church

Is it necessary to be a member of a local church?

Though the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship are common in both the Catholic and Protestant communities of "Christendom, " most people do not realize that this function was unknown to the churches of the apostolic age. Rather, the practice was an innovation that came centuries after the establishment of Christ’s church, and such was wholly without New Testament authority. Noted scholar William Woodson discusses this digression in this month’s Feature article.

Was the church of Christ established on the day of Pentecost? Or was it established at some earlier time in human history?

The English word “church” is derived from the Greek kurikon, meaning “belonging to the Lord.”

The actual word in the Greek text, which stands behind the modern rendition, “church,” is ekklesia, "...

The term Catholic originates with a Greek word, katholikos, which means “general” or “universal.” The expression is not found in the Scriptures but has been employed in various senses in church his...

Autonomy derives from two roots: auto (“self”) andnomos (“law”). It can have positive or negative connotations.

It’s crucial to remember that man is not autonomous. He is not empowered to rule him...

Perhaps the answer to a decline in Christianity is to restore the church as found in the New Testament.

“Terrorist” is a word with which we are quite familiar these days—at least in a political sense. What about “terrorists” in the church? They were present in the early church, and they are today as well. We must learn to identify them if the church is to be kept pure.

The conversion of Cornelius in Acts 10 contains valuable lessons for today.

Moving into a new community? Having a life-altering crisis? Children growing up in a wicked society? Thinking about a church? Many people are; unfortunately, however, too many are looking for the wrong things.

The American Standard Version of the New Testament suggests that a woman must “fear” her husband. Does this seem reasonable?

The New Testament gives a clear picture of what the church was under the leadership of the Lord’s apostles. The church’s origin was divine; it continues to be subject to the authority of Christ. Should it not be the same today — simply, the church of Christ?

The Scriptures teach that each congregation of the Lord’s body is under self-rule, but with limitations. Sadly, some do not recognize these limitations and jeopardize their fidelity to sound doctrine.

Traditionally, churches of Christ have observed the Lord’s supper each Sunday — and only on that day. Now, some are suggesting there is New Testament authority for daily communion, or for the serving of the supper on days other than the Lord’s day. Unfortunately for those who so argue, the New Testament “authority” for this evolving procedure is missing.

Is “necessary inference” a valid method of arriving at biblical truth?

The Jerusalem church of Christ is a model that all churches should pattern themselves after. After all, they were operating under the direct instruction of the inspired apostles. The results are apparent in Acts 4:32.

Is it possible to rediscover the church of the New Testament in today’s world? Many sincere people have never considered this possibility. But is it possible?

May one contend that while the “law” was abolished by the death of Christ, nonetheless, the Psalms remain; and the Psalms provide authority for worshipping God with instruments of music?

Paperback; 473 pages; A verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Acts written on the popular level.