Text: Romans 16:16
When talking about spiritual matters with other religious people, there are some things we find in common with them. However, there are also some significant differences between churches of Christ and other churches. Some are curious about this, and we want to be ready to give an explanation (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). NOTE: There is no “official” position (no written creed or denominational headquarters deciding on doctrine), so we cannot speak for all “churches of Christ.” However, some teachings and practices are generally common, but different from other churches.
Bible Authority
- Strong emphasis on this – to be fair, some denominations will claim this, but the application is different; we will see this as we look at some more visible differences in a moment
- Why do we emphasize Bible authority?
- We recognize the Lordship of Christ (Matthew 28:18) – this requires us to DO what He says (Luke 6:46)
- We recoginze the authority of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17) – we must hold fast to the pattern (2 Timothy 1:13)
Autonomy
- Most churches in the religious world are part of a larger denominational structure – yet churches of Christ are independent and autonomous (self-governing)
- Why do we practice congregational autonomy?
- God designed local churches to be overseen by elders (Acts 14:23; 20:28) – plurality; meet certain qualifications
- Elders shepherd the flock among them (1 Peter 5:2) – nothing beyond the local church (1 Peter 5:4)
A Cappella Singing
- Most churches use instrumental music in their worship – yet churches of Christ do not; a cappella singing; congregational (no choirs, solos, etc.)
- Why do we not use instruments?
- We are told to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) – the “instrument” specified for us to use is our voice; others are excluded (cf. Hebrews 7:12-14)
- Instruments were used in the Old Testament (2 Chronicles 29:25-28) – but we are not under that law today (Colossians 2:14)
Weekly Lord’s Supper
- Most churches observe the Lord’s Supper occasionally (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.) – yet churches of Christ partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week
- Why do we do this weekly?
- This was the standard practice of the early church (Acts 20:7)
- Parallel to the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:8-11; cf. Numbers 15:32-36) – this is not our law today [previous point], but it does instruct us (Romans 15:4); it shows the need to do this every first day
Baptism
- Most churches practice some form of baptism for various people and for different purposes – yet churches of Christ baptize believers for the purpose of salvation
- Why do we teach and practice baptism this way?
- There are prerequisites to baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36-38; 2:37-38) – this excludes infants
- Baptism is immersion in water (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4) – this eliminates sprinkling or pouring
- Baptism is for salvation (Romans 10:13; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21) – it is not because we are forgiven, but to be forgiven
Conclusion
- There may be other differences we can point to, but these are a few of the major ones
- Why does it matter? – it goes back to what we started with… Bible authority
- We do not do these things because they are our preference, opinion, or tradition
- We do them because this is what we find taught in the New Testament
- This is what we have been called to follow (Matthew 28:18-20)
