Christians have become a bit hesitant these days to refer to the New Testament church as “The Church of Christ.” While I was growing up, a minor debate on the “official name” of the church was going on. It was determined, and correctly so, that there was no one name that could be considered “official.” When it began on the Day of Pentecost, the body of Christ was simply called “the church” (Acts 2:47). This simple designation is found repeatedly in the book of Acts (5:11; 8:1, 3; 11:22, 26; 12:1, 5; 13:1; 14:23, 27; 15:3-4, 22; 18:22; 20:17).

Notably, one time it is referred to as “the church of God” (Acts 20:28), but even there “God” in that context is Jesus Christ Himself! He purchased the church with His own blood. The local church at Corinth was called “the church of God which is at Corinth” (1 Cor. 1:2). So again, this is another way of saying “the church of Christ.” See also 1 Corinthians 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13; 1 Timothy 3:5, 15.

The first appearance of “church” in the New Testament is when Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, “…I will build My church…” If we were to say that another way, it would be “the church of Christ” or “the church of Jesus Christ.” This would be most correct because the church found in the New Testament belongs to Jesus. He built it, He is its Founder, and it is Divine!

Thirty-five times in the New Testament the plural is used, such as at Romans 16:16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” Often the phrase “churches of God” is used (1 Cor. 11:16; 1 Thess. 2:14; 2 Thess. 1:4). So why do we not find faithful churches today using the phrase “Church of God”? It would be appropriate and certainly biblical, but not everyone would understand that “God” means “Christ” in this designation. So it would not be the most expedient phrase to use. But a church might still use it.

When we read about the seven churches in Asia (Rev. 2-3), it is abundantly evident that Jesus Christ is the Head of them! Jesus delivers positive encouragement and also rebuke when needed. In each of the seven letters, the churches are encouraged to “hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” But we know that the Spirit is delivering the message authorized by Jesus Christ (see Jn. 16:13-14). Jesus Christ is the One who “searches the minds and hearts” and gives to each one “according to your works” (Rev. 23:23). Jesus Christ is the One who threatens to remove their “candlestick” or “lampstand” of Divine Identity if they do not repent! (Rev. 1:20; 2:1, 5). So whether we refer to the redeemed saints as “the church,” “the church of Christ” or “the church of God (Christ),” the prevailing thought is that Jesus Christ is the Head of His church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22), “He is the Savior of the body” (Eph. 5:23), and in all things He must have “the preeminence” (Col. 1:18).

With such overwhelming evidence, why are brethren today almost afraid to call the Lord’s body, “the church of Christ”? I fear that in trying to be so scriptural, we have “watered down” the point that there is one, true church, and that the many denominations today which call themselves “church of ____” are not really “churches” that belong to Christ at all! In the words of some pioneer preachers of the past, “in trying to go back to Jerusalem, some have passed it by and landed in Jericho!” I believe it is time to go to the Scriptures, the Creed Book of Jesus Christ, and call the church what it truly is — the church that belongs to  Christ! If we fear driving away visitors, perhaps it is because we are trying to “sneak” them in without proper conviction.  

Wayne Goff

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27). Death is an appointment which none of us will escape unless we are alive when the Lord returns. It is a Divine appointment as punishment for sin. It began with Adam and Eve’s banishment from Paradise where the “tree of life” dwelled (Gen. 3:22). Their inability to eat of that tree led to their certain death. God said to Adam in Genesis 3:19, “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” The father of the faithful, Abraham, said of himself, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes…” (Gen. 18:27).

Modern medicine has made great strides in curing some illnesses and diseases, in lengthening life, and in helping us have a better quality of life while we are here. But make no mistake about it — man shall never eliminate death! It is a pipe dream that too many of us have subtly tried to accept as we attempt to avoid the inevitable. We have trusted in modern medicine to “cure” all our ills. But death sweeps over us silently and continually just the same.

What is my point? I am totally in favor of living a quality life, of taking advantage of the benefits of modern medicine, of natural medicine, and of medicine yet to be discovered. But I do not want us to pursue physical life at the expense of pursuing eternal life! You see, we can get so caught up in trying to exterminate certain diseases that we can forget that death is still certain! Do you know anyone living today who is over 125 years old? If not, then death is still inevitable. It is “appointed” for men to die once! So prepare for that appointment!

God appointed physical death because of sin and spiritual death! Through His eternal scheme of redemption, He negated the eternal effects of both physical and spiritual death to those who believe! Read carefully this truth from Hebrews 2:14-15: “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Jesus Christ took on a physical body in order to live a sinless life, to become the sinless sacrifice for sin, and therefore, through His own physical death to destroy (1) Satan’s grip over mankind with the threat of endless death; and (2) Man’s hopeless fear of physical and spiritual death.

Let us never forget that physical death was caused by spiritual death! There is that inexorable connection! You cannot ignore sin and hope to eliminate physical death! But you never read of this in the medical journals, do you?

Wayne Goff

I remember seeing an interview on TV years ago between someone from the news and a famous singer. I recall the singer stated that her kids would take advantage of her when they knew she had to sing that night. They knew she couldn’t yell and raise her voice for fear of straining her vocal chords.

Obviously this kind of entertainer wanted to sound perfect when she sings. This begs the question, do Christians entertain God when they come together to worship Him? Do people think that our Creator wants His children to be like court jesters and magicians to amuse Him? Such thinking is ridiculous. This requires more of our attention since we live in an entertainment-infested society.

Take for example when Paul and Silas were cast into prison for being accused by the Jews for causing trouble (Acts 16:20). We are told that their clothes were torn off and they were beaten with rods. They were also put in the inner prison with their feet fastened to the stocks (vrs. 22-24). It would be odd to think they didn’t cry out in pain when many stripes were given to them (vr. 23).

Why did I bring up these men of God? Reason being, in verse 25, we are informed that it was midnight and these two were praying and singing. I wonder how “beautiful” their voices sounded. I don’t mean to be funny, but were they like the musical group, Simon and Garfunkel, that had perfect pitch and harmony? I think it is safe to assume that wasn’t the case. Nor should we conclude that they were trying to entertain the other prisoners and the Lord, even though they were heard by all.

The very reason you have religious groups bringing in all kinds of innovations is to help “improve” their worship for God. When saints are commanded, yes, commanded to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:17), just where does that leave the person who can’t carry a tune in a bucket? Are those with a tin ear doomed to shut up and just listen to those better able to “perform” for God? Of course not! May we learn the lesson that we sing from the heart and God loves those who do such in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24).

Chuck

When we read through the scriptures and learn how godly people are to walk, there are just some things that are hard to imagine. I have made a short list of things that would seem so strange to proceed from the mouth of a Christian, yet I wonder how true they might actually be:

How can I do less for the Lord and still get by as being faithful?

How can I be faithful and still put my desires ahead of the Lord?

How can I fulfill my duty to sing praises to God without actually opening my mouth?

How can I be there for my brethren when I don’t want to be around them?

How can I convey to others that I have joy in being a Christian without ever smiling?

How can I fret about every little thing, yet tell people that I have the peace that passes all understanding?

How can I develop my abilities without ever volunteering to do anything?

How can I convey to the lost that I want them saved, but I refuse to talk to anyone?

How can I claim that I build others up, when all I do is criticize them?

How can I complain about people not being friendly to me when I am not friendly to them?

How can I be a positive example to my children when my actions at home don’t match my actions at worship?

How can I give to the Lord as little as I can and be happy with that, knowing I ought to give more?

This list could go on and on. The point I want us to see is that even though these can’t be done, it doesn’t mean people are not trying. Yes, it is futile, but as long as people convince themselves that they might be able to do it, they will continue to try. When Jesus said that no one can serve two masters, this didn’t stop people from trying (Matt. 6:24).

This reminds me of what James wrote, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring can yield both salt water and fresh.” (Jas. 3:10-12).  You might argue that a person can cuss and say blessings. That is true, however, you can’t utter blessings and feel there are times when you can cuss.

There is a reason the word hypocrisy is found so much within the word of God. Such play acting is taken place by many in the spiritual realm. We all need to make sure we haven’t become such good actors that we have fooled ourselves. This is why self-evaluation is vital for the Christian (II Cor. 13:5).  The reason saints are told not to be deceived is because many are (II Tim. 3:13).

When you read the twelve statements listed at the beginning of this article, you can’t help but realize people actually think these things. If we are not going to learn, we will be in for a rude awakening come judgment day.

Chuck

There is an interesting verse as the first epistle to the Corinthians comes to a close. In it, Paul admonished the brethren to accept Timothy as a fellow worker (I Cor. 16:10). He then went on to talk about Apollos, saying “Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.”  (vr. 12).

Think about how Paul had strongly urged Apollos to go to Corinth. It wasn’t a passing question like, “Hey Apollos, would you like to go?” There is no doubt the apostle had some strong reasons for wanting this man to go to Corinth. However, Apollos didn’t just say no. We are told that he was quite unwilling. It wasn’t that he despised the brethren at Corinth. The text make it clear that Apollos was very busy at that time and could not get away right then.

All of this teaches us an important lesson about respecting the opinions and advice of others. It wasn’t Paul’s place to “order” this teacher of God’s word to go to Corinth. Nor was Apollos showing disrespect to Paul, since he informed him that he would go when he had the time.

The danger that we must see is making assumptions which blow a situation out of proportion. For example, Apollos could have blasted Paul and assumed that Paul was thinking he wasn’t busy and could go at the drop of the hat. The apostle could have also told the brethren at Corinth that Apollos said he had something that was more important than coming to be with them. The fact is, whatever Apollos had going on, wasn’t to be measured by importance. Whatever he was doing needed to get done, and going to Corinth is something that was also needed.

All Christians would do well to learn from this example and work together and respect one another.

Chuck