nothing that can hold a congregation back.     I have noticed that there are a lot of enemies and challenges that churches will regularly address, and will do so with great fervor. They will clearly address sins that are bearing down on society and that are in the regular news cycle. The whole array of LGBTQ issues comes to mind. Certainly, these need to be addressed and the truth of God’s Word needs to be presented boldly.     It is also easy to talk about challenges that our local community might face that could stunt church growth. Maybe the congregation is willing to talk about how factories have moved out or other factors have played a role in the local community shrinking in size. Again, it would be foolish not to be realistic about the current setting.     But there is one challenge that many congregations do not want to address, and it becomes very clear why that is the case when it is named. What is it? Being comfortable.     Let me quickly say that there should be a certain level of comfort in the Church. After all, these are the best people on earth! And there should be some “normalcy” in how certain things are done. There is no reason to upend everything just to be relevant or just to try to make a point.     What I am talking about in this article is when a congregation is unwilling to evaluate anything simply because it might upset somebody. We cannot change Scripture; that is absolutely true. But are we willing to consider how we do things like Bible classes? Are we willing to change the emphasis of some events–or, perish the thought, even just stop them because they are not being effective?     Maybe the hardest question: are we willing to stop doing everything just “for us” and start really doing things to reach the lost, even if those things are harder and (sometimes) more frustrating?     We like what we like. And, over time, it becomes easier and easier to just do things and put things on the calendar to make us feel better. To be honest, that’s comfortable.     But Scripture does not tell us to be comfortable until death. We are commanded to be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10). And faithfulness rarely equals constant comfort.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Does the Lord see my good days?

By Ron Thomas     Hosea 6:6 (ASV). For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. When the Lord speaks of goodness, what does He mean? In Micah 6:8, the Scripture reads, He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God? Thus, “goodness” is best understood to be in relation to kindness, humility, and living in accordance with God’s way (justly). The Lord did not minimize any of His commands of a sacrificial approach to Him, but if sacrifices offered had no substantive foundation under them, the offering came crashing down, so to speak. When one approaches the Lord, he (and she) must trust Him through and through (cf. Prov. 3:5), for without that, all one presents is form, and no substance.     Hosea 7:2 (ASV). And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now have their own doings beset them about; they are before my face. As we turn out the lights to our homes, as we engage in activity that no one can see, the Lord’s eyes shine brightly on our actions. “But I am not doing anything!” might be the reply. The Lord sees that also. In the dark crevices of one’s mind, there are thoughts, even as few as two, swirling around thinking about some pleasure or vengeance to be perpetrated; maybe there is no thought about anything, but suddenly something flashes across the mind and stops. “But I didn’t do anything, I only thought it!” one might reply. The Lord sees that also.     The Lord’s warnings are many in Scripture, but words of encouragement are also there. Jehovah is righteous in all his ways, And gracious in all his works. Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth (Psa. 145:17-18). There may be many bad days from which one tries to run, but to the Lord when we run to Him, the Lord sees that as a good day.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Can We Join the Church

By Glen Elliott

The Bible doesn’t say anything about joining the church. The church had its beginning on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus. On that occasion, Peter and the rest of the apostles were moved by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to the Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem. Their message convicted the people of having crucified the Son of God. When these believers interrupted the sermon and asked what they needed to do, Peter replied, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (Acts 2:38). In verse 41, we learn that “those who had received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Penitent believers who were baptized were added to the Lord’s church that day. In fact, verse 47 goes on to say that “the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” The King James Version of the Bible translates it this way: “and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”     Man cannot establish entrance requirements or initiation rites for being added to the Lord’s church. While we can join various religious denominations, we cannot join the Lord’s church. God adds to His church every penitent believer who is baptized for the forgiveness of sins. We are not voted into the church. God adds us to His church. God’s church is comprised of all who have done what God said to do in order to accept God’s grace by faith. In addition to belief, this includes repentance and baptism. Later in the New Testament, Paul spoke of how the Corinthians had come into the body of Christ. He said, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13).     Anyone of accountable age and aptitude can become a member of God’s church. But one cannot join the Lord’s church. Only God can add a person to His church when he or she has submitted to His requirements for salvation. Why not be added to His church today and be truly numbered with the saved?

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

What the Church Offers

By Bill Brandstatter
    Too many folks look upon church attendance as being secondary to anything else on their schedule. They are not opposed to religion. They may even look upon it as a vital part of life; but they have no conscience against neglecting it. Perhaps the attitude is: “I’ll go to church if nothing comes up, or if I am not too tired.” But to stay away because we have so many other engagements or because we have so little strength left is like staying away from the dinner table because we are too hungry to go to the table. The Bible tells us that this was not uncommon in the first century. The writer of Hebrews notes “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some...” (Heb. 10:25a).    What then does the church have to offer that a person cannot get anywhere else? One man said, “I do not go to church anymore because I can get what the church has to offer in better form elsewhere.” When the church gets into the business of offering the world what the world already has, it is in the wrong business, and is not the church of the New Testament. The mission of God’s church is to save souls (Luke 19:10; Mark16:16; Acts 8:4). God’s power for saving souls is in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). It is the mission of the church to preach the gospel.    The church offers a family atmosphere to believers not found elsewhere. The early church was said to be “together and had all things common.” (Acts 2:42) Each member of the church is important. The church is to offer assistance to the believer in need (1 John 3:17). The church is where the saved are (Acts 2:47). Their names are enrolled in heaven (Heb. 12:23). Where else can men have fellowship, communion with God and associations that they have in the church? In what other institution can we find the same assurance? Where else is offered the hope of everlasting life?

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

One Nation Under God

By Clifton Angel     What if you could live in a nation whose foundation was built upon God? What if you could live in a nation whose primary leader was completely submissive to God?  What if you could live in a nation whose laws were always truly good and right? What if you could live in a nation whose justice system was entirely up-right? What if you could live in a nation whose good citizens always looked to God? A nation whose education system relied on the Bible? A nation where life was sacred? A nation where the leaders truly sought the best for the citizens? A nation that cared most about things Biblical, instead of things political? As much as this may seem like a fantasy, it is actually a reality.     Peter wrote these words to members of the body of Christ: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Figuratively, the Lord's church is a nation, which must shine as a line to all physical nations. Paul said, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye  may be blameless and harmless, the sons  of God, without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of a  crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14–15).     The Psalmist proclaimed, "Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah, The people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance" (Psalm 33:12, ASV). Peter said  it this way, concerning  the  church, "Blessed be  the  God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his  abundant  mercy  hath  begotten  us  again  unto  a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  To  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3–4).     If you are in Christ's kingdom (Acts 2:37–47; Colossians 1:13)—an holy nation—you are in: (1) A nation whose foundation is built upon God! (2) A nation whose primary leader is completely submissive to God (Jesus)! (3) A nation whose laws are always truly good and right! (4) A nation whose justice system is entirely upright! (5) A nation whose good citizens always look to God! (6) A nation whose education system relies on the Bible! (7) A nation where life is sacred! (8) A nation where the leaders truly seek the best for the citizens! (9) A nation that cares most about things Biblical, instead of things political!      Are you in the church that belongs to Christ—the one nation that is willingly under God?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Undenominational Christianity

By Dan C. Bailey

Most people do not understand that the church of Christ, the body of Christ, or the church that we read about in the New Testament is not a denomination. As a Christian and Bible believer, I am against division in the body of Christ. In theory, denominationalism says that it is acceptable to God to worship in the various denominations which treat different doctrines from each other, and therefore, different doctrines than those in the Bible.     It cannot be the case that the Bible teaches contradictory doctrines. The very concept of denominationalism justifies and supports the teaching of error. Any organization, group, or theory that justifies error and contradicts the Word of God is an organization, group, or theory that a Christian should have nothing to do with. As Christians, we are not in fellowship with any denomination, neither do we intend to be.     Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." One must realize that true Christianity is undenominational and be ready to defend that fact.     In the Bible, God teaches us that there is only one church, body, family or kingdom over which Christ is the head or ruler. This church or kingdom takes its orders or commands from Jesus Christ by means of the words of the New Covenant or New Testament. Christ is not the author of error or doctrines that contradict the Work of God.     Jesus promised to build His church in Matthew 16:13-20. We read in verses 18 & 19: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." The Lord said "my church." He didn't say churches or denominations that would contradict one another. Christ is the builder of the only one church and it belongs to him. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).     When a man is saved in obedience to the gospel of Christ, he is immediately added to the church of Christ, body of Christ, or kingdom of Christ. We read in Acts 2:38-41: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." And in verse 47 of the same chapter: "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."     The church is the body of Christ, and since there is only one body, there is only one church in the Bible. I do not expect you to take my word for this, but the scriptures teach us in Ephesians 1:17-23. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."     And we read in Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."     Christ is the one head of the one church or the one body. "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body" (Ephesians 5:23). "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18).     Let us never be ashamed to teach what the Bible teaches about the church or any other subject.   - Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The Unity of The Church

<

By Dan C. Bailey    Certainly, one of the most important subjects in the Bible is the unity of the Lord's church. The church is the body of Christ and the body of Christ is the church. Paul said, "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23). And again he said, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). We read in I Cor 12:20, "But now are they many members, yet but one body." And again in I Cor. 12:27, "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." Jesus promised to build His church. He said, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). The Lord did build or establish his church on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two. Does Jesus desire that his church be divided? David said, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). If unity is good and pleasant, wouldn't it be God's will for his church to be united or to be one?      In John 17:1-26, we have the longest prayer in the New Testament. The Lord prayed this prayer just before he went out to the garden of Gethsemane. In verses twenty through twenty six, Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples or his church. Surely it was a sincere prayer. Surely it was a prayer within the realm of possibility. We know that Jesus meant what he prayed and prayed what he meant. Here is what he prayed: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one" (John 17:20-23).      Jesus not only prayed for unity, he gave the plan for unity. God would not expect his people to be united without a plan. Jesus said, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word" (John 17:20). His church is to be united through the word of the apostles. Was it really obtainable? After all, many say that we cannot understand the Bible alike?      My friends, if we really understand the word of God, we will understand it alike! Luke tells us in Acts 2:42, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." In Acts 4:32-33 we read, "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." The apostles preached the gospel by the Holy Spirit who guided them into all truth. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come" (John 16:13).      The teachings of the apostles of Christ were understood and followed in the early church. Peter exhorted, "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour" (II Peter 3:1-2). And Paul informs us in I Cor. 14:37, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." Jesus gave us the plan for unity. Now we are expected to follow the plan.      There is only one God and God has only one plan for unity! Division in the Lord's church is sinful. Paul commanded the brethren in Corinth, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (I Cor. 1:10). In chapter 3:1-3 we read, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" Envy, strife, and division are carnal. They are fleshly, worldly, sinful!      It is not a light matter to divide the Lord's church. Paul wrote to the Philippians and said, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27). How can anyone study these verses and the prayer of Jesus and then affirm that there is nothing wrong with division in the body of Christ? Let us be one in Christ, just as our Savior prayed. ******************************** United As One The church is commanded to be of one mind, To labor together -- a God given sign. United in love, one body indeed, Helping the helpless, and all those in need.   The church of the Lord is to be of one soul, Cleansed by the blood, redeemed and made whole. Led by the words of the Bible each day, United as one, let us walk in the way.   One body, one Spirit, one Savior Divine, One Lord and one Faith, delivered one time. So let us take heed to the prayer of God's Son. Like Him and the Father, we all should be one. Dan C. Bailey / November 30, 2009   "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one."                               John 17:20-22

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The Church as Family

By Andrew Beasley       Many in religious circles in the United States share concern over the declining numbers in church attendance. For instance, in 2022 a combined study by General Social Survey and the Pew Research Center showed a nearly 30 percent decline in adults who claim to be Christian, while those who are religiously unaffiliated have seen an increase from 5 percent to 29 percent over a period of about three decades from the 1990’s to 2022. There are certainly many reasons external to the church for this shift, but it must be acknowledged that there are internal explanations as well.     Recently, a two-part post regarding the shift in thinking among millennials and Gen Z Christians (i.e. those who have become adults since the GSS/PEW study) noted a desire among this group of adults to shift from going to church to instead being the church. In truth, there should be room for both. It should not be an either-or proposition but a yes-and. In other words, we should be the church and also have a desire to go to what many refer to as church or what we refer to as worship services or assembly. If we truly are the church, then we should desire to assemble with our brothers and sisters in Christ to glorify God. However, that should not be all that we have to give.    Instead, we should look to Acts 2 for some guidance on what the church should look like. It is more than just the assembly. It is a family that seeks to be around one another as often as we possibly can, glorifying God and uplifting one another in everything that we do.

- Andrew Beasley serves as a minister with the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/

Strengthening The Family Of God

By Jeff Arnette     In the beauty of life in the mountains, the call to foster family, community, and care for one another is both a challenge and a necessity. As followers of Christ, we are called to the family of God and without this focus we will drift apart simply due to time restraints and distance from each other. If we can embrace the teachings of the principals set forth in Scripture and actively try to foster a sense of community and family, we can become a true beacon of hope and love. Family As A Foundation For The Church.     The family has always been important to God’s plan for us. In Proverbs 22:6 it says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This expresses the importance of teaching our children about God and helps them in future. It also tells us that faith-filled family life builds the foundation for the church because it fosters the same environment. Building a Strong Church Family.     Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Being an active member of the church, whether its for worship, Bible study, or fellowship strengthens the connections we have with one another. In our busy lives, these connections could not be more important. How Do We Accomplish This?     Spending time together outside of the worship service couldn’t be more powerful toward this purpose. Small groups are also important here. Being able to spend time together studying, fellowshipping, and enjoying food or snacks outside of the regular worship times helps us learn and grow as Christians. This also helps us make sure that no one feels left out or isolated from the group.     In small town churches we enjoy many blessings that larger churches cannot create without serious effort. We get to know each other personally, know about the lives and struggles of each other, and enjoy a friendship that draws us together. By grounding our efforts to live New Testament Christianity in the family dynamic we can love and support one another. As such we become living testimonies of the Family of God, shining as lights in a world that desperately needs somewhere to belong, find support, and feel loved.  Heading

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/