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). […]

Christmas in the Early Church

Text: Luke 2:1-14 You may be questioning the title. After all, there was no Christmas in the first-century church. Yet the observance of Christmas is widespread today. Is that compatible with what we read about the early church? And does it matter? The commonly held view of Christmas is that it is a celebration of […]

Taking Meals Together

Text: Acts 2:46-47 The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the togetherness of brethren in the early church. Shortly after the church was established, the first Christians were meeting and eating together. Many churches today host “fellowship meals” – meals hosted by a congregation and conducted as part of the church’s work. But was Luke describing a church-sponsored meal? […]

Answering Basic Questions (Part 8): What Is Bible Authority?

Text: 1 Peter 3:15 In our text, Peter explained that each Christian needs to be ready to give an answer for what we believe. Giving a defense for the HOPE within us requires an ability to articulate the basics of our faith. In this series, we are going to discuss some basic questions that may […]

Instructions Regarding the Lord’s Supper

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 Paul gave the brethren in Corinth instructions regarding the Lord’s Supper while also correcting some errors about it. It is important that we are periodically reminded of topics like this one. We need to observe the Lord’s Supper properly. Instructions Were Given by the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:23) Paul received this from the […]

Question About Closed Communion

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 In the past, many churches practiced “closed communion” – offered the Lord’s Supper only to members in good standing. We sometimes have questions today about who can be served the Lord’s Supper. This lesson will consider what the New Testament says relating to this idea. Groups Under Consideration Visiting Christians (non-members) […]

Houses in Which to Eat

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 More churches (even among brethren) are hosting meals as a function of the church. As with every question, we must strive to determine if such activities are authorized. In order to do this, let us examine what Paul had to say to the church in Corinth. Paul’s Question to the Corinthians […]