church of Christ

[Aida]

I read a thread in the Controversial room, but I was unable to respond to it, so I thought I would go in this room and voice my opinion about something. Everyone is in an uproar about the new church of Christ commercial, and I really don't think it is the same kind of "church of Christ" that I am a member at. I read a thread where they said that church of Christ believes that we think you have to be a member of our church to be saved. That is absolutely false. While some may believe that, that is not our "doctrine." Our doctrine is completely based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are silent where the Bible is silent, and we speak where the Bible speaks. We do not think we are the only ones going to heaven. I have many friends and family who attend other denominations and I do not believe in any form or fashion that they are not saved, as one put it in that thread. God loves EVERY ONE OF US!! Some others have mentioned that we think we are the "real" Christians, which, as far as I am concerned, do not agree with. God is awesome, and for some one to pigeon-hole our beliefs, is not something I agree with. I just had to come on here and respond to that thread, since I could not do so in the other room. I hope everyone who reads this has a BLESSED day!

[other one]

Aida, I grew up in the church of christ, and I know it was what was taught in our church. My mother is in her mid 80's now and stopped going to church last year because some of the church officials reminded her that my stepdad was not a member of the church of christ and was not going to heaven..... this was last year.

The church of christ we went back to about 5 years ago tried and tried to get my wife to be baptized again, for the preacher and two of the elders told me that she was not part of Christs church. They tried to get me to baptize them myself, for unless they are baptized by a member of the church of christ, it didn't count.

Maybe all churches are different, but the 4 that I am close to do believe that they are the only ones. I have seen uncles and aunts grieve terribly because some friend died a Baptist and was not going to heaven.

Not all of the members of the church believe that, but in all cases that I have been acquainted with, the church elders and preacher did teach that.

Sam

[Guest hubertdorm]

I've grown up in the church of Christ. I think just this matter alone would fill many more pages if given the effort. Here's sort of a generalization:

Each church of Christ is different from the next. While most lean toward the conservative side, they vary in degree of legalism, evangelism, size, and even basic beliefs.

Some, like other one experienced, are extreme in legalism. They believe that you have to be baptized by a member of that congregation in order to be saved. What's interesting is that there are other legalistic congregations that would say this teaching is false and demon inspired.

On the other hand, we have very faithful churches of Christ, those concerned with people and not doctrine, that are growing in number (blessed by God) and are making a big difference, not only in the church of Christ community, but in the world.

There are two main staples that have been tagged to the CoC's:

1) non use of mechanical instruments in worship

2) belief in water baptism for the remission of sins.

Every denomination and "non-denomination" has points of negativity that the other denominations (and nons) toss around like trash. But, as it is right now, most CoC members have allowed the Spirit to work by dropping the legalism that has haunted us for many years. God is doing awesome things in the churches of Christ. Yet, there are many who are rejecting the work and falling back on their handed down, unbliblical traditions.

In general (extreme generalization) the smaller the congregation, the more legalistic it is. But if you are like Aida and I, you have been able to experience a wonderful church, one seeking after the heart of God in practice and worship.

[other one]

It is good to know that not all are that way. 4 for 4 here was a bit depressing to deal with and made me assume they were all that way.

se

[Guest hubertdorm]

Other one, I don't know what part of the country you are from, but if you are in or near Texas, try Richland Hills Church of Christ in N. Richland Hills, TX. It's just north of Fort Worth.

Another good one is Oak Hills Church, formerly Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio. This is where Max Lucaido teaches. Sorry Max if I spelled your name wrong.

[ray]

Well if you read the other tread more closely the article or commercial was not posted by the church of christ is was posted by the United Churches of Christ. And yes they are very different from each other. Churches of Christ and Untied are different even if they are independent of each other. Just thought I would clear that up for you.

[Can Do (Phil 4:13)]

Perhaps it is the Church of Christ...of Latter Day Saints, ie; The Mormons?

Sounds like it to me.

Faith

[Guest hubertdorm]

There are a few completely different churches that incorporate the term "church of Christ."

Avoid these:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, more commonly known as Mormons. This group was founded by Joseph Smith and holds to a twisted version of the Gospel as well as a false testimony of Jesus called "The Book of Mormon."

The Church of Christ - Temple Lot has many similar beliefs to orthodox churches of Christ, except they also believe "The Book of Mormon" to be a true witness to the life of Jesus Christ.

First Church of Christ Scientist is sort of a new age Christianity, if such a combination could exist. Although they claim to follow the divine healing practices of Jesus Christ, the scriptural beliefs are really nothing more than an invention of the founder, Mary Baker Eddy.

The Boston Church of Christ also known as the International Churches of Christ formed from the popular Crossroads Movement. Their hierarchy of authority is unbiblical, as well as their rule of submission, unquestioned authority, and discipling practice. Whoever leaves their church forfeits salvation. Scary.

These are okay:

"(city name/street/suburb) church of Christ." You'll see things like Riveroaks church of Christ or Bellmont church of Christ. Sometimes, like a road, Pipeline church of Christ. These are autonomous churches that are part of the Restoration movement, and will vary. Although most church of Christ's have the same "feel," you really have to attend in order to find out more.

[Can Do (Phil 4:13)]

Hubert good on you for finding these It would be good if you could put these in General Discussion so more people could see it.

On ya Bro

Faithie

[Cherub_Rocket]

What is Church of Christ? Is it the same thing as Community of Christ, the Mormon sect?