Why the Church of Christ Is Different 

The October issue of Spiritual Sword focuses on the fact that there is one body, referring to the church, the body of Christ.  One article addresses the topic, “Why the Church of Christ Is Different.”  It is written by David Pharr, a gospel preacher located in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  The points he made are worthy of our consideration. 

 I. The Temptation to Just Go Along 

• Many Christians today want to just fit in, to be like other religious people.  They don’t want to stand out or be different in their beliefs.  They are afraid to speak out against the sins of our society.  They want to be friends with the world.  But note  James 4:4. 
• Even during the time Christ lived on earth, some who believed in Him were more concerned about pleasing men than God.  (John 12:42-43)
• Jesus warned His followers about what would happen if they chose to follow Him.  (John 15:18-19)
• Some give in to the temptation to please men.  The apostle Paul was not one of them.  (Galatians 1:10)

II. The Call to Be Different 

• John 17:14-16 “not of this world”
• Philippians 2:14-16 ”shine as lights in a dark world”
• I Peter 4:1-4 “do not join them”

III. The Need to Tell Others that Christ’s Church Is Unique 

• The church of Christ is different when we accept Christ as the only head of the church.  (Colossians 1:18)  No councils, synods, conferences, nor conventions make rules for the Lord’s church.  Jesus has all authority.  (Matthew 28:18)
• The Bible is our only guide.  There is no manual, discipline . . .  The Bible is all that we need.  (II Timothy 3:16-17)
• Study of God’s Word is necessary for every child of God.  We are not told what to believe; but through effort, what God desires of us can be determined.  (II Timothy 2:15)
• Respect silence of Scripture.  If something is not authorized in the Scriptures, no one has the right to go ahead and do it.  (I Thessalonians 5:21)  Do good; what is acceptable in God’s sight.

Invitation: 

  The Lord wants us to follow Him and submit our lives to Him exclusively.  No one else is to be our Lord and Master.  Are you ready to do just that? 

Bobby Stafford

October 30, 2011

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