autonomy

Andy Sochor February 16, 2026

What Makes churches of Christ Different?

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). […]

Filed Under: church, New Testament Tagged With: authority, autonomy, baptism, church, church of Christ, instrumental music, Lord's Supper, singing

Andy Sochor November 13, 2017

The Blessing of Autonomy

Text: 1 Peter 5:1-2 One characteristic of the Lord’s church that makes it different from most churches of men is autonomy. Why did the Lord design the church to be this way? We can look to the Bible to see what has been revealed that would show at least some of His reasons. So in this lesson, […]

Filed Under: church, New Testament Tagged With: apostasy, autonomy, benevolence, church, elders, error, evangelism

Andy Sochor April 17, 2017

Who Were the 7,000?

Text: 1 Kings 19:18 After the showdown with the prophets of Baal, Elijah was forced to flee from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3). With the opposition he was facing, he prayed for the Lord to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah believed he was the only one left serving the Lord in Israel (1 Kings 19:10, 14). […]

Filed Under: Old Testament Tagged With: authority, autonomy, church, faithfulness

Andy Sochor August 17, 2015

Benevolence: Congregational

Text: Acts 4:32-35 Benevolence is something that the New Testament describes being done by congregations and individuals. Benevolence is help that is provided to those who are in need because they cannot provide for themselves, not because they will not (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10). This lesson will focus on congregational benevolence. Local Churches Are Authorized […]

Filed Under: church, New Testament Tagged With: authority, autonomy, benevolence, church

Andy Sochor December 29, 2014

Why Being Non-Denominational Is Not Good Enough

Text: Revelation 3:1 In the past, more emphasis was placed upon denominational affiliation. But for many today, this is less important. This mindset has given rise to the number of “non-denominational” churches. For years, faithful brethren have rightly condemned denominationalism. So is the trend of non-denominationalism a good thing? Maybe not. Why not? Simply being non-denominational is […]

Filed Under: church, New Testament Tagged With: authority, autonomy, baptism, benevolence, church, deacons, denominationalism, edification, elders, evangelism, salvation, teaching, worship

Andy Sochor November 10, 2014

Why Were They Called Churches of Christ?

Text: Romans 16:16 Paul referred to the congregations with which he was associated as “churches of Christ.” Many brethren, in an effort to follow the New Testament pattern, have also used this to identify local churches. But some have tried to distance themselves from this name. Our desire must be to please Christ and serve […]

Filed Under: church, New Testament Tagged With: authority, autonomy, baptism, church, church of Christ, denominations, preaching, salvation, standard, unity

Andy Sochor May 27, 2009

The Path to Denominationalism

The desire by some for power and control (3 John 9-10) Christians putting their trust in men (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4-5; 4:6) Unity on some other standard than God’s word (John 17:20-21; 2 John 9-11) Practices/customs that are bound upon others (Matthew 15:1-9)

Filed Under: apostasy, error Tagged With: autonomy, denominationalism, pride, unity