Thank you! I grew up in the Church of Christ and was beaten and abused by my parents…trying to earn their love and the love of God all my life. I became so “perfect” at everything I ended up intimidating people rather than earning their love. I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never receive the love and acceptance of my parents because they don’t have it to give. They don’t love and accept themselves so they project their sins and flaws onto the sacrificial lambs known as their children…and so the vicious cycle continues. I ended up marrying a very abusive man who made me feel like nothing. He stole everything including my faith and I was scared for my life and ended up having to leave for my own safety. I left the million dollar house I bought and thought I would get a restraining order and get back in the house in a couple of weeks…but I ended up homeless for over a year. I lost 50 pounds from hunger. Here I was with a graduate level education with nowhere safe to go. The churches don’t care about abused wives. They gather around the abuser and comfort them and bash the wife for “forsaking the marriage”. The sad truth about husband, family, church, the government stared me starkly in the face. They weren’t what I thought they were. They didn’t love me. They didn’t care for me no matter how much I had done for them. I could never earn their love and even though I sacrificed my entire life, career, savings, time, health…to serving them, when I needed help, they didn’t show any concern. So, what happens to someone who’s entire view of “truth” suddenly shifts? It’s traumatizing! The suffering, the grief, the pain is so immense and their is nothing more excruciating to experience. Death would be way easier to experience than this kind of betrayal. After a half a century of using all my efforts to earn love and there I was alone, homeless, hungry, left with nothing. All my years of working hard and earning everything I owned was stolen from me during the divorce process. I cried out to the Lord why this happened? Why did God let this happen to me? I was honest and hardworking and tried to do the right and kind thing all of my life and here I was stripped of everything, sleeping in my car. While I was surrounded with evil all around me…I just focused on God. Other people were grabbing onto the idols of drugs, alcohol, sex, money to escape their plight, I grabbed onto God. I’ve seen and experienced horrific things. Somehow, God called people to help me. Friends came looking for me and provided food and clothing and shelter. These friends were filled with the Holy Spirit and they were actually doing what Jesus said to do. I realized so many churches focus on the rules and don’t do what Jesus commands us to do! Make disciples, feed the poor, heal the sick, cast out demons! I had to get to the end of myself. I had sacrificed everything to earn the love of man and God and now, here I was close to death, left with nothing. Paul said he counted all his accomplishments as garbage and here I was knowing that was true. Everything that I had dedicated so much time to became dust, became garbage. One night, I was crying and half asleep in my little 12 foot camper, crying out to the Lord. Still not knowing what I did wrong to get myself to this sad state. Jesus appeared to me in a great, white light. I suddenly felt his holiness and presence and he revealed my sins to me. His presence makes us realize we could never be holy enough to come before him through human efforts. I started sobbing and sobbing and felt the unconditional love of Jesus. A love I had never, ever felt before. A love where someone loves me with all of my hidden flaws and I can’t ever earn it. Jesus finally revealed my sin. He said to me in a loving voice, “You allowed people to abuse the daughter of a King” Yes, my sin was that I was trying to earn love from people who were trying to destroy me because of their lack of love for themselves. I was trying to be everyone’s savior while I was drowning. Jesus suffered and died so I don’t have to!! It was my lack of loving myself as God loves me that put me there. I was living in the temple I thought I deserved but suffering for sins I never committed. Feeling shame for other people’s sins. I had become their sacrificial lamb. I had become their scapegoat to curse and put out into the wilderness. The truth was finally revealed to me. We can never earn anyone’s love. They either love you or they don’t. This truth set me free for it revealed that I can’t earn God’s love either. He already loves me unconditionally. My stress in trying to be perfect was damaging the temple He created my body to be. Only by seeking God’s face with all my heart, soul, mind and strength will I be able to see myself as God does. Only by suffering almost to death was I able to see and understand what Jesus did for me. The God of the universe came down to earth to convince us of His great love for us. The God who created us, humbled himself as a man to prove He was willing to take all of our sins on the cross to prove his unconditional love for us. Satan is the author of shame…and all those people who kept me in shame over sins that weren’t sins at all, were being used by the devil himself to destroy God’s purpose for my life. It is their own lack of unconditional love they have for themselves that keeps them condemning those around them. I now understood so much more. I fully understood when Jesus said, “Father forgive them. They know not what they do.” Most people who are slaves don’t even realize it. They are either slaves to sin or slaves to rules. They are still slaves. Jesus frees us from the chains! The Holy Spirit living in us keeps us in a righteous state based on our conscience. When Jesus is living in us, we want to live a righteous life to show our gratefulness for His sacrifice and love. The love we give to others no longer has ulterior motives. It flows out from the abundance of love God has showered us with. It doesn’t matter if I get rejected from man anymore. I now know what it is like to fear God and Him alone. His grace is sufficient for me and brings me unending peace. I pray for others in slavery to come to the freedom of Jesus and His grace and forgiveness. I pray for them to know the deep unconditional love the Father has always had for us and always will.
M M Yes. Thanks to angels and God. The government that I paid 50% taxes to most of my career, didn’t help me at all. So don’t trust the government but trust God and him alone.
thomas okonkwo I was awake. He appeared to me as a right light. Very bright but not blinding. I felt complete unconditional love envelope me that I never felt before.
Since those of us who were from the CoC never learned the truth about the Holy Spirit in the first place, we were the most prone to every kind of deception under the sun, which is why many end up going from the frying pan into the fire...which is sadly what much of this testimony sounds like..... Jesus "appearing in a great white light" ??
I was raised in the church of Christ and was baptized in Him in college. I waited until later until I had read the Bible and understood it pretty clearly. It’s a journey… At first I was critical of myself - but as life passes, Grace abounds. …I’ve come to realize the people who love God are the church, don’t give up, forgive, and stand firm. There are many that hate the Church and are unable to find it - sadly. Love God always and walk in faith…
@@leeisenberg Can you please explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel?
@@christrescuedme2182 Good question, all are saved by grace through faith just like the book says, but the thief on the cross was a very special exception. Only 2 men were crucified w/ Jesus & I understand that only 1 was saved by the generous grace of Jesus on that significant day. We don't have that specific opportunity, but our conversions are typically more like the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 when we study w/ someone & learn more about the gospel. Many baptists & probably others often refer to the thief on the cross, but it was such a special rare exception, so I would Not choose that example when studying w/ someone. There are very basic requirements that we may not even think about sometimes, they're just given. Some are mentioned in Acts 2, 8 & other places. The 2nd 1/2 of Saul's conversion to Paul mentions several. But most all the examples mention: hearing the word/gospel, belief, repentance, confession & baptism all done w/ at least 1 or more witnesses. Just basic requirements, then staying the course or "finishing the race" like Paul said in 2nd Timothy 4:7. Hope that answers your question. - take care
@@leeisenberg SO GLAD you brought up the Ethiopian eunuch!! For Acts 8:26-40 is ALSO intrinsically interconnected with Hebrews 4:2 and its parallel passages ( Isaiah 53:1, John. 12:38, Romans 3:29-30; 10:16 and Galatians 3:6-8)!! This is definitely not a coincidence!! God’s divine intervention is exactly what we see in Acts 8 with the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip. Its reference to Isaiah 53 pertains to all that Philip expounded upon to the Ethiopian concerning salvation. Since Scripture interprets Scripture, we find in all these parallel Scriptures a treasure trove concerning what the gospel truly is. it was only by God’s divine providence that Philip even showed up on the scene, just in time to explain the report of Isaiah 53 to the eunuch. There are no random coincidences in God’s created order!! According to Isaiah, John and Paul, the “report” of Isaiah 53 was nothing less than the pure and unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, with nothing added to it. NOTICE: Isaiah, John and Paul NEVER equated water baptism with obeying the gospel (Rom. 10:16), because the gospel of Jesus Christ does NOT include man’s own contributions. The sum and substance of the entire gospel is simply Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2), nothing more, nothing less. These truths not only confirm the fact that the true gospel was preached long BEFORE Pentecost, but they also further disprove the CoC’s theory of water baptism being a part of the gospel message.
@@leeisenberg So, again, we ask: What gospel did the thief on the cross obey according to Hebrews 4:2 and its parallel passages (e.g., Isa.53:1, Jn. 12:38, Acts 8:26-40, Rom. 3:29-30; 10:16 and Galatians 3:6-8)?
You are an encouragement to others. Your story is so important to share. I to have found the freedom you speak of in Christ. It is misunderstood in our brotherhood and must be taught at great cost. I am a church of Christ preacher but I teach my people with new hermeneutics for understanding scripture, I teach faith, mercy and love; the greatest of these is love. Grace that only comes form God the father and can never be made or attained by us only given to us from God through Jesus. May the lord bless you and keep you close to Him on your journey. I my self made a pact with God that if he would let me preach for Him then I will share His message of grace and spirit lead life with the Church of Christ, so that more could find peace like me, this is my path, bless you in what your path might be.
I, too, grew up in the Church of Christ even graduating from a Christian University. Now that I’m 65, I have had many spiritual epiphanies through the years. The church I grew up in (and still attend) has communion every Sunday and a capella singing. I NEVER had any person in the church say that one sin would make me Hellbound. I was taught with love and patience. It is true that we will never be perfect, and it is by Grace that we are able to get to Heaven. I have met some Church of Christ members that are very opinionated and state that only CoC members are getting to Heaven. I do believe that baptism is essential for salvation but that is only one thing. I also don’t believe that CoC members are ALL Heaven bound and I do believe that there will be other denominations in Heaven.
Donna Stanley In the first century church they knew nothing about denominations. There were no such thing as hyphenated Christians such as Baptist-Christians, Methodist-Christians, Lutheran-Christians, Catholic-Christians, etc., etc., etc. all teaching different ways to be saved. There is only One Faith, One Lord, One baptism.
@lindahutchens8612 the first century church also didn't have most of the New Testament that you use as an authority for your opinions. Do you realize how diverse the beliefs and practices of the first century church was? Have you ever done independent, real study of the first century Church outside of CoC sources? Have you ever personally studied the writings of the Anti-Nicean Church fathers to know what the leaders of the actual early church actually believed for yourself? Can you name even three Anti-Nicean Church fathers using your own already held knowledge without using Google? Did you know there are 1st century early Church fathers who would deeply disagree with the way your CoC congregation does worship and assembles their church building? Who knows what Jesus wanted better: The guys who literally sat at the feet of the 11 guys who sat at Jesus' feet or your denomination that developed its beliefs almost 2000 years later? If you struggle to answer these questions, do you think you should really be appealing to the early church that you are actually supremely uninformed about to make your arguments?
@@devonstewart5524 Do you truly believe that Jesus was only forgiving sins while He was physically on earth (Mt. 9:6)? Because that would imply that Jesus is no longer exercising His power and authority to forgive sins today! And that would be such a terrible contradiction of Scripture. Jesus has pre-eminence in ALL things, and He is alive forevermore (e.g. Col. 1:18; 1 Jn. 1:9). Therefore….
“See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven; Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.” (Heb. 12:25, 26). If you continue to go by the CoC’s line of reasoning, then you would have to conclude that Jesus’ atonement no longer atones, for He accomplished it while He was still physically on earth. How ludicrous! Just because Jesus’ atonement took place on earth, that does not mean that it doesn’t still apply to us today. Likewise, just because Jesus forgave sins while He was still physically on earth, that does NOT mean the same forgiveness no longer applies to us today. God forbid! Jesus accomplished redemption while He was still physically on earth. And yet, it still applies to us today, just as much as it did to the thief on the cross. Our forgiveness depends upon the definite atonement of Christ, just as much as his did!! Every believer throughout redemptive history has always been saved based upon what Jesus accomplished at the cross. Even His resurrection became manifest on earth and was founded upon what He accomplished on earth (Heb. 13:20). And yet, the CoC has the audacity to claim that we cannot be forgiven like the thief on the cross, all because Jesus forgave him while He was still physically on earth! So again, what gospel did the thief on the cross REALLY obey, according to Hebrews 4:2?
I can never put in words how thankful I am to watch this video today. I needed a reminder of God's grace and the liberty that Jesus provides. May The Lord bless you. ❤️
I dont know what was being taught in your congregation but teachings of CoC does not say you have to be perfect. Gods grace and mercy and the gospel/ the good news is the biggest things of the faith. CoC is all about Gods word and the scripture and there is many examples of grace and mercy through out his word. We teach you will never get close to perfection but through Gods grace and mercy and our faith and obedience we can still have eternal life
Good day, I am mexican, in realy i speak litle english, i am a member of the Church of Christ for 3 and a half years, the process is different for each person and the times are also different, but the truth is one and God's will is one. Before I met the Church of Christ, I met others. But I stayed here not because I liked or stayed close, I am not for comfort or convenience, the reason is that it is a church that has foundations in the word of God, and that day by day we learn from our mistakes and try to correct them. One thing I've learned is that there are no liberals or conservatives, the Church is one, there is only wheat and tares, you are or are not, you do or don't do, every head is a world and within the same church there are different opinions or ideas , but the word of God is perfect and immutable, it does not change, it is the humans who do not understand it, or we misinterpret it, you need to visit more Churches of Christ, travel and know, it is true that the culture in every place, city or country is different , but that should not corrupt the Church, we all go on the same train, but not all of us will get to the stop, some will get off in the wrong place, many keep going up, others are lost, but patience is a virtue, if you love God, you should pray incessantly , be patient, study more and know more, and remember, Christ's yoke is lighter, don't let anyone make you heavy for you, God is a God of love, mercy, patient and great to forgive, if you stumble over and over, and again he keeps waiting for you , do not ruin your only chance of salvation, A Faith a Baptism and a Lord, if you are baptized in a Church that does not practice the Correct Doctrine, it is not the right Faith or the same lord we should worship, look for a biblical church, in the Bible there are no children b authenticated, for example, be happy, God bless essays.
Amen! Praise Jesus you are living by the true words of God. I am a church of the Nazarene member here in my hometown of Castle Rock Colorado but all of our other neighbors in our cul-de-sac belong to the Church of Christ so from time to time we do visit there as well. It is very conservative there is no music other than our voices but sometimes I find that beautiful. They do preach the true word of God as does my church straight from the Bible. I'm living word of God. There Is perfection in all God does. Your English is great! ♥️ God bless all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray for anyone who does not know Jesus I pray right now for you to seek him! He loves every single one of us Sins and all. Redemption is not by works alone but by faith and the will to want to do good!
My Dad was a coc preacher too. So I understand the pressure that comes with being a preachers kid. Ever heard the saying that preachers kids are the worst kids? There’s a reason for that, the strict upbringing can sometimes cause kids to grow up and push away. If you never really felt control of your own life, it’s no wonder why many of us grow up and rebel - and this can happen in many ways. But thankfully we serve a God of grace & of mercy, who forgives us when we have strayed. The story of the Prodigal son comes to mind. I cry when thinking about it, as I turned away for many years. It was because my Dad preached the truth that even many years after his death, I returned, that’s the blessing of having a Father that loves God and Preaches the truth. The story of the Prodigal Son can be found in Luke chapter 15 starting verse 11. As far as the Lords supper goes, We don’t take the Lords supper on Sunday because if we don’t we will go to hell. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 teaches us about the Lords Supper. In verse 26, Paul says “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death zuntil he comes”. As someone older and who really has been through a lot, I see your pain from a much different perspective than many. I don’t see someone who left the Church of Christ, I see someone who broke and wanted to get as far away from Their parents as possible. This isn’t abnormal. It doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human. I encourage you to pray to God for discernment over this situation and I will pray for you, that God mends your hurting heart. A Christian psychotherapist helped me, it felt good being able to talk to someone who could help me understand my emotions because I didn’t learn how as a child. God bless.
Due to an artificially induced standard of evaluation, many in the CoC are plunged into a socially sanctioned, pseudo-science perspective, rather than a purely biblical perspective. Far from promoting spiritual growth in the midst of life’s problems, the CoC’s system of theology serves to promote neurotic and psychotic tendencies under the pretense of religion. For the CoC's conditioning process produces a type of religious schizophrenia, where one finally has to disassociate their legalistic and perfectionist theology from their actual lifestyles. Yet there is such a deep denial of these kinds of dissociative disorders in the CoC, especially within the family context where one's theological views are actually lived out. Instead of being led to Jesus Christ as one's only hope, the need to be saved by Him is minimized, and the true meaning of mercy is distorted.
FROM PHILIPPINES, I was raised in the families with many religions, at the very young age of mine I noticed the differences of their doctrines and I can say that I'm lucky to be a member of COC (non- instrumental) because they really stick to the bible when they preached. I don't know what COC you belong coz there were 7 of them I'd met, one of them didn't believed Jesus Christ as God and the rest believeth. I was baptized at the age of 11 and age 13 I lived independently away from my fmily till nw that I'm 43. Everytime I looked back the past and the hardship I'd been through, I can always say that Im grateful and thankful to God for making me a member of COC coz I know Him and His doctrines that guideth me and strengtheneth me everytime I'm down.I know we've taught to live a newness of life after baptized till the end, but we're not perfect only God is perfect. There are 2 kinds of sin; sin that leadeth to death and not. Regardless your fmily the salvation is individual, God made us free, so it's up to you whom to be followed God or yourself? You cannot blame God or your fmily if you will not be saved at the judgment time because God offered His life for us once to be saved, and if we fall out from His hands there's nothing left to offer but to wait for the judgment day, and we will b judged and repay according to our each labor and wrks.
All have sinned . God does not expect anyone to be perfect. That is why Christ died on the cross for our sins. I feel sorry for your views on.what the Bible teaches. You need to study more. God bless you
@@josevil1513 I see, this is why I love God so much, he gave us a borrowed life and strength from him whether you beleive it or not atheism cannot really explain why do we exist and what is our purpose. It makes sense when it comes to Christianity that we have a sole purpose either to server God or to follow your own will. Living a Christian way of life is nice for me since we have the reason of our existence and our purpose.
Living in sin is what condemns. That means practicing and taking pleasure in it on a day to day basis. Hebrews 12:14New King James Version (NKJV) 14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
I grew up in the church of Christ and I have never experienced anything like you explain. I am truly sorry that this happened with you and pray you continue to feel Jesus' love and grace in your life. It takes a lot of heart to come out and express your feelings and I commend you for doing so. The Lord's church is much bigger than the "church of Christ".
Same with me. I didn't leave the church but I work out my own salvation within the church. I always questioned the Lord's Supper because we break bread and drink grape juice where the Jews always had wine for the Passover Feast. Jesus and his Apostles were celebrating the Passover at the Lord's Supper. They were drinking wine. The church is so anal about this that they even write books on how it was grape juice or "the fruit of the vine". I just shut up, drink the grape juice and don't cause problems. I never felt like that young lady. She apparently has missed the point. I'm glad my Dad wasn't a preacher in the church. One thing good about CoC is that we meet early and therefore get dismissed early and beat the Baptists to the restaurants.
My sister I'm so sorry you have these feelings. I'm a member of the c of c and I want you to know we all fall short of the glory of God. Much love n I'm saying a prayer 4 you n your family now. If I can be of any help please reach out!
Amber, what you have to say resonates deeply with me. I was raised in the COC and left in my early twenties with a horrible taste in my mouth. Spent more than a decade outside of any church. Fought in two wars, and experienced two failed marriages, substance abuse, deep depression, and a generally troubled existence. A couple of years ago when I was at my lowest point, an old friend convinced me to go to his congregation. He'd earned the right by sticking by me through everything. The congregation happened to be COC. This group emphasizes grace, love, mercy, and the idea that we are a BODY. They know me, know my scars, history, mistakes, and struggles, and still accept and love me. I understand that they aren't the norm in the COC. The name on the door means little to me. My church family means everything. We need and support each other as it should be.
I've learned from these videos that there are a lot of CoC factions and some are downright bazaar..crazy belief systems. I was raised in the CoC..and never heard of any of these beliefs that others are saying...and imo, trying to call the church out as "cults" which they are not.
John im glad you made it back...id like 2 say..you discount the name on the door..why..? It identifies what's going on inside...the church is your vehicle 2 heaven according 2 scripture..we are going to be saved by the gospel which directs us to the church...we have 2 have an obedient faith which leads us to live faithful lives...its all in scripture...when we don't study...we lean on what we think..and mess it all up...
Thanks for sharing! There are factions of every church that are flat out insane. I do not condone this insanity one bit. What I am saying is Scripture plainly says we must be obedient and when we are un Christ we are saved. Regarding my past I left church for over ten years, struggled with sin mightily, I can go on and on. I am thankful for Gods grace but we are kidding ourselves and inventing things untrue if we think we can dictate to God what His truth is. Love you all!!!!!
I grew up in the church of Christ. It is all I ever knew. As an adult, I took the church and “salvation” for granted and strayed (forsaking the assembly but not in denouncing my Christianity) I was focused on getting more familiar with Christ and His teachings than with merely “the church of Christ” as I knew it. It took me speaking more with people from so called denominations that seemed to have their own genuine and close knit relationship with God than I ever imagined I could. How is it that I was inspired and prompted to live a more devoted life for Christ “outside of the COC walls” ? I know that there are sincere people all over the world that want to know Christ and believe that they can in ANY church. (I won’t go as far to say that I believe that because there is perversion of scripture and man made creeds that don’t amount to salvation identifying as church also) Although I never left the COC I took my own personal stance to stop condemning others that are trying to figure it all out just like I am. Christ IS THE MESSAGE. Trust in Him to draw to you as you draw nearer to Him. Do your best to follow His example. Don’t get caught up in the semantics that aren’t fundamentally essential to where you will spend eternity.
I grew up in a family with true and close relationship to God, and now I found christians that are part of “the church of Christ” and they are telling me that me and my parents are going to go to Hell because we believe in speaking of tongues etc, because we have experienced visions and stuff. And I just feel very scared, they are forcing me to completely give up on my parents and to not believe them at all for anything but only believe in the Bible, which is a good advice but my parents could also show scriptures that support their views. So i’m very confused on what to do and I want to get away from the “church of Christ” and seek for myself but I just don’t know, would that be wrong, are my parents wrong? I just… i feel lost
@@IoniB The church of Christ is correct; speaking in tongues is not for today. You need to start going to bible classes and meeting with the elders and let them show you scriptures on why tongues have ceased.
Thank you for your sharing I ‘ve left the COC for over twenty years . I’m able to be free in God ‘s Love I attended another Church I ‘ve been feeling grateful and blessed with my own life . Don’t be afraid to be yourself .
Girl!!! You can always come back when you sin. I'm from the church of Christ, and I'm not perfect either. I don't hide. I worship the way I believe is right because worship is between me and God. I agree with you on the music. No I am not weighed down. I'm also studying outside of the church. I also had my roots in the Christian church and Babtist. I know we have freedoms. However, there is a fact that sin is sin. We do sin, but if you continue in that sin until you die, that's where it gets dicey. If you stop that sin and come back to your senses, you will be still doing right. I had sinned greatly before out of anger, sadness , and desperation. I got back up, and now I'm fighting again. Keep fighting the good fight. All love.
I was in the CoC for over 30+years until the Lord saved me. Although our doctrines indicated that we had to be absolutely perfect or end up in Hell, deep down we all knew that we couldn’t really pull off perfection. So we excused our sins (especially the sin of self-righteousness) by constantly and legalistically performing what we thought was repentance for our sins, according to our “second laws of pardon” doctrine.
Grace Greater than all our sins.. This was one of the songs I learnt from church of christ as a kid.. I wish u well but the church of christ is the biggest gift from my parents to me.. I love it and am proud of it
That song literally contradicts everything they teach. Hey, and b the way, quick history lesson; did you know that alexander Campbell, the founder of your doctrine is also responsible for Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and united Pentecostals? Just doing what I'm told and judging a church based on its fruit.
I really do not know where this is coming from but how do you not teach grace when it's all over the bible. God's grace is sufficient for us. The church is pure , the church is holy and no other foundation can any man lay except that which Christ has laid.
Oh honey. I’m sorry you didn’t feel His love! You see every time we sin his grace covers us we are not kicked out we still need to ask for forgiveness but if we walk in the light His blood continues to cleanse us! 1john 1:7. Please look into truth! So many verses on vain worship and deception. 1john4:1! Luke 21:8. There’s one pattern. Only one!❤
I am a preacher for the Lord's church (church of Christ) and I always taught my children to read and study for themselves. But what I teach is based on Scripture and we must do the Father's will to enter heaven (Matt. 7:21f.).
Roger Leonard well my dad is a church of christ preacher and this girl is very confussed and has been decieved by the devil. And if her husband is a preacher then she should know better than to put down a church
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Roger Leonard Can those who live according to the flesh do Gods will? Romans 8:1-10 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. If those people are living by the spirit, there is no condemnation to them.
@@bige-dannycowan8266 how dare you, your the one that has been deceived, this precious young lady has been enlightened to Grace, but you go ahead and strive for perfection to achieve Salvation by your own means and see where that gets you, but I will say, I'm not saying hell is your destination, God will accept you into his Heaven soley based on what Jesus did for all of us
I have spent 11 years in the church of Christ but I’ve never felt so rigid in conduct as you say. I have fallen into sin many times but i keep strengthening myself; With passing time i get more than enough reasons to keep strengthening myself because I’ve been able to free myself from so many wrongdoings.
@Spiro climb I'm glad I wasn't the only one that noticed the wording. I know I can't do anything out of my own means...not clean nor wash up myself and definitely I can't remove my own sin, but I can give it to God by faith that the works He's begun He's faithful to bring to completion. Kind of "Jesus take the wheel style". Once you realize that, then the heavy burden is lifted from you and you come to a place of surrender and it begins a cycle of that, from faith to faith, growth to growth. It's a pretty amazing thing to experience. My only struggle has always been with myself, but that's the physical wrestling with the spirit 😆. My spirit works with His Spirit and my body resists it...could be as simple as getting up out of bed 😆. Resistance is futile because who could resist God, but the devil, but it's not like we don't struggle and wrestle, but God's will will always be accomplished. Jesus fulfilled His purpose here even without all the temptations and demonic influences and betrayals...and so will we also. I'm struggling with the part where He says...you will do these things likewise and you will do even greater things that I. Like what greater thing is even there than what Jesus has done???? And then wouldn't it be blasphemy to make such a claim as to saying I have done greater than Jesus??? I suppose I'll know what He meant by that when I get to meet Him.
@@aqua6613 I was in the CoC for over 30+years until the Lord saved me. Although our doctrines indicated that we had to be absolutely perfect or end up in Hell, deep down we all knew that we couldn’t really pull off perfection. So we excused our sins (especially the sin of self-righteousness) by constantly and legalistically performing what we thought was repentance for our sins, according to our “second laws of pardon” doctrine.
Sorry for your misunderstandings. Raised in the Lord's church and never been taught we are to be perfect, could be perfect, or would reach perfection as the blood of Christ would continue to cover us as we walk in imperfection in the light as he is in the light.
I know where you are coming from. You don't, have to be perfect, but you do have to be faithful . That is repent and continue to strive to keep Gods divine word. Mt. 7:21; We must do the will of God. Jo. 14:15: We must keep his commandments . Faith without works is dead. J's. 2:17, 19,20, 24. There are laws in the NT that we must keep. We are human and we do fail on a regular basis. This is where grace comes in. God knows our heart. We all feel as unprofitable servants. We must draw a line in the sand, and not give into this liberal world. You know the Pharisees taught the commandments of men. They were rebuked by Christ. Mt. 15:9. Just remember we must give God's authority over man's. The C of C loves you. I pray you will find the truth. I appreciate your testimony. God bless you sister.
I was desperately in love with a woman who went to a church of Christ and she would never ever miss, lived perfectly 34 still a virgin. I was heartbroken when she left me bc for 2 weeks in a row I went to my own church and notnhers. Looking back at it she is not free, she is very fearsome of hell and its her church. This may lbe a blessing in disguise. Great words 👏
It may have been a "blessing in disguise", or it may be that you missed and walked away from a blessing so well disguised by your own thinking that you just couldn't see it.
Very sorry this happened to you. The Church of Christ is a Horror denomination. It keeps people frightened and in a state of perpetual doubt about their salvation. I come from the Pentecostal church which uses similar insane fear tactics plus they add hootnannies of speaking in tongues, dancing in the spirit, and fake miracles. I have come to detest the mental damage done to me by the Pentecostal church. It looks like your ex-girlfriend had much damage done to her also. It is unfortunate indoctrination like this is so powerful and long-lasting.
John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 3:18 “He that believeth in Him is not condemned; but He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Revelation 21 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” 1 Corinthians 6 18 Flee fornication. Every other sin which a man doeth is outside the body, but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. Matthew 12 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” Romans 8:6 21st Century King James Version 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace, Luke 12:20 21st Century King James Version 20 But God said unto him, ‘Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee. Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?’ 1 Timothy 5:6 21st Century King James Version 6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 1 Corinthians 6 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 John 2:17 21st Century King James Version 17 And the world passeth away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Matthew 22:29 21st Century King James Version 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. John 8:51 21st Century King James Version 51 Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man keep My saying, he shall never see death.” 2 John 9 21st Century King James Version 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son. Titus 1:14 21st Century King James Version 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 2 Peter 3:18 21st Century King James Version 18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Romans 12:2 21st Century King James Version 2 And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Hebrews 9:24 21st Century King James Version 24 For Christ has not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Colossians 2:10 21st Century King James Version 10 And ye are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power, Deuteronomy 6:14 21st Century King James Version 14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people who are round about you 2 Corinthians 11:14 21st Century King James Version 14 And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 1 Corinthians 10:20 21st Century King James Version 20 But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God; and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Proverbs 14:12 21st Century King James Version 12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 1 John 4:3 21st Century King James Version 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God; and such is the spirit of Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already it is in the world. 2 John 9 21st Century King James Version 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son. John 8:12 21st Century King James Version 12 Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Mark 8:35 21st Century King James Version 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel’s, the same shall save it. John 8:51 21st Century King James Version 51 Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man keep My saying, he shall never see death.” John 17:3 21st Century King James Version 3 And this is life eternal: that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. 1 Timothy 2:5 21st Century King James Version 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Acts 4:12 21st Century King James Version 12 Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” James 1:21 21st Century King James Version 21 Therefore lay apart all filthiness and the superfluity of wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls. John 11:25-26 21st Century King James Version 25 Jesus said unto her, “I am the resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; 26 and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?” John 6:68 21st Century King James Version 68 Then Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life, Psalm 119:30 21st Century King James Version 30 I have chosen the way of truth; Thy judgments have I laid before me. Psalm 119:11 21st Century King James Version 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Romans 12:2 21st Century King James Version 2 And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5 21st Century King James Version 5 that your faith should not stand on the wisdom of man, but on the power of God. 1 Peter 5:8 21st Century King James Version 8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 John 2:16-17 21st Century King James Version 16 For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. James 1:21 21st Century King James Version 21 Therefore lay apart all filthiness and the superfluity of wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls. 1 Corinthians 15:44 21st Century King James Version 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 21st Century King James Version 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ John 3:18 21st Century King James Version 18 “He that believeth in Him is not condemned; but He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:36 21st Century King James Version 36 He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Luke 6:5 21st Century King James Version 5 And He said unto them, “The Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” Matthew 22:29 21st Century King James Version 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. John 5:29 21st Century King James Version 29 and shall come forth - they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 8:12 21st Century King James Version 12 Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:32 21st Century King James Version 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 6:40 21st Century King James Version 40 And this is the will of Him that sent Me: that every one who seeth the Son and believeth in Him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the Last Day.” Mark 13:13 21st Century King James Version 13 And ye shall be hated by all men for My name’s sake; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Revelation 14:12 21st Century King James Version 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. John 8:36 21st Century King James Version 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Mark 13 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.
My dear sister in Christ. I’m moved by your insight into God’s word and pursuit of true Christianity. God’s word is hard to interpret at times and we’ve all fallen short of our understanding and been subject to miss teachings. It’s important that we extend grace to those who may misunderstand and misinform with no malice.
Hello Sister Amber, Thank you for talking with us. It was the same thing for us, my husband &I also left the Church of Christ. When I started going to this Church, the attendance was very small, it wasnt growing at all. But we gave it a try. One Sunday at Bible Study my husband wanted to speak. So he stood up and said The Lord's Prayer to start the day. One of the members got very angry at him and said he was talking like a Catholic, so then my husband wanted to read out of Hebrews. And the thing about this Church is, it doesnt even have a Pastor. The Pastor had left. So anyway the man leading the Bible Study had got mad at my husband and told him to leave. We left..this was so awful to us.We had no idea what was so wrong with saying the Lords Prayer. We are at a very nice Church now and the Pastor says keep saying the Lords Prayer, it is what gets us through the day. And anytime my husband wants to read the Bible at Bible study and talk, he is very welcome to do so. It felt to me that this situation was handled unfairly. Being told to leave. Was very unchristian.
That is shameful treatment. Where are you located? The true church is identified by 3 things, the disciples love one toward another, the fruits of the their lives, and the doctrine they hold. Sadly most of the COC has deviated from these things drastically and become pharisaical with an overemphasis on legalism.
I was raised in a Methodist church but went to college at Harding University, a private COC school. I had both very good and very bad experiences there. You simply can't put everyone into one tidy little box. Ultimately, though, a person finds communion with God not in any church, but in the quiet and humble and broken moments of their own life. If you find yourself in a church largely populated with people whose lives are led by the Holy Spirit, that's fantastic. Count yourself fortunate and learn as much from them as you can! If you find yourself in a church that is the opposite, view it as an opportunity to BE that person to the others around you so that God can pull others in that direction! Our God is so much greater than any church or denomination or any of that man-made stuff! He is the author of all creation!
I believe what he is saying is you make many claims but no scripture to back it up. For instance " Ultimately, though, a person finds communion with God not in any church, but in the quiet and humble and broken moments of their own life. " The bible teaches in Ephesians 1 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: So all spiritual blessings are found in Christ. How does one get into Christ? Well, in Romans 6 Paul tells us: 1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin. Paul also tells us in Galatians 3 26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. So only those who have been baptized INTO Christ's death and in union with Him, who have put on Christ's righteousness in baptism are truly IN Christ. To be IN Christ means to be in His body, His church, the church of Christ and it is in this body that all Christians receive spiritual blessings. Therefore if one is not IN Christ, they are not able to take part in spiritual blessings and commune with Christ.
dsvet Well said and you are right. Worshipping God in fellowship certainly draws many closer to Him. I was making a statement about my own experience...that I first came to speak with God in humility and contrition when I was broken. I was painting with too broad a brush when I made that statement. I have a great deal to learn and it seems like I'm growing more plainly aware of that daily.
Adam R. Meade *The Trinity Doctrine is Not Biblical !* The Holy Spirit is not a 3rd God ! called God The Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth ''THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON'' into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. The Holy Spirit = The Spirit of God and Christ
Hi Amber, I grew up in the strict conservative church of Christ and it was a very hard life for me as a young person, and also as an adult. I never left services feeling uplifted or even spiritual. The teachings that I heard were mostly that we have very little chance to make it to heaven and most likely will go to hell, let alone anyone that were not members of the church of Christ. I never felt right about what I was hearing. I felt that God overpowers what any man can stand up and talk to the members and tell them different. They are so strict about the things that don’t seem to be of importance but just wanted to rule over the members with their own beliefs and it was turning me away from God and doing the opposite. I knew this wasn’t right in my young age and living this hell, stone and brimfire attitude that it made me feel I was doomed. That I could never be as perfect and I was told I should be in order to make it heaven. Even tho I do agree with many of their teachings, I have found God and have connected with him in a way I never could have had I stayed in that conservative church. There were always a lot of animosity between the members, and I saw a lot of showing face while there, but much different actions by those individuals when service was over and living life till the next service. I found God and what I call the Truth about what God wants of me on my own. It just didn’t go over well with me at the rate of what they were telling me when I came to service on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. And boy would you get a phone call from many members wanted to know what you didn’t come to the other services they offered. I am luck to have gotten out of it when I did. My kids grew up in this as my mom and dad are the reason why I was in the church to begin with and they had high expectation of me too. When I found Christ, I “Got it”. It was the best day of my life. It was just an acknowledgment and a one on one connection that made me open my eyes and put all the negative teachings I had heard behind me. Its hard to sit at a service 3 x a week and hear how your going to hell unless your perfect, but they tell you you can’t be perfect which is a contradiction. I have since been a better person when I left the Church of Christ, I do more to help others, I worship him in my home, I pray to him, I sing to him and I serve him as my Savior. I feel so free since I broke the chains of this “non denominational “ religion. Its very cult like. I didn’t know it when I was young but I know it is as an adult. I hope those of you have gone through what I have, can worship him and pray and continue to keep him in your life. But you dont need to come out of a service there and feel bad about yourself. You should have a positive outlook through the week and in life that he will help you through struggles. When the members sometimes wont. Thank you for listening to my story. I hope it helps you. I was born into it so from birth to 35 before I got out of it. Its hard to leave. They wont let you. They make it hard on you. Still proclaiming your going to hell. Well, thats not for them to judge. As it says in the Bible. God is the Judge.
Thank you for taking the time to write this. I grew up in the Baptist Church. Then I married a Man who was a member of the C of C. We raised our children There'd BUT I finally figured out that nobody CAN be perfect. That is why the perfect man named Jesus died on the cross.
Hello Amber. Thanks for your video. One thing to remember is: Christ bought his church with his sacred blood and is his expectation to present his church to the Father pure as a bride when he comes back to judge us. That is the reason why members of his church thrive daily to obstruct by his commandments. That’s our daily fight! Lots of blessings
No; "churches of Christ" members do what they do because they're members of a superstitious-fear-instilling cult. Their position is that one's final, eternal abode actually depends-upon such physical-actions as if/how one is dunked in water. [based upon, of course, intentionally-ill-informed, simplistic, childish, absurd interpretations of a book that they can quote SNIPPETS from all day, but have practically NO actual knowledge/understanding of. they're ILL; they need TREATMENT]
I am now free. I had to get out of this Church, but I have family members who are bitter because I do not follow them and go to their church. I love the Lord, God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit and I studied for myself and came out of this religious bondage. It was one of the worst experiences of my childhood life and I am so thankful that you are Free in the Lord and that you are his. Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@UgochukwuOmiko-zv5nv Hello What makes a cult ? It's a religion that does not honor God's chosen time plan. God wants us to HEAR Paul's gospel NOW. God chose Paul to receive the MYSTERY of the gospel of the FINISHED and COMPLETE work Jesus accomplished for salvation. When Jesus was on earth HE instructed His disciples to go NOT in the way of the gentiles. It was not God's time to go to the gentiles. Paul was chosen to bring the gospel to the gentiles. Peter was the apostle to the Jews. If we DO NOT rightly divide scriptures we make a MESS to our own destruction. Ask the Lord to SAVE you now. HE is offering you the FINISHED work He accomplished for you. Don't let satan take you to his house of destruction !!!
Thank You SOOOO much for sharing this testimony!! I started crying while listening to You talk about Grace. I've been saved since I was 9 but sometimes we forget what it REALLY means....and the Lord touched my heart when You were explaining it :) You explained it beautifully! 💕🛐 Yes He wants us to FEEL His Love and Grace....not just have a head knowledge of it :) I needed that touch from the LORD today. THANK YOU JESUS!! and Thank You again, sister in Christ! Also I'm so glad He freed You from all those rules and regulations....Jesus is the answer, not any denomination! Excellent video :) God bless You and your family always!! Rachel in Nashville :)
Organised religion attracts some and repels some .Scripture can confuse as it is translated through the different languages and whether something literally happened or metaphoricallyJust love yourself and others .Do unto others as you would yourself. Ask yourself if God would approve of what you think or what you are about to do or say .
Interesting. Never heard that someone was going to hell for not partaking of the Lord's Supper every first day of the week as I was raised in the church. While we aren't the judge of someone's final eternal destination, but we can know what pleases him. That is the question to ask...not..."Can I do x and not go to hell?" We leave the judgement of souls to God, but that doesn't mean we can't know what he wants as He has always been clear as to what he desires. It's his church, purchased and bought with his blood. He's always in charge of it's parameters, terms of adding people to his body, and it's worship. We don't get to dictate to him what he will accept when he's given us his word as to what he desires.
Everything you described about the church is exactly how I experienced it growing up. The fear, performance based relationship with God. Smh. It made me hate going to church. I questioned everything the INC taught and the rules they made up. Making me believe it was the 1 and only true church in the whole world, and everyone was going to hell, and if you disagreed you were “expelled” LOL. Can’t believe I wasted so many years of my life going there. What a brainwashed youth I had. So glad to never go back there ever again
Oh my I am so sorry u experienced that. Satan wants you to believe that that's the true church. Christ would have never left us with that. There are many as we call off churches. You have to have faith and a pure heart to find the right one. If not Satan will keep u binded by confusion. Like this lady says she was baptized at 8. No no no. Just ask God to show u the true way. It's not about rules just God's law. With love Lila.
@@natashahardrict2330 I have never been happier.. since I joined the Baptist church about 30 years ago... my eyes were opened to the truth.. Now no more soul searching and I am at total peace.....
They'll judge u coc I left one thing they helped me helped the community holidays and every month other than that to judgemental csntcrun around the church praising God they'll sit you down if you miss services repentance cards they fill out non scriptural theybbadh Baptist churches worshipping God but they gobout to the community witness do God's squad ministry Rochester ny
MAKE DISCIPLES “Make disciples of all nations immersing them" Who is "them"? the disciples you make. We need to teach people to be followers of Christ before immersion. Go (traverse as you are going) therefore and make disciples (followers/students) of all the nations (peoples), baptizing (immersing) them in the name of (into the possession of) the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19) Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized (immersed) in the name of (authority of) Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 Those outside of Christ are under the curse of the Law. They cannot be saved without meeting the Messiah at the cross, therefore, they must follow Him in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans ch. 6).
@@tolitsr6188 Mhm, it is true in the bible with no mentions of the trinity. Although Catholicism states that there is one God, but they say there is 3 Gods that make in one? I can point it out for you for example 1 Timothy 2:5 ESV "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" And there is many more in the bible that states that Jesus is man. If you have anything to oppose from what I have stated am I wrong here?
This also means that God disapproves man to write anything in the bible yet they do this. Meeting at Nicaea in present-day Turkey, the council established the equality of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the Holy Trinity and asserted that only the Son became incarnate as Jesus Christ. ... The Emperor Constantine presided over the opening of the council and contributed to the discussion. That's how the trinity was created by man, not God. Nothing has been stated in the bible.
Beautifully put! I was raised in the same way in a Church of Christ that shared the doctrines of the one you were raised in. I left @ 21 and that was the first time my parents disowned me. We went back and forth with our relationship for the rest of their life's. We would start to get close and then I would do something they didn't approve of they would disown me again. I left God for a long time but am thankful to have made my way back to him. Not in the Church of Christ but thru personal relationships with God and Christ my Savior. I get love and support from my wonderful non-denominational church family. Thank you so much for sharing!
Oh Amber. You are so right on so many levels. Let me ask you something. If you see another parent parenting in a way you don't believe is correct, does that make them bad parents? I know how you'll answer. Please don't condemn all churches of Christ, but remember we are autonomous. Please study this out more. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. The greatest command is love. Help people to love one another throughout the churches of Christ. Study to show yourself approved. Don't trash the Lord's church because you don't fully understand. I love you. You are my Sister. You're saved. Please don't work to destroy the Lord's church though - social media is very dangerous.
Your testimony is my testimony. For so many years I struggled to try to be perfect. For some reason, I thought it was possible to be perfect, but I was just too bad to achieve it. You're pretty young, so I don't know if you experienced the law of "no mixed bathing," meaning opposite sexes couldn't swim together. I was even baptized twice because I thought your sins started adding up from the moment you were baptized. I had a bunch of Baptist friends in high school who experienced the joy of the Lord & I felt so sad that they were going to hell. I sang in a musical at the local Baptist church & there was an altar call. I remember afterward a friend was taking me to youth group. I asked him what he thought & he said he was so sad to see me leading people straight to hell. I went to Abilene Christian & it just got worse & worse for me on the inside. I had no idea what grace was. All I knew was I didn't want to have to keep trying to be perfect because I was failing miserably. I quit school & moved to Nashville where I had some friends from college. I went to a C of C, but it wasn't like any C of C that I had ever been to. It had been "disfellowshipped" by all the other C of C's in Nashville, so obviously there was something different going on. It was there I first learned about grace & that I could have a personal relationship with Christ. I had never been taught about having a personal relationship with Christ. From that point on what I read in the Scriptures meant so much more than words. I actually felt emotions & the fear fell away for the most point. I guess a couple of things stand out to me. One was learning the importance of the Old Testament & how relevant it is to now. The other thing was accepting Christians from other denominations or no denomination. I was so free. The C of C doctrine was so ingrained in me, that there are times when I feel unworthy, but I have the truth with which to fight it. I don't condemn the C of C in any way, I just experienced it in a terribly negative way. Others find freedom there, but I didn't. Churches of Christ are all different so there are some who learn about grace & freedom from the beginning. I didn't. My husband, on the other hand, was brought up in the C of C knowing that grace & freedom & living under no condemnation. His father was a preacher & missionary but taught the truth about the relationship between God & man. Thank you for your testimony.
I totally relate to your story! Our church split, straight down the middle! I left and we still were named, C o C. It was freeing and learned more about the Holy Spirit and love. My dad was not a preacher, but he still goes to the legalistic CoC. So blessed! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️✝️✝️
You're the one that imposed that rule on yourself. Don't be blaming anyone but yourself for what you think the Lord's body was teaching. You are misled by the evil in the world and choose that over God. That is pitiful and shows no wisdom on your part at all. I'll be praying for you to actually have an honest heart and seek God.
I'm so glad you have a "personal relationship", whatever that is. Could you define it for us? Since the phrase is nowhere in the Bible, I'll have to depend on you for a definition. I suppose it is in contrast to an impersonal relationship? I'm serious.
@@cherihickman8065 woahhhh, Nellie !!!! I bet Jesus was cringing a that little viscous out-burst! (As a "Christian" that means you emulate Christ, right? That was NOT Christ-like AT ALL.) You do have that sharp-tongued condemnation down pretty pat. .... You do NOT know her experience... so you have NO GODLY RIGHT to be telling her what she did or why. Might be time for you to review the ONLY commandments given to us after the Veil was split: L O V E... God and others as yourself.
@@brendanjobe6895 it starts with and is encompassed by the ONLY commandments given to us after the Veil was split: L O V E... God and others as yourself... which over and over again, the bulk of the Members and Leadership of the church of Christ forget or fail to remember and authentically emulate (Christ's Love). It's a whole different ballgame than the "Superior" behaviors of the "Rule Keeping" focused. I'm serious.
God bless you, i know some people in this denomination. Heart breaking, I am rejoicing with you that you are walking in liberty. Those who truly belong to Him can not be snatched out of the hands of the Father. ty for your transparency and vulnerability
Ask CoC's to explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel. They will flip flop all over the place!!
I too was raised in the CoC. I was never taught grace. I do believe that there are scripture that needs to be followed however if there is no grace and forgiveness there is no hope. Good luck on your journey.
Thank you for your comments. I was brought up in the Nazarene church but now attend a CofC. I was taught and believe that only Christians will go to heaven. That is what I still believe. It is not my place to judge who is and who is not a Christian-I do not know the heart of another, I can only see the evidence of their actions. The devil has a celebration over the division between Christians.study the Bible, don’t just read STUDY. I ATTENDED a very narrow minded CofC for years and was miserable because of judgment of others. Finally learned about the GRACE of the Lord!
One other key to the death burial and resurrection of Christ is this, God forgave us for Christ sake not ours, if it was for our sake we would be a lot of trouble Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
There are many things with this video I have seen in my life, there are also things that I have heard you state in this video that I disagree with because of what I believe is a skewed point. There should always be authority for the things that we do (Colossians 3:17) Grace is an amazing thing, and while I believe that what you Father has said is correct, the way that you responded in your video is not the way that that should be viewed. Grace is God giving us something that we do not deserve, not by us squeezing in or Jesus not really wanting us to be in Heaven with Him for eternity. There is an obvious reason that Jesus had to come to this earth and that is because man allowed sin to enter the world and after this there was a predetermined plan set in to place for us to be able to live with our Creator one day. So grace is not something that we as members of the Church do not understand (some may run from it and should not.) You referenced 1 John, and I believe you were referencing 1 John 1:7-10 (which I will type here), "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanest us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." This is a great passage that a Christian should read and understand the strength of the blood of Christ and the way that His redemptive plan works, and like you stated from Romans 6, we should not linger in sin for grace to take over because that is not how it works. We are under a new covenant that Jesus Christ established. Therefore the Old Testament is not applicable to me as a Christian although it IS NOT UNNECESSARY (Romans 15:4, it is for our learning) Jesus does know how hard it is to be human, that's why he says come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. I while I am free in Christ because he paid my debt for me I am also a bondservant enslaved to God willingly. (Just as James states that he is in James 1:1) Feeling different in a sinful world is a good thing. Jesus was different and he was willingly hung on a cross because of it. Paul says I rejoice in my persecutions (because he was doing the right thing). While I do not attend certain things that could bring reproach on the Church I do it because of my reverence for the Godhead and not because its a tradition of a "cult" In the end, God created us. God has shown us, by his word, what we must do. If we do not heed to the words that he has given us, we will not live with Him for eternity. This may sound harsh, but it is the truth and that is why great men like Paul spent his life traveling and teaching the truth and so should we. There are Church's of Christ that have become a denomination of sorts and that is a disgrace the the true Church. Christ established his Church just as you know because He is the head of it and he also purchased it with His blood and that is the Church that we should be a part of, the Lord's Church. In Him, Ryan
A buble pop of reality friend . I Can do everything according to the Holy Bible and still won't be taken into Heaven.. all Holy Spirit Driven Souls know this . . It's God's Grace.. if I fail The Holy Spirit teaches me Time is short...
Ryan there is a passage in the Bible that says the kingdom of God is not words but power 1Corinthians 4:20 after the True love of God hit me not earthly but from above because I tried to be perfect and follow every rules I can see this woman has crossed over but only God can revel it I'm so happy she's finally experiencing God's love. And the truth will make you free she is free because God set her free Praise the Lord the Lord God of Israel is one Lord and his Kingdom will reign forever Amen.
Ryan McAlister I came to know Christ through The Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. We were called the International Church Of Christ the main leader was Kip McKean. They were strong on Discipleship and strong in biblical reading and great fellowship. Was hard to leave thinking you were the only real church. I was suffering with emotional issues at some point in time while still there. But the church and it’s discipleship made it much worse. Disciplining became harsh and out of control not always directly with me but it was there. Women leaders ridiculed my wife in a disciplining gathering, and my wife did not tell me immediately. Two years later these same women leaders leave the church; which they would describe as fallen away! As in you are no longer with the church and therefore you will end up in hell Lol. They lost all sense of grace! They thought and probably still think they can immediately turn off & on salvation. And I knew that wasn’t right but never approached it. They would judge many by their education or status quo to move up in leadership. There came a time when disciplining became so out of control and they bragged about it ! Authoritarians they were! There was such Self Righteousness. AND THEN IT HIT ! A major letter from another well respected leader seeing where the Church leadership has gone wrong ! And calling out the Church leaders On IT ! And immediately people were dropping and leaving the church. When this letter was read we had been with the church already 9 years we hung in there. My wife and me read this letter and my Wife Frances looking at me said Jesse you were correct. I showed her my notes previously dating back two years; praying please God give me clarity and understanding. I finally said good buy; so many were so farce and had not repented or have totally ignored it altogether; perhaps they couldn’t except it? Many of those same leaders today that wrote books Preached great sermons have left the church, some divorced their wife’s; some have never returned to a church or God due to what I have read from them personally. I am the one now on the Outside looking in “ THANK GOD” I admit I was part of a Cult ! The cult portion has to do with Salvation through Baptism.. I struggled with this and it was hard for me to attend another church after I left, but yet I did because God showed me through fasting and prayer how wrong we were as the Church Of Christ. Yes i see baptism in the scriptures but how those scriptures and the translation of Koine Greek were mistaken by unschooled Evangelist leaders. And yet there is more proof of no physical baptism needed but some how I them were blinded to this. But I would need to write a blog because I’m only skimming the surface in this total comment. Today this same church has split into various section and names. Many beautiful people still stuck there. And I love them. Yet they still believe and follow church of Christ standards. Sadly their in a Cult by declaring that salvation is the only through physical Baptism. Funny only the Cults believe this. The Church of Latter-day Saints , the Jehovah Witnesses and few others .. etc... And yes the Church of Christ. A church that once thought we were advancing the kingdom of God that thought they were on the cutting edge and modern. Today they lack growth their dated and still separated from all other churches because their one ☝️ plague that hinders their Growth and God won’t bless it !
@@jesserevilla992 based on your studying, I would love to know more about what you found in the Greek! I have been studying myself to learn whether a local COC has good teachings and I cannot find many resources to refute the things they claim. thank you for any help you can offer!
The truth will set you free. Understanding Gods word is freedom. Other organizations will tickle your ear with what are fleshly body’s desire. Truly living under the Guidance of Jesus words is happiness. Knowing that you won’t be thrown out of His church for a miss step is grace. This is what the Church of Christ believes.
I understand where you are coming from as I, too, have questioned some of the teachings of the Church. I am 76 years old and I have been a Christian since I was 12. The difference is that the things I see in the teachings of the Church that seem to be more tradition than scriptural, are not the ones that lead to salvation. I was never taught that committing one sin would send me to hell or what be the purpose of forgiveness? Yes, I believe we should strive for perfection with the knowledge that we cannot reach it on our own and that is where grace appears. Grace bridges the gap between us and God and that makes us perfect. Grace covers a multitude of sins and we all sin and fall short. That's why we need prayer and grace for forgiveness and redemption. I pray you will not forget your first love and your faith will remain strong. God bless you.❤❤
@Joan LeBleu.... you would Not have to bother trying to analyze this if you were a member of the Baptist community.. as they believe all of that without having to search for it and figure it out for ourselves... God's word is plainly and simoky taught by Baptists...
I go to the Church of Christ. I feel the same way, but I don't feel like the Church judges me for it. I do believe that where the Bible speaks we should speak & where it remains silent we should as well. In fact the Church has many people who don't agree or they have a different perspectives or views on some of the Biblical teachings. I'm sorry if someone or something made you feel that way about the Church. I do know that no matter where you go to church it's possible to feel that way because people are so imperfect. I think your right in saying it's difficult for us to imagine the depth of Gods love. God be with you & Your family.
@@brentjames2576 That's a cop out & you know it. You know right from wrong. Don't confuse yourself. That's your own conscious talking to you. They're not judging you. They don't have too. God's already judged sin. They only say what He says about it. Your problem isn't with them, it's with God. Maybe you should talk to Him about it?
@@kaleb798 i hope you are aware that you just insinuated that she was evil. Careful with your words brother. You might take that to the Lord in prayer. She was merely cautioning & not condemning the CoC. I grew up in a COC just like this. Extremely conservative. Never touched the OT hardly, still don’t talk about a rapture or return of Jesus Christ. Rituals overshadowed fellowship after I got a little older. Now on the other hand, my aunt went to a less strict CoC and wow what a different spirit of freedom. When it’s time to go (move on to another church) the Spirit will move you so you continue to grow. Some stay in the same church a life time which is great, but some of us move on. I personally am glad she shared her testimony, not so unfamiliar to me. Blessed my heart.
@@kaleb798 Any specific questions? I'm not a "scholar" but I have been in and out of several "cultic organizations" - enough to know a lot of the important things that get twisted around in these places more interested in PROFIT than PROPHET
I am truly sorry for the life you were dealt, the confusion and heartache. I am a church of Christ member and I love you very much and would love for you to come back.
I am truly saddened that you had that experience. As a member of the CofC, I can certainly tell you emotion is and should be important. However, we must be able to rightly divide the word of God - II Timothy 2:10. I pray that your old congregation opens up and read the scriptures where emotions are okay! There must be a balance. Proverbs 14:12 tells us to not allow our emotions get us condemned because if we only go off of emotions it will condemn us! What seems right to us is not always right. The Bible is the standard for our life. I am free in the CofC! You have problems everywhere, even in the Church. I am praying for you and anyone else who has had a negative experience. Grace and Mercy is the only hope we have in order to make it into heaven. Jesus tells us that we are now under GRACE.- Romans 6:14-17 Instrumental music is not recorded in the New Testament. It is recorded in the Old Testament. HOWEVER, the only people allowed to use a particular instrument were the brethren Levites- 1 Chronicles 15:16. We are not Levites and today that is not applicable to Christianity. Jesus changed the priesthood/law after Melchisedec- Hebrews 7:11-12. That was under the Mosaic Law/Old Testament. The New Testament teaches that there is no life in instruments- 1 Corinthians 14:7-15. God wants us to worship Him in Spirt and in Truth which is life - John 4:20-24. God authorizes us to sing hymns - Mark 14:16 and use our lips for praise- Hebrews 13:15. The old law/ Mosaic Law/ Old Testament has been fulfilled - Luke 24:44. Jesus teaches that we cannot have 2 Testators in affect. It’s either the Mosaic Law or The New Testament which is Grace- Romans 6:14-17 ,Galatians 5:3-4, Hebrews 9:15-17. I pray that this helps. Much love.
Grace through the blood of Christ; not Grace by itself in the denominational world. Undeserved, yes, but covered. Paul was the “chief of sinners”, but he told them to follow “doctrine” shared in his letters. Context is extremely important.
I have a genuine question for y'all, and I'm not trying to be a troll. Ephesians talks about singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. That seems to imply that He wants us to actually sing the Psalms. The Psalms talk a whole lot about playing different instruments. So are you saying we're supposed to sing about playing instruments, but we're not supposed to actually play them? Also, the NT doesn't ever record anyone having electricity in the place where they met to worship...
The " Church " are the believers. The bride of Christ. No denomination is going to save you ... only the blood of Jesus. We have the Word to guide us (the Holy Bible). A sinful lifestyle will not be forgiven. A Christian strives to live Holy. If he or she sins it must be confessed and repented of. 1 John 2 :1 And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. [3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments
"A sinful lifestyle will not be forgiven"? Are you sure you really believe that Sean? I agree that we are to strive for holiness, live a godly lifestyle, and keep his commandments; but at the same time "none is righteous no not one". Our salvation isn't based on our ability to strive to be holy nor even keep his commandments. If it were, then Christ died for nothing and we are still trying to get right with God by our works of the law. Salvation is a free gift, it's not merit based, and this is what makes the gospel such "good news". Re-read the books of Romans and Galatians (in their entirety if possible) and see if you don't come away with a different perspective.
@@Bland-79 David, remember some of the songs such as Faith is the Victory? Our faith in Jesus is why He saves us. Our works are the product of our faith and love for Jesus and others. Religion and works don't save. Only Jesus saves.
I’m really sorry for your experiences that made you feel that you had to be perfect. That’s a terrible place to live in. Thank you for sharing your pain & what you learned. I am part of the ICOC. Like any human learns from mistakes (as a mom & a wife, believe me, I have made so many mistakes), I believe churches also learn if they really are trying to do God’s will. I know that the environment we provide is where we share our sin, weaknesses & failures. That’s how people see our humanity, need for God & his grace while finding a safe place to be. We do try to grow spiritually & not live in sin because of grace. We, also, know that we are imperfect people who need a perfect God who is our refuge & strength. Thank you, again for sharing your truth.
ICOC is a harmful cult. I know too much about it for you to convince me otherwise. Sorry, I do not mean to be offensive, but the ICOC is a cult. I hope you can escape.
I am a 63 year old christian. I appreciated your video and your honesty. I was raised going to the church of Christ. I did not experience the - 'you have to be perfect attidude'. But, I did feel some of the personal - I am not getting it done feeling. However, I heard a lesson from an excellent preacher, Tom Woody. He explained our sins being washed away in this manner: It is like there is this chalkboard which is your life and as you write on it constantly there is flowing water washing away everything you write , as you write it. In the same way Jesus's blood washes away our sins constantly as we commit them. He did indicate that we must be baptized into Jesus in obedience to Him to receive the washing away of sins and continue to Do OUR best to follow His word as much as we are able---we all must strive to do our best. Jesus always knows our hearts and yes, as you said, is forgiving with God's grace. I think it is difficult to have that balance correct of grace and love in conjunction with realizing we must do what God tells us the way he tells us to do it. After all, He is our creator, Jesus has all authority. There are several examples of God's reaction to those who willingly disobey Him in the old testament. I am grateful for the knowledge that it is because of Jesus I don't have to think about being perfect- a humorous notion as it is impossible for any of us to be perfect. May God bless each of us with a clear understanding of His love and grace and His expectations for our service to Him.
I am a member of the church. I am 70 years old. At your age I did not understand the Bible really. I was raised in the church and just took most of this for granted. I was slow to mature and did not really begin to understand till I was in my 40's. I was baptized again when I was 46. This made all the difference. I am now close to God and my life is filled with joy and peace on a daily basis. Keep learning. Stay with God and continue to read his word. It will make sense to you eventually if you do not give up.
I appreciate your voice and your thoughts. I think it is very important to consider the culture of the times for which your parents were raised and lived. We (including you) are impacted heavily by our culture. It is important to see your experiences in light of those things. Your children will also live in a different culture than you. I have seen a great amount of culture change within the churches of Christ over my 54 years of living. My parents have made many shifts in their thinking and understanding. I would say to all reading this because I have stood by this all along my spiritual path, "Do not run from what you don't agree with, but instead be an agent of change. Show others the paths to a less rocky road. Be there for the people who have been there for you. Respect them as they learn from you and you from them." Running and speaking negatively are never a good approach for change and for getting others to listen to you. I have two daughters and I hope that is one thing they learned from me. You can be the person others need to hear from or you can be the person no one wants to hear from. Positivity and support or Negativity and disloyalty.
"Shame, shame, shame." There it is... the church of Christ "shaming" (almost equal to Catholics and Mormons). And yes, that is very much an ingrained part of the church... from the south that spread such to the north. You said, "Running and speaking negatively are never a good approach for change and for getting others to listen to you.".... Amber spoke her truths softly and beautifully - with love, great discernment and grace. She is young... had it been me with decades more experience of churches all over the nation and abroad, I would have shared so much more about what the "church" hides behind to continue their patriarchal and yes, misogynistic and narrow ability to see beyond their built-in subjectivity. Yes, there are good, authentically loving folks in the church of Christ. Yet, I think they'd be the empathic and loving (Christ-like) sort no matter where they were - I doubt "the church 'made' them that way". Yet, how "the men" are taught and lead is still very narrow and shallow (as a whole). They are so afraid of real questions trying reconcile the hypocrisy within the Bible let alone within the leadership (as a whole) and The Body. I've studied for years, and as a Bible scholar in my 20's (including Hebrew and Greek) - then missionary training and overseas work. The LACK of growth, as a whole, I have seen within the "church" is not only saddening but frustrating. (That's a book of its own... I'm just saying the growth has been shallow and minimal. Your duplicitous statements, from the first sentence to the last) are a tiring example of that fact: Shallow and scantily veiled. I guess I am curious - have you ever studied how many other "denominations", faiths and religions believe that THEY are the ONE church/ belief system that "has it right" and will be going to Heaven? The church of Christ does not have the corner on that market. Oh yes, I "believed" that too, and expertly wielded the Word like a sword to defend or "recruit" with authority, passion and certainty. I could convince most any "sinner" from Mormon's to even a Catholic Priest. Yet, never will I do that again. How absurd to think the church of Christ "has it right" and will be the "ones" in Heaven. It's a fascinating study... I encourage you to broadening your understand with such. After one of my later intensive studies of "cults"... (what makes them, how they are formed, who is "targeted", how they grow, characteristics, etc.) - guess what? The similarities with the "members" of the church (and other "Christian" claimed organizations) were too similar to disregard. Add to that, an in-depth deep dive into understanding the "real history" of the Bible (other than the cursory taught by "the church" intensive studies) has made a lot more sense of the inconsistencies and hypocrisies within its cover (every hear of the child's game of "Gossip"?). "Positivity and support or Negativity and disloyalty.", you said above. Wow! "I appreciate your voice and your thoughts." No you did not. The rest of your statement proved that you did NOT appreciate what Amber had to say, which was basically: "Just shut up, smile and stick your head the sand" because if you do not, you will be labeled 'negative and disloyal'. We do not speak that way. We do spiritual by-passing here." That is exactly the sort of tactics the PEDOPHILE PRIESTS used to oppress their child sexual abuse victims. You just put yourself amongst their ranks of dismissive, discounting and disregarding of another's experience... just as is the habit of a malignant narcissist. Wow. That truly is par for the course, though. In case you are unaware, that is a form of mental and spiritual abuse right there. I know, long-learned tactic used in the church. Yet now, you are aware and you must repent of such sin!
You should of been a trooper and endure the lies of a church or you should of been responsible for changing the organization you belong to is error. Period….and I’m so blessed to see her maintain the light of Christ even though the church she was a part of failed to teach her the truth of that. This comment is a great way to justify wrong doing. I hope this thinking will just lay to rest.
Thank you so much. I hope that after 30 years of Icoc I can also one day feel God's love spring up in my heart, get rid of fear, guilt and pain because İ've not been able to share God's love with my family.
wowwwww.... 30 years in Icoc... I was exposed to about 3 years of it... San Fran, NYCmostly... and Kip's recordings. Did you know of Jim Brown out of NYC (formerly MT)? I was considering going on their San Paulo mission in the mid-80s after our San Fran mission to Rome fell apart. ..... I would be interested in your long-term experience. The "regular" coc had so many cold-hearted issues of their own to overcome, it was interesting seeing them all hot and bothered about the ICOC. ... Take care!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m not a part of church of Christ, but I was curious about the faith. And your beliefs are lined with mine. I’ve had a relationship with God since I was very young and I can tell you he is so loving and forgiving, father. I have a good father here on earth is a good godly man. I think that help me understand my father in heaven. I’m so glad that you shared this. I know you are making a difference in peoples lives and God is using you in a great way. God bless everything that you do my friend and I don’t know you, but you are my sister and CHRIST!
Beautiful testimony! I also was in the CofC, and after being baptized and checking off the boxes they said I needed to do to get saved, I sinned. And then I doubted my salvation for the next 17 years, wondering if I had UNchecked a box somehow, and begging God to show me what to do and how many times to do it to get saved again. Then I read the Bible, and learned of His FREE GIFT of grace, salvation thru faith alone, and freedom in Christ! And, like you, instantly felt the love of Christ and then had the fruits of the Spirit to pass on to others!
When I was baptized in the CoC, the “process of salvation” had supposedly begun. I was told that I was now a Christian and would have to “grow in Christ” for the rest of my life to finally be saved in the end. I was taught nothing about being eternally indwelled and sealed by the Holy Spirit Who permanently insures that one will grow in Christ. Rather than being given the proper antidote for a sin-sick soul, CoC baptism was administered as an inoculation against such truths, which built up a resistance to true Christian conviction and faith. But thankfully God saved me decades later!!
Before Christ saved me, I was constantly performing what I thought was repentance, but there was never a true removal of guilt, for the sin supposedly pardoned through repentance one minute was replaced by another sin the next! And it had the potential to land me in Hell just as surely as the one previously pardoned! So, without the true gospel, I had to try to stay sane by either adopting an antinomian view of sin (an abuse of God’s grace as an excuse to live in sin), or else become an obsessive-compulsive perfectionist. Intimate involvement in the CoC was also a strong, contributing factor in the way my family and I viewed God and religion. It also affected how we related to each other, for our approval of one another was always based on performance instead of unconditional love. The false standard of comparing ourselves with others, rather than God’s holiness, led to pride, superiority and cookie-cutter conformity (2 Cor. 10:12).
Amber, I go to the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) and in the beginning it was all what you were explaining. I was baptized as a disciple in '94 and lived in fear as you spoke about and eventually left in 2004 . The leader that started the movenent in '79, Kip McKean, was asked to step down from leadership and left the church to restart his new church: The International Christian Church, and from what I have heard, he has not repented of his selfish ambition to making disciples for his own glory. I believe, harsh discipling, and guilting people out to the point of csusing fear instead of loving and giving grace to each other is what destroys peoples trust. So after Kip left the ICOC, they reformed it to become more full of love & grace and I came back in 2011 and was restored to the body. Our church is so loving now and we can be open with sin without fear of being harshly rebuked, told we are going to hell, but given so much support and grace, which is what is needed to repent. And we play instuments for worship. I played in the church band for several years. I am growing in my relationship with God in joy now, not fear. This is what I thiught it was supoosed to be like when I first got baptized and now I am 100% sure I am in the right place. If you want to find a church in your area, look up the ICOC church finder. I think you would love and thank you for sharing what many of us have felt in the Church of Christ. The great news is that what you believed the COC should be, does exist. Much love to you! 💗
I watched your video again and not only does it bring tears to my current situation but it gives me courage to keep on loving others when they hurt you badly. Thank you friend. Kal
Thank you for sharing your experience. My daughter has got entangled with COC through a young man that she has fallen for. We are evangelicals who believe wholeheartedly “It is by Grace you are saved by faith” as we are seeing this unfolding the C E N I hermetical method is definitely causing her trouble and after making a profession of faith now says she not saved 😢 we’re praying for the truth to win out. Blessings for having the bravery to share you story.
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Hubby and I can FULLY relate!! I’m 51 years old and just now realizing the peace of Jesus that I can have and what grace and unconditional love and stepping away from legalism can look and feel like. It’s SO freeing. I can give you one example of my growing up as a church of Christ preachers daughter… If for some odd reason we were traveling or sick or didn’t take communion on a Sunday we had to make sure we squeezed it in before midnight or suffer the repercussions of going to hell. I could elaborate on and on and on but I won’t. Thank- you for making this video. Blessings♥️Katie
But that's not a church of Christ problem, that's a "your dad is ruthless" problem. And now you want to "feel" free and throw terms like legalism at a group of people without really understanding what it is.
That commenter is wrong. It IS a COC problem. The idea that if we don't take communion every Sunday we are doing something wrong IS a COC belief and it's not biblical. There are so many unbiblical COC beliefs. I'm a COC PK as well, and now I attend non-denominational churches (actual don-denominational). I understand exactly what you meant, and you're right. Examples are not commands, the bible never said they are, there isn't supposed to be a list that explains how to worship (and there isn't). We aren't even supposed to be seeking "authority" to do something or not so something in worship (and the bible doesn't say to). The COC desperately wants us to seek authority and have a list in the bible but there isn't one, so they made up a rule that isn't in the bible that you look at examples and create rules based on them. But who chooses which example is a rule and which isn't? I'm a COC PK and I can say with certainty that the Church of Christ does things in worship that there isn't an example of (the building for starters), and DON'T do things that there ARE examples of in the bible (many examples). This is exactly what Amber Head is saying. Don't listen to the COC commenters that claim you don't understand, when CLEARLY they have not even ever looked into it. They have never prayed that prayer of surrender...surrendering their beliefs of all doctrine and start over and asked the Holy Spirit to reveal what they need to know as they study. Anyone that ever bashes what Amber said in this video never surrendered themselves to the revelation of the scriptures to the Holy Spirit, and only are trying to back up what keeps them in their comfort zone. The members of the Church of Christ are mostly beautiful, devout believers in Christ, and they are saved. But the man-made philosophy of looking for examples to make into commands accidentally corrupts their beliefs, and hinders their walk in Christ.
@@Concatenate Can you please explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel?
Willdo1951 Aldone Why the question in Acts2:37 "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" See if the answer is "there is nothing you can do; Jesus paid it all; it is finished. The answer in verse says "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION OF YOUR SINS and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
@@MrNyathi1 Roman 6:1 and Matthew 7-21-23, brother don't be decieved, Jesus paid the price, BUT that does not give us a license to live a life full of sin without repentence. That is a lie from satan
D.E. Franklin When we "handle aright the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) we see that the thief was not subject to the New Testament command of immersion because this command was not given until AFTER the thief's death. It was not until Christ was resurrected that He said, "He who believes AND is baptized shall be saved; Mark 16:16. It was not until Christ's death that the Old Testament ceased, signified by the tearing of the temple curtain (Matthew 27:51). When Jesus died, He took away the Old Testament, "nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:14). The word "testament" means "covenant" or "will." The last will and testament of Christ is the New Testament, which consists of those teachings that apply to people AFTER the death of Christ. If we expect to receive the benefits of the New Testament (salvation, forgiveness of sin, eternal life) we must submit to the terms of the will for which Christ is mediator (Hebrews 9:15), for "where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator; for a testament is of force after men are dead, otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives; Hebrews 9:16-17. Jesus of course will not forgive us if we don't believe that He is the Son of God who died who died for our sins, repent, confess Jesus is the son of God and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16) for the remission of sins . Baptism is not a work of man; it is faith in the working of God; Colossians 2:12. Read Acts 8:5-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached and it is NOT the sinner's prayer (which is no where in the word of God. Also baptism is how we put on Christ; Galations 3:27....can one be saved without putting on Christ in baptism? I Peter 3:21 says baptism doth ALSO save us; man says baptism doth not now save us. Who do you believe Peter or man? Baptism is done before one is added to the Lord's church; Acts 2:41, 47. There is only 1 baptism; Ephesians 4:5. Baptism is commanded; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:48.
Thank you for this. I was raised in the Church of Christ and left under similar circumstances. My experience in growing up in that organization was the same as yours: legalistic, no instruments, rules based, everything other than what they teach is a sin, no love or compassion for neighbors not in their church, fearful of stepping out of line, etc.. after growing up being taught that everyone else was wrong, leaving completely shattered my faith. 5 years later and I’m still looking for a new faith home.
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Good evening, Ms. Amber. Regardless of what church a person attends (as I do attend the Church of Christ), I believe it is up to each individual to search the Holy Scriptures for themselves to verify or refute what is being taught in that church as it relates to living as a Christian as the Bible instructs us to. There were comments in your video regarding authority that I would just like to examine a bit. One of your main statements revolved around partaking of the Lord's Supper each Lord's day. Since the Holy Scriptures does state, "... upon the first day of the week...", does that give us the freedom to decide WHICH first day of the week WE choose to observe this practice (which without going back to your comments I believe you did say we (who profess Christianity), should recognize as a necessity)? If that were the case, we would have free reign to choose EVERY action in this manner; thus reducing the belief that the Bible is indeed God's "instruction manual" to, if followed, get us to Heaven, to having no more importance or relevance than reading through a copy of Cinderella and saying "That was a nice story. I think tomorrow I'll read A Tale of Two Cities." Basically we place the Bible in the category of having no more importance than any other book we happen to pick up off the shelf and start reading. You also said that you feel the C of C lives by a principle of following rules such as taking the Lord's Supper EACH first day of the week but, you feel it is not a rule because it doesn't say "Don't take it on Tuesday or Friday" but, what about some similar points that fit in today's society? A child's parents say, "Don't get hit by a car!" Does that free the child to believe it's okay to get hit by a truck? A van? A motorcycle? If this is the mentality the child takes, it will not take but one time for him/her to realize they should have used common sense in their thought process. Here is a thought on this topic even closer to home. There is a child leaving for college. The parents say, "Be sure you go to church on Sunday." Did they say WHICH Sunday? No. Did they say do NOT attend Mon-Sat? No. Based on the patents' instructions, if the child picks and chooses WHICH Sunday they go are they sure they got it right? As well, since the parents didn't say do NOT go to church on Tuesday or Thursday, does that mean they are SURE it is okay TO attend on those days? Rev. 22:18-19 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophesy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life..." I understand this to be a clear message from God saying "do what I TELL you to do, and don't do what I DON'T tell you to do". If one is serious about going to Heaven, wouldn't the old principle of "better safe than sorry" be best applied here? Regarding your child getting "kicked out of the family" because they continually make mistakes, (perhaps the same mistake they've been told not to make), consider this. If there is a child who takes drugs after being told by his parents not to, if they're caught, they go to jail. You bail them it with part of the condition of release is to go to (meetings), get clean, and to not do it again. Three months later they do the same thing and go through the same cycle of changing, etc. After "x" number of times continuing this cycle the child finally dies; whether from an overdose, or an altercation regarding gunplay (as an example). Was the child kicked out of the family? No. But, when it's time to celebrate Christmas, birthdays, go on vacations with the family will they be there? No. Because living their life the way THEY wanted to took away their opportunity to spend anymore time with the family. Sound familiar? You forgave the child of each mistake (bailing him out) but, he continued making the mistakes until he no longer had TIME TO CORRECT IT (he died living that same life.). God does not kick us out in fact, He gives us EVERY OPPORTUNITY to start over. It is WE who remove OURSELVES from the family, and at some point, we run out of time to start over. As you think about it, does any of this make sense? I am no Elder, Deacon, or Preacher. I am simply a humble man who do his best to read his Bible every day, study the message it reveals, and does his best to be a disciple of Christ. I pray these comments (I mean 400 page book of comments! 😊) did not come across as crass, condemning, or "I'm right, you're wrong" to you or anyone who may happen to read this. I simply love the opportunity when presented to me to discuss the Bible, listen to another's thoughts on a subject, and give mine. Now please don't misunderstand, I am always prepared to back up my beliefs with Scripture but, if any of us go around condemning others, we are essentially taking over the roll of God, and that's ONE roll I DON'T want to play. 99% of the time I never look at FB/UA-cam because I just don't care for how liberally and decadently everyone is allowed to make statements, express themselves, or (to me) even worse, respond to others' posts. But, I am very glad I happened to come across this one, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the conversation. 💖
Eph 2 8-9 For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of WORKS, lest any man should boast. Rom 11 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. The bible is actually a simple book if you look at it from a standpoint of a Father who LOVES you. He will not confuse you about the most important thing. If you do any works or deeds to get or stay saved then that cancels out Grace and you will be judged by your works as grace no longer lets you enter the kingdom. We have a great father who loves us. If one lives with works as a justification to get or keep your salvation then Jesus died for nothing. He did it all himself. We believe in what he did for us on the cross *Faith* and the rest is descipletship. We are saved UNTO good words we are not saved by good works. Blessings and love to you and your loved ones. This young lady actually figured it out when she became a parent for the love and grace for her children. All Glory to God........... PS...keep your eyes on Israel and how the world will threaten it....The days are short and The Day is getting closer.
Love your zeal, but your analogies do not line up. Scripture, to be fully understood, must be, as you said "examined and searched" - but not in the context of looking for one word or phrase that seems to support your doctrine. The Lord's Supper is a)remembrance of Him; b) fellowship. The symbolic 'breaking of bread' is not required - but needs to be examines as to what Jesus did for us. The Bread represents His Word - (read John 1:1-18 and Genesis 1&2) and the Wine (or grape juice) [Blood] represents His Sacrifice that PAID THE PRICE for our sins. This Blood paid the FULL PRICE. No action is needed other than accepting that price that He PAID IN FULL. Remember, on the Cross He said "IT IS FINISHED"
As far as my very limited exposure to the CofC is concerned, the only time I've seen or heard an "adherent" to the doctrines (notice I did not say Christian) of the CofC, they habitually dismiss - at great length and effort, the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. 40 or so scriptures will get "spewed" very quickly - without taking any context into consideration - to "back up" the doctrines that are "being sold" - but, the very verse that summarizes - takes the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments into one scripture - and spend untold hours trying to put it in a context that "explains" it away. Yes, I'm talking about John 3:16! EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE "POINTS" to this Idea that GOD SO LOVES THE WORLD that He sacrificed His ONLY Son - in a plan that pre-dated Mankind... Keep in mind the ONE and only "unforgiveable" Sin - Grieving the Spirit - - - Exactly what you're doing when you try to dismiss God's Plan of Salvation. Also, we are told that those of you who partake in this practice are "...preaching a DIFFERENT Gospel..." than the one in the Bible. If you need, I'll show you where those two 'thoughts' are in scripture.
I was raised in the Church as well. Baptized at age 12yrs and I had a similar mis understanding of God's Word as a child. As an adult with more spiritual development and understanding of the Bible we realize the magnitude of God's love and grace for everyone, everyone! I am so thankful for my parents having raised me in the Church.
The Experience you have with your dad did not justify that Church of Christ keeps people in bondage. We are free but bonded so as not to go astray and that is why we are different. Corrections, rebuking and Discipline is always the way of church of Christ. Well, the freedom you made mention can be defined in many ways. We have freedom to communicate, making friends, doing things other people does but not freedom to go astray. You said something that they follow the bible most especially the New testament, true. You only think you are in bondage when you wish to do your heart desire. We are free indeed! and happy and everybody do appreciate our way of life and knowledge of the bible. And of course, we are not perfect and that is why there is always a room for questions and deliberation, we should not be weak. We need to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashame... That one should not stop you from attending the church of Christ base on the things you have mentioned.
I thought the same. We are all sinners and can't stop sinning even when we try our hardest and that's why God has mercy on us. The way I understand it is if we willingly turn against God and go back into the world then that way we give up our salvation, but not by sinning unwillingly or unthoughtfully like we often do. We all have so much to learn and maybe the church she attended focused too much in a certain thing and that hurt her, but read Romans 14. Let's not judge each other and love one another and not be a reason to hurt someone else's faith. You shouldn't leave the church. All churches will have issues we can read that all throughout the new testament, we just need to realize what we do wrong to change it and God forgives us. He knows your true feelings and thoughts and motives.
Mind control coc force me to repent every time that's controlling people are shells in coc bossy people like a employer o been through this so many years
Hi, Amber! Thank you so much for making these 3 videos! I've been going through this same paradigm shift for a while now. Is there a way we could chat? I'm not even sure if you still get notifications from these videos. I'd really love to connect with you, if you're willing. Blessings! Aimee :)
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Hi Amber, your video is heartfelt and I applaud you for your courage to make it. I was not raised in the church of Christ but after joining one in college, I experienced some of the inconsistencies you speak of - I was even asked to not come back to that church! Having said that, many decades later, I am now an elder in a church of Christ and stumbled across your video while searching for our church’s live feed. You and your viewers need to know that not all churches of Christ are like the experience you have described you had in KY. God saves through grace alone, no doubt about it. Nothing we can ever do could result in us “deserving” salvation. I have experienced true Christian love and brotherhood from hundreds of like minded church of Christ members over the last decades. Any church of any denomination can exhibit the problems you describe. All other churches can be hyper-authoritarian so I think it is a bit unfair to lump all churches of Christ as being just the same. Nevertheless, I do truly understand your points as I have made many of them myself. God bless you in your Christian journey. I hope you can put your bad memories and hurt away through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Amber! I spent 4 hrs last night with two elders staring me down. Discrediting my salvation. I woke up sick, broken , hopless Realizing that at 65 years old and roofing all day in 105 degree heat that they completely overpowered me in my weakness. Today I became furious to what was taken from me in my weakness. Now I'm hearing the voice of your heart
@@buckyteel4129 my biggest ? now is where do I go ? Being a loner is very hard when it comes to following God. I just need a place where I can be with like minded believers.
@Brian Gilley... you could save yourself all of that heartache.. by becoming a Baptist... they believe everything the bible teaches plain and simple without the pressures and without the heartache.. I have had peace for over 30 years now... and I am 67...
@@briangilley5093 try the Baptist religion... I am at total peace.I got saved and joined the Baptist church 30 years ago.... and there is None of the things mentioned in these posts as with the CoC... they preach the true Gospel.. believe in Jesus as the Son of God... without all of the stress..and everyone has shown nothing but love to me all these years...
@@jeffcarlson3269 I only want to follow Jesus Christ, I will never be caught up in man's religion. I will Honor Him by going to church as I always have. But I will follow only His Word. Some Baptist came to my door with his wife and started a fight that almost turned physical. His church, there church, come to my church. Not my Lord's church but their this and and me me me mine. That's cult talk.
I went to four different Churches of Christ in different states and visited so many. I was a member for more than 10 years. The doctrine was always the same so I knew I was at the Church of Christ. And I totally agree with you. I think there is a lack of love and compassion. I found this to be true especially if you ever disagreed with anything they taught. They will love their members as long as they always behaved in a way that they wanted everyone to be. Very strict rules and very judgemental. I have never understood why they call you a “member” after you are baptized only. As if joining a country club. I have to say I have also visited all kinds of denominations and it saddens me that people are more preoccupied with rules than with helping humanity. All people as Christ commanded not just “members”. If you don’t mind I wanted to ask you if you found a Church to attend?
I did. I worship with a non denominational church where the elders are very committed to loving the flock and preaching the Word. They are wonderful and flawed and have helped me tremendously.
Which baptism is a part of the salvation process, based on what the Bible says? What did Peter say below? Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Based on Luke 3:16, and John 1:33, and Acts 11:15-16, the most important thing about the word "baptize" in the New Testament has nothing to do with water. The Holy Spirit is the master teacher promised to New Covenant believers in Jeremiah 31:34, and John 14:26, and is found fulfilled in Ephesians 1:13, and 1 John 2:27. Unfortunately, many modern Christians see water when they read the word "baptize" in the text. Based on the above, what is the one baptism of our faith found in the passage below? How many times is the word "Spirit" found in the passage, and how many times is the word "water" found in the passage? Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, “baptize” KJV Mat_3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Mar_1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mar_1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Luk_3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Joh_1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; Joh_1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
One does NOT join the church of ones choice according to the word of God. The Lord adds you to His church; the one He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28) after one obeys the gospel. Jesus said "Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW be there that find it; Matthew 7:14. In truth, it is the Bible that revealed the one body (Ephesians 4:4) and that body is the church (Colossians 1:18).The church began on the day of Pentecost(Acts 2:36-47). Jesus is the one Head of the body (Colossians 1:18). Jesus is the Savior of the one body (Ephesians5:23-25), the church that He bought with His blood (Acts 20:28) and most churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) teach this; since each is autonomous you would need to visit to see if this is taught, Also the following needs to be taught: The Bible reveals the gospel (Romans 1:16); the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-4). It's the Bible that commands all men to obey that gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8). It is the Bible that reveals how to obey the gospel of Christ (Romans 6:3-5), reenacting the gospel through repentance and baptism. Being buried with Christ and raised with Him in the likeness of His resurrection. It's the Bible that warns us that Jesus Christ will return to earth one day taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). It's the Bible that reveals that Peter and Paul preached an identical message (Galatians 1:8-9). A message that man must repent and be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) and following this God-given instruction is how man accesses God's marvelous grace (Colossians 2:11-13). Grace is God's unmerited favor which instructs us. God's grace teaches us. Paul told Titus, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us....(Titus 2:11-12). Grace teaches and men must obey. Faith is our exercise of obedience to His instructions (Hebrews 11). It's the Bible that reveals that upon obedience to God's instructive faith (Acts 2:41) God adds the saved (Acts 2:47) to the ONE body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4), the church of Christ; Romans 16:16 Other biblical names are mentioned in the Bible such as church of God, etc., etc. but they must be teaching all the above and not for example the Sinner's Prayer and asking Jesus into your heart for no where in the word of God is this taught. The Bible also tells us there were about 3,000 people who heard these words first preached by Peter (Acts 2:38) and gladly receiving it were baptized (Acts 2:41). Those New Testament Christians continued in the apostle's doctrine (Acts 2:42-46). They met on the first day of the week to pray (Acts 2:42; 20:7), sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), give of their means (I Corinthians 16:1-2), to partake the Lord's supper and be exhorted by preaching (Acts 20:7). The Lord's church was not and never will be a denomination (Ephesians 1:22-23). The Lord's church is a heavenly, blood bought, spiritual institution that the saved are added to by God (Acts 2:32-36; 20:28; I Timothy 3:15; Acts 2:47). Men never voted other men into the blood bought church of Christ, His body (Acts 8:36-38). Voting on candidates for baptism is foreignn to the Bible and is a doctrine of man. It's the Bible that reveals how the New Testament church used many names for the ONE body of Christ, the church of Christ; Romans 16:16. A Bible name for a Bible thing. It's the Bible that rebukes human doctrines and human creeds. New Testament Christians used nothing butthe Bible as their guide (James 1:25; 2:12). They had no earthly associations, conferences, councils, committees, presidents or popes (Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus Christ was, is and will forever be the church's ONLY head; (Ephesians 1:22-23). People don't hang onto your denominational faith; make sure you read your Bible with open eyes and make sure what you have been taught originated in the Bible and NOT from the denomination you had been a part of throughout your life,
My husband was raised in a C of C. He will not go to another church. I am not sure he is saved and neither is he. His brother died recently and I asked him if his brother was saved. He said he wasn’t sure. That is just sad. I chose to not raise our children in the C of C because I don’t think the preacher of our local C of C has a clue how to get saved.
jJesus & His instructions to the apostles can't be made any clearer. we must follow the gospel in order to be saved: Belief in who Christ is & what He went thru - Repentance - Confession of the Lord - Baptism. Follow these steps & Jesus Says that " You are added to His church".
Wow! Your testimony is powerful. You were honest yet so respectful in your comments. I guess you truly did experience God's grace. Thank you for sharing. ☺
i cant believe i found this. completely raised in church of christ.. im 51 years old. its been a long life, never being good enough. hell bound...that was the message. .. its not a good feeling..its caused me major problems. im glad to hear this. god bless
Ask CoC's to explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel. They will flip flop all over the place!!
I grew up in the church of Christ and I had similar feelings. I left the church for 8 years and I found a new congregation at another location and the dynamics there have been so incredibly different for me. Our relationship with one another as a congregation has exceeded my expectations. When I miss church nobody judges me. They check in on me but they don’t hound me. They show nothing but support and love.
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Several comments that are understandable no doubt. I am sorry for your feelings of confusion and frustration. At the same time, I believe there are several things in the video that are misunderstood. And perhaps that's the way they were expressed to you--I don't know. But I would encourage you not to confuse what the church does with how the church ought to be. I have seen many folks get discouraged and frustrated because of the actions of brethren. I, myself, have felt that way before. But I stick to the Scriptures as my guiding rule to sift through what ought to be. Perhaps we could chat sometime. And yes, I am a member of the church.
Steven Hetherington Do you like this Church of Christ ? I am Church of Latter Day Saints but I dont believe in Joseph Smith and want out . Im looking for the same type of church without Joseph Smith ? Is this your church ? Thank you so kindly for any info you can share with me 🌈
Thank you for your testimony. I too grew up in the "church of Christ". My dad and his brothers were preachers and teachers. Your words ring so true to my struggles, but your FAITH which sounds so STRONG & grounded in His word is edification to my soul. I thank you and will pray for you. In Him
Amber, I was raised in a conservative (non-class) stripe of the Church of Christ and experienced an upbringing somewhat similar to yours. At 83 years of age now I’m still in the CoC (mainstream, I suppose you could say) and have devoted the great majority of my life to steering the churches where I’ve lived away from the whirlpool of emptiness you’ve experienced in the church. I was a young man when I learned the folly of command, example, necessary inference filter that so many of my fellow Christians insisted was the way to understand the Bible. I learned to view the Bible not as an authorizing document but a revealing document, as it reveals the righteousness of God by the gospel. I’m glad to have left behind such arguments as the “c” in Church of Christ must be lowercase, the Lord’s supper must be taken every Sunday and never on another day of the week, clapping in the assembly, etc. I’ve had some success over the course of my life, but softening fixed ideas comes hard.
Praise God that you saw the truth, and you saw it by reading God's word for yourself. I wish more people did that in every denomination. There are way too many people who live blindly by what their pastors tell them instead and that's not always correct. Keep doing what your doing. Yhwh bless you.
It’s not a denomination. Denominations have leaders that people have to follow. People that make the rules. The c of c doesn’t have anyone like they. We all operate individually. And as far as studying for yourself...I agree. And that churches I have worshipped at teach to study the word for yourself.
Thank you for your story! I'm lod enough to be your mom, but I totally understand what you are saying....growing up in the Church of Christ! Praise God! My chains are gone!! I've been set free! Free in Christ, alone❤✝️✝️✝️🙏🏻🤟
@@janicemurphy8175 I did not "leave" the church of Christ. I may have left a building with the name "Church of Christ". God is my Rock. Jesus loves me and died for me. He took my sins to the cross. I praise Him every day! I'm so thankful for the Holy Spirit who lives in me. I am a sinner and will never be perfect but praise be to God, I am free in Him. Really curious about what you mean that I have put on chains? Very interested! 🙏🏻✝️
@@nancysanders766, this is equivalent to saying, “I left the house that my husband purchased but I didn’t leave my husband!” We are a very weak weak people when it comes to “doing” the will of God. You are absolutely correct, Christ loved you enough to shed his blood to not only to purchase your sins that you repent of but also to purchase his church in which he adds us to upon baptism Acts 20:28, Acts 2:47. I don’t understand how you can leave the local congregation in which we are all to be under and still believe that you have not left the church? How do you worship God without assembling with his people? How do you accomplish the acts of worship that you saw them in the First Century Church do? Truth is, you guys mostly were under leadership that made heaven seem impossible, and probably tainted how you see the “church of Christ” but that simply comes from a lack of study on your part as well. I have left congregations that were not growing, and congregations whose doctrine did not line up with scripture...I’ll NEVER leave the church of Christ! We have been commanded to be apart of the local congregations, we are to be under leadership at the local congregations, those leaderships have been given the duty to feed and watch over us, so how does your statement make since? To be worshipping in a manner that doesn’t line up with how they did in the First Century Church is fantasy worship. If when you were baptized into the CofC and you didn’t understand this, you might want to have a Bible study to learn what it is you missed. You are telling us that you were merely convinced about the word of God and not truly converted. Being baptized into Christ is having the chains removed, to go into worship according to your own understanding is to put yourself back in chains. You might want to check out Don Blackwell, Apologetics Press, Gospel Broadcasting Network, and World Video Bible School for lessons and sermons to lead you correctly. UA-cam Don Blackwell’s, “Why are there so many churches” to get your foundation on track. Message me if you have any questions.
@@janicemurphy8175 who says.. the Church of Christ of today.. is the ONLY church one can read about in scripture... because in the bible it uses the term "Church of Christ".. I think it takes a lot of audacity.. to claim to be the Church Christ intended in the scripture.. simply bases on the Name they have chosen... if you are going to take that view.. I could state that Baptists are Church of Christ as well.. and so are the Catholics... since they claim Peter was the first Pope... so because they believe Peter was the first Pope.. then the Church of Christ.. must be the Catholic church correct?...was Not Peter one of the first members of the church?..
@@chantuesesongs4418 I believe the "chains are removed".. once we confess Jesus as our Savior... hence.. this act of Faith.. BELIEVING is what saves... NOT baptism.....Romans 10:9,10... Acts 16:31... John 3:16.. and countless other scripture tell us we are saved once we believe.. with No mention of baptism.. why does the CoC,.. believe that Baptism equals salvatiom?.. baptism is never mentioned in the bible alone in regards to salvation... anythime it IS mentioned in regards to salvation it is mentioned WITH Belief... and why do they believe because they strapped that name on themselves they are the ONLY true church...?... another falsehood..
My dear sister it’s amazing that you had such strong beginnings,however it appears that you have a lot of sincere, but confusing points that doesn’t completely line up with scripture. If you search the NT the word “perfect “ is mentioned over 30 times with the expectation that Christians strive to be, but not in the sense of being flawless. You give some excellent points in your video that I can relate to as I used to struggle with when I was a babe in Christ NOT born and reared in the church. One thing I have learned is to study deeply for myself and not take any man, or minister,s word to judge me on the matter. Churches and leadership vary from congregation to state and geographical areas and a lot have really deviated from scripture. But God’s word will never change. God is not the author of confusion or disbelief. You said a whole lot that can easily be answered in scripture. I’m praying that you find your way back! I.m the only sibling of 8 children that have obeyed the truth. My mother or father weren’t Christians either before they passed. I’m married to a leader in the church with 4 children and we are striving to be an example to win my family and others to Christ. I’m going to use your video as a study tool with my two teen daughters and Bible class students as a training to answer all of your sincerely expressed issues with scripture. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for challenging me spiritually.!
The Greek words used in the NT translated as "perfect" can actually better be translated as "complete" or "mature". An example is in Matthew 5:48 with the word "teleios", "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect". Striving to be perfect is a misunderstanding of Scripture. This would be going back under the Law (read Galatians).
You have confirmed how God’s perfect standard of righteousness is downplayed in CoC's by what’s called “subjective morality.” In a nutshell, they set the standard for righteousness on a subjective, individual level, dependent upon whether an individual has “done the best they can.” If so, they say that God will “make up the difference.” This is one way exhausted members are kept from dropping out and giving up, for they are told that God doesn’t expect perfection as long as they just “do their best.” So they end up thinking they can actually pull off a degree of righteousness that God will accept, when He will only accept Jesus' perfect imputed righteousness. . When I’d try to explain my spiritual struggles and lack of faith to others in the CoC, I was met with complete complacency, for they were totally unfamiliar with such dealings from God. So as miserable comforters they could only say, “where there’s a will there’s a way”... and they were NOT talking about God’s will! Their CoC beliefs gave them no reason to direct me to Jesus as my only hope. All they could do was encourage me to believe in myself and my own fallen will to “do right.” As a result, I realized that I was actually losing all faith and hope in our churches “do more, try harder” moralism that placed such a low value on Christ, by implying that we could overcome sin with self-effort, which you have perfectly demonstrated.
Thank you for sharing your experience, thoughts & feelings so honestly. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” NIV 1 John 4:18
@@brentjames2576 Romans 16:16 the churches of Christ salute you; a small "c" is used in the word church because the church of Christ is not a proper name, it's simply a description of Christ's body, His blood-bought church. It's a descriptive term of Christ's church. Where does the Bible say that Jesus will save the church?; see Ephesians 5:23-25, Note He purchased the church with His own blood ; Acts 20:28. If Christ is the Savior of the body, the church, then it is impossible to be saved outside the church because that's the very thing that He is going to save. People do not choose the church of their choice; God adds them to the church of His Son; see Acts 2:47. coC is one of many Bible names used in the New Testament to describe the one body of Christ. The church of Christ was born as seen here in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost . Most people do not realize that the church is essential to their salvation. The saved are members of the church and the church is made up of the saved. The 2 cannot be separated, The body of Christ is the church of Christ. You cannot be saved one day and join a church on another day. Christ is the head of the church and churches of Christ have no man made statements of faith, no denominational creed books, no associations, no conventions, and no board of directors, The word is to direct us into one FAITH, one LORD, one BAPTISM (see Acts 8:35-39). The Bible is our only rule of faith and we must read and study the word of God to make sure what we are being taught is correct for there are many false teachers in the world today.
Then no one will be damned? Read His word of course He's loving of course He wants all to be saved but people hate Him and hate His message. Or don't believe not all will go to heaven. Don't question, read your word study for yourself believe What Jesus said. He is the Word of God.
Your words concerning the church of Christ are so foreign to me and I’ve been a Christian for 50 years now. Since Since I was 19 I have shared in the love, grace and forgiving family environment that you speak of at the end of your recording. We have a name on the building that says ‘church of Christ but we know that with God we’re not “a member of the church of Christ” but one of His saints, His child, a part of the body that His Son died for. I’ve lived in many cities and states and never heard of the binding you speak of. I hope your comments concerning your personal experience doesn’t keep others from seeking the love of Jesus and His message! God bless you!
I have been with my wife for 22 years she also fell away for many years. There is plenty of scripture to back up falling out of Christ’s church(not once saved always saved). She introduced me to the truth 4 years ago when she came back to the Lord. These videos dear sister is your coping mechanism for knowing the truth and not obeying. I know because my wife went thru these exact same things. We both trust God and put our faith in Him, and are members of Christ’s church now. Praying for you and all the ones not knowing and not obeying the truth!
Scott Hoss Exactly, Scott, it is trust and obey. People need to read the book of Hebrews. Also no such thing as OSAS. So glad your wife came back to the Lord; may God bless you and your family.
Wow!!!! Honey, I will pray for you. I've been a member of the Church of Christ from birth. "One sin condemns you to Hell....."????......that's not the Church. Not sure what church you were brought up in. I worship a gracious and merciful Lord. Keep in mind not ALL churches that call themselves the "Church of Christ" is NOT the the Church Christ said he would "build" on Peter's confession in Matthew 16:18.
Very good sister and excellent high view of scripture. Don't let anyone discourage you for your decision. God has been and will continue to be gracious to you! Blessings!
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Thank you so much for your wonderful testimony. May God bless you more abundantly. Christ has paid our sins and by believing that, it will result to us doing good works for the advancement of his kingdom. This is my belief for as long as I will live. Thank you again
Touched my heart Sister. Your theology is on point. I pray that the entire Body of Christ can come to this realization of what He accomplished for us at Calvary! Be blessed!
The church of Christ has many many flaws but I have more respect for them than most denominations. It seems that too many people go too far on the “liberal side.”
Come back to the Lord's Church. We will pray a hedge of protection surround you and keep you grounded in the Lord with no fear of molestation.Dont forget that he that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved;he that believeth not shall be damned.Mk16:16
Love this video! I was raised a Jehovah Witness! The Holy Spirit made me fall in love with the book of Romans too! Every verse touched my heart! It’s not until you accept you have nothing to do with your salvation, it’s ALL grace, only then can you truly accept Jesus as your Savior! He paid it in full! You can’t add anything to it! It is Christ in me that loves and cares for others and their salvation. It is the love of Christ pouring out of me that makes me want to tell people about him! He is amazing guys! Words can’t describe him, God is love! His love is consuming! The Holy Spirit revealed Jesus is God to me in scripture, a week later I accepted Jesus as my Savior! I tried to warn all of my JW family and friends, but they shunned me and I lost everyone I love, including my reputation with them. All JW’s think I’m being lead by Satan because I chose Jesus, but my Savior is worth every bit of it. I do not fear what man will do to me.
I too am shunned by family who are JW's, Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
@@MartinHernandez-re6hh I whole heartedly support the Shunning of Jehovah's Witnesses. They deny the diety of Christ and believe he was nothing more than an incarnation of Michael the Archangel. They also use one of the most corrupt Bibles ever produced the NWT. If you are a JW repent now before you find yourself in Hell (which does exist)
@@tbirdtelecaster7481 your comment is so contradictory! How can you support such an unlovely practice that has caused so much emotional pain in people who has been shunned by their family and friends who are still jw's?! Practice that has made many of this people to commit suicide?!
My experience at "church of Christ" was.. superficial. Lack of authenticity, lack of direction, but expectations to conform led straight to soft rejection. I noticed and removed myself, thus being completely cut off [shoulder shrugs]. That's not love and they're not mediators for God and man.
See reply before mine for an example. Notice her(?) comment, asking a question without asking, drawing a conclusion on things/people she(?) does not know. Sums up my experience with the leaders of that organization. But fake smile in public and always talk about "encouragement."
Hey Amber! I know it's 3 years old but I just found your videos. Appreciate your sharing and candor. Would be good to be sure that you put your experience with those Churches of Christ in contexts with those of us who are not identifying ourselves with that very conservative historical approach. As we try to change to be more accepting and inclusive, consider the damage that can be done by words to those who are working to expand the kingdom, work with others, and put behind the history that is often times embarrassing at best and ungodly at worst. May the Lord bless you and your husband and your work as we all share in that Grace that you so accurately talk about.
Sand or solid rock? Which one, if there are so many errors, is your "church" built upon? If there are so many errors that need corrected, you might be on "shifting sand"??!
I was in the CoC for 30+ years, until God saved me. Despite the CoC’s deceptive language, I still remember being torn to pieces when I would read in the Bible about how Esau sought repentance with tears but couldn’t find it (Heb. 12:17). That alone planted a seed in my heart that God watered over the years, to help me realize that I needed to pray for Him to grant me repentance (2 Tim. 2:25). Just because one is sorry for sin, doesn’t mean one has a godly sorrow that leads to true repentance, which is realizing one’s repentance even needs to be repented of! True repentance is realizing we can never repent enough to cover the sins we’ve committed and that Jesus’ righteousness is our only hope of Heaven, for we have no saving righteousness of our own. If only we had known back then that our only hope was that God would accept the righteousness of Christ in our stead. Just like the song “Rock of Ages” says, “Could my tears forever flow, could my zeal no languor know, these for sin could not atone, Thou must save and Thou alone.” Although we passionately sung these words with great, religious zeal in the CoC….we just didn’t get it!
I would gladly give you decades worth of information. You are the FIRST male in the church to ever ask ... they have no clue of leadership nor do they seek to learn. It seems they assume because they are men they know how to lead effectively. If one never seeks honest feed-back, how will growth ever occur?
This is my story as well. One side of my family was strictly Church of Christ and the other Southern Baptist. Rules were everything. My dad’s family wouldn’t accept my mother because she wore shorts and she smoked. She was a Baptist but joined the COC, taught Sunday School, raised us in the COC but it was never good enough. It was like we had been expelled from my dad’s side of the family, even though we were a good Christian family and were always taught to love God and to not sin. When I was older and studying on my own I, like you started seeing things differently. It seemed the Church picked and chose which rule would send you to Hell. I had two ladies from the COC visit me and we talked. Them wanting me to rejoin the Church. I said I didn’t think God cared what the name on the Church said. By that time I really considered myself more as a Baptist. I asked them since I didn’t accept what they were telling me were they going to go outside and wipe the dirt of my hone off of their feet? They looked at me like I was crazy & said No. I told them that the Bible said if you go & the word is not accepted you are to go and wipe the dirt from your feet. I didn’t want to be rude or unkind but I felt that the teaching of rules was like the Pharisees. I felt if you are going to Hell for any sin then Jesus suffered and died for our sins for nothing. I always think of this verse. By grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourself; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 and For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Grace shouldn’t make you feel free to sin but, be so grateful for grace that you will do your utmost not to sin and if you do to repent. I appreciate your testimony. I felt like I might be alone in my beliefs. May God Bless you and keep you in his abiding love.
Thank you! I grew up in the Church of Christ and was beaten and abused by my parents…trying to earn their love and the love of God all my life. I became so “perfect” at everything I ended up intimidating people rather than earning their love. I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never receive the love and acceptance of my parents because they don’t have it to give. They don’t love and accept themselves so they project their sins and flaws onto the sacrificial lambs known as their children…and so the vicious cycle continues. I ended up marrying a very abusive man who made me feel like nothing. He stole everything including my faith and I was scared for my life and ended up having to leave for my own safety. I left the million dollar house I bought and thought I would get a restraining order and get back in the house in a couple of weeks…but I ended up homeless for over a year. I lost 50 pounds from hunger. Here I was with a graduate level education with nowhere safe to go. The churches don’t care about abused wives. They gather around the abuser and comfort them and bash the wife for “forsaking the marriage”. The sad truth about husband, family, church, the government stared me starkly in the face. They weren’t what I thought they were. They didn’t love me. They didn’t care for me no matter how much I had done for them. I could never earn their love and even though I sacrificed my entire life, career, savings, time, health…to serving them, when I needed help, they didn’t show any concern.
So, what happens to someone who’s entire view of “truth” suddenly shifts? It’s traumatizing! The suffering, the grief, the pain is so immense and their is nothing more excruciating to experience. Death would be way easier to experience than this kind of betrayal. After a half a century of using all my efforts to earn love and there I was alone, homeless, hungry, left with nothing. All my years of working hard and earning everything I owned was stolen from me during the divorce process.
I cried out to the Lord why this happened? Why did God let this happen to me? I was honest and hardworking and tried to do the right and kind thing all of my life and here I was stripped of everything, sleeping in my car.
While I was surrounded with evil all around me…I just focused on God. Other people were grabbing onto the idols of drugs, alcohol, sex, money to escape their plight, I grabbed onto God. I’ve seen and experienced horrific things.
Somehow, God called people to help me. Friends came looking for me and provided food and clothing and shelter. These friends were filled with the Holy Spirit and they were actually doing what Jesus said to do. I realized so many churches focus on the rules and don’t do what Jesus commands us to do! Make disciples, feed the poor, heal the sick, cast out demons!
I had to get to the end of myself. I had sacrificed everything to earn the love of man and God and now, here I was close to death, left with nothing. Paul said he counted all his accomplishments as garbage and here I was knowing that was true. Everything that I had dedicated so much time to became dust, became garbage.
One night, I was crying and half asleep in my little 12 foot camper, crying out to the Lord. Still not knowing what I did wrong to get myself to this sad state. Jesus appeared to me in a great, white light. I suddenly felt his holiness and presence and he revealed my sins to me. His presence makes us realize we could never be holy enough to come before him through human efforts. I started sobbing and sobbing and felt the unconditional love of Jesus. A love I had never, ever felt before. A love where someone loves me with all of my hidden flaws and I can’t ever earn it. Jesus finally revealed my sin. He said to me in a loving voice, “You allowed people to abuse the daughter of a King”
Yes, my sin was that I was trying to earn love from people who were trying to destroy me because of their lack of love for themselves. I was trying to be everyone’s savior while I was drowning. Jesus suffered and died so I don’t have to!! It was my lack of loving myself as God loves me that put me there. I was living in the temple I thought I deserved but suffering for sins I never committed. Feeling shame for other people’s sins. I had become their sacrificial lamb. I had become their scapegoat to curse and put out into the wilderness.
The truth was finally revealed to me. We can never earn anyone’s love. They either love you or they don’t. This truth set me free for it revealed that I can’t earn God’s love either. He already loves me unconditionally. My stress in trying to be perfect was damaging the temple He created my body to be. Only by seeking God’s face with all my heart, soul, mind and strength will I be able to see myself as God does. Only by suffering almost to death was I able to see and understand what Jesus did for me. The God of the universe came down to earth to convince us of His great love for us. The God who created us, humbled himself as a man to prove He was willing to take all of our sins on the cross to prove his unconditional love for us.
Satan is the author of shame…and all those people who kept me in shame over sins that weren’t sins at all, were being used by the devil himself to destroy God’s purpose for my life. It is their own lack of unconditional love they have for themselves that keeps them condemning those around them. I now understood so much more. I fully understood when Jesus said, “Father forgive them. They know not what they do.” Most people who are slaves don’t even realize it. They are either slaves to sin or slaves to rules. They are still slaves. Jesus frees us from the chains!
The Holy Spirit living in us keeps us in a righteous state based on our conscience. When Jesus is living in us, we want to live a righteous life to show our gratefulness for His sacrifice and love. The love we give to others no longer has ulterior motives. It flows out from the abundance of love God has showered us with. It doesn’t matter if I get rejected from man anymore. I now know what it is like to fear God and Him alone. His grace is sufficient for me and brings me unending peace.
I pray for others in slavery to come to the freedom of Jesus and His grace and forgiveness. I pray for them to know the deep unconditional love the Father has always had for us and always will.
Did you find a home? Praying for you. Children raised in intolerance spend their lives sorting through the damage done to their tender minds.
M M Yes. Thanks to angels and God. The government that I paid 50% taxes to most of my career, didn’t help me at all. So don’t trust the government but trust God and him alone.
Jesus appeared to you? on a white robe? was this in a dream or you saw him live in person?
thomas okonkwo I was awake. He appeared to me as a right light. Very bright but not blinding. I felt complete unconditional love envelope me that I never felt before.
Since those of us who were from the CoC never learned the truth about the Holy Spirit in the first place, we were the most prone to every kind of deception under the sun, which is why many end up going from the frying pan into the fire...which is sadly what much of this testimony sounds like..... Jesus "appearing in a great white light" ??
I was raised in the church of Christ and was baptized in Him in college. I waited until later until I had read the Bible and understood it pretty clearly. It’s a journey… At first I was critical of myself - but as life passes, Grace abounds. …I’ve come to realize the people who love God are the church, don’t give up, forgive, and stand firm. There are many that hate the Church and are unable to find it - sadly. Love God always and walk in faith…
Well said.
@@leeisenberg Can you please explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel?
@@christrescuedme2182 Good question, all are saved by grace through faith just like the book says, but the thief on the cross was a very special exception. Only 2 men were crucified w/ Jesus & I understand that only 1 was saved by the generous grace of Jesus on that significant day. We don't have that specific opportunity, but our conversions are typically more like the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 when we study w/ someone & learn more about the gospel. Many baptists & probably others often refer to the thief on the cross, but it was such a special rare exception, so I would Not choose that example when studying w/ someone. There are very basic requirements that we may not even think about sometimes, they're just given. Some are mentioned in Acts 2, 8 & other places. The 2nd 1/2 of Saul's conversion to Paul mentions several. But most all the examples mention: hearing the word/gospel, belief, repentance, confession & baptism all done w/ at least 1 or more witnesses. Just basic requirements, then staying the course or "finishing the race" like Paul said in 2nd Timothy 4:7. Hope that answers your question.
- take care
@@leeisenberg SO GLAD you brought up the Ethiopian eunuch!! For Acts 8:26-40 is ALSO intrinsically interconnected with Hebrews 4:2 and its parallel passages ( Isaiah 53:1, John. 12:38, Romans 3:29-30; 10:16 and Galatians 3:6-8)!! This is definitely not a coincidence!!
God’s divine intervention is exactly what we see in Acts 8 with the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip. Its reference to Isaiah 53 pertains to all that Philip expounded upon to the Ethiopian concerning salvation. Since Scripture interprets Scripture, we find in all these parallel Scriptures a treasure trove concerning what the gospel truly is.
it was only by God’s divine providence that Philip even showed up on the scene, just in time to explain the report of Isaiah 53 to the eunuch. There are no random coincidences in God’s created order!!
According to Isaiah, John and Paul, the “report” of Isaiah 53 was nothing less than the pure and unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, with nothing added to it.
NOTICE: Isaiah, John and Paul NEVER equated water baptism with obeying the gospel (Rom. 10:16), because the gospel of Jesus Christ does NOT include man’s own contributions.
The sum and substance of the entire gospel is simply Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2), nothing more, nothing less.
These truths not only confirm the fact that the true gospel was preached long BEFORE Pentecost, but they also further disprove the CoC’s theory of water baptism being a part of the gospel message.
@@leeisenberg So, again, we ask: What gospel did the thief on the cross obey according to Hebrews 4:2 and its parallel passages (e.g., Isa.53:1, Jn. 12:38, Acts 8:26-40, Rom. 3:29-30; 10:16 and Galatians 3:6-8)?
You are an encouragement to others. Your story is so important to share. I to have found the freedom you speak of in Christ. It is misunderstood in our brotherhood and must be taught at great cost. I am a church of Christ preacher but I teach my people with new hermeneutics for understanding scripture, I teach faith, mercy and love; the greatest of these is love. Grace that only comes form God the father and can never be made or attained by us only given to us from God through Jesus. May the lord bless you and keep you close to Him on your journey. I my self made a pact with God that if he would let me preach for Him then I will share His message of grace and spirit lead life with the Church of Christ, so that more could find peace like me, this is my path, bless you in what your path might be.
I, too, grew up in the Church of Christ even graduating from a Christian University. Now that I’m 65, I have had many spiritual epiphanies through the years. The church I grew up in (and still attend) has communion every Sunday and a capella singing. I NEVER had any person in the church say that one sin would make me Hellbound. I was taught with love and patience. It is true that we will never be perfect, and it is by Grace that we are able to get to Heaven. I have met some Church of Christ members that are very opinionated and state that only CoC members are getting to Heaven. I do believe that baptism is essential for salvation but that is only one thing. I also don’t believe that CoC members are ALL Heaven bound and I do believe that there will be other denominations in Heaven.
Donna Stanley In the first century church they knew nothing about denominations. There were no such thing as hyphenated Christians such as Baptist-Christians, Methodist-Christians, Lutheran-Christians, Catholic-Christians, etc., etc., etc. all teaching different ways to be saved. There is only One Faith, One Lord, One baptism.
@@lindahutchens8612 Can you explain what gospel the thief on the cross obeyed according to Hebrews 4:2?
@lindahutchens8612 the first century church also didn't have most of the New Testament that you use as an authority for your opinions.
Do you realize how diverse the beliefs and practices of the first century church was?
Have you ever done independent, real study of the first century Church outside of CoC sources?
Have you ever personally studied the writings of the Anti-Nicean Church fathers to know what the leaders of the actual early church actually believed for yourself?
Can you name even three Anti-Nicean Church fathers using your own already held knowledge without using Google?
Did you know there are 1st century early Church fathers who would deeply disagree with the way your CoC congregation does worship and assembles their church building?
Who knows what Jesus wanted better: The guys who literally sat at the feet of the 11 guys who sat at Jesus' feet or your denomination that developed its beliefs almost 2000 years later?
If you struggle to answer these questions, do you think you should really be appealing to the early church that you are actually supremely uninformed about to make your arguments?
@@christrescuedme2182 Jesus had the power to tell him he would be in Paradise. After his death, we go by what the Bible says.
@@devonstewart5524 Do you truly believe that Jesus was only forgiving sins while He was physically on earth (Mt. 9:6)? Because that would imply that Jesus is no longer exercising His power and authority to forgive sins today! And that would be such a terrible contradiction of Scripture. Jesus has pre-eminence in ALL things, and He is alive forevermore (e.g. Col. 1:18; 1 Jn. 1:9). Therefore….
“See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven; Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.” (Heb. 12:25, 26).
If you continue to go by the CoC’s line of reasoning, then you would have to conclude that Jesus’ atonement no longer atones, for He accomplished it while He was still physically on earth. How ludicrous!
Just because Jesus’ atonement took place on earth, that does not mean that it doesn’t still apply to us today.
Likewise, just because Jesus forgave sins while He was still physically on earth, that does NOT mean the same forgiveness no longer applies to us today. God forbid!
Jesus accomplished redemption while He was still physically on earth. And yet, it still applies to us today, just as much as it did to the thief on the cross. Our forgiveness depends upon the definite atonement of Christ, just as much as his did!!
Every believer throughout redemptive history has always been saved based upon what Jesus accomplished at the cross. Even His resurrection became manifest on earth and was founded upon what He accomplished on earth (Heb. 13:20).
And yet, the CoC has the audacity to claim that we cannot be forgiven like the thief on the cross, all because Jesus forgave him while He was still physically on earth!
So again, what gospel did the thief on the cross REALLY obey, according to Hebrews 4:2?
I can never put in words how thankful I am to watch this video today. I needed a reminder of God's grace and the liberty that Jesus provides. May The Lord bless you. ❤️
Praise the Lord
I love your comments
Can we be friends
Sure
Church of christ is correct
I dont know what was being taught in your congregation but teachings of CoC does not say you have to be perfect. Gods grace and mercy and the gospel/ the good news is the biggest things of the faith. CoC is all about Gods word and the scripture and there is many examples of grace and mercy through out his word. We teach you will never get close to perfection but through Gods grace and mercy and our faith and obedience we can still have eternal life
Amen we are not perfect. No one is perfect.
Isnt that works salvation? Even if you do just a small part?
. . . except for Matthew 5:48, to wit: "Be ye perfect, as your father in heaven is perfect"
@@normanhavens8982 the verse is talking about loving your enemies
Jesus is the Word of God, not the book that changes over the centuries.
Good day, I am mexican, in realy i speak litle english, i am a member of the Church of Christ for 3 and a half years, the process is different for each person and the times are also different, but the truth is one and God's will is one.
Before I met the Church of Christ, I met others. But I stayed here not because I liked or stayed close, I am not for comfort or convenience, the reason is that it is a church that has foundations in the word of God, and that day by day we learn from our mistakes and try to correct them. One thing I've learned is that there are no liberals or conservatives, the Church is one, there is only wheat and tares, you are or are not, you do or don't do, every head is a world and within the same church there are different opinions or ideas , but the word of God is perfect and immutable, it does not change, it is the humans who do not understand it, or we misinterpret it, you need to visit more Churches of Christ, travel and know, it is true that the culture in every place, city or country is different , but that should not corrupt the Church, we all go on the same train, but not all of us will get to the stop, some will get off in the wrong place, many keep going up, others are lost, but patience is a virtue, if you love God, you should pray incessantly , be patient, study more and know more, and remember, Christ's yoke is lighter, don't let anyone make you heavy for you, God is a God of love, mercy, patient and great to forgive, if you stumble over and over, and again he keeps waiting for you , do not ruin your only chance of salvation, A Faith a Baptism and a Lord, if you are baptized in a Church that does not practice the Correct Doctrine, it is not the right Faith or the same lord we should worship, look for a biblical church, in the Bible there are no children b authenticated, for example, be happy, God bless essays.
Amen!! Amen!!
Well said, your English is great! Please continue to share to word and God bless🙏
Amen! Praise Jesus you are living by the true words of God. I am a church of the Nazarene member here in my hometown of Castle Rock Colorado but all of our other neighbors in our cul-de-sac belong to the Church of Christ so from time to time we do visit there as well. It is very conservative there is no music other than our voices but sometimes I find that beautiful. They do preach the true word of God as does my church straight from the Bible. I'm living word of God. There Is perfection in all God does. Your English is great! ♥️ God bless all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray for anyone who does not know Jesus I pray right now for you to seek him! He loves every single one of us Sins and all. Redemption is not by works alone but by faith and the will to want to do good!
Well said. Thank you for your comments!
So true and well said Sister.don't listen to people..listen and embrace The Word Of God!!🙏☝🙌💕😄
@@AliceWonders22 not a coincidence the church of the Nazarene's initials spell CON ..... false doctrine!!!
My Dad was a coc preacher too. So I understand the pressure that comes with being a preachers kid. Ever heard the saying that preachers kids are the worst kids? There’s a reason for that, the strict upbringing can sometimes cause kids to grow up and push away. If you never really felt control of your own life, it’s no wonder why many of us grow up and rebel - and this can happen in many ways. But thankfully we serve a God of grace & of mercy, who forgives us when we have strayed. The story of the Prodigal son comes to mind. I cry when thinking about it, as I turned away for many years. It was because my Dad preached the truth that even many years after his death, I returned, that’s the blessing of having a Father that loves God and Preaches the truth. The story of the Prodigal Son can be found in Luke chapter 15 starting verse 11.
As far as the Lords supper goes, We don’t take the Lords supper on Sunday because if we don’t we will go to hell. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 teaches us about the Lords Supper. In verse 26, Paul says “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death zuntil he comes”.
As someone older and who really has been through a lot, I see your pain from a much different perspective than many. I don’t see someone who left the Church of Christ, I see someone who broke and wanted to get as far away from
Their parents as possible. This isn’t abnormal. It doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human. I encourage you to pray to God for discernment over this situation and I will pray for you, that God mends your hurting heart. A Christian psychotherapist helped me, it felt good being able to talk to someone who could help me understand my emotions because I didn’t learn how as a child. God bless.
Due to an artificially induced standard of evaluation, many in the CoC are plunged into a socially sanctioned, pseudo-science perspective, rather than a purely biblical perspective. Far from promoting spiritual growth in the midst of life’s problems, the CoC’s system of theology serves to promote neurotic and psychotic tendencies under the pretense of religion. For the CoC's conditioning process produces a type of religious schizophrenia, where one finally has to disassociate their legalistic and perfectionist theology from their actual lifestyles.
Yet there is such a deep denial of these kinds of dissociative disorders in the CoC, especially within the family context where one's theological views are actually lived out. Instead of being led to Jesus Christ as one's only hope, the need to be saved by Him is minimized, and the true meaning of mercy is distorted.
FROM PHILIPPINES, I was raised in the families with many religions, at the very young age of mine I noticed the differences of their doctrines and I can say that I'm lucky to be a member of COC (non- instrumental) because they really stick to the bible when they preached. I don't know what COC you belong coz there were 7 of them I'd met, one of them didn't believed Jesus Christ as God and the rest believeth. I was baptized at the age of 11 and age 13 I lived independently away from my fmily till nw that I'm 43. Everytime I looked back the past and the hardship I'd been through, I can always say that Im grateful and thankful to God for making me a member of COC coz I know Him and His doctrines that guideth me and strengtheneth me everytime I'm down.I know we've taught to live a newness of life after baptized till the end, but we're not perfect only God is perfect. There are 2 kinds of sin; sin that leadeth to death and not. Regardless your fmily the salvation is individual, God made us free, so it's up to you whom to be followed God or yourself? You cannot blame God or your fmily if you will not be saved at the judgment time because God offered His life for us once to be saved, and if we fall out from His hands there's nothing left to offer but to wait for the judgment day, and we will b judged and repay according to our each labor and wrks.
Inc lang tayo kapatid inc habang buhay
All have sinned . God does not expect anyone to be perfect. That is why Christ died on the cross for our sins. I feel sorry for your views on.what the Bible teaches. You need to study more. God bless you
I don't believe of judgement day. They are just invented it or even the hell and heaven are not true at all.
@@josevil1513 I see, this is why I love God so much, he gave us a borrowed life and strength from him whether you beleive it or not atheism cannot really explain why do we exist and what is our purpose. It makes sense when it comes to Christianity that we have a sole purpose either to server God or to follow your own will. Living a Christian way of life is nice for me since we have the reason of our existence and our purpose.
Hindi yan iglesia ni cristo ibang church tinutukoy nya
Living in sin is what condemns. That means practicing and taking pleasure in it on a day to day basis. Hebrews 12:14New King James Version (NKJV)
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Sean Gerber amen 🙏
I grew up in the church of Christ and I have never experienced anything like you explain. I am truly sorry that this happened with you and pray you continue to feel Jesus' love and grace in your life. It takes a lot of heart to come out and express your feelings and I commend you for doing so. The Lord's church is much bigger than the "church of Christ".
Same with me. I didn't leave the church but I work out my own salvation within the church. I always questioned the Lord's Supper because we break bread and drink grape juice where the Jews always had wine for the Passover Feast. Jesus and his Apostles were celebrating the Passover at the Lord's Supper. They were drinking wine. The church is so anal about this that they even write books on how it was grape juice or "the fruit of the vine". I just shut up, drink the grape juice and don't cause problems. I never felt like that young lady. She apparently has missed the point. I'm glad my Dad wasn't a preacher in the church. One thing good about CoC is that we meet early and therefore get dismissed early and beat the Baptists to the restaurants.
REAL STORY OF GODS AND CREATION.
ua-cam.com/video/MCVc4rRL53g/v-deo.html
@John Harrison You embody the term ‘lost’ beautifully. What a tapestry of untrue adjectives you have woven. Actually it was a funny read.
@John Harrison OK. I'm a cultist if you mean I'm a fan of the Blue Oyster Cult.
@@ktcarl I like the restaurant comment, 🤣
My sister I'm so sorry you have these feelings. I'm a member of the c of c and I want you to know we all fall short of the glory of God. Much love n I'm saying a prayer 4 you n your family now. If I can be of any help please reach out!
Amber, what you have to say resonates deeply with me. I was raised in the COC and left in my early twenties with a horrible taste in my mouth. Spent more than a decade outside of any church. Fought in two wars, and experienced two failed marriages, substance abuse, deep depression, and a generally troubled existence. A couple of years ago when I was at my lowest point, an old friend convinced me to go to his congregation. He'd earned the right by sticking by me through everything. The congregation happened to be COC. This group emphasizes grace, love, mercy, and the idea that we are a BODY. They know me, know my scars, history, mistakes, and struggles, and still accept and love me. I understand that they aren't the norm in the COC. The name on the door means little to me. My church family means everything. We need and support each other as it should be.
I've learned from these videos that there are a lot of CoC factions and some are downright bazaar..crazy belief systems. I was raised in the CoC..and never heard of any of these beliefs that others are saying...and imo, trying to call the church out as "cults" which they are not.
John im glad you made it back...id like 2 say..you discount the name on the door..why..? It identifies what's going on inside...the church is your vehicle 2 heaven according 2 scripture..we are going to be saved by the gospel which directs us to the church...we have 2 have an obedient faith which leads us to live faithful lives...its all in scripture...when we don't study...we lean on what we think..and mess it all up...
I’m glad he brought you to the right church of Christ
Thanks for sharing! There are factions of every church that are flat out insane. I do not condone this insanity one bit. What I am saying is Scripture plainly says we must be obedient and when we are un Christ we are saved. Regarding my past I left church for over ten years, struggled with sin mightily, I can go on and on. I am thankful for Gods grace but we are kidding ourselves and inventing things untrue if we think we can dictate to God what His truth is. Love you all!!!!!
Press on John! Amazing testimony, proud of you brother
I grew up in the church of Christ. It is all I ever knew. As an adult, I took the church and “salvation” for granted and strayed (forsaking the assembly but not in denouncing my Christianity) I was focused on getting more familiar with Christ and His teachings than with merely “the church of Christ” as I knew it.
It took me speaking more with people from so called denominations that seemed to have their own genuine and close knit relationship with God than I ever imagined I could. How is it that I was inspired and prompted to live a more devoted life for Christ “outside of the COC walls” ?
I know that there are sincere people all over the world that want to know Christ and believe that they can in ANY church. (I won’t go as far to say that I believe that because there is perversion of scripture and man made creeds that don’t amount to salvation identifying as church also)
Although I never left the COC I took my own personal stance to stop condemning others that are trying to figure it all out just like I am.
Christ IS THE MESSAGE. Trust in Him to draw to you as you draw nearer to Him. Do your best to follow His example. Don’t get caught up in the semantics that aren’t fundamentally essential to where you will spend eternity.
I grew up in a family with true and close relationship to God, and now I found christians that are part of “the church of Christ” and they are telling me that me and my parents are going to go to Hell because we believe in speaking of tongues etc, because we have experienced visions and stuff. And I just feel very scared, they are forcing me to completely give up on my parents and to not believe them at all for anything but only believe in the Bible, which is a good advice but my parents could also show scriptures that support their views. So i’m very confused on what to do and I want to get away from the “church of Christ” and seek for myself but I just don’t know, would that be wrong, are my parents wrong? I just… i feel lost
@@IoniB They arnt forcing you to do anything. Think for yourself. Believe what you want to believe. Don't let religion rule your life.
Begonia Not only trust but trust and obey. Please read the book of Hebrews; it show faith must be active.
@@lindahutchens8612 you are absolutely correct. Thank you.
@@IoniB The church of Christ is correct; speaking in tongues is not for today. You need to start going to bible classes and meeting with the elders and let them show you scriptures on why tongues have ceased.
Thank you for your sharing I ‘ve left the COC for over twenty years . I’m able to be free in God ‘s Love I attended another Church I ‘ve been feeling grateful and blessed with my own life . Don’t be afraid to be yourself .
Girl!!! You can always come back when you sin. I'm from the church of Christ, and I'm not perfect either. I don't hide. I worship the way I believe is right because worship is between me and God. I agree with you on the music. No I am not weighed down. I'm also studying outside of the church. I also had my roots in the Christian church and Babtist. I know we have freedoms. However, there is a fact that sin is sin. We do sin, but if you continue in that sin until you die, that's where it gets dicey. If you stop that sin and come back to your senses, you will be still doing right. I had sinned greatly before out of anger, sadness , and desperation. I got back up, and now I'm fighting again. Keep fighting the good fight. All love.
I was in the CoC for over 30+years until the Lord saved me. Although our doctrines indicated that we had to be absolutely perfect or end up in Hell, deep down we all knew that we couldn’t really pull off perfection. So we excused our sins (especially the sin of self-righteousness) by constantly and legalistically performing what we thought was repentance for our sins, according to our “second laws of pardon” doctrine.
Amen
But no feeling they don't believe in the holy spirit they don't shout running nothin just sit there in worship
Grace Greater than all our sins.. This was one of the songs I learnt from church of christ as a kid.. I wish u well but the church of christ is the biggest gift from my parents to me.. I love it and am proud of it
Instablaster.
That song literally contradicts everything they teach. Hey, and b the way, quick history lesson; did you know that alexander Campbell, the founder of your doctrine is also responsible for Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and united Pentecostals? Just doing what I'm told and judging a church based on its fruit.
I really do not know where this is coming from but how do you not teach grace when it's all over the bible.
God's grace is sufficient for us.
The church is pure , the church is holy and no other foundation can any man lay except that which Christ has laid.
Oh honey. I’m sorry you didn’t feel His love! You see every time we sin his grace covers us we are not kicked out we still need to ask for forgiveness but if we walk in the light His blood continues to cleanse us! 1john 1:7. Please look into truth! So many verses on vain worship and deception. 1john4:1! Luke 21:8. There’s one pattern. Only one!❤
I am a preacher for the Lord's church (church of Christ) and I always taught my children to read and study for themselves. But what I teach is based on Scripture and we must do the Father's will to enter heaven (Matt. 7:21f.).
Roger Leonard well my dad is a church of christ preacher and this girl is very confussed and has been decieved by the devil. And if her husband is a preacher then she should know better than to put down a church
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Roger Leonard
Can those who live according to the flesh do Gods will?
Romans 8:1-10 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
If those people are living by the spirit, there is no condemnation to them.
@@bige-dannycowan8266 how dare you, your the one that has been deceived, this precious young lady has been enlightened to Grace, but you go ahead and strive for perfection to achieve Salvation by your own means and see where that gets you, but I will say, I'm not saying hell is your destination, God will accept you into his Heaven soley based on what Jesus did for all of us
You(church of christ) twist the bible.
I have spent 11 years in the church of Christ but I’ve never felt so rigid in conduct as you say. I have fallen into sin many times but i keep strengthening myself; With passing time i get more than enough reasons to keep strengthening myself because I’ve been able to free myself from so many wrongdoings.
Well said.
You strengthen yourself or the Holy Spirit does?
@Spiro climb I'm glad I wasn't the only one that noticed the wording.
I know I can't do anything out of my own means...not clean nor wash up myself and definitely I can't remove my own sin, but I can give it to God by faith that the works He's begun He's faithful to bring to completion. Kind of "Jesus take the wheel style". Once you realize that, then the heavy burden is lifted from you and you come to a place of surrender and it begins a cycle of that, from faith to faith, growth to growth. It's a pretty amazing thing to experience. My only struggle has always been with myself, but that's the physical wrestling with the spirit 😆. My spirit works with His Spirit and my body resists it...could be as simple as getting up out of bed 😆.
Resistance is futile because who could resist God, but the devil, but it's not like we don't struggle and wrestle, but God's will will always be accomplished.
Jesus fulfilled His purpose here even without all the temptations and demonic influences and betrayals...and so will we also. I'm struggling with the part where He says...you will do these things likewise and you will do even greater things that I.
Like what greater thing is even there than what Jesus has done???? And then wouldn't it be blasphemy to make such a claim as to saying I have done greater than Jesus??? I suppose I'll know what He meant by that when I get to meet Him.
@@aqua6613 I was in the CoC for over 30+years until the Lord saved me. Although our doctrines indicated that we had to be absolutely perfect or end up in Hell, deep down we all knew that we couldn’t really pull off perfection. So we excused our sins (especially the sin of self-righteousness) by constantly and legalistically performing what we thought was repentance for our sins, according to our “second laws of pardon” doctrine.
Sorry for your misunderstandings. Raised in the Lord's church and never been taught we are to be perfect, could be perfect, or would reach perfection as the blood of Christ would continue to cover us as we walk in imperfection in the light as he is in the light.
I know where you are coming from. You don't, have to be perfect, but you do have to be faithful . That is repent and continue to strive to keep Gods divine word. Mt. 7:21; We must do the will of God. Jo. 14:15: We must keep his commandments . Faith without works is dead. J's. 2:17, 19,20, 24. There are laws in the NT that we must keep. We are human and we do fail on a regular basis. This is where grace comes in. God knows our heart. We all feel as unprofitable servants. We must draw a line in the sand, and not give into this liberal world. You know the Pharisees taught the commandments of men. They were rebuked by Christ. Mt. 15:9. Just remember we must give God's authority over man's. The C of C loves you. I pray you will find the truth. I appreciate your testimony. God bless you sister.
I was desperately in love with a woman who went to a church of Christ and she would never ever miss, lived perfectly 34 still a virgin. I was heartbroken when she left me bc for 2 weeks in a row I went to my own church and notnhers. Looking back at it she is not free, she is very fearsome of hell and its her church. This may lbe a blessing in disguise. Great words 👏
It may have been a "blessing in disguise", or it may be that you missed and walked away from a blessing so well disguised by your own thinking that you just couldn't see it.
Not having heard with a Bliss and because she's a nut job today but I do miss the traditions of that church kind of
I'm so sorry.
continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Sounds like she knew what she was doing
Very sorry this happened to you. The Church of Christ is a Horror denomination. It keeps people frightened and in a state of perpetual doubt about their salvation. I come from the Pentecostal church which uses similar insane fear tactics plus they add hootnannies of speaking in tongues, dancing in the spirit, and fake miracles. I have come to detest the mental damage done to me by the Pentecostal church. It looks like your ex-girlfriend had much damage done to her also. It is unfortunate indoctrination like this is so powerful and long-lasting.
When you understand Grace, you love Jesus even more! Bless you Sister. Keep learning.
John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
John 3:18 “He that believeth in Him is not condemned; but He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Revelation 21
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
1 Corinthians 6
18 Flee fornication. Every other sin which a man doeth is outside the body, but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Matthew 12
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”
Romans 8:6
21st Century King James Version
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace,
Luke 12:20
21st Century King James Version
20 But God said unto him, ‘Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee. Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?’
1 Timothy 5:6
21st Century King James Version
6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
1 Corinthians 6
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God.
1 John 2:17
21st Century King James Version
17 And the world passeth away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Matthew 22:29
21st Century King James Version
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
John 8:51
21st Century King James Version
51 Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man keep My saying, he shall never see death.”
2 John 9
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9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son.
Titus 1:14
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14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.
2 Peter 3:18
21st Century King James Version
18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Romans 12:2
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2 And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Hebrews 9:24
21st Century King James Version
24 For Christ has not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
Colossians 2:10
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10 And ye are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power,
Deuteronomy 6:14
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14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people who are round about you
2 Corinthians 11:14
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14 And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
1 Corinthians 10:20
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20 But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God; and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Proverbs 14:12
21st Century King James Version
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
1 John 4:3
21st Century King James Version
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God; and such is the spirit of Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already it is in the world.
2 John 9
21st Century King James Version
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son.
John 8:12
21st Century King James Version
12 Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Mark 8:35
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35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel’s, the same shall save it.
John 8:51
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51 Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man keep My saying, he shall never see death.”
John 17:3
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3 And this is life eternal: that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.
1 Timothy 2:5
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5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Acts 4:12
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12 Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”
James 1:21
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21 Therefore lay apart all filthiness and the superfluity of wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.
John 11:25-26
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25 Jesus said unto her, “I am the resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live;
26 and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
John 6:68
21st Century King James Version
68 Then Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life,
Psalm 119:30
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30 I have chosen the way of truth; Thy judgments have I laid before me.
Psalm 119:11
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11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.
Romans 12:2
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2 And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1 Corinthians 2:5
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5 that your faith should not stand on the wisdom of man, but on the power of God.
1 Peter 5:8
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8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 John 2:16-17
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16 For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
James 1:21
21st Century King James Version
21 Therefore lay apart all filthiness and the superfluity of wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.
1 Corinthians 15:44
21st Century King James Version
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
1 Thessalonians 5:9
21st Century King James Version
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ
John 3:18
21st Century King James Version
18 “He that believeth in Him is not condemned; but He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:36
21st Century King James Version
36 He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Luke 6:5
21st Century King James Version
5 And He said unto them, “The Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath.”
Matthew 22:29
21st Century King James Version
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
John 5:29
21st Century King James Version
29 and shall come forth - they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 8:12
21st Century King James Version
12 Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John 8:32
21st Century King James Version
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 6:40
21st Century King James Version
40 And this is the will of Him that sent Me: that every one who seeth the Son and believeth in Him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the Last Day.”
Mark 13:13
21st Century King James Version
13 And ye shall be hated by all men for My name’s sake; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Revelation 14:12
21st Century King James Version
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
John 8:36
21st Century King James Version
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Mark 13
31 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.
When you understand the bible, you'll know it's a fairy tales book.
@@salserokorsou If the Bible is such a fairy tail book, then why is it banned in about 52-countries?
@@robkeen2818 I don't know.
Maybe cuz it supports slavery, genocide, rape is full of evil laws...?
My dear sister in Christ. I’m moved by your insight into God’s word and pursuit of true Christianity.
God’s word is hard to interpret at times and we’ve all fallen short of our understanding and been subject to miss teachings.
It’s important that we extend grace to those who may misunderstand and misinform with no malice.
Hello Sister Amber, Thank you for talking with us. It was the same thing for us, my husband &I also left the Church of Christ. When I started going to this Church, the attendance was very small, it wasnt growing at all. But we gave it a try. One Sunday at Bible Study my husband wanted to speak. So he stood up and said The Lord's Prayer to start the day. One of the members got very angry at him and said he was talking like a Catholic, so then my husband wanted to read out of Hebrews. And the thing about this Church is, it doesnt even have a Pastor. The Pastor had left. So anyway the man leading the Bible Study had got mad at my husband and told him to leave. We left..this was so awful to us.We had no idea what was so wrong with saying the Lords Prayer. We are at a very nice Church now and the Pastor says keep saying the Lords Prayer, it is what gets us through the day. And anytime my husband wants to read the Bible at Bible study and talk, he is very welcome to do so. It felt to me that this situation was handled unfairly. Being told to leave. Was very unchristian.
I love your comments
If u don't mind can we be friends
Darn Pharissees. Unfortunately that happens in all flavors of Christianity, but it really needs to stop.
That is shameful treatment. Where are you located? The true church is identified by 3 things, the disciples love one toward another, the fruits of the their lives, and the doctrine they hold. Sadly most of the COC has deviated from these things drastically and become pharisaical with an overemphasis on legalism.
@@jayandrew87 What doctrine does the church of Christ teach that is not scriptural?
I was raised in a Methodist church but went to college at Harding University, a private COC school. I had both very good and very bad experiences there. You simply can't put everyone into one tidy little box. Ultimately, though, a person finds communion with God not in any church, but in the quiet and humble and broken moments of their own life. If you find yourself in a church largely populated with people whose lives are led by the Holy Spirit, that's fantastic. Count yourself fortunate and learn as much from them as you can! If you find yourself in a church that is the opposite, view it as an opportunity to BE that person to the others around you so that God can pull others in that direction! Our God is so much greater than any church or denomination or any of that man-made stuff! He is the author of all creation!
What does the New Testament say on the matter??
Freddie Burleson Could you clarify, please? We are instructed not to cause division, but I believe the issue is not black and white.
I believe what he is saying is you make many claims but no scripture to back it up. For instance " Ultimately, though, a person finds communion with God not in any church, but in the quiet and humble and broken moments of their own life. "
The bible teaches in Ephesians 1 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
So all spiritual blessings are found in Christ. How does one get into Christ?
Well, in Romans 6 Paul tells us:
1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Paul also tells us in Galatians 3
26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
So only those who have been baptized INTO Christ's death and in union with Him, who have put on Christ's righteousness in baptism are truly IN Christ.
To be IN Christ means to be in His body, His church, the church of Christ and it is in this body that all Christians receive spiritual blessings. Therefore if one is not IN Christ, they are not able to take part in spiritual blessings and commune with Christ.
dsvet Well said and you are right. Worshipping God in fellowship certainly draws many closer to Him. I was making a statement about my own experience...that I first came to speak with God in humility and contrition when I was broken. I was painting with too broad a brush when I made that statement. I have a great deal to learn and it seems like I'm growing more plainly aware of that daily.
Adam R. Meade
*The Trinity Doctrine is Not Biblical !*
The Holy Spirit is not a 3rd God !
called God The Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth ''THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON'' into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
The Holy Spirit = The Spirit of God and Christ
Hi Amber, I grew up in the strict conservative church of Christ and it was a very hard life for me as a young person, and also as an adult. I never left services feeling uplifted or even spiritual. The teachings that I heard were mostly that we have very little chance to make it to heaven and most likely will go to hell, let alone anyone that were not members of the church of Christ. I never felt right about what I was hearing. I felt that God overpowers what any man can stand up and talk to the members and tell them different. They are so strict about the things that don’t seem to be of importance but just wanted to rule over the members with their own beliefs and it was turning me away from God and doing the opposite. I knew this wasn’t right in my young age and living this hell, stone and brimfire attitude that it made me feel I was doomed. That I could never be as perfect and I was told I should be in order to make it heaven. Even tho I do agree with many of their teachings, I have found God and have connected with him in a way I never could have had I stayed in that conservative church. There were always a lot of animosity between the members, and I saw a lot of showing face while there, but much different actions by those individuals when service was over and living life till the next service. I found God and what I call the Truth about what God wants of me on my own. It just didn’t go over well with me at the rate of what they were telling me when I came to service on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. And boy would you get a phone call from many members wanted to know what you didn’t come to the other services they offered. I am luck to have gotten out of it when I did. My kids grew up in this as my mom and dad are the reason why I was in the church to begin with and they had high expectation of me too. When I found Christ, I “Got it”. It was the best day of my life. It was just an acknowledgment and a one on one connection that made me open my eyes and put all the negative teachings I had heard behind me. Its hard to sit at a service 3 x a week and hear how your going to hell unless your perfect, but they tell you you can’t be perfect which is a contradiction. I have since been a better person when I left the Church of Christ, I do more to help others, I worship him in my home, I pray to him, I sing to him and I serve him as my Savior. I feel so free since I broke the chains of this “non denominational “ religion. Its very cult like. I didn’t know it when I was young but I know it is as an adult. I hope those of you have gone through what I have, can worship him and pray and continue to keep him in your life. But you dont need to come out of a service there and feel bad about yourself. You should have a positive outlook through the week and in life that he will help you through struggles. When the members sometimes wont. Thank you for listening to my story. I hope it helps you. I was born into it so from birth to 35 before I got out of it. Its hard to leave. They wont let you. They make it hard on you. Still proclaiming your going to hell. Well, thats not for them to judge. As it says in the Bible. God is the Judge.
Thank you for taking the time to write this.
I grew up in the Baptist Church. Then I married a
Man who was a member of the C of C. We raised our children
There'd
BUT I finally figured out that nobody CAN be perfect. That is why the perfect man named Jesus died on the cross.
Hello Amber. Thanks for your video. One thing to remember is: Christ bought his church with his sacred blood and is his expectation to present his church to the Father pure as a bride when he comes back to judge us. That is the reason why members of his church thrive daily to obstruct by his commandments. That’s our daily fight! Lots of blessings
No; "churches of Christ" members do what they do because they're members of a superstitious-fear-instilling cult. Their position is that one's final, eternal abode actually depends-upon such physical-actions as if/how one is dunked in water. [based upon, of course, intentionally-ill-informed, simplistic, childish, absurd interpretations of a book that they can quote SNIPPETS from all day, but have practically NO actual knowledge/understanding of. they're ILL; they need TREATMENT]
Ana Romero Trust and obey; people need to read the book of Hebrews.
Amen sister! Who the Son sets free is free indeed! Beautiful testimony!
I am now free. I had to get out of this Church, but I have family members who are bitter because I do not follow them and go to their church. I love the Lord, God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit and I studied for myself and came out of this religious bondage. It was one of the worst experiences of my childhood life and I am so thankful that you are Free in the Lord and that you are his. Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did your husband get saved too ?
Bitter perhaps because a soul may be lost❤
@@UgochukwuOmiko-zv5nv sadly, religious cults take poor souls to hell. Get out of false religion 😂
@@Over-for-now what made the Church a cult?. I would love to know
@@UgochukwuOmiko-zv5nv Hello
What makes a cult ? It's a religion that does not honor God's chosen time plan. God wants us to HEAR Paul's gospel NOW. God chose Paul to receive the MYSTERY of the gospel of the FINISHED and COMPLETE work Jesus accomplished for salvation. When Jesus was on earth HE instructed His disciples to go NOT in the way of the gentiles. It was not God's time to go to the gentiles. Paul was chosen to bring the gospel to the gentiles. Peter was the apostle to the Jews. If we DO NOT rightly divide scriptures we make a MESS to our own destruction. Ask the Lord to SAVE you now. HE is offering you the FINISHED work He accomplished for you. Don't let satan take you to his house of destruction !!!
Thank You SOOOO much for sharing this testimony!! I started crying while listening to You talk about Grace. I've been saved since I was 9 but sometimes we forget what it REALLY means....and the Lord touched my heart when You were explaining it :) You explained it beautifully! 💕🛐 Yes He wants us to FEEL His Love and Grace....not just have a head knowledge of it :) I needed that touch from the LORD today. THANK YOU JESUS!! and Thank You again, sister in Christ! Also I'm so glad He freed You from all those rules and regulations....Jesus is the answer, not any denomination! Excellent video :) God bless You and your family always!! Rachel in Nashville :)
Organised religion attracts some and repels some .Scripture can confuse as it is translated through the different languages and whether something literally happened or metaphoricallyJust love yourself and others .Do unto others as you would yourself. Ask yourself if God would approve of what you think or what you are about to do or say .
@@alexross9355 you would bed happy being a Baptist.. as we believe scripture.. without all the confusion.... try it and see...
I'm happy a Baptist ww praise God they allow you run around the church
@@brentjames2425 Amen to that!!
@@jeffcarlson3269 only God can judge ys not coc members
Interesting. Never heard that someone was going to hell for not partaking of the Lord's Supper every first day of the week as I was raised in the church. While we aren't the judge of someone's final eternal destination, but we can know what pleases him. That is the question to ask...not..."Can I do x and not go to hell?" We leave the judgement of souls to God, but that doesn't mean we can't know what he wants as He has always been clear as to what he desires. It's his church, purchased and bought with his blood. He's always in charge of it's parameters, terms of adding people to his body, and it's worship. We don't get to dictate to him what he will accept when he's given us his word as to what he desires.
Everything you described about the church is exactly how I experienced it growing up. The fear, performance based relationship with God. Smh. It made me hate going to church. I questioned everything the INC taught and the rules they made up. Making me believe it was the 1 and only true church in the whole world, and everyone was going to hell, and if you disagreed you were “expelled” LOL. Can’t believe I wasted so many years of my life going there. What a brainwashed youth I had. So glad to never go back there ever again
Oh my I am so sorry u experienced that. Satan wants you to believe that that's the true church. Christ would have never left us with that. There are many as we call off churches. You have to have faith and a pure heart to find the right one. If not Satan will keep u binded by confusion. Like this lady says she was baptized at 8. No no no. Just ask God to show u the true way. It's not about rules just God's law. With love Lila.
I myself at this age(41) and my brother were also raised and taught the same thing. We are just now learning different and doing some soul searching!
@@natashahardrict2330 I have never been happier.. since I joined the Baptist church about 30 years ago... my eyes were opened to the truth.. Now no more soul searching and I am at total peace.....
They'll judge u coc I left one thing they helped me helped the community holidays and every month other than that to judgemental csntcrun around the church praising God they'll sit you down if you miss services repentance cards they fill out non scriptural theybbadh Baptist churches worshipping God but they gobout to the community witness do God's squad ministry Rochester ny
@@jmasik100 lol I think u right man. Seemed the same at the first 🤣 and I thought wow there really are INC’s everywhere
I appreciate you sharing your story so much I freed myself from the coc 6 years ago. I'm so proud of you for sharing your story. Thank you
Thank you sister for sharing your testimony, it brought me to tears of joy. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is grace. Amazing Grace!
MAKE DISCIPLES
“Make disciples of all nations immersing them" Who is "them"? the disciples you make. We need to teach people to be followers of Christ before immersion.
Go (traverse as you are going) therefore and make disciples (followers/students) of all the nations (peoples), baptizing (immersing) them in the name of (into the possession of) the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19)
Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized (immersed) in the name of (authority of) Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38
Those outside of Christ are under the curse of the Law. They cannot be saved without meeting the Messiah at the cross, therefore, they must follow Him in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans ch. 6).
Yan ay opinyon mo mas naniniwa kapa sa dady mo kay sa GOD ang doctin ng INC is base on the bible act 20:28 roma 16:16
No trinity in the bible
@@tolitsr6188 Mhm, it is true in the bible with no mentions of the trinity. Although Catholicism states that there is one God, but they say there is 3 Gods that make in one? I can point it out for you for example
1 Timothy 2:5 ESV
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"
And there is many more in the bible that states that Jesus is man.
If you have anything to oppose from what I have stated am I wrong here?
This also means that God disapproves man to write anything in the bible yet they do this.
Meeting at Nicaea in present-day Turkey, the council established the equality of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the Holy Trinity and asserted that only the Son became incarnate as Jesus Christ. ... The Emperor Constantine presided over the opening of the council and contributed to the discussion.
That's how the trinity was created by man, not God. Nothing has been stated in the bible.
Beautifully put! I was raised in the same way in a Church of Christ that shared the doctrines of the one you were raised in. I left @ 21 and that was the first time my parents disowned me. We went back and forth with our relationship for the rest of their life's. We would start to get close and then I would do something they didn't approve of they would disown me again. I left God for a long time but am thankful to have made my way back to him. Not in the Church of Christ but thru personal relationships with God and Christ my Savior. I get love and support from my wonderful non-denominational church family. Thank you so much for sharing!
Good for you! 👍
Oh Amber. You are so right on so many levels. Let me ask you something. If you see another parent parenting in a way you don't believe is correct, does that make them bad parents? I know how you'll answer.
Please don't condemn all churches of Christ, but remember we are autonomous. Please study this out more. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. The greatest command is love. Help people to love one another throughout the churches of Christ. Study to show yourself approved. Don't trash the Lord's church because you don't fully understand.
I love you. You are my Sister. You're saved. Please don't work to destroy the Lord's church though - social media is very dangerous.
There's power in the blood .
I loved your talk on grace!
Yes he does love us :).
It's all about the cross
Thank you lord
Your testimony is my testimony. For so many years I struggled to try to be perfect. For some reason, I thought it was possible to be perfect, but I was just too bad to achieve it. You're pretty young, so I don't know if you experienced the law of "no mixed bathing," meaning opposite sexes couldn't swim together. I was even baptized twice because I thought your sins started adding up from the moment you were baptized. I had a bunch of Baptist friends in high school who experienced the joy of the Lord & I felt so sad that they were going to hell. I sang in a musical at the local Baptist church & there was an altar call. I remember afterward a friend was taking me to youth group. I asked him what he thought & he said he was so sad to see me leading people straight to hell. I went to Abilene Christian & it just got worse & worse for me on the inside. I had no idea what grace was. All I knew was I didn't want to have to keep trying to be perfect because I was failing miserably. I quit school & moved to Nashville where I had some friends from college. I went to a C of C, but it wasn't like any C of C that I had ever been to. It had been "disfellowshipped" by all the other C of C's in Nashville, so obviously there was something different going on. It was there I first learned about grace & that I could have a personal relationship with Christ. I had never been taught about having a personal relationship with Christ. From that point on what I read in the Scriptures meant so much more than words. I actually felt emotions & the fear fell away for the most point. I guess a couple of things stand out to me. One was learning the importance of the Old Testament & how relevant it is to now. The other thing was accepting Christians from other denominations or no denomination. I was so free. The C of C doctrine was so ingrained in me, that there are times when I feel unworthy, but I have the truth with which to fight it. I don't condemn the C of C in any way, I just experienced it in a terribly negative way. Others find freedom there, but I didn't. Churches of Christ are all different so there are some who learn about grace & freedom from the beginning. I didn't. My husband, on the other hand, was brought up in the C of C knowing that grace & freedom & living under no condemnation. His father was a preacher & missionary but taught the truth about the relationship between God & man. Thank you for your testimony.
I totally relate to your story! Our church split, straight down the middle! I left and we still were named, C o C. It was freeing and learned more about the Holy Spirit and love. My dad was not a preacher, but he still goes to the legalistic CoC. So blessed! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️✝️✝️
You're the one that imposed that rule on yourself. Don't be blaming anyone but yourself for what you think the Lord's body was teaching. You are misled by the evil in the world and choose that over God. That is pitiful and shows no wisdom on your part at all. I'll be praying for you to actually have an honest heart and seek God.
I'm so glad you have a "personal relationship", whatever that is. Could you define it for us? Since the phrase is nowhere in the Bible, I'll have to depend on you for a definition. I suppose it is in contrast to an impersonal relationship? I'm serious.
@@cherihickman8065 woahhhh, Nellie !!!! I bet Jesus was cringing a that little viscous out-burst! (As a "Christian" that means you emulate Christ, right? That was NOT Christ-like AT ALL.) You do have that sharp-tongued condemnation down pretty pat. .... You do NOT know her experience... so you have NO GODLY RIGHT to be telling her what she did or why. Might be time for you to review the ONLY commandments given to us after the Veil was split: L O V E... God and others as yourself.
@@brendanjobe6895 it starts with and is encompassed by the ONLY commandments given to us after the Veil was split: L O V E... God and others as yourself... which over and over again, the bulk of the Members and Leadership of the church of Christ forget or fail to remember and authentically emulate (Christ's Love). It's a whole different ballgame than the "Superior" behaviors of the "Rule Keeping" focused. I'm serious.
God bless you, i know some people in this denomination. Heart breaking, I am rejoicing with you that you are walking in liberty. Those who truly belong to Him can not be snatched out of the hands of the Father. ty for your transparency and vulnerability
Ask CoC's to explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel. They will flip flop all over the place!!
I too was raised in the CoC. I was never taught grace. I do believe that there are scripture that needs to be followed however if there is no grace and forgiveness there is no hope. Good luck on your journey.
Thank you for your comments. I was brought up in the Nazarene church but now attend a CofC. I was taught and believe that only Christians will go to heaven. That is what I still believe. It is not my place to judge who is and who is not a Christian-I do not know the heart of another, I can only see the evidence of their actions. The devil has a celebration over the division between Christians.study the Bible, don’t just read STUDY. I ATTENDED a very narrow minded CofC for years and was miserable because of judgment of others. Finally learned about the GRACE of the Lord!
One other key to the death burial and resurrection of Christ is this, God forgave us for Christ sake not ours, if it was for our sake we would be a lot of trouble
Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
There are many things with this video I have seen in my life, there are also things that I have heard you state in this video that I disagree with because of what I believe is a skewed point.
There should always be authority for the things that we do (Colossians 3:17)
Grace is an amazing thing, and while I believe that what you Father has said is correct, the way that you responded in your video is not the way that that should be viewed.
Grace is God giving us something that we do not deserve, not by us squeezing in or Jesus not really wanting us to be in Heaven with Him for eternity. There is an obvious reason that Jesus had to come to this earth and that is because man allowed sin to enter the world and after this there was a predetermined plan set in to place for us to be able to live with our Creator one day.
So grace is not something that we as members of the Church do not understand (some may run from it and should not.)
You referenced 1 John, and I believe you were referencing 1 John 1:7-10 (which I will type here), "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanest us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
This is a great passage that a Christian should read and understand the strength of the blood of Christ and the way that His redemptive plan works, and like you stated from Romans 6, we should not linger in sin for grace to take over because that is not how it works.
We are under a new covenant that Jesus Christ established. Therefore the Old Testament is not applicable to me as a Christian although it IS NOT UNNECESSARY (Romans 15:4, it is for our learning)
Jesus does know how hard it is to be human, that's why he says come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.
I while I am free in Christ because he paid my debt for me I am also a bondservant enslaved to God willingly. (Just as James states that he is in James 1:1)
Feeling different in a sinful world is a good thing. Jesus was different and he was willingly hung on a cross because of it. Paul says I rejoice in my persecutions (because he was doing the right thing). While I do not attend certain things that could bring reproach on the Church I do it because of my reverence for the Godhead and not because its a tradition of a "cult"
In the end, God created us. God has shown us, by his word, what we must do. If we do not heed to the words that he has given us, we will not live with Him for eternity.
This may sound harsh, but it is the truth and that is why great men like Paul spent his life traveling and teaching the truth and so should we.
There are Church's of Christ that have become a denomination of sorts and that is a disgrace the the true Church. Christ established his Church just as you know because He is the head of it and he also purchased it with His blood and that is the Church that we should be a part of, the Lord's Church.
In Him,
Ryan
A buble pop of reality friend . I Can do everything according to the Holy Bible and still won't be taken into Heaven.. all Holy Spirit Driven Souls know this . . It's God's Grace.. if I fail The Holy Spirit teaches me Time is short...
Ryan there is a passage in the Bible that says the kingdom of God is not words but power 1Corinthians 4:20 after the True love of God hit me not earthly but from above because I tried to be perfect and follow every rules I can see this woman has crossed over but only God can revel it I'm so happy she's finally experiencing God's love. And the truth will make you free she is free because God set her free Praise the Lord the Lord God of Israel is one Lord and his Kingdom will reign forever Amen.
Ryan McAlister
I came to know Christ through The Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. We were called the International Church Of Christ the main leader was Kip McKean. They were strong on Discipleship and strong in biblical reading and great fellowship. Was hard to leave thinking you were the only real church. I was suffering with emotional issues at some point in time while still there. But the church and it’s discipleship made it much worse. Disciplining became harsh and out of control not always directly with me but it was there. Women leaders ridiculed my wife in a disciplining gathering, and my wife did not tell me immediately. Two years later these same women leaders leave the church; which they would describe as fallen away! As in you are no longer with the church and therefore you will end up in hell Lol. They lost all sense of grace! They thought and probably still think they can immediately turn off & on salvation. And I knew that wasn’t right but never approached it. They would judge many by their education or status quo to move up in leadership.
There came a time when disciplining became so out of control and they bragged about it ! Authoritarians they were! There was such Self Righteousness. AND THEN IT HIT ! A major letter from another well respected leader seeing where the Church leadership has gone wrong ! And calling out the Church leaders On IT ! And immediately people were dropping and leaving the church. When this letter was read we had been with the church already 9 years we hung in there. My wife and me read this letter and my Wife Frances looking at me said Jesse you were correct. I showed her my notes previously dating back two years; praying please God give me clarity and understanding. I finally said good buy; so many were so farce and had not repented or have totally ignored it altogether; perhaps they couldn’t except it? Many of those same leaders today that wrote books Preached great sermons have left the church, some divorced their wife’s; some have never returned to a church or God due to what I have read from them personally. I am the one now on the Outside looking in “ THANK GOD”
I admit I was part of a Cult ! The cult portion has to do with Salvation through Baptism.. I struggled with this and it was hard for me to attend another church after I left, but yet I did because God showed me through fasting and prayer how wrong we were as the Church Of Christ. Yes i see baptism in the scriptures but how those scriptures and the translation of Koine Greek were mistaken by unschooled Evangelist leaders. And yet there is more proof of no physical baptism needed but some how I them were blinded to this. But I would need to write a blog because I’m only skimming the surface in this total comment.
Today this same church has split into various section and names. Many beautiful people still stuck there. And I love them. Yet they still believe and follow church of Christ standards. Sadly their in a Cult by declaring that salvation is the only through physical Baptism. Funny only the Cults believe this. The Church of Latter-day Saints , the Jehovah Witnesses and few others .. etc... And yes the Church of Christ. A church that once thought we were advancing the kingdom of God that thought they were on the cutting edge and modern. Today they lack growth their dated and still separated from all other churches because their one ☝️ plague that hinders their Growth and God won’t bless it !
If you still believe in floating up to heaven,then you must be immortal!? This has been believed by most religions for thousands of years as well.
@@jesserevilla992 based on your studying, I would love to know more about what you found in the Greek! I have been studying myself to learn whether a local COC has good teachings and I cannot find many resources to refute the things they claim. thank you for any help you can offer!
The truth will set you free. Understanding Gods word is freedom. Other organizations will tickle your ear with what are fleshly body’s desire. Truly living under the Guidance of Jesus words is happiness. Knowing that you won’t be thrown out of His church for a miss step is grace. This is what the Church of Christ believes.
I understand where you are coming from as I, too, have questioned some of the teachings of the Church. I am 76 years old and I have been a Christian since I was 12. The difference is that the things I see in the teachings of the Church that seem to be more tradition than scriptural, are not the ones that lead to salvation. I was never taught that committing one sin would send me to hell or what be the purpose of forgiveness? Yes, I believe we should strive for perfection with the knowledge that we cannot reach it on our own and that is where grace appears. Grace bridges the gap between us and God and that makes us perfect. Grace covers a multitude of sins and we all sin and fall short. That's why we need prayer and grace for forgiveness and redemption. I pray you will not forget your first love and your faith will remain strong. God bless you.❤❤
It depends on what sin you commit that leads to hell if your in that state of sin at death .
@@danviccaro3920 that is true if we do not repent and ask for forgiveness.
@@joanlebleu4003 but in doing it through the church you are on good standing grounds with the church .
@@joanlebleu4003 and that church is the church Jesus Christ started and that church gave us the Bible.
@Joan LeBleu.... you would Not have to bother trying to analyze this if you were a member of the Baptist community.. as they believe all of that without having to search for it and figure it out for ourselves... God's word is plainly and simoky taught by Baptists...
I go to the Church of Christ. I feel the same way, but I don't feel like the Church judges me for it. I do believe that where the Bible speaks we should speak & where it remains silent we should as well. In fact the Church has many people who don't agree or they have a different perspectives or views on some of the Biblical teachings. I'm sorry if someone or something made you feel that way about the Church. I do know that no matter where you go to church it's possible to feel that way because people are so imperfect. I think your right in saying it's difficult for us to imagine the depth of Gods love. God be with you & Your family.
Brother. Not true. It's full of legalism not Christs blood. You have to do this and that, that's works not grace. Who is Christ to you?
True they judge you gotta fill out a card every time I sin repent in front of the congregation its mind control
@@brentjames2576 That's a cop out & you know it. You know right from wrong. Don't confuse yourself. That's your own conscious talking to you. They're not judging you. They don't have too. God's already judged sin. They only say what He says about it. Your problem isn't with them, it's with God. Maybe you should talk to Him about it?
Omg. We share the same feelings and thoughts on this subject. Thank you for sharing your story.
@@kaleb798 i hope you are aware that you just insinuated that she was evil. Careful with your words brother. You might take that to the Lord in prayer. She was merely cautioning & not condemning the CoC. I grew up in a COC just like this. Extremely conservative. Never touched the OT hardly, still don’t talk about a rapture or return of Jesus Christ. Rituals overshadowed fellowship after I got a little older. Now on the other hand, my aunt went to a less strict CoC and wow what a different spirit of freedom. When it’s time to go (move on to another church) the Spirit will move you so you continue to grow. Some stay in the same church a life time which is great, but some of us move on. I personally am glad she shared her testimony, not so unfamiliar to me. Blessed my heart.
@@kaleb798 Any specific questions? I'm not a "scholar" but I have been in and out of several "cultic organizations" - enough to know a lot of the important things that get twisted around in these places more interested in PROFIT than PROPHET
I am truly sorry for the life you were dealt, the confusion and heartache. I am a church of Christ member and I love you very much and would love for you to come back.
I am truly saddened that you had that experience. As a member of the CofC, I can certainly tell you emotion is and should be important. However, we must be able to rightly divide the word of God - II Timothy 2:10. I pray that your old congregation opens up and read the scriptures where emotions are okay! There must be a balance. Proverbs 14:12 tells us to not allow our emotions get us condemned because if we only go off of emotions it will condemn us! What seems right to us is not always right. The Bible is the standard for our life. I am free in the CofC! You have problems everywhere, even in the Church. I am praying for you and anyone else who has had a negative experience. Grace and Mercy is the only hope we have in order to make it into heaven. Jesus tells us that we are now under GRACE.- Romans 6:14-17
Instrumental music is not recorded in the New Testament. It is recorded in the Old Testament. HOWEVER, the only people allowed to use a particular instrument were the brethren Levites- 1 Chronicles 15:16. We are not Levites and today that is not applicable to Christianity. Jesus changed the priesthood/law after Melchisedec- Hebrews 7:11-12. That was under the Mosaic Law/Old Testament. The New Testament teaches that there is no life in instruments- 1 Corinthians 14:7-15. God wants us to worship Him in Spirt and in Truth which is life - John 4:20-24. God authorizes us to sing hymns - Mark 14:16 and use our lips for praise- Hebrews 13:15. The old law/ Mosaic Law/ Old Testament has been fulfilled - Luke 24:44. Jesus teaches that we cannot have 2 Testators in affect. It’s either the Mosaic Law or The New Testament which is Grace- Romans 6:14-17 ,Galatians 5:3-4, Hebrews 9:15-17. I pray that this helps. Much love.
Jesus “fulfilled” the law which in that age, fulfill means teach. Much of the law still applies to us today
Grace through the blood of Christ; not Grace by itself in the denominational world. Undeserved, yes, but covered. Paul was the “chief of sinners”, but he told them to follow “doctrine” shared in his letters. Context is extremely important.
I have a genuine question for y'all, and I'm not trying to be a troll. Ephesians talks about singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. That seems to imply that He wants us to actually sing the Psalms. The Psalms talk a whole lot about playing different instruments. So are you saying we're supposed to sing about playing instruments, but we're not supposed to actually play them? Also, the NT doesn't ever record anyone having electricity in the place where they met to worship...
The " Church " are the believers. The bride of Christ. No denomination is going to save you ... only the blood of Jesus. We have the Word to guide us (the Holy Bible). A sinful lifestyle will not be forgiven. A Christian strives to live Holy. If he or she sins it must be confessed and repented of. 1 John 2 :1 And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. [3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments
Sean Gerber
Amen we’re responsible for our salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ no condemnation in the body of Christ.
"A sinful lifestyle will not be forgiven"? Are you sure you really believe that Sean? I agree that we are to strive for holiness, live a godly lifestyle, and keep his commandments; but at the same time "none is righteous no not one". Our salvation isn't based on our ability to strive to be holy nor even keep his commandments. If it were, then Christ died for nothing and we are still trying to get right with God by our works of the law. Salvation is a free gift, it's not merit based, and this is what makes the gospel such "good news". Re-read the books of Romans and Galatians (in their entirety if possible) and see if you don't come away with a different perspective.
@@jamesisenberg5909 faith without works is dead. Obeying the word is essential for true salvation.
@@Bland-79 David, remember some of the songs such as Faith is the Victory? Our faith in Jesus is why He saves us. Our works are the product of our faith and love for Jesus and others. Religion and works don't save. Only Jesus saves.
@@charlottekaritis135 I'm speaking of works as in what the bible says we have to do to be faithful.
I’m really sorry for your experiences that made you feel that you had to be perfect. That’s a terrible place to live in. Thank you for sharing your pain & what you learned. I am part of the ICOC. Like any human learns from mistakes (as a mom & a wife, believe me, I have made so many mistakes), I believe churches also learn if they really are trying to do God’s will. I know that the environment we provide is where we share our sin, weaknesses & failures. That’s how people see our humanity, need for God & his grace while finding a safe place to be. We do try to grow spiritually & not live in sin because of grace. We, also, know that we are imperfect people who need a perfect God who is our refuge & strength. Thank you, again for sharing your truth.
ICOC is a harmful cult. I know too much about it for you to convince me otherwise. Sorry, I do not mean to be offensive, but the ICOC is a cult. I hope you can escape.
I am a 63 year old christian. I appreciated your video and your honesty. I was raised going to the church of Christ. I did not experience the - 'you have to be perfect attidude'. But, I did feel some of the personal - I am not getting it done feeling. However, I heard a lesson from an excellent preacher, Tom Woody. He explained our sins being washed away in this manner: It is like there is this chalkboard which is your life and as you write on it constantly there is flowing water washing away everything you write , as you write it. In the same way Jesus's blood washes away our sins constantly as we commit them. He did indicate that we must be baptized into Jesus in obedience to Him to receive the washing away of sins and continue to Do OUR best to follow His word as much as we are able---we all must strive to do our best. Jesus always knows our hearts and yes, as you said, is forgiving with God's grace. I think it is difficult to have that balance correct of grace and love in conjunction with realizing we must do what God tells us the way he tells us to do it. After all, He is our creator, Jesus has all authority. There are several examples of God's reaction to those who willingly disobey Him in the old testament.
I am grateful for the knowledge that it is because of Jesus I don't have to think about being perfect- a humorous notion as it is impossible for any of us to be perfect.
May God bless each of us with a clear understanding of His love and grace and His expectations for our service to Him.
I am a member of the church. I am 70 years old. At your age I did not understand the Bible really. I was raised in the church and just took most of this for granted. I was slow to mature and did not really begin to understand till I was in my 40's. I was baptized again when I was 46. This made all the difference. I am now close to God and my life is filled with joy and peace on a daily basis. Keep learning. Stay with God and continue to read his word. It will make sense to you eventually if you do not give up.
Narcissistic much?
Can you please explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel?
Thanks for sharing. Glad you found those answers u were looking for. Take care. - Leeroy
@@leeisenberg Again, how can one reconcile the CoC's hyper-dispensational theories concerning the thief on the cross, with Hebrews 4:2?
@@christrescuedme2182 Are you really still here pestering people? You have made over 170 comments on this video 😂
I appreciate your voice and your thoughts. I think it is very important to consider the culture of the times for which your parents were raised and lived. We (including you) are impacted heavily by our culture. It is important to see your experiences in light of those things. Your children will also live in a different culture than you. I have seen a great amount of culture change within the churches of Christ over my 54 years of living. My parents have made many shifts in their thinking and understanding. I would say to all reading this because I have stood by this all along my spiritual path, "Do not run from what you don't agree with, but instead be an agent of change. Show others the paths to a less rocky road. Be there for the people who have been there for you. Respect them as they learn from you and you from them." Running and speaking negatively are never a good approach for change and for getting others to listen to you. I have two daughters and I hope that is one thing they learned from me. You can be the person others need to hear from or you can be the person no one wants to hear from. Positivity and support or Negativity and disloyalty.
"Shame, shame, shame."
There it is... the church of Christ "shaming" (almost equal to Catholics and Mormons). And yes, that is very much an ingrained part of the church... from the south that spread such to the north. You said, "Running and speaking negatively are never a good approach for change and for getting others to listen to you.".... Amber spoke her truths softly and beautifully - with love, great discernment and grace. She is young... had it been me with decades more experience of churches all over the nation and abroad, I would have shared so much more about what the "church" hides behind to continue their patriarchal and yes, misogynistic and narrow ability to see beyond their built-in subjectivity.
Yes, there are good, authentically loving folks in the church of Christ. Yet, I think they'd be the empathic and loving (Christ-like) sort no matter where they were - I doubt "the church 'made' them that way". Yet, how "the men" are taught and lead is still very narrow and shallow (as a whole). They are so afraid of real questions trying reconcile the hypocrisy within the Bible let alone within the leadership (as a whole) and The Body.
I've studied for years, and as a Bible scholar in my 20's (including Hebrew and Greek) - then missionary training and overseas work. The LACK of growth, as a whole, I have seen within the "church" is not only saddening but frustrating. (That's a book of its own... I'm just saying the growth has been shallow and minimal. Your duplicitous statements, from the first sentence to the last) are a tiring example of that fact: Shallow and scantily veiled.
I guess I am curious - have you ever studied how many other "denominations", faiths and religions believe that THEY are the ONE church/ belief system that "has it right" and will be going to Heaven? The church of Christ does not have the corner on that market. Oh yes, I "believed" that too, and expertly wielded the Word like a sword to defend or "recruit" with authority, passion and certainty. I could convince most any "sinner" from Mormon's to even a Catholic Priest.
Yet, never will I do that again. How absurd to think the church of Christ "has it right" and will be the "ones" in Heaven. It's a fascinating study... I encourage you to broadening your understand with such.
After one of my later intensive studies of "cults"... (what makes them, how they are formed, who is "targeted", how they grow, characteristics, etc.) - guess what? The similarities with the "members" of the church (and other "Christian" claimed organizations) were too similar to disregard. Add to that, an in-depth deep dive into understanding the "real history" of the Bible (other than the cursory taught by "the church" intensive studies) has made a lot more sense of the inconsistencies and hypocrisies within its cover (every hear of the child's game of "Gossip"?).
"Positivity and support or Negativity and disloyalty.", you said above.
Wow!
"I appreciate your voice and your thoughts." No you did not. The rest of your statement proved that you did NOT appreciate what Amber had to say, which was basically:
"Just shut up, smile and stick your head the sand" because if you do not, you will be labeled 'negative and disloyal'. We do not speak that way. We do spiritual by-passing here."
That is exactly the sort of tactics the PEDOPHILE PRIESTS used to oppress their child sexual abuse victims. You just put yourself amongst their ranks of dismissive, discounting and disregarding of another's experience... just as is the habit of a malignant narcissist.
Wow.
That truly is par for the course, though.
In case you are unaware, that is a form of mental and spiritual abuse right there. I know, long-learned tactic used in the church. Yet now, you are aware and you must repent of such sin!
They judge people what I said it above comments coc you sit like a robot during service
You should of been a trooper and endure the lies of a church or you should of been responsible for changing the organization you belong to is error. Period….and I’m so blessed to see her maintain the light of Christ even though the church she was a part of failed to teach her the truth of that.
This comment is a great way to justify wrong doing. I hope this thinking will just lay to rest.
@@brentjames2425 How do you know if we judge. Read Luke 6:31
@@brentjames2425 When are you going to return to the church that the Lord purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28)?" Were you hurt by someone there?
Thank you so much. I hope that after 30 years of Icoc I can also one day feel God's love spring up in my heart, get rid of fear, guilt and pain because İ've not been able to share God's love with my family.
wowwwww.... 30 years in Icoc... I was exposed to about 3 years of it... San Fran, NYCmostly... and Kip's recordings. Did you know of Jim Brown out of NYC (formerly MT)? I was considering going on their San Paulo mission in the mid-80s after our San Fran mission to Rome fell apart. ..... I would be interested in your long-term experience. The "regular" coc had so many cold-hearted issues of their own to overcome, it was interesting seeing them all hot and bothered about the ICOC. ... Take care!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m not a part of church of Christ, but I was curious about the faith. And your beliefs are lined with mine. I’ve had a relationship with God since I was very young and I can tell you he is so loving and forgiving, father. I have a good father here on earth is a good godly man. I think that help me understand my father in heaven. I’m so glad that you shared this. I know you are making a difference in peoples lives and God is using you in a great way. God bless everything that you do my friend and I don’t know you, but you are my sister and CHRIST!
Beautiful testimony! I also was in the CofC, and after being baptized and checking off the boxes they said I needed to do to get saved, I sinned. And then I doubted my salvation for the next 17 years, wondering if I had UNchecked a box somehow, and begging God to show me what to do and how many times to do it to get saved again. Then I read the Bible, and learned of His FREE GIFT of grace, salvation thru faith alone, and freedom in Christ! And, like you, instantly felt the love of Christ and then had the fruits of the Spirit to pass on to others!
I rejoice with you Melissa!
When I was baptized in the CoC, the “process of salvation” had supposedly begun. I was told that I was now a Christian and would have to “grow in Christ” for the rest of my life to finally be saved in the end. I was taught nothing about being eternally indwelled and sealed by the Holy Spirit Who permanently insures that one will grow in Christ. Rather than being given the proper antidote for a sin-sick soul, CoC baptism was administered as an inoculation against such truths, which built up a resistance to true Christian conviction and faith. But thankfully God saved me decades later!!
Before Christ saved me, I was constantly performing what I thought was repentance, but there was never a true removal of guilt, for the sin supposedly pardoned through repentance one minute was replaced by another sin the next! And it had the potential to land me in Hell just as surely as the one previously pardoned! So, without the true gospel, I had to try to stay sane by either adopting an antinomian view of sin (an abuse of God’s grace as an excuse to live in sin), or else become an obsessive-compulsive perfectionist.
Intimate involvement in the CoC was also a strong, contributing factor in the way my family and I viewed God and religion. It also affected how we related to each other, for our approval of one another was always based on performance instead of unconditional love. The false standard of comparing ourselves with others, rather than God’s holiness, led to pride, superiority and cookie-cutter conformity (2 Cor. 10:12).
Melissa Horton Where does it say salvation by faith alone? Read James 2:24 which says not by faith alone.
Amber, I go to the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) and in the beginning it was all what you were explaining. I was baptized as a disciple in '94 and lived in fear as you spoke about and eventually left in 2004 . The leader that started the movenent in '79, Kip McKean, was asked to step down from leadership and left the church to restart his new church: The International Christian Church, and from what I have heard, he has not repented of his selfish ambition to making disciples for his own glory. I believe, harsh discipling, and guilting people out to the point of csusing fear instead of loving and giving grace to each other is what destroys peoples trust. So after Kip left the ICOC, they reformed it to become more full of love & grace and I came back in 2011 and was restored to the body. Our church is so loving now and we can be open with sin without fear of being harshly rebuked, told we are going to hell, but given so much support and grace, which is what is needed to repent. And we play instuments for worship. I played in the church band for several years. I am growing in my relationship with God in joy now, not fear. This is what I thiught it was supoosed to be like when I first got baptized and now I am 100% sure I am in the right place. If you want to find a church in your area, look up the ICOC church finder. I think you would love and thank you for sharing what many of us have felt in the Church of Christ. The great news is that what you believed the COC should be, does exist. Much love to you! 💗
I was at ICOC
It depends what group you are in.
@@trippin6118 international church of Christ
@@trippin6118 disciples today
www.disciplestoday.org
I watched your video again and not only does it bring tears to my current situation but it gives me courage to keep on loving others when they hurt you badly. Thank you friend.
Kal
Thank you for sharing your experience. My daughter has got entangled with COC through a young man that she has fallen for. We are evangelicals who believe wholeheartedly “It is by Grace you are saved by faith” as we are seeing this unfolding the C E N I hermetical method is definitely causing her trouble and after making a profession of faith now says she not saved 😢 we’re praying for the truth to win out. Blessings for having the bravery to share you story.
Do everything you can to get her out. They are going to isolate her for years and you may never get her back.
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Hubby and I can FULLY relate!! I’m 51 years old and just now realizing the peace of Jesus that I can have and what grace and unconditional love and stepping away from legalism can look and feel like. It’s SO freeing. I can give you one example of my growing up as a church of Christ preachers daughter… If for some odd reason we were traveling or sick or didn’t take communion on a Sunday we had to make sure we squeezed it in before midnight or suffer the repercussions of going to hell. I could elaborate on and on and on but I won’t. Thank- you for making this video. Blessings♥️Katie
But that's not a church of Christ problem, that's a "your dad is ruthless" problem. And now you want to "feel" free and throw terms like legalism at a group of people without really understanding what it is.
Heritage Ways So sorry you attended a church of Christ like that; not all are the same.
That commenter is wrong. It IS a COC problem. The idea that if we don't take communion every Sunday we
are doing something wrong IS a COC belief and it's not biblical. There are so many unbiblical COC beliefs. I'm a COC PK as well, and now I attend non-denominational churches (actual don-denominational). I understand exactly what you meant, and you're right. Examples are not commands, the bible never said they are, there isn't supposed to be a list that explains how to worship (and there isn't). We aren't even supposed to be seeking "authority" to do something or not so something in worship (and the bible doesn't say to). The COC desperately wants us to seek authority and have a list in the bible but there isn't one, so they made up a rule that isn't in the bible that you look at examples and create rules based on them. But who chooses which example is a rule and which isn't? I'm a COC PK and I can say with certainty that the Church of Christ does things in worship that there isn't an example of (the building for starters), and DON'T do things that there ARE examples of in the bible (many examples). This is exactly what Amber Head is saying. Don't listen to the COC commenters that claim you don't understand, when CLEARLY they have not even ever looked into it. They have never prayed that prayer of surrender...surrendering their beliefs of all doctrine and start over and asked the Holy Spirit to reveal what they need to know as they study. Anyone that ever bashes what Amber said in this video never surrendered themselves to the revelation of the scriptures to the Holy Spirit, and only are trying to back up what keeps them in their comfort zone. The members of the Church of Christ are mostly beautiful, devout believers in Christ, and they are saved. But the man-made philosophy of looking for examples to make into commands accidentally corrupts their beliefs, and hinders their walk in Christ.
@@Concatenate Can you please explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel?
Jesus paid it all. It is finished. He paid the price because I couldnt.
Praises to His name
Willdo1951 Aldone Why the question in Acts2:37 "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" See if the answer is "there is nothing you can do; Jesus paid it all; it is finished. The answer in verse says "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION OF YOUR SINS and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
@@MrNyathi1 Roman 6:1 and Matthew 7-21-23, brother don't be decieved, Jesus paid the price, BUT that does not give us a license to live a life full of sin without repentence. That is a lie from satan
D.E. Franklin When we "handle aright the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) we see that the thief was not subject to the New Testament command of immersion because this command was not given until AFTER the thief's death. It was not until Christ was resurrected that He said, "He who believes AND is baptized shall be saved; Mark 16:16. It was not until Christ's death that the Old Testament ceased, signified by the tearing of the temple curtain (Matthew 27:51). When Jesus died, He took away the Old Testament, "nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:14). The word "testament" means "covenant" or "will." The last will and testament of Christ is the New Testament, which consists of those teachings that apply to people AFTER the death of Christ. If we expect to receive the benefits of the New Testament (salvation, forgiveness of sin, eternal life) we must submit to the terms of the will for which Christ is mediator (Hebrews 9:15), for "where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator; for a testament is of force after men are dead, otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives; Hebrews 9:16-17. Jesus of course will not forgive us if we don't believe that He is the Son of God who died who died for our sins, repent, confess Jesus is the son of God and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16) for the remission of sins . Baptism is not a work of man; it is faith in the working of God; Colossians 2:12. Read Acts 8:5-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached and it is NOT the sinner's prayer (which is no where in the word of God. Also baptism is how we put on Christ; Galations 3:27....can one be saved without putting on Christ in baptism? I Peter 3:21 says baptism doth ALSO save us; man says baptism doth not now save us. Who do you believe Peter or man? Baptism is done before one is added to the Lord's church; Acts 2:41, 47. There is only 1 baptism; Ephesians 4:5. Baptism is commanded; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:48.
@@lindahutchens8612 Thank you for breaking this down, God bless you
@@sheldenkay1751 Your very welcome, Shelden; glad I could help!
Glory to God! This young woman understands the Spirit. I wanted Mercy, rather than sacrifice, says the Lord!
Amen to that. 👍
@Jennifer Seay "yada, yada, yada": Amber's right; you're wrong; that's all. 😏😉😜
Thank you for this. I was raised in the Church of Christ and left under similar circumstances. My experience in growing up in that organization was the same as yours: legalistic, no instruments, rules based, everything other than what they teach is a sin, no love or compassion for neighbors not in their church, fearful of stepping out of line, etc.. after growing up being taught that everyone else was wrong, leaving completely shattered my faith. 5 years later and I’m still looking for a new faith home.
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Good evening, Ms. Amber.
Regardless of what church a person attends (as I do attend the Church of Christ), I believe it is up to each individual to search the Holy Scriptures for themselves to verify or refute what is being taught in that church as it relates to living as a Christian as the Bible instructs us to.
There were comments in your video regarding authority that I would just like to examine a bit. One of your main statements revolved around partaking of the Lord's Supper each Lord's day. Since the Holy Scriptures does state, "... upon the first day of the week...", does that give us the freedom to decide WHICH first day of the week WE choose to observe this practice (which without going back to your comments I believe you did say we (who profess Christianity), should recognize as a necessity)? If that were the case, we would have free reign to choose EVERY action in this manner; thus reducing the belief that the Bible is indeed God's "instruction manual" to, if followed, get us to Heaven, to having no more importance or relevance than reading through a copy of Cinderella and saying "That was a nice story. I think tomorrow I'll read A Tale of Two Cities." Basically we place the Bible in the category of having no more importance than any other book we happen to pick up off the shelf and start reading.
You also said that you feel the
C of C lives by a principle of following rules such as taking the Lord's Supper EACH first day of the week but, you feel it is not a rule because it doesn't say "Don't take it on Tuesday or Friday" but, what about some similar points that fit in today's society?
A child's parents say, "Don't get hit by a car!" Does that free the child to believe it's okay to get hit by a truck? A van? A motorcycle? If this is the mentality the child takes, it will not take but one time for him/her to realize they should have used common sense in their thought process. Here is a thought on this topic even closer to home. There is a child leaving for college. The parents say, "Be sure you go to church on Sunday." Did they say WHICH Sunday? No. Did they say do NOT attend Mon-Sat? No. Based on the patents' instructions, if the child picks and chooses WHICH Sunday they go are they sure they got it right? As well, since the parents didn't say do NOT go to church on Tuesday or Thursday, does that mean they are SURE it is okay TO attend on those days? Rev. 22:18-19 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophesy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life..."
I understand this to be a clear message from God saying "do what I TELL you to do, and don't do what I DON'T tell you to do". If one is serious about going to Heaven, wouldn't the old principle of "better safe than sorry" be best applied here?
Regarding your child getting "kicked out of the family" because they continually make mistakes, (perhaps the same mistake they've been told not to make), consider this.
If there is a child who takes drugs after being told by his parents not to, if they're caught, they go to jail. You bail them it with part of the condition of release is to go to (meetings), get clean, and to not do it again. Three months later they do the same thing and go through the same cycle of changing, etc. After "x" number of times continuing this cycle the child finally dies; whether from an overdose, or an altercation regarding gunplay (as an example). Was the child kicked out of the family? No. But, when it's time to celebrate Christmas, birthdays, go on vacations with the family will they be there? No. Because living their life the way THEY wanted to took away their opportunity to spend anymore time with the family. Sound familiar? You forgave the child of each mistake (bailing him out) but, he continued making the mistakes until he no longer had TIME TO CORRECT IT (he died living that same life.).
God does not kick us out in fact, He gives us EVERY OPPORTUNITY to start over. It is WE who remove OURSELVES from the family, and at some point, we run out of time to start over. As you think about it, does any of this make sense?
I am no Elder, Deacon, or Preacher. I am simply a humble man who do his best to read his Bible every day, study the message it reveals, and does his best to be a disciple of Christ.
I pray these comments (I mean 400 page book of comments! 😊) did not come across as crass, condemning, or "I'm right, you're wrong" to you or anyone who may happen to read this. I simply love the opportunity when presented to me to discuss the Bible, listen to another's thoughts on a subject, and give mine. Now please don't misunderstand, I am always prepared to back up my beliefs with Scripture but, if any of us go around condemning others, we are essentially taking over the roll of God, and that's ONE roll I DON'T want to play.
99% of the time I never look at FB/UA-cam because I just don't care for how liberally and decadently everyone is allowed to make statements, express themselves, or (to me) even worse, respond to others' posts. But, I am very glad I happened to come across this one, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the conversation. 💖
Eph 2 8-9
For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of WORKS, lest any man should boast.
Rom 11 6
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
The bible is actually a simple book if you look at it from a standpoint of a Father who LOVES you. He will not confuse you about the most important thing. If you do any works or deeds to get or stay saved then that cancels out Grace and you will be judged by your works as grace no longer lets you enter the kingdom.
We have a great father who loves us. If one lives with works as a justification to get or keep your salvation then Jesus died for nothing. He did it all himself. We believe in what he did for us on the cross *Faith* and the rest is descipletship. We are saved UNTO good words we are not saved by good works.
Blessings and love to you and your loved ones.
This young lady actually figured it out when she became a parent for the love and grace for her children.
All Glory to God...........
PS...keep your eyes on Israel and how the world will threaten it....The days are short and The Day is getting closer.
Love your zeal, but your analogies do not line up. Scripture, to be fully understood, must be, as you said "examined and searched" - but not in the context of looking for one word or phrase that seems to support your doctrine. The Lord's Supper is a)remembrance of Him; b) fellowship. The symbolic 'breaking of bread' is not required - but needs to be examines as to what Jesus did for us. The Bread represents His Word - (read John 1:1-18 and Genesis 1&2) and the Wine (or grape juice) [Blood] represents His Sacrifice that PAID THE PRICE for our sins. This Blood paid the FULL PRICE. No action is needed other than accepting that price that He PAID IN FULL. Remember, on the Cross He said "IT IS FINISHED"
Thank you very much
As far as my very limited exposure to the CofC is concerned, the only time I've seen or heard an "adherent" to the doctrines (notice I did not say Christian) of the CofC, they habitually dismiss - at great length and effort, the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. 40 or so scriptures will get "spewed" very quickly - without taking any context into consideration - to "back up" the doctrines that are "being sold" - but, the very verse that summarizes - takes the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments into one scripture - and spend untold hours trying to put it in a context that "explains" it away. Yes, I'm talking about John 3:16! EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE "POINTS" to this Idea that GOD SO LOVES THE WORLD that He sacrificed His ONLY Son - in a plan that pre-dated Mankind... Keep in mind the ONE and only "unforgiveable" Sin - Grieving the Spirit - - - Exactly what you're doing when you try to dismiss God's Plan of Salvation.
Also, we are told that those of you who partake in this practice are "...preaching a DIFFERENT Gospel..." than the one in the Bible. If you need, I'll show you where those two 'thoughts' are in scripture.
I was raised in the Church as well. Baptized at age 12yrs and I had a similar mis understanding of God's Word as a child. As an adult with more spiritual development and understanding of the Bible we realize the magnitude of God's love and grace for everyone, everyone!
I am so thankful for my parents having raised me in the Church.
You're unsaved if you believe Kips teaching.
The Experience you have with your dad did not justify that Church of Christ keeps people in bondage. We are free but bonded so as not to go astray and that is why we are different. Corrections, rebuking and Discipline is always the way of church of Christ. Well, the freedom you made mention can be defined in many ways. We have freedom to communicate, making friends, doing things other people does but not freedom to go astray.
You said something that they follow the bible most especially the New testament, true. You only think you are in bondage when you wish to do your heart desire. We are free indeed! and happy and everybody do appreciate our way of life and knowledge of the bible.
And of course, we are not perfect and that is why there is always a room for questions and deliberation, we should not be weak. We need to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashame...
That one should not stop you from attending the church of Christ base on the things you have mentioned.
I thought the same. We are all sinners and can't stop sinning even when we try our hardest and that's why God has mercy on us. The way I understand it is if we willingly turn against God and go back into the world then that way we give up our salvation, but not by sinning unwillingly or unthoughtfully like we often do. We all have so much to learn and maybe the church she attended focused too much in a certain thing and that hurt her, but read Romans 14. Let's not judge each other and love one another and not be a reason to hurt someone else's faith. You shouldn't leave the church. All churches will have issues we can read that all throughout the new testament, we just need to realize what we do wrong to change it and God forgives us. He knows your true feelings and thoughts and motives.
Mind control coc force me to repent every time that's controlling people are shells in coc bossy people like a employer o been through this so many years
Hi, Amber!
Thank you so much for making these 3 videos!
I've been going through this same paradigm shift for a while now.
Is there a way we could chat?
I'm not even sure if you still get notifications from these videos.
I'd really love to connect with you, if you're willing.
Blessings!
Aimee :)
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Hi Amber, your video is heartfelt and I applaud you for your courage to make it. I was not raised in the church of Christ but after joining one in college, I experienced some of the inconsistencies you speak of - I was even asked to not come back to that church! Having said that, many decades later, I am now an elder in a church of Christ and stumbled across your video while searching for our church’s live feed. You and your viewers need to know that not all churches of Christ are like the experience you have described you had in KY. God saves through grace alone, no doubt about it. Nothing we can ever do could result in us “deserving” salvation. I have experienced true Christian love and brotherhood from hundreds of like minded church of Christ members over the last decades. Any church of any denomination can exhibit the problems you describe. All other churches can be hyper-authoritarian so I think it is a bit unfair to lump all churches of Christ as being just the same. Nevertheless, I do truly understand your points as I have made many of them myself. God bless you in your Christian journey. I hope you can put your bad memories and hurt away through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Amber! I spent 4 hrs last night with two elders staring me down. Discrediting my salvation. I woke up sick, broken , hopless
Realizing that at 65 years old and roofing all day in 105 degree heat that they completely overpowered me in my weakness. Today I became furious to what was taken from me in my weakness. Now I'm hearing the voice of your heart
Your salvation is of the Lord, not those elders.
@@buckyteel4129 my biggest ? now is where do I go ? Being a loner is very hard when it comes to following God. I just need a place where I can be with like minded believers.
@Brian Gilley... you could save yourself all of that heartache.. by becoming a Baptist... they believe everything the bible teaches plain and simple without the pressures and without the heartache.. I have had peace for over 30 years now... and I am 67...
@@briangilley5093 try the Baptist religion... I am at total peace.I got saved and joined the Baptist church 30 years ago.... and there is None of the things mentioned in these posts as with the CoC... they preach the true Gospel.. believe in Jesus as the Son of God... without all of the stress..and everyone has shown nothing but love to me all these years...
@@jeffcarlson3269 I only want to follow Jesus Christ, I will never be caught up in man's religion. I will Honor Him by going to church as I always have. But I will follow only His Word. Some Baptist came to my door with his wife and started a fight that almost turned physical. His church, there church, come to my church. Not my Lord's church but their this and and me me me mine. That's cult talk.
I went to four different Churches of Christ in different states and visited so many. I was a member for more than 10 years. The doctrine was always the same so I knew I was at the Church of Christ. And I totally agree with you. I think there is a lack of love and compassion. I found this to be true especially if you ever disagreed with anything they taught. They will love their members as long as they always behaved in a way that they wanted everyone to be. Very strict rules and very judgemental. I have never understood why they call you a “member” after you are baptized only. As if joining a country club. I have to say I have also visited all kinds of denominations and it saddens me that people are more preoccupied with rules than with helping humanity. All people as Christ commanded not just “members”. If you don’t mind I wanted to ask you if you found a Church to attend?
I did. I worship with a non denominational church where the elders are very committed to loving the flock and preaching the Word. They are wonderful and flawed and have helped me tremendously.
Which baptism is a part of the salvation process, based on what the Bible says? What did Peter say below?
Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Based on Luke 3:16, and John 1:33, and Acts 11:15-16, the most important thing about the word "baptize" in the New Testament has nothing to do with water. The Holy Spirit is the master teacher promised to New Covenant believers in Jeremiah 31:34, and John 14:26, and is found fulfilled in Ephesians 1:13, and 1 John 2:27. Unfortunately, many modern Christians see water when they read the word "baptize" in the text. Based on the above, what is the one baptism of our faith found in the passage below? How many times is the word "Spirit" found in the passage, and how many times is the word "water" found in the passage?
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
“baptize” KJV
Mat_3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mar_1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Mar_1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Luk_3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Joh_1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
Joh_1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
@@SpotterVideo why did you ignore that Peter says in 2 peter 3 20 and 21 that baptism saves......with water...
@@jeremysmith5363 Those verses are not in the Bible. Check your numbers.
One does NOT join the church of ones choice according to the word of God. The Lord adds you to His church; the one He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28) after one obeys the gospel. Jesus said "Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW be there that find it; Matthew 7:14.
In truth, it is the Bible that revealed the one body (Ephesians 4:4) and that body is the church (Colossians 1:18).The church began on the day of Pentecost(Acts 2:36-47). Jesus is the one Head of the body (Colossians 1:18). Jesus is the Savior of the one body (Ephesians5:23-25), the church that He bought with His blood (Acts 20:28) and most churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) teach this; since each is autonomous you would need to visit to see if this is taught, Also the following needs to be taught: The Bible reveals the gospel (Romans 1:16); the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-4). It's the Bible that commands all men to obey that gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8). It is the Bible that reveals how to obey the gospel of Christ (Romans 6:3-5), reenacting the gospel through repentance and baptism. Being buried with Christ and raised with Him in the likeness of His resurrection. It's the Bible that warns us that Jesus Christ will return to earth one day taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). It's the Bible that reveals that Peter and Paul preached an identical message (Galatians 1:8-9). A message that man must repent and be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) and following this God-given instruction is how man accesses God's marvelous grace (Colossians 2:11-13). Grace is God's unmerited favor which instructs us. God's grace teaches us.
Paul told Titus, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us....(Titus 2:11-12). Grace teaches and men must obey. Faith is our exercise of obedience to His instructions (Hebrews 11).
It's the Bible that reveals that upon obedience to God's instructive faith (Acts 2:41) God adds the saved (Acts 2:47) to the ONE body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4), the church of Christ; Romans 16:16 Other biblical names are mentioned in the Bible such as church of God, etc., etc. but they must be teaching all the above and not for example the Sinner's Prayer and asking Jesus into your heart for no where in the word of God is this taught.
The Bible also tells us there were about 3,000 people who heard these words first preached by Peter (Acts 2:38)
and gladly receiving it were baptized (Acts 2:41). Those New Testament Christians continued in the apostle's
doctrine (Acts 2:42-46). They met on the first day of the week to pray (Acts 2:42; 20:7), sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), give of their means (I Corinthians 16:1-2), to partake the Lord's supper and be exhorted by preaching (Acts 20:7).
The Lord's church was not and never will be a denomination (Ephesians 1:22-23). The Lord's church is a
heavenly, blood bought, spiritual institution that the saved are added to by God (Acts 2:32-36; 20:28; I Timothy
3:15; Acts 2:47). Men never voted other men into the blood bought church of Christ, His body (Acts 8:36-38).
Voting on candidates for baptism is foreignn to the Bible and is a doctrine of man.
It's the Bible that reveals how the New Testament church used many names for the ONE body of Christ, the
church of Christ; Romans 16:16. A Bible name for a Bible thing.
It's the Bible that rebukes human doctrines and human creeds. New Testament Christians used nothing
butthe Bible as their guide (James 1:25; 2:12). They had no earthly associations, conferences, councils,
committees, presidents or popes (Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus Christ was, is and will forever be the church's
ONLY head; (Ephesians 1:22-23). People don't hang onto your denominational faith; make sure you read your
Bible with open eyes and make sure what you have been taught originated in the Bible and NOT from the
denomination you had been a part of throughout your life,
My husband was raised in a C of C. He will not go to another church. I am not sure he is saved and neither is he. His brother died recently and I asked him if his brother was saved. He said he wasn’t sure. That is just sad. I chose to not raise our children in the C of C because I don’t think the preacher of our local C of C has a clue how to get saved.
jJesus & His instructions to the apostles can't be made any clearer. we must follow the gospel in order to be saved: Belief in who Christ is & what He went thru - Repentance - Confession of the Lord - Baptism. Follow these steps & Jesus Says that " You are added to His church".
Thank you for your bravery to speak so honestly and heartfelt.
Wow! Your testimony is powerful. You were honest yet so respectful in your comments. I guess you truly did experience God's grace. Thank you for sharing. ☺
i cant believe i found this. completely raised in church of christ.. im 51 years old. its been a long life, never being good enough. hell bound...that was the message. .. its not a good feeling..its caused me major problems. im glad to hear this. god bless
Ask CoC's to explain how the thief on the cross was REALLY saved, according to Hebrews 4:2, which equates the O.T. gospel with the N.T. gospel. They will flip flop all over the place!!
I grew up in the church of Christ and I had similar feelings. I left the church for 8 years and I found a new congregation at another location and the dynamics there have been so incredibly different for me. Our relationship with one another as a congregation has exceeded my expectations. When I miss church nobody judges me. They check in on me but they don’t hound me. They show nothing but support and love.
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Several comments that are understandable no doubt. I am sorry for your feelings of confusion and frustration. At the same time, I believe there are several things in the video that are misunderstood. And perhaps that's the way they were expressed to you--I don't know. But I would encourage you not to confuse what the church does with how the church ought to be. I have seen many folks get discouraged and frustrated because of the actions of brethren. I, myself, have felt that way before. But I stick to the Scriptures as my guiding rule to sift through what ought to be. Perhaps we could chat sometime.
And yes, I am a member of the church.
Steven Hetherington Do you like this Church of Christ ? I am Church of Latter Day Saints but I dont believe in Joseph Smith and want out . Im looking for the same type of church without Joseph Smith ? Is this your church ? Thank you so kindly for any info you can share with me 🌈
Danya Christine Smith hello..i am a member of the church of christ..i didn't see a response..if you did not get one of be happy to respond back.
Great response Steven.
Steven Hetherington curious, please explain justification. And then please explain what Paul teaches in Romans 8:1. Thanks!
Thank you for your testimony. I too grew up in the "church of Christ". My dad and his brothers were preachers and teachers. Your words ring so true to my struggles, but your FAITH which sounds so STRONG & grounded in His word is edification to my soul. I thank you and will pray for you. In Him
Amen, Chad. 👍
Thank you Amber - well spoken - your eloquence and logic are truly from above.
Humanism is a dangerous way to reason scripture. study God's word the way He wrote it and why.
Amber, I was raised in a conservative (non-class) stripe of the Church of Christ and experienced an upbringing somewhat similar to yours. At 83 years of age now I’m still in the CoC (mainstream, I suppose you could say) and have devoted the great majority of my life to steering the churches where I’ve lived away from the whirlpool of emptiness you’ve experienced in the church. I was a young man when I learned the folly of command, example, necessary inference filter that so many of my fellow Christians insisted was the way to understand the Bible. I learned to view the Bible not as an authorizing document but a revealing document, as it reveals the righteousness of God by the gospel. I’m glad to have left behind such arguments as the “c” in Church of Christ must be lowercase, the Lord’s supper must be taken every Sunday and never on another day of the week, clapping in the assembly, etc. I’ve had some success over the course of my life, but softening fixed ideas comes hard.
Praise God that you saw the truth, and you saw it by reading God's word for yourself. I wish more people did that in every denomination. There are way too many people who live blindly by what their pastors tell them instead and that's not always correct. Keep doing what your doing. Yhwh bless you.
Maria Conforti church of Christ is not denomination read Ephesians 4v4
yes it is,,its a denom just like any other church,,to think not is laughable.
It’s not a denomination. Denominations have leaders that people have to follow. People that make the rules. The c of c doesn’t have anyone like they. We all operate individually.
And as far as studying for yourself...I agree. And that churches I have worshipped at teach to study the word for yourself.
Thank you for your story! I'm lod enough to be your mom, but I totally understand what you are saying....growing up in the Church of Christ! Praise God! My chains are gone!! I've been set free! Free in Christ, alone❤✝️✝️✝️🙏🏻🤟
Sorry to tell you but, you have actually put on chains, not gotten rid of them leaving the ONLY church that you can read about in scripture!
@@janicemurphy8175 I did not "leave" the church of Christ. I may have left a building with the name "Church of Christ". God is my Rock. Jesus loves me and died for me. He took my sins to the cross. I praise Him every day! I'm so thankful for the Holy Spirit who lives in me. I am a sinner and will never be perfect but praise be to God, I am free in Him.
Really curious about what you mean that I have put on chains? Very interested! 🙏🏻✝️
@@nancysanders766, this is equivalent to saying, “I left the house that my husband purchased but I didn’t leave my husband!” We are a very weak weak people when it comes to “doing” the will of God. You are absolutely correct, Christ loved you enough to shed his blood to not only to purchase your sins that you repent of but also to purchase his church in which he adds us to upon baptism Acts 20:28, Acts 2:47. I don’t understand how you can leave the local congregation in which we are all to be under and still believe that you have not left the church? How do you worship God without assembling with his people? How do you accomplish the acts of worship that you saw them in the First Century Church do? Truth is, you guys mostly were under leadership that made heaven seem impossible, and probably tainted how you see the “church of Christ” but that simply comes from a lack of study on your part as well. I have left congregations that were not growing, and congregations whose doctrine did not line up with scripture...I’ll NEVER leave the church of Christ! We have been commanded to be apart of the local congregations, we are to be under leadership at the local congregations, those leaderships have been given the duty to feed and watch over us, so how does your statement make since? To be worshipping in a manner that doesn’t line up with how they did in the First Century Church is fantasy worship. If when you were baptized into the CofC and you didn’t understand this, you might want to have a Bible study to learn what it is you missed. You are telling us that you were merely convinced about the word of God and not truly converted. Being baptized into Christ is having the chains removed, to go into worship according to your own understanding is to put yourself back in chains. You might want to check out Don Blackwell, Apologetics Press, Gospel Broadcasting Network, and World Video Bible School for lessons and sermons to lead you correctly. UA-cam Don Blackwell’s, “Why are there so many churches” to get your foundation on track. Message me if you have any questions.
@@janicemurphy8175 who says.. the Church of Christ of today.. is the ONLY church one can read about in scripture... because in the bible it uses the term "Church of Christ".. I think it takes a lot of audacity.. to claim to be the Church Christ intended in the scripture.. simply bases on the Name they have chosen... if you are going to take that view.. I could state that Baptists are Church of Christ as well.. and so are the Catholics... since they claim Peter was the first Pope... so because they believe Peter was the first Pope.. then the Church of Christ.. must be the Catholic church correct?...was Not Peter one of the first members of the church?..
@@chantuesesongs4418 I believe the "chains are removed".. once we confess Jesus as our Savior... hence.. this act of Faith.. BELIEVING is what saves... NOT baptism.....Romans 10:9,10... Acts 16:31... John 3:16.. and countless other scripture tell us we are saved once we believe.. with No mention of baptism..
why does the CoC,.. believe that Baptism equals salvatiom?.. baptism is never mentioned in the bible alone in regards to salvation... anythime it IS mentioned in regards to salvation it is mentioned WITH Belief...
and why do they believe because they strapped that name on themselves they are the ONLY true church...?... another falsehood..
My dear sister it’s amazing that you had such strong beginnings,however it appears that you have a lot of sincere, but confusing points that doesn’t completely line up with scripture. If you search the NT the word “perfect “ is mentioned over 30 times with the expectation that Christians strive to be, but not in the sense of being flawless. You give some excellent points in your video that I can relate to as I used to struggle with when I was a babe in Christ NOT born and reared in the church. One thing I have learned is to study deeply for myself and not take any man, or minister,s word to judge me on the matter. Churches and leadership vary from congregation to state and geographical areas and a lot have really deviated from scripture. But God’s word will never change. God is not the author of confusion or disbelief. You said a whole lot that can easily be answered in scripture. I’m praying that you find your way back! I.m the only sibling of 8 children that have obeyed the truth. My mother or father weren’t Christians either before they passed. I’m married to a leader in the church with 4 children and we are striving to be an example to win my family and others to Christ. I’m going to use your video as a study tool with my two teen daughters and Bible class students as a training to answer all of your sincerely expressed issues with scripture. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for challenging me spiritually.!
The Greek words used in the NT translated as "perfect" can actually better be translated as "complete" or "mature". An example is in Matthew 5:48 with the word "teleios", "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect". Striving to be perfect is a misunderstanding of Scripture. This would be going back under the Law (read Galatians).
You sound unsaved.
@@562mjohnson How so?
You have confirmed how God’s perfect standard of righteousness is downplayed in CoC's by what’s called “subjective morality.” In a nutshell, they set the standard for righteousness on a subjective, individual level, dependent upon whether an individual has “done the best they can.” If so, they say that God will “make up the difference.” This is one way exhausted members are kept from dropping out and giving up, for they are told that God doesn’t expect perfection as long as they just “do their best.” So they end up thinking they can actually pull off a degree of righteousness that God will accept, when He will only accept Jesus' perfect imputed righteousness.
. When I’d try to explain my spiritual struggles and lack of faith to others in the CoC, I was met with complete complacency, for they were totally unfamiliar with such dealings from God. So as miserable comforters they could only say, “where there’s a will there’s a way”... and they were NOT talking about God’s will!
Their CoC beliefs gave them no reason to direct me to Jesus as my only hope. All they could do was encourage me to believe in myself and my own fallen will to “do right.” As a result, I realized that I was actually losing all faith and hope in our churches “do more, try harder” moralism that placed such a low value on Christ, by implying that we could overcome sin with self-effort, which you have perfectly demonstrated.
Thank you for sharing your experience, thoughts & feelings so honestly.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
NIV 1 John 4:18
Church hurt is the worse
@@brentjames2576 Romans 16:16 the churches of Christ salute you; a small "c" is used in the word church because the church of Christ is not a proper name, it's simply a description of Christ's body, His blood-bought church. It's a descriptive term of Christ's church. Where does the Bible say that Jesus will save the church?; see Ephesians 5:23-25, Note He purchased the church with His own blood ; Acts 20:28. If Christ is the Savior of the body, the church, then it is impossible to be saved outside the church because that's the very thing that He is going to save. People do not choose the church of their choice; God adds them to the church of His Son; see Acts 2:47. coC is one of many Bible names used in the New Testament to describe the one body of Christ. The church of Christ was born as seen here in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost . Most people do not realize that the church is essential to their salvation. The saved are members of the church and the church is made up of the saved. The 2 cannot be separated, The body of Christ is the church of Christ. You cannot be saved one day and join a church on another day. Christ is the head of the church and churches of Christ have no man made statements of faith, no denominational creed books, no associations, no conventions, and no board of directors, The word is to direct us into one FAITH, one LORD, one BAPTISM (see Acts 8:35-39). The Bible is our only rule of faith and we must read and study the word of God to make sure what we are being taught is correct for there are many false teachers in the world today.
Thank you sister, just viewed this and needed to hear as confirmation. God bless you, He is amazing...
I relate to this so much. Thank you for being so open and sharing your story with us.
Matthew Rice me too
I have found that this is pretty much a good summary of almost all so called Christian churches
@@steevrawjers I relate as well, I’m so grateful that God freed me from all the guilt and shame, He paid it all 🙏🏽
@@lanettakilgore2757 AMEN
They worse than jw and seventh day Adventist
@@lanettakilgore2757 Yes, he paid it all but we still need to answer the question "What must I DO to be saved?" see Acts 16:30-33.
Then no one will be damned? Read His word of course He's loving of course He wants all to be saved but people hate Him and hate His message. Or don't believe not all will go to heaven. Don't question, read your word study for yourself believe What Jesus said. He is the Word of God.
ua-cam.com/video/b8XBa5cIB8I/v-deo.html
Your words concerning the church of Christ are so foreign to me and I’ve been a Christian for 50 years now. Since Since I was 19 I have shared in the love, grace and forgiving family environment that you speak of at the end of your recording. We have a name on the building that says ‘church of Christ but we know that with God we’re not “a member of the church of Christ” but one of His saints, His child, a part of the body that His Son died for. I’ve lived in many cities and states and never heard of the binding you speak of. I hope your comments concerning your personal experience doesn’t keep others from seeking the love of Jesus and His message! God bless you!
I have been with my wife for 22 years she also fell away for many years. There is plenty of scripture to back up falling out of Christ’s church(not once saved always saved). She introduced me to the truth 4 years ago when she came back to the Lord. These videos dear sister is your coping mechanism for knowing the truth and not obeying. I know because my wife went thru these exact same things. We both trust God and put our faith in Him, and are members of Christ’s church now. Praying for you and all the ones not knowing and not obeying the truth!
Scott Hoss Exactly, Scott, it is trust and obey. People need to read the book of Hebrews. Also no such thing as OSAS. So glad your wife came back to the Lord; may God bless you and your family.
Wow!!!! Honey, I will pray for you. I've been a member of the Church of Christ from birth. "One sin condemns you to Hell....."????......that's not the Church. Not sure what church you were brought up in. I worship a gracious and merciful Lord. Keep in mind not ALL churches that call themselves the "Church of Christ" is NOT the the Church Christ said he would "build" on Peter's confession in Matthew 16:18.
Very good sister and excellent high view of scripture. Don't let anyone discourage you for your decision. God has been and will continue to be gracious to you! Blessings!
Found myself wiping tears away hearing your story. We don’t have to be perfect because grace bridges the gap. Thank you sis for your testimony.
It will also hopefully help to set many people free if they read...Christ Rescued the Thief's Testimony from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson, for it reveals what the CoC has been hiding for centuries concerning these crucial issues.
Thank you so much for your wonderful testimony. May God bless you more abundantly. Christ has paid our sins and by believing that, it will result to us doing good works for the advancement of his kingdom. This is my belief for as long as I will live. Thank you again
Touched my heart Sister. Your theology is on point. I pray that the entire Body of Christ can come to this realization of what He accomplished for us at Calvary! Be blessed!
Whenever I hear someone use the word "theology," I know they're from a denomination.
Reginald Poelinitz What must I do? (Acts 2:37) Answer: Acts 2:38
@@pegbars Denomination or Non Denomination the Word of God is true.
The church of Christ has many many flaws but I have more respect for them than most denominations. It seems that too many people go too far on the “liberal side.”
Tares among the wheat!
The Church has NO flaws. Some of the people in it are the ones that have the flaws.
Linda Blevins I was referring to the fleshly ecclesia.
Come back to the Lord's Church. We will pray a hedge of protection surround you and keep you grounded in the Lord with no fear of molestation.Dont forget that he that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved;he that believeth not shall be damned.Mk16:16
Love this video! I was raised a Jehovah Witness! The Holy Spirit made me fall in love with the book of Romans too! Every verse touched my heart! It’s not until you accept you have nothing to do with your salvation, it’s ALL grace, only then can you truly accept Jesus as your Savior! He paid it in full! You can’t add anything to it! It is Christ in me that loves and cares for others and their salvation. It is the love of Christ pouring out of me that makes me want to tell people about him! He is amazing guys! Words can’t describe him, God is love! His love is consuming! The Holy Spirit revealed Jesus is God to me in scripture, a week later I accepted Jesus as my Savior! I tried to warn all of my JW family and friends, but they shunned me and I lost everyone I love, including my reputation with them. All JW’s think I’m being lead by Satan because I chose Jesus, but my Savior is worth every bit of it. I do not fear what man will do to me.
I too am shunned by family who are JW's, Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
@@tbirdtelecaster7481 by citing that verse, are you supporting the shunning of jw's?
@@MartinHernandez-re6hh I whole heartedly support the Shunning of Jehovah's Witnesses. They deny the diety of Christ and believe he was nothing more than an incarnation of Michael the Archangel. They also use one of the most corrupt Bibles ever produced the NWT. If you are a JW repent now before you find yourself in Hell (which does exist)
@@tbirdtelecaster7481 your comment is so contradictory! How can you support such an unlovely practice that has caused so much emotional pain in people who has been shunned by their family and friends who are still jw's?! Practice that has made many of this people to commit suicide?!
@@MartinHernandez-re6hhTypo.. Sorry I meant don't support
My experience at "church of Christ" was.. superficial. Lack of authenticity, lack of direction, but expectations to conform led straight to soft rejection. I noticed and removed myself, thus being completely cut off [shoulder shrugs]. That's not love and they're not mediators for God and man.
Exactly.
@@thyatiran I'm confused. Lack of authenticity, but you grew spiritually.
Did you have your faith in God on the people. Another person want to live a life of sin and blame others for your decision.
See reply before mine for an example. Notice her(?) comment, asking a question without asking, drawing a conclusion on things/people she(?) does not know.
Sums up my experience with the leaders of that organization. But fake smile in public and always talk about "encouragement."
Im going to leave been bound to many years there feel like you stuck
Hey Amber! I know it's 3 years old but I just found your videos. Appreciate your sharing and candor. Would be good to be sure that you put your experience with those Churches of Christ in contexts with those of us who are not identifying ourselves with that very conservative historical approach. As we try to change to be more accepting and inclusive, consider the damage that can be done by words to those who are working to expand the kingdom, work with others, and put behind the history that is often times embarrassing at best and ungodly at worst.
May the Lord bless you and your husband and your work as we all share in that Grace that you so accurately talk about.
Sand or solid rock? Which one, if there are so many errors, is your "church" built upon? If there are so many errors that need corrected, you might be on "shifting sand"??!
I was in the CoC for 30+ years, until God saved me. Despite the CoC’s deceptive language, I still remember being torn to pieces when I would read in the Bible about how Esau sought repentance with tears but couldn’t find it (Heb. 12:17). That alone planted a seed in my heart that God watered over the years, to help me realize that I needed to pray for Him to grant me repentance (2 Tim. 2:25).
Just because one is sorry for sin, doesn’t mean one has a godly sorrow that leads to true repentance, which is realizing one’s repentance even needs to be repented of! True repentance is realizing we can never repent enough to cover the sins we’ve committed and that Jesus’ righteousness is our only hope of Heaven, for we have no saving righteousness of our own.
If only we had known back then that our only hope was that God would accept the righteousness of Christ in our stead. Just like the song “Rock of Ages” says, “Could my tears forever flow, could my zeal no languor know, these for sin could not atone, Thou must save and Thou alone.” Although we passionately sung these words with great, religious zeal in the CoC….we just didn’t get it!
I would gladly give you decades worth of information. You are the FIRST male in the church to ever ask ... they have no clue of leadership nor do they seek to learn. It seems they assume because they are men they know how to lead effectively. If one never seeks honest feed-back, how will growth ever occur?
This is my story as well. One side of my family was strictly Church of Christ and the other Southern Baptist. Rules were everything. My dad’s family wouldn’t accept my mother because she wore shorts and she smoked. She was a Baptist but joined the COC, taught Sunday School, raised us in the COC but it was never good enough. It was like we had been expelled from my dad’s side of the family, even though we were a good Christian family and were always taught to love God and to not sin. When I was older and studying on my own I, like you started seeing things differently. It seemed the Church picked and chose which rule would send you to Hell. I had two ladies from the COC visit me and we talked. Them wanting me to rejoin the Church. I said I didn’t think God cared what the name on the Church said. By that time I really considered myself more as a Baptist. I asked them since I didn’t accept what they were telling me were they going to go outside and wipe the dirt of my hone off of their feet? They looked at me like I was crazy & said No. I told them that the Bible said if you go & the word is not accepted you are to go and wipe the dirt from your feet. I didn’t want to be rude or unkind but I felt that the teaching of rules was like the Pharisees. I felt if you are going to Hell for any sin then Jesus suffered and died for our sins for nothing. I always think of this verse.
By grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourself; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9 and For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Grace shouldn’t make you feel free to sin but, be so grateful for grace that you will do your utmost not to sin and if you do to repent. I appreciate your testimony. I felt like I might be alone in my beliefs. May God Bless you and keep you in his abiding love.