Abundant Life: October/November 2009

Issues Dividing Brethren - Do They Matter?

Increasingly we see movement among many churches of Christ to the left. Instrumental music, women song leaders, communion on Saturday night, fellowship with denominational churches … you name it and it is happening among brethren. Worse still is where those things are happening: in some of the largest churches of Christ in the country. It is not difficult to read the handwriting on the wall and see that a day is coming when there will be only two kinds of congregations: ultra-liberal churches and very conservative, non-institutional churches.

Does it Matter Where I go to Church as Long as it Says "Church of Christ" out front?

It is easy to believe that as long as the church I am part of baptizes for remission of sins and worships without instrumental music then everything else is minor detail and not of genuine concern. Yet three truths stand out from a careful study of the Scriptures that force us to rethink such a view of church membership.

Do These Differences Really Matter?

What difference does it make whether churches cooperate or function independently in their work? Is a discussion over institutional versus non-institutional concepts of the church worthy of my time? What of eating in church buildings, or clapping in the assembly? What of traditional versus contemporary worship? What of kitchens, and orphans’ homes, and ball teams, and sponsoring church arrangements? Does any of this really matter? Do these questions warrant my study and reflection? Are they worthy of spirited and lively discussion with others? I aver that they are.

Eating in the Church Building - What's the Big Deal?

A couple came by the church building several months ago. They were members of an area congregation, a group that was planning to construct a new facility, and wanted to see the layout of our building. I gave them a quick tour. As they were about to leave, the lady said, “I noticed you don’t have a fellowship hall. I guess you just don’t have room for one.”

Arguments for Unlimited Benevolence from the Church's Treasury Answered

Can a church use the pooled funds of its members, the contribution for the Lord’s work, to provide assistance for any person who has a material need? Many say “Yes, of course!” and offer what they deem to be powerful reasons authorizing the church treasury to be used for financial assistance to non-Christians. Let’s examine these arguments.

What is the problem with church sponsored recreation?

Nearly all churches today have some sort of eating facility, and usually a gymnasium/family life center is built as soon the church can afford it. Sometimes the food-and-fun part of the church building is the first part of the building constructed! Yet what so many accept without thought flatly violates the standard of New Testament Christianity. Here are three reasons why.