I am a church of Christ preacher and I appreciate you making a video on our fellowship. I enjoy all your content by the way. You have fairly represented our general beliefs, though I would add that in the last couple of decades there has been an emphasis on a “new restoration” of sorts with the same goals as the first, but with greater attention given to what the Bible actually teaches as opposed to what the silence of the Scriptures forbids. This is kind of a generational difference with some older members primarily focusing on the silence (lack of command, example, or necessary inference) of the Scriptures, while most of the preachers I know 55 and younger are focusing more on the actual teachings of the Bible. This has led to a change of tone in most churches of Christ. A more positive tone where we are talking more about what we are for versus what we oppose. Of course, there is a balance to this. What has remained a constant is our goal to uphold the Bible as the objective standard in all things pertaining to faith. We are not perfect, no church is, we don’t have it all figured out, but we are striving to grow in our love and respect for the Savior everyday.
I like how for a long time (not so much anymore, as you point out) that we said you can't have (fill in the blank) because it's not mentioned in the NT but having (fill in the blank) is OK since the NT never mentions it... No instrument, but a building is OK... No formal liturgy, but a song leader is fine. I can remember the fight about adding powerpoint projectors since they weren't mentioned in the NT (I wish I were making this up). I also caught a LOT of flak from some elders when I mentioned that I occasionally used a lectionary to choose my preaching text for the week... They accused me of preaching denominationalism... I handed them my lectionary (literally just a list of scripture references) and asked them to show me the denominational doctrines in it... they just huffed and told me using it was dangerous to my faith (and implied dangerous to my continued employment as well). Sigh... it's been a real roller coaster, hasn't it!!!
I am so glad to hear that...My parents were CoC, but stopped going to church when I was still very young because they had severe problems with the general attitudes in the local churches. But they always considered themselves CoC, so when I decided to become a Christian (around 16yo), I was baptized in the CoC. Unfortunately, I was one of the casualties of the Crossroads Movement (the beginnings of what eventually became the ICOC) when I was in college. When the cult was basically thrown out, I went back--only to have people (who by then had found out the abuses going on, so no excuse) attack me for "leaving God's people" and I was ordered to repent. I left, have never stepped into a CoC since. I do miss the music...(including the inevitable off-key alto!) But I still care. I was gladdened when I found that the nation-wide split caused a lot of introspection in many of the remaining congregations. Not just "how can we keep this from happening again", but also, "how can we as a church support and nurture each other, how can we better follow Jesus?" Before then, a major emphasis seemed to be, "how do we prove we are correct and everyone else is wrong". But "why we don't have instrumental music" and "the correct title for ministers" doesn't do much for helping in one's struggles with everyday life. (Let me just add that there were a great many individuals that did not share this focus. That is why I stayed as long as I did, the many good people that were focused on Jesus and encouraged my spiritual growth.) But post-Crossroads, the emphasis started to shift in a good direction. Years later, when I'd listen to CoC ministers on the Internet, I saw a big difference. I'm very happy to hear that y'all are continuing to move in a more positive direction! 😊 You're so right, we are all works in progress, and we never have it all figured out (one of my problems with the old church was the pretense that we *did* have it all figured out). All we can do is keep walking towards Jesus, and trust in His grace and guidance. God bless you and your ministry, my brother, I'm sure you are a true blessing to your congregation. Your post made my day.
@@teresamcmurrin8672 thank you for your comments. I am sorry for the negative you have experienced. I truly believe things are headed in a more Biblical, more Christ-like direction. Best of luck on your journey.
I am a Church of Christ which Christ called from the power of darkness into His Kingdom He established since AD 33 and am from Ghana, West Africa and am glad to be God’s Saint 🙏🏽🙌🏽✌🏽❤️😃😃😃
My father-in-law and his father did work in Africa. Forgive me for not having much knowledge of Africa's countries but my Father-in-law knows a few word in Swahili from his time their. He has told me stories about how people in Africa walk for hours to go to the Church of Christ with few basic comforts. I wished more Christians had this dedication.
You are so good at explaining what different denominations actuality teach. No disagreements on churches of Christ. (I’m a missionary with the church of Christ.)
@@ReadyToHarvest You did try to be as neutral/friendly as possible, there. But I wonder if he would be as positive about it, if the critical assessment of teaching and practice was done. I started getting cringe when a group comes over and says 'we are a true church'.
@@lynncantrell2782 And then they came along 200 years ago, picked that name from a translation and claimed that they are the same. Unbelievable. "They don't really argue that silly"... No, they do had me puzzled how people could seriously do it that way. "We believe the bible literally".... And why are you then cessationists? They don't believe in gifts of the Holy Spirit operating today... Unless they are indistinguishable from commo human behaviors.
I'm also a church of Christ preacher,,,and this is exactly how we worship...no music,,,Lord's supper only on Sundays..we recognize Sunday as the Lord's day...and baptism as the means of getting into christ... No tithing...but freewill collection is done only on Sundays...
Why do you not observe the Weekly Sabbath? It was instituted in perfection, Yeshua kept it, His disciples kept it after the cross, and it will be kept in the New Jerusalem.
@@JoshD8705 You have an extremely gross misunderstanding of Matt 5:17 and the word "fulfill" = Strong's G4137 - plēroō What He said was he came to fill up, completely fill, fill to the full, give more detail, ect...to the Laws of God. And brother... there is no such thing as "rest in Jesus" in that it replaces a basic law of God.
@@JoshD8705 Yeshua is the only begotten son of God. John 3:16 says For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life
I grew up in a Church of Christ and now am a minister for a Christian Church. You represented both groups well here. Good job. I enjoy your channel a lot and have recently used it quite a bit as I'm teaching a mid-week class for our church on beliefs and practices of different denominations and fellowships. Keep up the great work!
That would be interesting. I think there are three main movements that fit this description. The first is the Restorationist movement started by Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell. The second is a subgroup of the Wesleyan Holiness movement--this subset was started by Daniel Sydney Warner. Its main constituents are the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and the Church of God (Guthrie, Oklahoma). The third is the Plymouth Brethren movement started by John Nelson Darby. The Independent Fundamental Baptists might fit in here because they don't really have a denominational structure, but they do use the name Baptist, so I don't know what to do with that.
I'm a catholic and I have a friend that is church of christ. I was told some of their beliefs but thanks for the new info I didn't know. Always neat to learn about other churches. I try to see what unites us vs what divides us. I know we all have different beliefs but are all united in Christ.
Wow, I’ve been looking into becoming Catholic and my best friend is a Christian and he goes to a church of Christ church. He’s trying to convince me not to.
I was raised Catholic, converted to CoC's... now I see both are NOT doing what the NT church did. They were Torah observant and believed in Messiah Yeshua.
@@savanataylor6052 We can only be united in Christ if we are obedient to Him. Keeping His commands and repenting we put on Christ. We are NOT united in Christ if we sit back and just claim it.
@@Smooth.Oasisssit’s not your church. It’s Christ church that you belong too. We have gotten in the habit of calling the church ours which then it becomes denomination based church. I always tell people I belong to the church of Christ. Not my church is the church of Christ. See the difference 🥰
As a minister for in the Church of Christ, this video is relatively straightforward and fair. Thank you for representing what we believe fairly. We use God's word and God's word alone for our teaching and welcome all who want to know God and go to Heaven when that time comes to worship with us and engage in Bible study. The Lord said there would be one flock and one Shepherd and that He built His church. Pluralism and introductions of other ways to Christ outside of His church do not match the Bible and cannot provide salvation (Gal 1:6-9; Matt 16:16: Jn 14:6).
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I compliment you on having our Savior's name in your church. I don't know why other churches do not have it.
I grew up Church Of Christ. Our go to verses were Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16. Can sum it up in 3 phrases "Speak where the Bible speaks, silent where the Bible is silent", "Faith, Repentance, Confession, and Baptism for the forgiveness of sins", and 3, "No musical instruments in worship".
Love those cherry-picked 1 verse theologies, the funny mantra of silent/speaking Bible, and overall twisting or wrenching of scripture of Amos to render musical instruments “false worship” Also, ‘pastor’ is a denominational term, the “One true church”, but it has anti’s that hate windows in their buildings, 1 cuppers (shared communion cup), instrumental churches of Christ, mainstream, conservative, liberal, and even “where the blacks go (other side of the railroad tracks) churches of Christ. All based on Romans 16:16 It claims it has replaced Israel (heretical doctrine) spiritually….all the blessings none of the curses. That argument still flies in the face of May 1948 🇮🇱
Church of Christ member here. Pretty good summary. I especially liked the picture of the pamphlets when you talk about the uniform teaching. Spot on. Just FYI, in our circles, a "progressive" Church of Christ is one that, though they do not have instruments, they do not think that instruments are forbidden. When you've been in the church for like 40 years, like me, you learn how to quickly assess whether you want to attend a Church of Christ or not (like if you move or if you are traveling). In my personal opinion, there are actually 2 major types of Churches of Christ: 1. A church whose teaching and preaching is about why the CoC is the true church and why it is that they have interpreted the bible right. This type usually emphasizes that the way a church conducts itself in worship is the marker of a true church, and they dislike being called a denomination or protestant. Bible studies often get stuck, proofing again and again particular passages which demonstrate the proper way to be a Christian. 2. A church which primarily preaches salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. These places will do things much the same as the former, but will not usually mention why things are done that way unless someone asks. Bible studies are typically wild due to the wide variety of beliefs among the members, and source material for lessons will often include the best works of those from outside Churches of Christ.
“Bible studies often get stuck, proofing again and again particular passages which demonstrate the proper way to be a Christian.” Nailed it! Was talking with my wife this week about this very “tradition” in the first type of CoC.
C of C here! Thanks for the video. Sounds about right to me. Really appreciate your videos BTW. I was just mentioning your channel to a C of C preacher from a "one-cup" church. This is another difference within some of the churches of Christ that came up around 100 years ago. Really hope he checks out your channel.
Me too I love church of Christ. My family is a big part of Freed Hardeman University they are on the board and stuff. And one day I hope to be baptized.
As a member of the second mentioned group of churches you weren't focusing on in this video (Christian Churches and Churches of Christ), it's a pretty good 2-minute summary. Also, the Churches of Christ like to use the word "unauthorized" for any worship practice not explicitly approved in Scripture (the source of practically all our differences with them, including our use of those eeeeeeevil musical instruments) and that the commitment to autonomy of individual congregations leads to a lot more variety between churches in the movement when it comes to non-essentials like eschatology. It's true that the majority of them are amillennial, but I have encountered congregations holding views ranging from full preterism to all-out "Left Behind" series scale pre-trib premillennialism.
Explaining the CoC denomination to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ has always been an interesting experience especially when I bring up the acapella singing and there being no dedicated choir (at least to the CoC congregrations I have attended.)
@lynncantrell2782 I can understand how it can be offensive. However it's the reality we live in; that the Christian church has been divided for over a millenia. While I wish I could just go "I'm a Christian" and that would suffice, but it doesn't. If an outsider or even a fellow Christian asks me, I have to say what denomination I belong to because any assumption can be made about my beliefs and what I follow.
My husband is a deacon in our church of christ, we live and follow the word of God and all its contents in the Bible (a very conservative religion). God's blessings to all
Was in the church of Christ before I found the true New Testament Church, the Orthodox Church. Nice people but they get a lot of things wrong and just gloss over Bible verses that do not support their interpretation of scripture. Liturgical worship, real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper, incense and anointing with oil, apostolic succession and the priesthood... All in the scriptures and ignored or hand waived by the church of Christ.
@@truthnottradition7 The NT church has plenty of biblical reasons from inference and example for worshiping on Sunday. I won't go into a big diatribe here, but look up a reformed teacher named John MacArthur on this. I think it will enlighten you. Show me once where Christian worship was on Friday night through Saturday night? ua-cam.com/video/DxQ4ffL7caU/v-deo.html
One difference I must profess. Grew up CoC, communion was for only those who had been baptized. I was not allowed to partake as a child. Also unleavened bread was used. Trays of the elements were passed around, no filing through the sanctuary. Just some small details.
I really acknowledges about Church of Christ because they came in Malawi to explain for us the reason why there's division in church of Christ. The real/first Church of Christ never do these ; No polygamy No alcohol No women(woman ) preaching No youth choir (girls/boys)having special there programmes (avoiding sexual things ). Pastors will only get paid from the God by the working hard (you can't eat without working ). No selling Bibles on donating . Don't get married to the second wife /husband while both are alive . No homesexual /lesbians/gay. Finally they taught us to love the words of God and follow what's written in the Bible . Also he us (Frank ). There's no any differences between white ,brown,yellow and black people . We're all human being . Jesus Christ he's the owner of the life . Greedy made church of to be divided because some of them they wanted to get paid by the tithy instead of them going to work .
Thanks for this! There are so many different "Church of Christ" organizations -- opposites on the liberal-conservative doctrinal spectrum -- that I have difficulty remembering which is which. This is very helpful.
My wife and I attended Churches of Christ for about 20 years while I was in the military. IMO the lack of central authority really hurts the CoC's because you never know what you're going to get at a particular CoC church service. During our travels, we found extremely strict CoC's and very "liberal" CoC's. The strict churches practiced almost cult-like control over the congregation. They claimed to be creating a 1st century worship experience while using Bibles that didn't exist in the 1st century. The liberal churches would advertise their worship service as being from 10 am to 11 am with no musical instruments allowed, but they used them before and after the service. The lack of central authority also leads to pastors interpreting Scriptures differently with all of them claiming to be led by the Holy Spirit. We finally left the CoC.
Hello, I was just curious as to what region you were attending these churches? In some ways I agree that it can be an issue that you never know what you're going to walk into. But at the same time I don't believe it's scriptural to be under a head church and I would be afraid if we were that not everything would be taught. I have only been to two churches that I feel like I agree with how they conduct and handle things.
Ok that makes sense I could definitely see there being a wide range there. Considering there's a wide range in just the state I live (Oklahoma). thanks for the reply back!
@@davidhayes7609 FBI needs to investigate alot of these churches of christ denominations. Faith village church of christ needs to be investigated. My intuition tells me it's more sinister than people realize. Arrests need to be made I'm sure. Wichita Falls Tx
I grew up in the Church of Christ, and now I’d consider myself basically nondenominational, although I certainly lean towards charismatic. My biggest problem with the CoC is their extreme legalism about sola scriptura. Saying that you shouldn’t play musical instruments because the Bible doesn’t specify that the early church did is like saying that churches shouldn’t have bathrooms because the Bible doesn’t say that the early churches had bathrooms. Pretty ridiculous IMO. It’s also a bit hypocritical, considering that they teach complete abstinence from alcohol when it’s made quite clear that Jesus drank wine many times. The CoC is also very cessationist, while I’m continuationist. I don’t see any solid evidence in the Bible or in everyday life that God would randomly stop blessing His people through the Spirit. To give them credit though, I very much appreciate the CoC’s view of baptism, as this does align with Scripture very well. One of the problems I have with charismatic churches is how they underplay the significance of baptism.
Your point on musical instruments is incorrect. We are never authorized to use musical instruments in worship, only to sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). For those who say you can include whatever you want in worship, read about Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 and tell me that God doesn’t care.
TBH, the alcohol debate is still very active within the CofC, every church I have been to within the CofC is split on the issue. I would definitely say it is the most "hot button" issue within the church.
It’s interesting to see in the comments that some say Church of Christ and others say church of Christ. This actually matters to some, but it’s nice to see no argument about it here. Or am I starting one? ;)
I think a critical piece that should be mentioned is that while they may or may not have an official membership program, they do teach that if you are not part of “Church of Christ” and you are off in some sort of “denomination” then you are not saved. This is very similar to the other groups that came to be in the 1800s such as Jehovah’s Witness and Mormonism. I am a non-denominational biblical Christ follower that attends currently a southern Baptist church. I do not have to be part of the “Church of Christ” organization to be a Christ follower. I have received Christ as my savior, I have been water baptized, and my goal is to follow and obey God as well as continually repent of my sins and ask for forgiveness. That is all that is required!
I've never been to the south USA, so I can't speak for them, but from my experience in the Midwest-North, this is incorrect. I've met individuals who hold this belief, and read some old handouts that describe it, but it is not a doctrine that I have ever been taught in the list of congregations I've worshipped with.
@@brandonahrens I'm in the midwest and my church does hold that. There's mainline CoC and then there's non-institutional. Basically, we believe it's unscriptural to support institutions like missionary networks/"sponsoring churches", orphan homes, or schools. We are also usually much, much more conservative and a minority of the CoC. We tend to get the more fringe positions too- onecuppers, no paid preacher, no Bible classes. The south is generally more conservative as well. It very much depends on where you're at.
Most of the Church of Christ folks I have run into in Central Illinois (I am a former campus Pastor at Illinois State University and planted a local church an hour North in Streator) have the attitude WE ARE THE ONE TRUE CHURCH & IF YOU AREN'T PART OUR GROUP YOU AREN'T REALLY A CHRISTIAN. More recently I ran into some of these folks in Chicago's GRANT Park, during the TASTE of CHICAGO, with the same, WE ARE HOLIER THAN THOU, attitude. Yet none of them attended the March for Life held downtown Chicago the same weekend as the TASTE OF CHICAGO. The two primary groups at the March for Life were Roman Catholics and LCMS Lutherans. Whereas the ELCA Lutherans who are militantly PRO DEATH PRO KILLING BABIES were protesting the MARCH FOR LIFE. The Chicago March for Life happened downtown Chicago on Saturday July 9, 2022.
Sounds like you encountered some Non-Institutional Church of Christ types, or, as I call them "Double Non-Insties", as they are both non-instrumental and non-institutional. They make up about 1/3 of CoC churches, consider any sort of church involvement in any sort of political or community activity to be "unauthorized", and therefore sinful (hence their non-participation in things like the March for Life and non-support of things like missions), and tend to have a very "us vs them" attitude toward anyone from "the denominations", as they call them. I spent 5 months attending one of their churches because I was engaged to a young lady who was a member there. It was...educational...to say the least! My background is Christian Church, which came from the same movement, but was on the other side of a split in the early 20th Century, so I had more in common with them in some ways than most "outsiders" would have, but they still found my tolerance for Christians from "the denominations" to be quite shocking, and were suspicious of my family background (3 generations of overseas missionaries on my mother's side of the family, including my parents, who were missionaries in Europe at the time). I, for my part, had some difficulty keeping my temper when described as "liberal", and had to remind myself that it was true in a technical, theological sense. I had some very spirited "discussions" with the pastor (in private), as he had many opinions, some of which I knew were patently false such as "only Calvinists translated the NIV" (I had personally met one of the translators, who was definitely NOT a Calvinist) and also said in one of his sermons that legalism was a good thing! o_O My engagement ultimately didn't work out, and while I was sad about that, I was rather relieved to move back home and not attend that church anymore!
The thing I noticed is that they are happy to take your money, but when you are old, sick, and unable to attend, no one checks on you and they don’t attend your funeral. I don’t know many people over 90 who can still make it to church. They are a shallow bunch of “Christians.”
Its more so (at least for me) you must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized by immersion, or you arent saved. Look up Gospel Broadcasting Network. They have some great videos about false myths about the churches of Christ.
Any thoughts on making videos describing different theologies like dispensationalism vs covenant theology, anillenialism vs premillenialism, etc? You do a great job of describing the differences between denominations, but I'd love to see your skills used on broader subjects. Thanks for all you do
I think this is a great idea, although I get the vibe that Joshua's channel is primarily focused on denominations research, so that would be sort of straying from the original focus of the channel.
@@ethantester7085 I think, though, it would help people better understand his denominational videos. When he says a denomination is "amillennial", how many people know what that actually means?
Pretty good summary. A few points that were missing. Typically in the CofC salvation hinges on 5 things. You got all but confession. Actually looking back you said it but it didn't make the bullet points. Second, it goes often unstated but communion is typically for the baptized. Another unwritten rule that is pretty well understood. The CofC and Christian church split in 1907 over instruments. There is also the International Churches of Christ, Boston Movement, etc. For the vast majority of CofC's women not only cannot be in the lead minister, they are silent in the assembly in terms of any official speaking capacity.
The candidate for baptism publlicly acknowledges his or her belief that Jesus is the Son of God, just before the baptism is performed? I suppose that's what "confess" means.
@@kopp1948People take it to mean at your baptism you make the confession. I don't see why it would be confined to just that instance. We profess Christ. We acknowledge him as Lord, Savior and Messiah. We confess our sins - and not just at baptism but to each other at other times ( James 5:16). Keep up the good work!
I couldn't begin to imagine just how many different Protestant or non-Protestant "Denominations" there are or non-denominations as it were in the USA, let alone the world. Even in the churches of Christ there are literally dozens of different teachings regarding worship, church life and their views on salvation. You have your work cut out for you if you try to understand even a small part of Christianity today. The last time I looked there were over 40 different Baptist sects alone. Even in the Roman Catholic church, the "Woke Pope" sets church law and is at odds with his so called flock. Confusing? You betcha!
Based on my 34yrs of CoC experience you got it all correct except one small point. At 1:05 to 1:10 you state "things the bible doesn't approve". That is incorrect and here is why... CoC's believe the laws of God / laws of Moses were "nailed to the cross". If I may correct you... a more accurate statement would be "things the New Testament doesn't approve".
Questions that never get asked at "RCLA": No.1...How did you get past "St." Timothy and "St."Titus being commanded by"St."Paul, that Presbyters & Bishops are to be Married Men with Children [1Timothy 3:1-5; Titus 1:5-7] No. 2...In the New Testament Presbyters & Bishops are not two separate titles in a hierarchy , but descriptions for the same congregational Office [Acts 20:17 & 28; Titus:5-7; Phillipians 1:1.]..(btw;"Pastor/Shepherd" is the exact same office as well-...you Protestants out there).. ps: Of course the historical ancient Churches: Latin, Greek, Coptic, and Syriac, are going to contain faint echos of the Apostles...but also a thick smudging patina of a thousand soiled human hands and theologians...thousands of years of tradition and religious innovation...with no ancient foundations whatsoever...
I was a Roman Catholic who read the NT in my teen years and decided that the RCC was nothing like the church described in the Bible. I became an agnostic. Today I feel most at home in the coC.
I have a friend that goes to Church of Christ. She will not discuss any bible verse that's contrary to what she's been told. She says all other churches are of Satan and are going to hell. I've shown her that there were churches in the bible that met in homes with no particular name. And showed her where Jesus said where two or three are gathered, He is in your midst. However she says you HAVE to go to her church or you're not a Christiaan. Her husband is the pastor. It sounds like it's very close to a cult to me. Is this normal for COC?
Yes it is. If you want to see her mind go into the microsoft blue screen mode... Tell her Christians kept the Sabbath after the cross. Have her read Acts 15:21, Heb ch4:3-11, Isaiah 66:23
"Church of Christ" is a description, not a denomination. Unfortunately, it's easy to think it is a denomination because all the churches have similar names. But in reality each church is autonomous. Hope this helps any confusion!
When I was CoC I used to parrot that same thought. But now... they seem denominational to me because they are PROTESTANT. Meaning like other denominations they base part of their reformation on Catholicism (Sunday keeping and Lords table) and partly on Stone Campbell teachings. If a duck said I'm not a duck. but he has a bill, quacks, has two feet, water rolls off his back, and he waddles.... maybe he's just self delusional as are CoC's in America today.
We actually do have membership in the Church of Christ depending on the congregation you decide to become a member of. Overall very good overview. There is also something called the United Church of Christ which I think branched off from the original Churches of Christ.
I also appreciate the way you said we believe baptism is the time at which someone receives the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Many mischaracterize our view as baptismal regeneration more in line with the Catholic view of that ordinance, and that is not what we believe.
That's exactly the Catholic view of baptismal regeneration. How would you describe the Catholic view of baptismal regeneration in contradistinction to your view?
@@jtd3421 Right, but repentance and faith are required, otherwise you'd be putting an obstacle against the operation of the Sacrament by your ill will. That's what the Catholic Church teaches. Ex opere operato just means God has elected this sacramental means to convey forgiveness of sins. I understand we have a difference regarding baptizing children, but in regards to the operation of Baptism, I'm not seeing any difference. Considering ex opere operato includes repentance and faith, what is the difference to your own view? How do you believe Baptism works?
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of GOD, have mercy on me, a sinner" Please pray these words now 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 and please consider beginnning daily prayer, it is a good habit that will help you if you actually do it and continue to do it Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of GOD"
Excellent summation generally speaking, speaking as a person Baptized into CHrist, although you can find churches that diverge from no women preachers and those that are fine with instrumental accompaniment. In other words a few are more strict and some more progessive than others.
I grew up in the Church of Christ. When I was 19 I left for a more contemporary evangelical style. In my mind the CoC was legalistic and much too fundamentalist when it came to what the Bible doesn’t explicitly state such as music or even a kitchen attached to the church. Looking back much of the Bible I learned as a kid was faithfully taught to me in the CoC and we still have some dear family friends who still attend. Being in a charismatic church and considering leaving I do miss the simplicity of acapella worship minus the loud noisy show that is mainstream evangelicalism. I also miss taking communion every Sunday.
This helps a little. I now live in an area of Tennessee where there are either Christian, Church of Christ, or Southern Baptist churches. Southern Baptist I know but I'm still a little confused about the difference between the first two.
The main difference between the "Church of Christ" and the "Christian Churches and Churches of Christ" is mentioned by Ready to Harvest in this video, but as it is a 2 minute video, he doesn't go into a lot of detail about it. It mostly stems from one of the main principles of the Restoration Movement (the early 19th Century movement both groups originated from). That principle is "Where the Bible speaks, we speak, and where the Bible is silent, we are silent." The Church of Christ considers issues not mentioned in the Bible, or more specifically, the New Testament, to be "unauthorized" and thus prohibits them. They only allow what is affirmed by Scripture. The Christian Churches and Churches of Christ considers the same issues to be a matter of personal opinion and thus only prohibits what is prohibited by Scripture. The most obvious difference between the two, especially for those on the outside looking in, is that the Church of Christ doesn't use musical instruments in worship, while the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ do use them. Other than that, the two groups are very similar in beliefs. They differ from the Southern Baptists in their view that baptism is salvific, rather than symbolic, and in that they tend to reject the "once saved, always saved" doctrine that Southern Baptists usually hold. Also, some Southern Baptist congregations embrace some or all of the Five Points of Calvinism ("TULIP"), which both the Church of Christ and the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ would reject entirely.
@@DamonNomad82 Thanks for the clarification. I did not realize that there was a difference between Church of Christ and Churches of Christ. In a quick survey of my area I found 10 Christian Churches, no Churches of Christ and 2 Church of Christ. The main Church of Christ (in town) had no musical instruments and the other one did have musical instruments.
Several years ago, I saw a sign in front of a building that read: "The Church of Christ Meets Here". That seemed to indicate that SOMEBODY understood that Christians ARE the church (the building isn't the church) so I made a mental note to visit sometime. Before that visit, I was under the impression that the Church of Christ denomination was a remnant of the Christian Connexion that developed in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. I was under the impression that Christian Connexion members and pastors were among the least dogmatic back in the nineteenth century. On the occasion of my visit, the person "in charge" (I don't think I ever asked whether he was the pastor) was more dogmatic than the average of the dozens of preachers (in half a dozen denominations) whose services I had attended. From the other comments so far, I get the impression that the dogmatism may vary quite a bit from one Church of Christ pastor to another. Can someone comment specifically about this question? I'd like to visit Church of Christ services again if someone can tell me how to determine, before my visit, what level of dogmatism to expect.
The conservative CoC is about as dogmatic as it gets. The conservative branch tends to think it’s the only church going to heaven. If that’s your cup of tea, you’d fit right in. The “liberal” wing doesn’t even know the conservative wing exists and they are not nearly so dogmatic.
My experience - and you can see it in these responses - is that the church of christ has always been more motivated to convert people to their sectarian doctrinal peculiarities than actually converting people to CHRIST. Mid-week classes on the different denominations? When does THAT become a prerequisite of membership into the fold Jesus will welcome home?
My current daily reading: the Bible (and as time permits) Nabeel Qureshi's book "Islam or Christianity". Why am I interested in Islam? Because I want to be prepared in the defense of the gospel. It is part of putting on the whole armor of God.
As a current employee of this denomination, I would say this is a pretty good sum up. One thing to point however is the current split that has been occurring for the past 30 years between more theologically liberal and conservative congregations. More and more Churches of Christ have become more open to use of instruments in worship as well as more tolerant of all Christian beliefs such as old Earth, regional flood, and an increased role for women in the Church. The denomination as a whole seems to be getting a reality check of sorts as of late when it comes to how to treat members and nonmembers alike and not just the denomination of your upper middle class grandparents.
At the end of the day whatever disputes you're having amongst yourselves mean nothing as you can't get a hold of of the simple yet sublime.Gospel of eternal salvation by faith alone in Christ's Finished Work alone. What you teach is taking people on the religious side of the broad road that still leads to Hell.
Since birth we are a member of 20th Street Church of Christ a.k.a. Iglesya ni Kristo I.N.K., Olongapo City, Philippines 1901 A.D. brought by American missionaries led by Leslie Wolfe. Not affiliated with Iglesia ni Cristo a.k.a. INC (official name started in Philippines) established in 1914 a.d. by the founder Felix Manalo Sr. who later declared that he was an angel in 1924 a.d. they're beliefs that Jesus-Christ is only human-being Not God. Later when we emigrated to the US we attended Christian Church or First Christian Church 0033 A.D. same doctrines and teachings as Church of Christ.
Kami rin member nang 20th Street Church of Christ a.k.a. Iglesya ni Kristo I.N.K., Olongapo City, Philippines 1901 A.D. brought by American missionaries led by Leslie Wolfe. Not affiliated with Iglesia ni Cristo a.k.a. INC (official name started in Philippines) established in 1914 a.d. by the founder Felix Manalo Sr. who later declared that he was an angel in 1924 a.d. they're beliefs that Jesus-Christ is only human-being Not God. Later when we emigrated to the US we attended Christian Church or First Christian Church 0033 A.D. same doctrines and teachings as Church of Christ.
@@truthnottradition7 Tell those Revelation verse to other religion who established after 0034 a.d. cult. Christian churches were established in Jerusalem 0033 A.D. Then the cult comes up on Acts 20.
@@FACE-PROFILERZ Sorry I don't follow your thoughts. Yeshua came to fill up / bring to the full the laws of God. Matt 5:17-20 Gods laws did NOT end at the cross. Yet 99% of protestants (and specifically CoC's) think they did. Coc's demonstrably follow the campbell - Stone theologies. They are in fact a "denomination" of protestantism.
I'm curious to hear how denominations such as the Church of Christ feel about the early Church councils and synods. I don't intend to provoke or offend anyone, however, I am trying to align how one can be a representation of the 1st century Church but also be foundationally Sola Scriptura. I always enjoy your content! Thank you
Hey! That’s a really good question. I attend a church of Christ, specifically because it seems the closest to the first century church. I obviously can’t speak for the entire fellowship, but I think most of them would agree with me on this. I have no personal issue with councils/synods, however, I don’t think they are authoritative for believers today. I believe the council in Acts 15 was a special case for a formative in the church. They can be helpful for defining doctrine and clearing up certain issues, but men are fallible. Because of this, scripture should always be the sole authority. Hope this helps clear up what we believe. God bless
@@andycole8906 I find it amazing that you would reference an 18yrs after the cross Torah based instruction but yet align yourself w/Campbellism? Acts 15 the new converts with told to do four Torah Observant things (as a starting point) PLUS stated de-facto they would be learning the laws of God (laws of Moses) in church on... the SABBATH. Modern day (Campbellian) CoC's do NOT reflect NT gentile churches.
We just don't teach them, tbh. There's the one that went down in Acts and that's it. We only accept it because that made it into Acts and therefore it is inspired/infalliable. Every other one, nope. I was taught that over the years, the elders at one church started influencing others and building a network. This was what lead into the Catholic/Orthodox churches and was wrong. About the end of the 1st century, churches started pooling resources and compiled what we know as the Bible. We were what was created and have always been around since. Fast forward to about the 1960s and we split over the orphan homes. We aren't big on history. I've started studying on my own and that's the only way I know anything about that kind of thing.
May I respectfully ask a question please . If the church of Christ is the church Christ talked about in the book of Matthew chapter 16 vs 18 why did it need to be restored in the 1800s during the restoration movement. If it was the church Christ spoke of that could withstand the gates of Hades it seems like it would not have needed to be restored. Thank you
Hey Reborn - I was born 4th generation coc…. This is just something that sounded great because a bunch of denominational 1860s preachers got together, recanted of their individual “denominational teachings” and began to “teach where the Bible speaks, silent where the Bible is silent (what a CROCK)….. By the end of the day the church needed resorting - the reformation movement wasn’t close enough to their pattern of: HEAR, BELIEVE, CONFESS, REPENT and BE BAPTIZED (and LIVE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH for good measure). Think of the coc as the Christian 3rd grade education. A good “primary” basic education, that sticks to the milk of the word, but thinks they are eating meat.
So, am I understanding this video correctly? Do Churches of Christ believe that baptism is necessary for salvation to take place? Not trying to get in an argument. Just trying to understand.
Yes generally. Perhaps not absolutely logically necessary, as God can save without it, like in the case of infants, Old Testament Believers, and people who died before they could be baptized, but for others who are desiring to be saved, baptism is part of the plan of salvation according to the Church of Christ view.
As a Coc member We believe our faith in Christ saves us, however we also believe that baptism is necessary, Matthew 24:13 tells us we need to endure until the end to be saved, And Matthew 7:21-23 Tells that we must do the will of the father, And we are commanded to be baptized therefore we believe it is a necessary thing to be baptized. The Coc goes entirely based off what the Bible says they don’t try to change it or interpret it separately we are very serious about how we follow God’s word
Yes. Baptism alone will not save you, but it permits you to be saved. The caveat is we only believe a baptism is valid if you understood. So infants or severely mentally disabled, no. They will be saved as they are incapable of sinning; they just don't have the capacity for it.
When I was in Colorado Springs at Fort Carson, I joined a Church of Christ (non instrumental). I was baptised again since they eschewed my prior immersion at a Boston church, Tremont Temple, a Baptist church. I realized my error when I overhead a little girl being corrected when she referred to Brother (Thompson), who had joined an instrumental Church of Christ in town, as now being Mister (Thompson). The base chaplain was Church of Christ (non instrumental). His ordination was affirmed to the Pentagon by the DC church which was assumed to be the national headquarters.
Hallo brother my name is Ajay I'm from India/ Telangana my mother tung Telugu I want more and more about church of christ who start and when, what is the worship how to worship What is the system worship
In my area the Church of Christ believes that no one can be saved unless they are baptized into The Church of Christ. I thought you would mention how exclusive some of these churches can be.
Of the 2 other men hung on crosses next to Christ...one said "I believe you." What denomination was he? All who believe is what Jesus was and is about.
I’m so proud to be in the church that was spoken about in Roman 16:16. No other churches of today can say that. Jesus only built one church. And how do we know we are in that church. We go by scripture only. We obey Christ and the gospel. We believe in one faith, one baptism and one body. The head of the one body is Jesus Christ. We do not believe in instrumental music in our worship because God only told the Christian’s to sing. Also if people understood the origin of instruments in worship, they too would understand. Instrumental music came down from the Catholic pope in the late 1600s. Not that long ago really. The Protestant churches during that time protested that nonsense, it was very controversial. But as time went on, Protestant churches started bringing in instruments into worship. Only two churches of today still don’t allow music instruments into worship. The church of Christ and the Greek Orthodox. We have to be against the world not with the world.
The church of Christ group originated from the restorationist movement in the 1800s… Anyway, the whole argument of Scripture being silent on no instruments therefore it’s wrong to use them in service, would you say the same thing about church buildings, since the new testament is silent on church buildings?
I went to a COC as a child and as I got older I felt like it resembled a cult than a body of believers. The belief in no musical instruments in church is hypocritical or a double standard. If a musical instrument is a sin in a church setting then musical instruments is a sin period but I know a lot of COC that will not turn that radio off and attend concerts. No place in the Bible does it say if you are not baptized you’ll go to hell. No not one scripture. If that’s the case then no man woman nor child that isn’t baptized goes to hell because there is no age of accountability in the Bible. Gods word is clear that we are saved by grace through faith. We get forgiveness of sin when we ask and repent. When we stop listening to what people want us to believe and immerse (baptize) ourselves in God’s word and rightly divide the Word of truth, the Spirit will open our minds and our hearts to understanding Gods truth
That thumbnail looks like the plaque on Westside Church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL just a few blocks from my house. The building is actually a former Southern Baptist church whose congregation dissolved in the early 80s. So, this Church of Christ has a pipe organ that they don't use.
Church Of Christ is the closest thing there is to a Christian cult. I was brought up in the CofC, attending the very church my family was instrumental in building. One of their fundamental beliefs is they are THE church Christ established in Matthew 16: 17-19. As a result of that belief they absolutely do not recognize other churches and refuse to have anything to do with them. Even to the point of refusing to call believers from other churches "brother". During my military service I did not attend services because there was no CofC available. Thus I "fell away" due to lack of attendance. After military, and a divorce, I resumed attending and was received back into the church. After attending for about 2 years I let it slip to the minister about my children from my previous marriage. After being questioned about my prior marriage I was told they could no longer have fellowship with me. We, my current wife and I of 8 years, could continue to attend but not take part in communion or any other functions within the church. Their view was my wife and I were living in a state of perpetual sin. Oh, and if I wanted to continue giving to the church that was fine. For all intents and purpose we were shunned or excommunicated so to speak. Naturally we dropped out of the church I loved so dearly. It caused me great mental and emotional distress. Many years later, after moving to Las Vegas I discovered a thing called GRACE at a evangelical church. Church of Christ is not big on grace and even seldom mention it. Nor do they seldom mention the Holy Spirit. So the long and short of it, and believe me I could go on, is this. Church of Christ is legalistic to the point of being a cult. My advice to anyone seeking a church is to look for one that preaches grace and God's forgiveness of all sins.
Because we view the Old Testament as history and the New Testament being the gospel and how the church should be run the New Testament doesn’t say musical instruments are bad or good we just don’t use them because it’s a grey area and music can be distracting for worshipers, and it becomes about entertainment and worship is not supposed to be entertainment for us!
1 John 2:19-27 ….Church belongs to Christ who die for it…if there’s no Bible verses supporting instruments why should we add it to our adoration to God for?
Twisting scripture (Amos 6:5), insisting that it isn’t “authorized” in New Testament (but Angels in Rev using stringed instruments) is a LOGICAL FALLACY This is because using instruments isn’t a salvation issue nor is it “worshiping in error” as coc like to repeat. 1 verse theologies are always suspect and easy to see when a denomination “speaks where the Bible speaks and is silent where the Bible is silent”…. But this is the evidence of spiritually immature christians (in this case hiding behind Romans 16:16).
Under emphasized in this video is the role of baptism as the vehicle of salvation, and how post baptism sin indicates that salvation did not take place.
NO One in church history was ever told to Hear Believe Repent Baptism Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit until 1827. Walter Scott came up with this plan of salvation. Name one person in the New Testament that was ever told to obey this plan. WS came up with this plan in 1827.
Other than that both started in the US and a purely coincidental similarity in the names, they have nothing in common. The Church of Christ is the most conservative, predominantly Southern, branch of the Restoration Movement of the early 19th Century, while the United Church of Christ is an amalgamation of some smaller ultra-liberal (both theologically and politically) Protestant mainline denominations that banded together in the 1950s because their individual memberships were dwindling.
If a church or individual is amillennial, it means they believe that the Thousand Years, or Millennium, mentioned in the Book of Revelation is not a literal thousand years, but is some variety of symbolic term for a long period of time, and that Christ won't physically reign on earth before the final judgment. This is opposed to the premillennial view that holds that there will be a literal 7-year tribulation followed by the physical return of Christ to earth and a literal thousand year period during which Christ and believers will rule over an idyllic earth. There is also a postmillennial view that Christ will perfect and purify the world through the Church and return when that process is complete, at which point the thousand years will begin. That view was extremely popular during the extremely optimistic late 19th and early 20th centuries, but nearly died out due to the grim horrors of World War I and the influenza epidemic just after it.
Ignore the reply from Pat Aherne--he doesn't know what he's talking about. A millennialist believes that in the end times, the kingdom of God will reign over the earth, either for a literal one thousand years, or for a long time which is figuratively referred to as a thousand years. Among millennialists, there are two types: pre-millennialists believe that Jesus will return to earth, which begins the millennial kingdom, and that Jesus will reign on the earth from Jerusalem. Post-millennialists believe that things will get progressively better until things reach the point that the kingdom of God has come upon the earth, and will last for either a literal or figurative thousand years--then Jesus comes back, and that's the end of the world. An amillennialist believes that there will be no kingdom of God on the earth--Jesus comes back, and that's the end of the world right then, without any kind of millennial kingdom.
What is called "the millennium" is currently happening, and ends when Christ returns. It's the majority of the Christian age, following the collapse of the Roman Empire (the "beast" in Revelation), who persecuted Christians in it's early years, until the Edict of Toleration in 313 AD.
Some people/ Chruches Christmas critsizing birthday celebrations of Jesus Christ eg. Church of Christ etc Christmas . సందర్భం గా పెట్టిన Meetings వలననే నేను ప్రభు యేసు ని తెలుసుకున్నాను. డిసెంబర్ లో జరిగే బహిరంగ సభలకు, అనేకమంది వస్తారు, పెర్మిషన్స్ etc కూడా easy గా అధికారులు ను ఆహ్వానిచవచ్చ్చుఁ. అలాటి వారిలో , అన్యులు గాఉన్నవారు రక్షణ పొందుతారు ఒక్క Paul తయారు కాలేదా, ఒక్కడయినా paul, peter లాగా తయారైతే, కోటి క్రిస్ మస్ meetings పెట్టినా, వృధా కాదు Critisize చెయ్యడం మాని అన్ని నెలల్లో అన్ని meetings ద్వారా అనేక కోట్ల Paul, John, Peter, Daniel యిర్మియా వంటివారు తయారు కావాలని, మనస్ఫూర్తి గా ప్రార్ధించి వేడుకోండి ప్రభువును
Church of Christ is the only true church that is explained in the bible. It was established on the day of Pentecost in 33AD ! Christ is the only head of this church. The doctrines that is preached in the church of Christ is absolutely correct and they are proven by the bible! Happy to be a member of the true Church ❤
I would love to have a sit-down loving debate w/you….. Born 4th generation coc, member of 17 different churches (due to military)…. Calvary Chapel, Grace to You - John MacArthur, and Andy Woods…….then one day you turn around spiritually and see the “coc” movement for what it is: milk drinking (but think it’s meat) left-behind and spiritually re-tarded and immature christians that are generally amill, lose their salvation, and that using musical instruments in worship is “worshiping in error” from a twisting of scripture from Amos.
I'm formerly CoC, more specifcally the second group. It's funny because when I talk to people that have been in non instrumental CoCs they often call my congregation "liberal" which is very much not how I would describe them lol
I encountered the same thing when I briefly attended a Church of Christ which was both non-instrumental and non-institutional. It's the only time I've ever been accused of being "liberal" in any way!
As a recent Bible Grad of Christian church Churches of Christ. It’s been so hard to try explain the differences between the three sects. All are connected but have very distinct differences, and at the same time can be more traditional or progressive within those sects. For instance the 4C’s college I go to does not teach inereency and is supportive of women in ministry. So do most of the 4C Churches in our area. Then maybe 40 minutes away is a Christian Church that does not believe in women in ministry and believes in inerrency. In short thanks for doing a great job of boiling down the Church of Christ. We all believe differently, but are united in Christ
@@nickensss I was CoC for 34yrs all as an adult. I taught classes and filled in as preacher when needed. Yah has opened my eyes to what the Bible actually teaches vs what protestants / dispensationalist teach. The two don't match. I suggest you do an independent study on the 7th Day Sabbath. Shalom
@@nickensss Have you compared his "sermon on the law" to the Bible? I have.. the two don't match. Modern days CoC's look far more like the Stone / Campbell movement than they do the Gentile believers the Apostles visited and sent letters to. Looking at a subject w/o a bias and pretexting is very difficult to do. Brother prove all things... Shalom
I was born and rise in CofC in Texas. If you don't believe in what they they'll break off and make another Church. I'm 68 now I was about 49 when I left. One was the people down the street they good people the preacher would say but they are not going to heaven. There would other things say off and on. They are more about power over the people. You don't do it this way you're out.
I am a church of Christ preacher and I appreciate you making a video on our fellowship. I enjoy all your content by the way. You have fairly represented our general beliefs, though I would add that in the last couple of decades there has been an emphasis on a “new restoration” of sorts with the same goals as the first, but with greater attention given to what the Bible actually teaches as opposed to what the silence of the Scriptures forbids. This is kind of a generational difference with some older members primarily focusing on the silence (lack of command, example, or necessary inference) of the Scriptures, while most of the preachers I know 55 and younger are focusing more on the actual teachings of the Bible.
This has led to a change of tone in most churches of Christ. A more positive tone where we are talking more about what we are for versus what we oppose. Of course, there is a balance to this.
What has remained a constant is our goal to uphold the Bible as the objective standard in all things pertaining to faith. We are not perfect, no church is, we don’t have it all figured out, but we are striving to grow in our love and respect for the Savior everyday.
Is this the same group as the Disciples of Christ, or another movement?
@@bigscarysteve Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ have a shared history but are different.
I like how for a long time (not so much anymore, as you point out) that we said you can't have (fill in the blank) because it's not mentioned in the NT but having (fill in the blank) is OK since the NT never mentions it... No instrument, but a building is OK... No formal liturgy, but a song leader is fine. I can remember the fight about adding powerpoint projectors since they weren't mentioned in the NT (I wish I were making this up). I also caught a LOT of flak from some elders when I mentioned that I occasionally used a lectionary to choose my preaching text for the week... They accused me of preaching denominationalism... I handed them my lectionary (literally just a list of scripture references) and asked them to show me the denominational doctrines in it... they just huffed and told me using it was dangerous to my faith (and implied dangerous to my continued employment as well). Sigh... it's been a real roller coaster, hasn't it!!!
I am so glad to hear that...My parents were CoC, but stopped going to church when I was still very young because they had severe problems with the general attitudes in the local churches.
But they always considered themselves CoC, so when I decided to become a Christian (around 16yo), I was baptized in the CoC.
Unfortunately, I was one of the casualties of the Crossroads Movement (the beginnings of what eventually became the ICOC) when I was in college. When the cult was basically thrown out, I went back--only to have people (who by then had found out the abuses going on, so no excuse) attack me for "leaving God's people" and I was ordered to repent. I left, have never stepped into a CoC since. I do miss the music...(including the inevitable off-key alto!)
But I still care. I was gladdened when I found that the nation-wide split caused a lot of introspection in many of the remaining congregations. Not just "how can we keep this from happening again", but also, "how can we as a church support and nurture each other, how can we better follow Jesus?"
Before then, a major emphasis seemed to be, "how do we prove we are correct and everyone else is wrong". But "why we don't have instrumental music" and "the correct title for ministers" doesn't do much for helping in one's struggles with everyday life. (Let me just add that there were a great many individuals that did not share this focus. That is why I stayed as long as I did, the many good people that were focused on Jesus and encouraged my spiritual growth.)
But post-Crossroads, the emphasis started to shift in a good direction. Years later, when I'd listen to CoC ministers on the Internet, I saw a big difference.
I'm very happy to hear that y'all are continuing to move in a more positive direction! 😊
You're so right, we are all works in progress, and we never have it all figured out (one of my problems with the old church was the pretense that we *did* have it all figured out). All we can do is keep walking towards Jesus, and trust in His grace and guidance.
God bless you and your ministry, my brother, I'm sure you are a true blessing to your congregation. Your post made my day.
@@teresamcmurrin8672 thank you for your comments. I am sorry for the negative you have experienced. I truly believe things are headed in a more Biblical, more Christ-like direction. Best of luck on your journey.
I am a Church of Christ which Christ called from the power of darkness into His Kingdom He established since AD 33 and am from Ghana, West Africa and am glad to be God’s Saint 🙏🏽🙌🏽✌🏽❤️😃😃😃
My father-in-law and his father did work in Africa. Forgive me for not having much knowledge of Africa's countries but my Father-in-law knows a few word in Swahili from his time their. He has told me stories about how people in Africa walk for hours to go to the Church of Christ with few basic comforts. I wished more Christians had this dedication.
My name is Melikhaya Maxwell Mncanca a member and elder of the Idutywa Church of Christ. Congrats for the job well done my brethren in Christ.
As a member of the church of Christ well done!
You are so good at explaining what different denominations actuality teach. No disagreements on churches of Christ. (I’m a missionary with the church of Christ.)
Thanks Kenneth!
@@ReadyToHarvest You did try to be as neutral/friendly as possible, there. But I wonder if he would be as positive about it, if the critical assessment of teaching and practice was done. I started getting cringe when a group comes over and says 'we are a true church'.
@@metapolitikgedanken612Roman 16:16
@@lynncantrell2782 And then they came along 200 years ago, picked that name from a translation and claimed that they are the same. Unbelievable. "They don't really argue that silly"... No, they do had me puzzled how people could seriously do it that way. "We believe the bible literally".... And why are you then cessationists? They don't believe in gifts of the Holy Spirit operating today... Unless they are indistinguishable from commo human behaviors.
As a Church of Christ elder and minister, let me say this: Very Good Job! As an overview this is a great presentation! Keep up the good work...
I'm also a church of Christ preacher,,,and this is exactly how we worship...no music,,,Lord's supper only on Sundays..we recognize Sunday as the Lord's day...and baptism as the means of getting into christ...
No tithing...but freewill collection is done only on Sundays...
Why do you not observe the Weekly Sabbath?
It was instituted in perfection, Yeshua kept it, His disciples kept it after the cross, and it will be kept in the New Jerusalem.
Jesus is our rest. There's nothing wrong with observing the sabbath, but Jesus fulfilled.
@@JoshD8705 You have an extremely gross misunderstanding of Matt 5:17 and the word "fulfill" = Strong's G4137 - plēroō
What He said was he came to fill up, completely fill, fill to the full, give more detail, ect...to the Laws of God.
And brother... there is no such thing as "rest in Jesus" in that it replaces a basic law of God.
@@truthnottradition7 Jesus is God
@@JoshD8705 Yeshua is the only begotten son of God.
John 3:16 says For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life
I grew up in a Church of Christ and now am a minister for a Christian Church. You represented both groups well here. Good job. I enjoy your channel a lot and have recently used it quite a bit as I'm teaching a mid-week class for our church on beliefs and practices of different denominations and fellowships. Keep up the great work!
@@anarchorepublican5954 what do you mean?
Why are you not Torah Observant?
You should make a video about "Denominations that say they aren't Denominations "
He has made a video explain how he uses the term even though many groups rush to tell you how they aren't a denomination
ua-cam.com/video/4XWidDVRjN0/v-deo.html
That would be interesting. I think there are three main movements that fit this description. The first is the Restorationist movement started by Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell. The second is a subgroup of the Wesleyan Holiness movement--this subset was started by Daniel Sydney Warner. Its main constituents are the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and the Church of God (Guthrie, Oklahoma). The third is the Plymouth Brethren movement started by John Nelson Darby. The Independent Fundamental Baptists might fit in here because they don't really have a denominational structure, but they do use the name Baptist, so I don't know what to do with that.
Rome would be on that list.
This comment makes me think you don’t know what a denomination is.
I'm a catholic and I have a friend that is church of christ. I was told some of their beliefs but thanks for the new info I didn't know. Always neat to learn about other churches. I try to see what unites us vs what divides us. I know we all have different beliefs but are all united in Christ.
Wow, I’ve been looking into becoming Catholic and my best friend is a Christian and he goes to a church of Christ church. He’s trying to convince me not to.
I was raised Catholic, converted to CoC's... now I see both are NOT doing what the NT church did. They were Torah observant and believed in Messiah Yeshua.
That’s not what the Vatican says, that we’re all united in Christ
@@savanataylor6052 We can only be united in Christ if we are obedient to Him. Keeping His commands and repenting we put on Christ.
We are NOT united in Christ if we sit back and just claim it.
@@truthnottradition7 tell that to the Catholics who have over 100 anathemas on Christians heads 🤣
I grew up Church of Christ and you are spot on about them. I'm presbyterian now.
I like the Church of Christ.
Simple statement. I like sugar, but it is not good for me.
@@pearlsdaughter2281what’s wrong with my church
Been a member for about 20 years.
@@Smooth.Oasisssit’s not your church. It’s Christ church that you belong too. We have gotten in the habit of calling the church ours which then it becomes denomination based church.
I always tell people I belong to the church of Christ. Not my church is the church of Christ. See the difference 🥰
I pitty for you being in a Cult
As a minister for in the Church of Christ, this video is relatively straightforward and fair. Thank you for representing what we believe fairly. We use God's word and God's word alone for our teaching and welcome all who want to know God and go to Heaven when that time comes to worship with us and engage in Bible study. The Lord said there would be one flock and one Shepherd and that He built His church. Pluralism and introductions of other ways to Christ outside of His church do not match the Bible and cannot provide salvation (Gal 1:6-9; Matt 16:16: Jn 14:6).
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I compliment you on having our Savior's name in your church. I don't know why other churches do not have it.
I am a proud member of church of christ. The ground and the pillar of truth
I grew up Church Of Christ. Our go to verses were Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16. Can sum it up in 3 phrases "Speak where the Bible speaks, silent where the Bible is silent", "Faith, Repentance, Confession, and Baptism for the forgiveness of sins", and 3, "No musical instruments in worship".
Love those cherry-picked 1 verse theologies, the funny mantra of silent/speaking Bible, and overall twisting or wrenching of scripture of Amos to render musical instruments “false worship”
Also, ‘pastor’ is a denominational term, the “One true church”, but it has anti’s that hate windows in their buildings, 1 cuppers (shared communion cup), instrumental churches of Christ, mainstream, conservative, liberal, and even “where the blacks go (other side of the railroad tracks) churches of Christ.
All based on Romans 16:16
It claims it has replaced Israel (heretical doctrine) spiritually….all the blessings none of the curses. That argument still flies in the face of May 1948 🇮🇱
Church of Christ member here. Pretty good summary. I especially liked the picture of the pamphlets when you talk about the uniform teaching. Spot on.
Just FYI, in our circles, a "progressive" Church of Christ is one that, though they do not have instruments, they do not think that instruments are forbidden. When you've been in the church for like 40 years, like me, you learn how to quickly assess whether you want to attend a Church of Christ or not (like if you move or if you are traveling).
In my personal opinion, there are actually 2 major types of Churches of Christ: 1. A church whose teaching and preaching is about why the CoC is the true church and why it is that they have interpreted the bible right. This type usually emphasizes that the way a church conducts itself in worship is the marker of a true church, and they dislike being called a denomination or protestant. Bible studies often get stuck, proofing again and again particular passages which demonstrate the proper way to be a Christian.
2. A church which primarily preaches salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. These places will do things much the same as the former, but will not usually mention why things are done that way unless someone asks. Bible studies are typically wild due to the wide variety of beliefs among the members, and source material for lessons will often include the best works of those from outside Churches of Christ.
“Bible studies often get stuck, proofing again and again particular passages which demonstrate the proper way to be a Christian.”
Nailed it! Was talking with my wife this week about this very “tradition” in the first type of CoC.
As a member of the CoC for the last 20 years - I think you were fair in your two minute summary. Well done.
C of C here! Thanks for the video. Sounds about right to me. Really appreciate your videos BTW. I was just mentioning your channel to a C of C preacher from a "one-cup" church. This is another difference within some of the churches of Christ that came up around 100 years ago. Really hope he checks out your channel.
Me too I love church of Christ. My family is a big part of Freed Hardeman University they are on the board and stuff. And one day I hope to be baptized.
*videos
@@reppepper Doh! Thanks! I got it fixed now.
As a member of the second mentioned group of churches you weren't focusing on in this video (Christian Churches and Churches of Christ), it's a pretty good 2-minute summary. Also, the Churches of Christ like to use the word "unauthorized" for any worship practice not explicitly approved in Scripture (the source of practically all our differences with them, including our use of those eeeeeeevil musical instruments) and that the commitment to autonomy of individual congregations leads to a lot more variety between churches in the movement when it comes to non-essentials like eschatology. It's true that the majority of them are amillennial, but I have encountered congregations holding views ranging from full preterism to all-out "Left Behind" series scale pre-trib premillennialism.
The Church of Christ
my family belonged to
(I was a non-believer)
was afraid to talk
about the Book of
Revelation. They
did not study it
much
@@davidjones7493 That was my experience too
I love that you are not biased. Thank you, as always.
Explaining the CoC denomination to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ has always been an interesting experience especially when I bring up the acapella singing and there being no dedicated choir (at least to the CoC congregrations I have attended.)
We are not a denominational church. And you know it’s offensive right?
@lynncantrell2782 I can understand how it can be offensive. However it's the reality we live in; that the Christian church has been divided for over a millenia. While I wish I could just go "I'm a Christian" and that would suffice, but it doesn't. If an outsider or even a fellow Christian asks me, I have to say what denomination I belong to because any assumption can be made about my beliefs and what I follow.
I, like TJ am a Church of Christ preacher and in a short, you said it well.
As a "CoC" guy I've always felt more affinity with Catholics and Orthodox than Protestant groups, probably because of being so non-Calvinist.
become Oriental Orthodox then ;)
Not all Protestants are Calvinists. How do you feel about Methodists?
Born and raised CoC, Catholic now. Watch others who made the move on the coming home network 😎
Come home to Orthodoxy ☦️
My husband is a deacon in our church of christ, we live and follow the word of God and all its contents in the Bible (a very conservative religion). God's blessings to all
Hello Rhonda
How are you doing today and I hope my message found you in a good mood 😋?
Sweetie no you don't. The NT church kept the 7th day Sabbath. Why don't you?
Was in the church of Christ before I found the true New Testament Church, the Orthodox Church. Nice people but they get a lot of things wrong and just gloss over Bible verses that do not support their interpretation of scripture. Liturgical worship, real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper, incense and anointing with oil, apostolic succession and the priesthood... All in the scriptures and ignored or hand waived by the church of Christ.
@@truthnottradition7 The NT church has plenty of biblical reasons from inference and example for worshiping on Sunday. I won't go into a big diatribe here, but look up a reformed teacher named John MacArthur on this. I think it will enlighten you. Show me once where Christian worship was on Friday night through Saturday night?
ua-cam.com/video/DxQ4ffL7caU/v-deo.html
One difference I must profess. Grew up CoC, communion was for only those who had been baptized. I was not allowed to partake as a child.
Also unleavened bread was used. Trays of the elements were passed around, no filing through the sanctuary. Just some small details.
It's Woderful Brother. I am Victor Raj. Preacher from coc India
I really acknowledges about Church of Christ because they came in Malawi to explain for us the reason why there's division in church of Christ.
The real/first Church of Christ never do these ;
No polygamy
No alcohol
No women(woman ) preaching
No youth choir (girls/boys)having special there programmes (avoiding sexual things ).
Pastors will only get paid from the God by the working hard (you can't eat without working ).
No selling Bibles on donating .
Don't get married to the second wife /husband while both are alive .
No homesexual /lesbians/gay.
Finally they taught us to love the words of God and follow what's written in the Bible .
Also he us (Frank ). There's no any differences between white ,brown,yellow and black people . We're all human being .
Jesus Christ he's the owner of the life .
Greedy made church of to be divided because some of them they wanted to get paid by the tithy instead of them going to work .
Thanks for this! There are so many different "Church of Christ" organizations -- opposites on the liberal-conservative doctrinal spectrum -- that I have difficulty remembering which is which. This is very helpful.
We are don’t have an organization. You have no clue about the church
Thank you for that very informative and unbiased explanation of the churches of Christ.
My wife and I attended Churches of Christ for about 20 years while I was in the military. IMO the lack of central authority really hurts the CoC's because you never know what you're going to get at a particular CoC church service. During our travels, we found extremely strict CoC's and very "liberal" CoC's. The strict churches practiced almost cult-like control over the congregation. They claimed to be creating a 1st century worship experience while using Bibles that didn't exist in the 1st century. The liberal churches would advertise their worship service as being from 10 am to 11 am with no musical instruments allowed, but they used them before and after the service. The lack of central authority also leads to pastors interpreting Scriptures differently with all of them claiming to be led by the Holy Spirit. We finally left the CoC.
Hello, I was just curious as to what region you were attending these churches? In some ways I agree that it can be an issue that you never know what you're going to walk into. But at the same time I don't believe it's scriptural to be under a head church and I would be afraid if we were that not everything would be taught. I have only been to two churches that I feel like I agree with how they conduct and handle things.
We attended Churches of Christ in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama.
Ok that makes sense I could definitely see there being a wide range there. Considering there's a wide range in just the state I live (Oklahoma). thanks for the reply back!
@@davidhayes7609 FBI needs to investigate alot of these churches of christ denominations. Faith village church of christ needs to be investigated. My intuition tells me it's more sinister than people realize. Arrests need to be made I'm sure. Wichita Falls Tx
What a great summation. It would have taken me 2 hours to say what you got said in 2 minutes 😊
2 seconds….
“Spiritually immature”
Done.
I grew up in the Church of Christ, and now I’d consider myself basically nondenominational, although I certainly lean towards charismatic. My biggest problem with the CoC is their extreme legalism about sola scriptura. Saying that you shouldn’t play musical instruments because the Bible doesn’t specify that the early church did is like saying that churches shouldn’t have bathrooms because the Bible doesn’t say that the early churches had bathrooms. Pretty ridiculous IMO. It’s also a bit hypocritical, considering that they teach complete abstinence from alcohol when it’s made quite clear that Jesus drank wine many times.
The CoC is also very cessationist, while I’m continuationist. I don’t see any solid evidence in the Bible or in everyday life that God would randomly stop blessing His people through the Spirit.
To give them credit though, I very much appreciate the CoC’s view of baptism, as this does align with Scripture very well. One of the problems I have with charismatic churches is how they underplay the significance of baptism.
Your point on musical instruments is incorrect. We are never authorized to use musical instruments in worship, only to sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). For those who say you can include whatever you want in worship, read about Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 and tell me that God doesn’t care.
TBH, the alcohol debate is still very active within the CofC, every church I have been to within the CofC is split on the issue. I would definitely say it is the most "hot button" issue within the church.
@@JustARiGuy It is a hot button issue in the American church probably because of the history of prohibition in America. It is not an issue in Europe.
@@ul3142 That is a very fair observation/point. Could definitely see that playing a role in the divide over it we see in the states.
It’s interesting to see in the comments that some say Church of Christ and others say church of Christ. This actually matters to some, but it’s nice to see no argument about it here. Or am I starting one? ;)
I think a critical piece that should be mentioned is that while they may or may not have an official membership program, they do teach that if you are not part of “Church of Christ” and you are off in some sort of “denomination” then you are not saved. This is very similar to the other groups that came to be in the 1800s such as Jehovah’s Witness and Mormonism. I am a non-denominational biblical Christ follower that attends currently a southern Baptist church. I do not have to be part of the “Church of Christ” organization to be a Christ follower. I have received Christ as my savior, I have been water baptized, and my goal is to follow and obey God as well as continually repent of my sins and ask for forgiveness. That is all that is required!
Rosedara that a nice comment
I've never been to the south USA, so I can't speak for them, but from my experience in the Midwest-North, this is incorrect. I've met individuals who hold this belief, and read some old handouts that describe it, but it is not a doctrine that I have ever been taught in the list of congregations I've worshipped with.
@@brandonahrens I'm in the midwest and my church does hold that. There's mainline CoC and then there's non-institutional. Basically, we believe it's unscriptural to support institutions like missionary networks/"sponsoring churches", orphan homes, or schools. We are also usually much, much more conservative and a minority of the CoC. We tend to get the more fringe positions too- onecuppers, no paid preacher, no Bible classes. The south is generally more conservative as well. It very much depends on where you're at.
Most of the Church of Christ folks I have run into in Central Illinois (I am a former campus Pastor at Illinois State University and planted a local church an hour North in Streator) have the attitude WE ARE THE ONE TRUE CHURCH & IF YOU AREN'T PART OUR GROUP YOU AREN'T REALLY A CHRISTIAN.
More recently I ran into some of these folks in Chicago's GRANT Park, during the TASTE of CHICAGO, with the same, WE ARE HOLIER THAN THOU, attitude.
Yet none of them attended the March for Life held downtown Chicago the same weekend as the TASTE OF CHICAGO.
The two primary groups at the March for Life were Roman Catholics and LCMS Lutherans.
Whereas the ELCA Lutherans who are militantly PRO DEATH PRO KILLING BABIES were protesting the MARCH FOR LIFE.
The Chicago March for Life happened downtown Chicago on Saturday July 9, 2022.
Sounds like you encountered some Non-Institutional Church of Christ types, or, as I call them "Double Non-Insties", as they are both non-instrumental and non-institutional. They make up about 1/3 of CoC churches, consider any sort of church involvement in any sort of political or community activity to be "unauthorized", and therefore sinful (hence their non-participation in things like the March for Life and non-support of things like missions), and tend to have a very "us vs them" attitude toward anyone from "the denominations", as they call them. I spent 5 months attending one of their churches because I was engaged to a young lady who was a member there. It was...educational...to say the least! My background is Christian Church, which came from the same movement, but was on the other side of a split in the early 20th Century, so I had more in common with them in some ways than most "outsiders" would have, but they still found my tolerance for Christians from "the denominations" to be quite shocking, and were suspicious of my family background (3 generations of overseas missionaries on my mother's side of the family, including my parents, who were missionaries in Europe at the time). I, for my part, had some difficulty keeping my temper when described as "liberal", and had to remind myself that it was true in a technical, theological sense. I had some very spirited "discussions" with the pastor (in private), as he had many opinions, some of which I knew were patently false such as "only Calvinists translated the NIV" (I had personally met one of the translators, who was definitely NOT a Calvinist) and also said in one of his sermons that legalism was a good thing! o_O My engagement ultimately didn't work out, and while I was sad about that, I was rather relieved to move back home and not attend that church anymore!
The thing I noticed is that they are happy to take your money, but when you are old, sick, and unable to attend, no one checks on you and they don’t attend your funeral. I don’t know many people over 90 who can still make it to church. They are a shallow bunch of “Christians.”
Its more so (at least for me) you must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized by immersion, or you arent saved. Look up Gospel Broadcasting Network. They have some great videos about false myths about the churches of Christ.
Any thoughts on making videos describing different theologies like dispensationalism vs covenant theology, anillenialism vs premillenialism, etc?
You do a great job of describing the differences between denominations, but I'd love to see your skills used on broader subjects. Thanks for all you do
I think this is a great idea, although I get the vibe that Joshua's channel is primarily focused on denominations research, so that would be sort of straying from the original focus of the channel.
@@ethantester7085 I think, though, it would help people better understand his denominational videos. When he says a denomination is "amillennial", how many people know what that actually means?
@@teresamcmurrin8672 That's fair. I agree it would definitely help.
G. Venkaiah. Bro. Speech very good. The you sir
Pretty good summary. A few points that were missing.
Typically in the CofC salvation hinges on 5 things. You got all but confession. Actually looking back you said it but it didn't make the bullet points.
Second, it goes often unstated but communion is typically for the baptized. Another unwritten rule that is pretty well understood.
The CofC and Christian church split in 1907 over instruments. There is also the International Churches of Christ, Boston Movement, etc.
For the vast majority of CofC's women not only cannot be in the lead minister, they are silent in the assembly in terms of any official speaking capacity.
The candidate for baptism publlicly acknowledges his or her belief that Jesus is the Son of God, just before the baptism is performed? I suppose that's what "confess" means.
@@kopp1948People take it to mean at your baptism you make the confession. I don't see why it would be confined to just that instance. We profess Christ. We acknowledge him as Lord, Savior and Messiah. We confess our sins - and not just at baptism but to each other at other times ( James 5:16). Keep up the good work!
I applaud your accuracy.
I couldn't begin to imagine just how many different Protestant or non-Protestant "Denominations" there are or non-denominations as it were in the USA, let alone the world. Even in the churches of Christ there are literally dozens of different teachings regarding worship, church life and their views on salvation. You have your work cut out for you if you try to understand even a small part of Christianity today. The last time I looked there were over 40 different Baptist sects alone. Even in the Roman Catholic church, the "Woke Pope" sets church law and is at odds with his so called flock. Confusing? You betcha!
As a recovering Church of Christer, good job.
They are a bunch
of nuts.. I escaped
age twenty in 1983
I escaped in 2021. Torah Observant now ❤
Recovering, what do you mean recovering?
4th generation- left 2012
Calvary Chapel guy now
Based on my 34yrs of CoC experience you got it all correct except one small point. At 1:05 to 1:10 you state "things the bible doesn't approve".
That is incorrect and here is why... CoC's believe the laws of God / laws of Moses were "nailed to the cross".
If I may correct you... a more accurate statement would be "things the New Testament doesn't approve".
My childhood and teen years in the CofC led me to become a Roman Catholic in my mid 20's.
Questions that never get asked at "RCLA":
No.1...How did you get past "St." Timothy and "St."Titus being commanded by"St."Paul, that Presbyters & Bishops are to be Married Men with Children [1Timothy 3:1-5; Titus 1:5-7]
No. 2...In the New Testament Presbyters & Bishops are not two separate titles in a hierarchy , but descriptions for the same congregational Office [Acts 20:17 & 28; Titus:5-7; Phillipians 1:1.]..(btw;"Pastor/Shepherd" is the exact same office as well-...you Protestants out there)..
ps: Of course the historical ancient Churches: Latin, Greek, Coptic, and Syriac, are going to contain faint echos of the Apostles...but also a thick smudging patina of a thousand soiled human hands and theologians...thousands of years of tradition and religious innovation...with no ancient foundations whatsoever...
Yeah!!! with tattoos and gangster life”. Why are Roman Catholics affiliated with that lifestyle? They betray it in movies?
I was a Roman Catholic who read the NT in my teen years and decided that the RCC was nothing like the church described in the Bible. I became an agnostic. Today I feel most at home in the coC.
I have a friend that goes to Church of Christ. She will not discuss any bible verse that's contrary to what she's been told. She says all other churches are of Satan and are going to hell. I've shown her that there were churches in the bible that met in homes with no particular name. And showed her where Jesus said where two or three are gathered, He is in your midst. However she says you HAVE to go to her church or you're not a Christiaan. Her husband is the pastor. It sounds like it's very close to a cult to me. Is this normal for COC?
Yes it is. If you want to see her mind go into the microsoft blue screen mode... Tell her Christians kept the Sabbath after the cross. Have her read Acts 15:21, Heb ch4:3-11, Isaiah 66:23
"Church of Christ" is a description, not a denomination. Unfortunately, it's easy to think it is a denomination because all the churches have similar names. But in reality each church is autonomous. Hope this helps any confusion!
ua-cam.com/video/VoIxwiyetbQ/v-deo.html
When I was CoC I used to parrot that same thought. But now... they seem denominational to me because they are PROTESTANT. Meaning like other denominations they base part of their reformation on Catholicism (Sunday keeping and Lords table) and partly on Stone Campbell teachings.
If a duck said I'm not a duck. but he has a bill, quacks, has two feet, water rolls off his back, and he waddles.... maybe he's just self delusional as are CoC's in America today.
We actually do have membership in the Church of Christ depending on the congregation you decide to become a member of.
Overall very good overview. There is also something called the United Church of Christ which I think branched off from the original Churches of Christ.
The one I go to is very aggressive about membership and attendance
Thank you, Joshua 🌹🌹🌹🌹
I also appreciate the way you said we believe baptism is the time at which someone receives the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Many mischaracterize our view as baptismal regeneration more in line with the Catholic view of that ordinance, and that is not what we believe.
Except the catholic view is right
That's exactly the Catholic view of baptismal regeneration. How would you describe the Catholic view of baptismal regeneration in contradistinction to your view?
@@lucaspacitti182 ex opere operato
@@jtd3421 Right, but repentance and faith are required, otherwise you'd be putting an obstacle against the operation of the Sacrament by your ill will. That's what the Catholic Church teaches. Ex opere operato just means God has elected this sacramental means to convey forgiveness of sins. I understand we have a difference regarding baptizing children, but in regards to the operation of Baptism, I'm not seeing any difference. Considering ex opere operato includes repentance and faith, what is the difference to your own view? How do you believe Baptism works?
@@lucaspacitti182 okay so help me understand… if repentance and faith are required, how does that apply to infants?
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of GOD, have mercy on me, a sinner"
Please pray these words now 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 and please consider beginnning daily prayer, it is a good habit that will help you if you actually do it and continue to do it
Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of GOD"
Excellent summation generally speaking, speaking as a person Baptized into CHrist, although you can find churches that diverge from no women preachers and those that are fine with instrumental accompaniment. In other words a few are more strict and some more progessive than others.
I grew up in the Church of Christ. When I was 19 I left for a more contemporary evangelical style. In my mind the CoC was legalistic and much too fundamentalist when it came to what the Bible doesn’t explicitly state such as music or even a kitchen attached to the church. Looking back much of the Bible I learned as a kid was faithfully taught to me in the CoC and we still have some dear family friends who still attend. Being in a charismatic church and considering leaving I do miss the simplicity of acapella worship minus the loud noisy show that is mainstream evangelicalism. I also miss taking communion every Sunday.
This helps a little. I now live in an area of Tennessee where there are either Christian, Church of Christ, or Southern Baptist churches. Southern Baptist I know but I'm still a little confused about the difference between the first two.
The main difference between the "Church of Christ" and the "Christian Churches and Churches of Christ" is mentioned by Ready to Harvest in this video, but as it is a 2 minute video, he doesn't go into a lot of detail about it. It mostly stems from one of the main principles of the Restoration Movement (the early 19th Century movement both groups originated from). That principle is "Where the Bible speaks, we speak, and where the Bible is silent, we are silent." The Church of Christ considers issues not mentioned in the Bible, or more specifically, the New Testament, to be "unauthorized" and thus prohibits them. They only allow what is affirmed by Scripture. The Christian Churches and Churches of Christ considers the same issues to be a matter of personal opinion and thus only prohibits what is prohibited by Scripture. The most obvious difference between the two, especially for those on the outside looking in, is that the Church of Christ doesn't use musical instruments in worship, while the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ do use them. Other than that, the two groups are very similar in beliefs. They differ from the Southern Baptists in their view that baptism is salvific, rather than symbolic, and in that they tend to reject the "once saved, always saved" doctrine that Southern Baptists usually hold. Also, some Southern Baptist congregations embrace some or all of the Five Points of Calvinism ("TULIP"), which both the Church of Christ and the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ would reject entirely.
@@DamonNomad82 Thanks for the clarification. I did not realize that there was a difference between Church of Christ and Churches of Christ. In a quick survey of my area I found 10 Christian Churches, no Churches of Christ and 2 Church of Christ. The main Church of Christ (in town) had no musical instruments and the other one did have musical instruments.
@@labrat9786 No worries! Glad I could help clarify that.
The conservative church of Christ thinks only itself will go to heaven. The liberal ones are much more open about that.
LOL.... Campbell started his own Baptist church but then they told his NO. So he started disciples of Christ which later was named CoC's.
Can you please do the International Church of Christ (ICOC) OR (ICOCM) Thank you.
So is, amillennial eschatology related to dispensationalism?
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a church of Christ that DIDNT have formal membership
You do some great research and work. Thanks for sharing.
Several years ago, I saw a sign in front of a building that read: "The Church of Christ Meets Here". That seemed to indicate that SOMEBODY understood that Christians ARE the church (the building isn't the church) so I made a mental note to visit sometime.
Before that visit, I was under the impression that the Church of Christ denomination was a remnant of the Christian Connexion that developed in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. I was under the impression that Christian Connexion members and pastors were among the least dogmatic back in the nineteenth century.
On the occasion of my visit, the person "in charge" (I don't think I ever asked whether he was the pastor) was more dogmatic than the average of the dozens of preachers (in half a dozen denominations) whose services I had attended.
From the other comments so far, I get the impression that the dogmatism may vary quite a bit from one Church of Christ pastor to another.
Can someone comment specifically about this question? I'd like to visit Church of Christ services again if someone can tell me how to determine, before my visit, what level of dogmatism to expect.
Go on line and check out prior if can. There is a general directory out there that can tell you what kind of dogmas they follow or don't.
The conservative CoC is about as dogmatic as it gets. The conservative branch tends to think it’s the only church going to heaven. If that’s your cup of tea, you’d fit right in.
The “liberal” wing doesn’t even know the conservative wing exists and they are not nearly so dogmatic.
My experience - and you can see it in these responses - is that the church of christ has always been more motivated to convert people to their sectarian doctrinal peculiarities than actually converting people to CHRIST. Mid-week classes on the different denominations? When does THAT become a prerequisite of membership into the fold Jesus will welcome home?
My current daily reading: the Bible (and as time permits) Nabeel Qureshi's book "Islam or Christianity". Why am I interested in Islam? Because I want to be prepared in the defense of the gospel. It is part of putting on the whole armor of God.
As a current employee of this denomination, I would say this is a pretty good sum up. One thing to point however is the current split that has been occurring for the past 30 years between more theologically liberal and conservative congregations. More and more Churches of Christ have become more open to use of instruments in worship as well as more tolerant of all Christian beliefs such as old Earth, regional flood, and an increased role for women in the Church. The denomination as a whole seems to be getting a reality check of sorts as of late when it comes to how to treat members and nonmembers alike and not just the denomination of your upper middle class grandparents.
At the end of the day whatever disputes you're having amongst yourselves mean nothing as you can't get a hold of of the simple yet sublime.Gospel of eternal salvation by faith alone in Christ's Finished Work alone. What you teach is taking people on the religious side of the broad road that still leads to Hell.
Since birth we are a member of 20th Street Church of Christ a.k.a. Iglesya ni Kristo I.N.K., Olongapo City, Philippines 1901 A.D. brought by American missionaries led by Leslie Wolfe.
Not affiliated with Iglesia ni Cristo a.k.a. INC (official name started in Philippines) established in 1914 a.d. by the founder Felix Manalo Sr. who later declared that he was an angel in 1924 a.d. they're beliefs that Jesus-Christ is only human-being Not God.
Later when we emigrated to the US we attended Christian Church or First Christian Church 0033 A.D. same doctrines and teachings as Church of Christ.
I am church of Christ
From Philippines
Come out of her my people...
Look into Torah Observant believers in Yeshua. 119 ministries can help
Kami rin member nang 20th Street Church of Christ a.k.a. Iglesya ni Kristo I.N.K., Olongapo City, Philippines 1901 A.D. brought by American missionaries led by Leslie Wolfe.
Not affiliated with Iglesia ni Cristo a.k.a. INC (official name started in Philippines) established in 1914 a.d. by the founder Felix Manalo Sr. who later declared that he was an angel in 1924 a.d. they're beliefs that Jesus-Christ is only human-being Not God.
Later when we emigrated to the US we attended Christian Church or First Christian Church 0033 A.D. same doctrines and teachings as Church of Christ.
@@truthnottradition7
Tell those Revelation verse to other religion who established after 0034 a.d. cult.
Christian churches were established in Jerusalem 0033 A.D.
Then the cult comes up on Acts 20.
@@FACE-PROFILERZ Sorry I don't follow your thoughts.
Yeshua came to fill up / bring to the full the laws of God. Matt 5:17-20
Gods laws did NOT end at the cross. Yet 99% of protestants (and specifically CoC's) think they did.
Coc's demonstrably follow the campbell - Stone theologies. They are in fact a "denomination" of protestantism.
@@truthnottradition7
Whom do you think Yeshua? Is he Joshua or Jesus?
I'm curious to hear how denominations such as the Church of Christ feel about the early Church councils and synods. I don't intend to provoke or offend anyone, however, I am trying to align how one can be a representation of the 1st century Church but also be foundationally Sola Scriptura.
I always enjoy your content! Thank you
Hey! That’s a really good question. I attend a church of Christ, specifically because it seems the closest to the first century church. I obviously can’t speak for the entire fellowship, but I think most of them would agree with me on this. I have no personal issue with councils/synods, however, I don’t think they are authoritative for believers today. I believe the council in Acts 15 was a special case for a formative in the church. They can be helpful for defining doctrine and clearing up certain issues, but men are fallible. Because of this, scripture should always be the sole authority.
Hope this helps clear up what we believe. God bless
We call them lectureships.
Not a denomination first off… simply put, the Lord’s Church
@@andycole8906 I find it amazing that you would reference an 18yrs after the cross Torah based instruction but yet align yourself w/Campbellism?
Acts 15 the new converts with told to do four Torah Observant things (as a starting point) PLUS stated de-facto they would be learning the laws of God (laws of Moses) in church on... the SABBATH.
Modern day (Campbellian) CoC's do NOT reflect NT gentile churches.
We just don't teach them, tbh. There's the one that went down in Acts and that's it. We only accept it because that made it into Acts and therefore it is inspired/infalliable. Every other one, nope. I was taught that over the years, the elders at one church started influencing others and building a network. This was what lead into the Catholic/Orthodox churches and was wrong. About the end of the 1st century, churches started pooling resources and compiled what we know as the Bible. We were what was created and have always been around since. Fast forward to about the 1960s and we split over the orphan homes.
We aren't big on history. I've started studying on my own and that's the only way I know anything about that kind of thing.
May I respectfully ask a question please . If the church of Christ is the church Christ talked about in the book of Matthew chapter 16 vs 18 why did it need to be restored in the 1800s during the restoration movement. If it was the church Christ spoke of that could withstand the gates of Hades it seems like it would not have needed to be restored.
Thank you
Hey Reborn - I was born 4th generation coc….
This is just something that sounded great because a bunch of denominational 1860s preachers got together, recanted of their individual “denominational teachings” and began to “teach where the Bible speaks, silent where the Bible is silent (what a CROCK)…..
By the end of the day the church needed resorting - the reformation movement wasn’t close enough to their pattern of:
HEAR, BELIEVE, CONFESS, REPENT and BE BAPTIZED (and LIVE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH for good measure).
Think of the coc as the Christian 3rd grade education. A good “primary” basic education, that sticks to the milk of the word, but thinks they are eating meat.
What's the difference between Christian Church and Churches of Christ vs Baptist?
So, am I understanding this video correctly? Do Churches of Christ believe that baptism is necessary for salvation to take place? Not trying to get in an argument. Just trying to understand.
Yes generally. Perhaps not absolutely logically necessary, as God can save without it, like in the case of infants, Old Testament Believers, and people who died before they could be baptized, but for others who are desiring to be saved, baptism is part of the plan of salvation according to the Church of Christ view.
As a Coc member
We believe our faith in Christ saves us, however we also believe that baptism is necessary,
Matthew 24:13 tells us we need to endure until the end to be saved,
And
Matthew 7:21-23
Tells that we must do the will of the father,
And we are commanded to be baptized therefore we believe it is a necessary thing to be baptized.
The Coc goes entirely based off what the Bible says they don’t try to change it or interpret it separately we are very serious about how we follow God’s word
Yes. Baptism alone will not save you, but it permits you to be saved. The caveat is we only believe a baptism is valid if you understood. So infants or severely mentally disabled, no. They will be saved as they are incapable of sinning; they just don't have the capacity for it.
Hi. Where can I find church of Christ in Rhode island pls. Thank you
Greetings,
Wonderful Video that you make is. I appreaciate.
When I was in Colorado Springs at Fort Carson, I joined a Church of Christ (non instrumental). I was baptised again since they eschewed my prior immersion at a Boston church, Tremont Temple, a Baptist church. I realized my error when I overhead a little girl being corrected when she referred to Brother (Thompson), who had joined an instrumental Church of Christ in town, as now being Mister (Thompson). The base chaplain was Church of Christ (non instrumental). His ordination was affirmed to the Pentagon by the DC church which was assumed to be the national headquarters.
Hallo brother my name is Ajay I'm from India/ Telangana my mother tung Telugu I want more and more about church of christ who start and when, what is the worship how to worship What is the system worship
I'm waiting for your next video and Answer Ajay from KNR Telangana
In my area the Church of Christ believes that no one can be saved unless they are baptized into The Church of Christ. I thought you would mention how exclusive some of these churches can be.
Acts 2 read it in its entirety
Because Jesus was fully baptized true Christians follow exactly what Jesus did
Of the 2 other men hung on crosses next to Christ...one said "I believe you."
What denomination was he?
All who believe is what Jesus was and is about.
They were both Jews I think
I’m so much happier since I left the church of Christ
I want to give this a thumbs up. But I can't. My heart is broken for them as they DENY the laws of God. That's simple "lawlessness"
Sounds like you just want to go to a church to fit what you believe but just because it’s what you believe doesn’t mean it’s right
@@Crusader1984 Drinking CoC indoctrination doesn't make one right either.
I am reviewing your video tonight at 7pm CT on Truth with Proof.
I’m so proud to be in the church that was spoken about in Roman 16:16. No other churches of today can say that.
Jesus only built one church. And how do we know we are in that church. We go by scripture only. We obey Christ and the gospel. We believe in one faith, one baptism and one body. The head of the one body is Jesus Christ. We do not believe in instrumental music in our worship because God only told the Christian’s to sing.
Also if people understood the origin of instruments in worship, they too would understand. Instrumental music came down from the Catholic pope in the late 1600s. Not that long ago really. The Protestant churches during that time protested that nonsense, it was very controversial. But as time went on, Protestant churches started bringing in instruments into worship. Only two churches of today still don’t allow music instruments into worship. The church of Christ and the Greek Orthodox. We have to be against the world not with the world.
The church of Christ group originated from the restorationist movement in the 1800s…
Anyway, the whole argument of Scripture being silent on no instruments therefore it’s wrong to use them in service, would you say the same thing about church buildings, since the new testament is silent on church buildings?
I went to a COC as a child and as I got older I felt like it resembled a cult than a body of believers. The belief in no musical instruments in church is hypocritical or a double standard. If a musical instrument is a sin in a church setting then musical instruments is a sin period but I know a lot of COC that will not turn that radio off and attend concerts. No place in the Bible does it say if you are not baptized you’ll go to hell. No not one scripture. If that’s the case then no man woman nor child that isn’t baptized goes to hell because there is no age of accountability in the Bible. Gods word is clear that we are saved by grace through faith. We get forgiveness of sin when we ask and repent. When we stop listening to what people want us to believe and immerse (baptize) ourselves in God’s word and rightly divide the Word of truth, the Spirit will open our minds and our hearts to understanding Gods truth
Same here 👊🏼
That thumbnail looks like the plaque on Westside Church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL just a few blocks from my house. The building is actually a former Southern Baptist church whose congregation dissolved in the early 80s. So, this Church of Christ has a pipe organ that they don't use.
Aside from the assurance of salvation, this doesn't differ much from the local Baptist churches where I grew up.
This is a lovely summary of CoC
Is the Churches of Christ the same as COGIC (Church of God in Christ)?
No. COGIC is a Pentecostal denomination.
Church Of Christ is the closest thing there is to a Christian cult. I was brought up in the CofC, attending the very church my family was instrumental in building. One of their fundamental beliefs is they are THE church Christ established in Matthew 16: 17-19. As a result of that belief they absolutely do not recognize other churches and refuse to have anything to do with them. Even to the point of refusing to call believers from other churches "brother". During my military service I did not attend services because there was no CofC available. Thus I "fell away" due to lack of attendance. After military, and a divorce, I resumed attending and was received back into the church. After attending for about 2 years I let it slip to the minister about my children from my previous marriage. After being questioned about my prior marriage I was told they could no longer have fellowship with me. We, my current wife and I of 8 years, could continue to attend but not take part in communion or any other functions within the church. Their view was my wife and I were living in a state of perpetual sin. Oh, and if I wanted to continue giving to the church that was fine. For all intents and purpose we were shunned or excommunicated so to speak. Naturally we dropped out of the church I loved so dearly. It caused me great mental and emotional distress. Many years later, after moving to Las Vegas I discovered a thing called GRACE at a evangelical church. Church of Christ is not big on grace and even seldom mention it. Nor do they seldom mention the Holy Spirit. So the long and short of it, and believe me I could go on, is this. Church of Christ is legalistic to the point of being a cult. My advice to anyone seeking a church is to look for one that preaches grace and God's forgiveness of all sins.
Church of Christ is absolutely a cult. The members are arrogant and simple-minded. They have, somehow gone under the radar.
💯
What reason why COC don't use mythical instruments In worship?
They probably don’t like Norse and Greek mythology
@@anarchorepublican5954 I was thinking the same thing some church has a magical lyre from some Greek god.
@@anarchorepublican5954 good point I’ll play the air kazoo and air guitar but it’ll be ok
@@anarchorepublican5954 heart string melody epic and only song palms too
Because we view the Old Testament as history and the New Testament being the gospel and how the church should be run the New Testament doesn’t say musical instruments are bad or good we just don’t use them because it’s a grey area and music can be distracting for worshipers, and it becomes about entertainment and worship is not supposed to be entertainment for us!
1 John 2:19-27 ….Church belongs to Christ who die for it…if there’s no Bible verses supporting instruments why should we add it to our adoration to God for?
Amen
Twisting scripture (Amos 6:5), insisting that it isn’t “authorized” in New Testament (but Angels in Rev using stringed instruments) is a LOGICAL FALLACY
This is because using instruments isn’t a salvation issue nor is it “worshiping in error” as coc like to repeat.
1 verse theologies are always suspect and easy to see when a denomination “speaks where the Bible speaks and is silent where the Bible is silent”….
But this is the evidence of spiritually immature christians (in this case hiding behind Romans 16:16).
Under emphasized in this video is the role of baptism as the vehicle of salvation, and how post baptism sin indicates that salvation did not take place.
NO One in church history was ever told to Hear Believe Repent Baptism Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit until 1827. Walter Scott came up with this plan of salvation. Name one person in the New Testament that was ever told to obey this plan. WS came up with this plan in 1827.
Yup - I call it the 5 finger formula of salvation (that gets parroted “as we stand and sing the song of invitation”)
I don’t miss those days
I always seem to get a Pureflix ad before I watch your videos.
Can you give me a real brief summary (or maybe you have a video) on how "Church of Christ" and "United Church of Christ" are/are not related?
Those 2 denominations have nothing to do with each other.
I think the UCC is the liberal Congregationalist (descended from the Puritans)
Other than that both started in the US and a purely coincidental similarity in the names, they have nothing in common. The Church of Christ is the most conservative, predominantly Southern, branch of the Restoration Movement of the early 19th Century, while the United Church of Christ is an amalgamation of some smaller ultra-liberal (both theologically and politically) Protestant mainline denominations that banded together in the 1950s because their individual memberships were dwindling.
What does amillennial mean?
If a church or individual is amillennial, it means they believe that the Thousand Years, or Millennium, mentioned in the Book of Revelation is not a literal thousand years, but is some variety of symbolic term for a long period of time, and that Christ won't physically reign on earth before the final judgment. This is opposed to the premillennial view that holds that there will be a literal 7-year tribulation followed by the physical return of Christ to earth and a literal thousand year period during which Christ and believers will rule over an idyllic earth. There is also a postmillennial view that Christ will perfect and purify the world through the Church and return when that process is complete, at which point the thousand years will begin. That view was extremely popular during the extremely optimistic late 19th and early 20th centuries, but nearly died out due to the grim horrors of World War I and the influenza epidemic just after it.
Ignore the reply from Pat Aherne--he doesn't know what he's talking about. A millennialist believes that in the end times, the kingdom of God will reign over the earth, either for a literal one thousand years, or for a long time which is figuratively referred to as a thousand years. Among millennialists, there are two types: pre-millennialists believe that Jesus will return to earth, which begins the millennial kingdom, and that Jesus will reign on the earth from Jerusalem. Post-millennialists believe that things will get progressively better until things reach the point that the kingdom of God has come upon the earth, and will last for either a literal or figurative thousand years--then Jesus comes back, and that's the end of the world. An amillennialist believes that there will be no kingdom of God on the earth--Jesus comes back, and that's the end of the world right then, without any kind of millennial kingdom.
What is called "the millennium" is currently happening, and ends when Christ returns. It's the majority of the Christian age, following the collapse of the Roman Empire (the "beast" in Revelation), who persecuted Christians in it's early years, until the Edict of Toleration in 313 AD.
Some people/ Chruches Christmas critsizing birthday celebrations of Jesus Christ
eg. Church of Christ
etc
Christmas . సందర్భం గా పెట్టిన Meetings వలననే నేను ప్రభు యేసు ని తెలుసుకున్నాను. డిసెంబర్ లో జరిగే బహిరంగ సభలకు, అనేకమంది వస్తారు, పెర్మిషన్స్ etc కూడా easy గా అధికారులు ను ఆహ్వానిచవచ్చ్చుఁ.
అలాటి వారిలో , అన్యులు గాఉన్నవారు రక్షణ పొందుతారు ఒక్క Paul తయారు కాలేదా, ఒక్కడయినా paul, peter లాగా తయారైతే, కోటి క్రిస్ మస్ meetings పెట్టినా, వృధా కాదు
Critisize చెయ్యడం మాని అన్ని నెలల్లో అన్ని meetings ద్వారా అనేక కోట్ల Paul, John, Peter, Daniel యిర్మియా వంటివారు తయారు కావాలని, మనస్ఫూర్తి గా ప్రార్ధించి వేడుకోండి ప్రభువును
Well said, thanks for sharing. - take care
Church of Christ is the only true church that is explained in the bible. It was established on the day of Pentecost in 33AD ! Christ is the only head of this church. The doctrines that is preached in the church of Christ is absolutely correct and they are proven by the bible!
Happy to be a member of the true Church ❤
Yes but not a building with the title, "church of Christ". That does not make it the one and true Church as they claim! What a deception.
I would love to have a sit-down loving debate w/you…..
Born 4th generation coc, member of 17 different churches (due to military)….
Calvary Chapel, Grace to You - John MacArthur, and Andy Woods…….then one day you turn around spiritually and see the “coc” movement for what it is:
milk drinking (but think it’s meat) left-behind and spiritually re-tarded and immature christians that are generally amill, lose their salvation, and that using musical instruments in worship is “worshiping in error” from a twisting of scripture from Amos.
I want to cantact to you sir
I am a member of a conservative church of Christ and we do have formal church membership. You got this one wrong.
I was consv. CoC's for 34 yrs. 7 different congregations in 6 different states. Some did and some didn't in my experience.
Some do and some don’t my church of Christ we call ourselves members, but there is no actual membership
I'm formerly CoC, more specifcally the second group. It's funny because when I talk to people that have been in non instrumental CoCs they often call my congregation "liberal" which is very much not how I would describe them lol
I encountered the same thing when I briefly attended a Church of Christ which was both non-instrumental and non-institutional. It's the only time I've ever been accused of being "liberal" in any way!
A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. (In other words, it is definitely a denomination.)
Nice sir
am also chuch of Christ
Am living in odisha
Yashu parmeshwar Sunita ka nas carna o hamko Jadu fona karti hai hamko bachana yashu ke name se amen
As a recent Bible Grad of Christian church Churches of Christ. It’s been so hard to try explain the differences between the three sects. All are connected but have very distinct differences, and at the same time can be more traditional or progressive within those sects.
For instance the 4C’s college I go to does not teach inereency and is supportive of women in ministry. So do most of the 4C Churches in our area.
Then maybe 40 minutes away is a Christian Church that does not believe in women in ministry and believes in inerrency.
In short thanks for doing a great job of boiling down the Church of Christ. We all believe differently, but are united in Christ
With love... no your not. Your united in Protestantism and Campbellism. Come out of her my people...
@@truthnottradition7 lol, you right i worship the own true god Campbell
@@nickensss I was CoC for 34yrs all as an adult. I taught classes and filled in as preacher when needed.
Yah has opened my eyes to what the Bible actually teaches vs what protestants / dispensationalist teach. The two don't match.
I suggest you do an independent study on the 7th Day Sabbath.
Shalom
@@nickensss Have you compared his "sermon on the law" to the Bible?
I have.. the two don't match.
Modern days CoC's look far more like the Stone / Campbell movement than they do the Gentile believers the Apostles visited and sent letters to.
Looking at a subject w/o a bias and pretexting is very difficult to do. Brother prove all things...
Shalom
Amen.
I was born and rise in CofC in Texas. If you don't believe in what they they'll break off and make another Church. I'm 68 now I was about 49 when I left. One was the people down the street they good people the preacher would say but they are not going to heaven. There would other things say off and on. They are more about power over the people. You don't do it this way you're out.
Praise Yeshua you ‘escaped’ 👊🏼🙏