Sullivan church of Christ -- Sullivan, MO
Date: November 13, 2005
THERE'S A STRIKING DIFFERENCE!
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NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY
Christ founder of church
(Matthew 16:18)
One body, one faith, one baptism
(Ephesians 4:4-6)
Christ has ALL authority
(Matthew 28:18)
Wear the name Christian
(I Peter 4:16)
Scriptural name for church
(Acts 20:28; Romans 16:16)
Lord adds saved to his church
(Acts 2:47)
Plurality of elders (pastors) over each
congregation (Acts 20:17)
Faith without works is dead
(James 2:14-26)
Ye are fallen from grace
(Galatians 5:4)
Lord’s Supper each Lord’s Day
(Acts 2:42; 20:7)
Baptize by immersion only
(Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12)
Baptism for penitent believers
(Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38)
Baptized into Christ and his spiritual
body (Galatians 3:27; I Corinthians 12:13)
DENOMINATIONALISM
Human founders of denominations
Many bodies, faiths, baptisms
Authority vested in creeds and councils
Wears names that glorify men, systems,
doctrines
Denominational designations
“Join” various denominations
“Pastor” over one church
“Faith only” saves
Cannot fall from grace
According to custom or church preference
“Baptism” by sprinkling, pouring, etc.
Baptism for infants
Accepted by vote of congregation,
probation, confirmation, etc.
CRITICISMS WITHOUT SOLUTIONS
Ben Justice
One who offers criticisms is a critic. A critic criticizes. When a critic criticizes
he is being critical. Whatever is criticized is known as criticism. But, what is all
of this? Very simply, it has to do with “making judgments and evaluations,
expressing disapproval, to find fault with.” No one really likes to be on the
receiving end of criticism. However, we must understand that there are two
types of criticism. There is good criticism and there is bad criticism. Or, to say
the same thing in another way, there is constructive criticism and there is
destructive criticism. No matter what kind of criticism is offered, we tend to
want to defend ourselves. This is human nature. However, we would do well to
develop a sense of awareness and understanding of that kind of criticism that
can help us and to receive such humbly with a view of making correction and
improvements. How do we know whether or not someone is offering constructive
or destructive criticism? Without exception, destructive criticisms are always
without solutions or ideas about how to fix or improve something. How many
times do people offer their critical remarks but then have absolutely no
solutions? This is seen quite regularly in the political world these days. Almost
on a daily basis, we hear and see liberals criticizing practically everything. The
problem is that they have no solutions; they have no ideas; they have no plans.
In the church, I would issue this warning: Before you seek to criticize others,
make sure you have solutions, or else, it will be destructive in nature. Those
who truly want to offer constructive criticisms will have the solutions to go along
with the criticisms. Here are some other thoughts concerning constructive
verses destructive criticisms.
1.) One usually knows those who are always critical. Their criticisms are
usually destructive in nature, rather than constructive. It seems to be in the
nature of some to want to constantly criticize. They can be spotted a mile away.
How many times have you expressed, “Oh no, here comes so-in-so. I am sure
he will be against it.”
2.) It is true that one may sincerely believe he is offering constructive criticism,
when in reality it is destructive. He may even offer solutions and ideas, but
when those solutions and ideas are carefully weighed out, it is discovered that
they would not be for the best. This is when the person must be shown that his
criticisms would not be for the better. Great care must be taken, for we don’t
want to come across to the person as arrogant or haughty. Gratitude and
appreciation ought to be expressed. This will go a long way in helping the one
see that his solutions and ideas would not be the way to go.
3.) One sure sign that a person is offering destructive criticism is to consider
their lifestyle. Throughout my preaching career, I have been bombarded with
criticisms. Way more often than not those who offered criticisms were those
who lived an ungodly lifestyle — one not becoming of a Christian. Those whose
lives are not right will invariably offer destructive criticism. What a shame!
4.) May it be pointed out that it is true that even elders and preachers can learn
from the criticisms of others. This is constructive criticism. Even all of us can
learn from others. We should strive to listen and learn better and then make
the necessary changes for the best. However, some are so proud that they feel
they never need to apologize or change their view or position on anything.
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH: OUR # 1 PRIORITY
Ben Justice
The work of the church is very simple: SAVE SOULS. The marching orders of the
church is to save souls by means of evangelism (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16;
Luke 24:47), edification (2 Tim. 2:2), and benevolence (Gal. 6:10). In fact, these
three areas are the only authorized avenues set forth in the NT by which to save
souls. There is no authority for the church to take the place of the home in
providing recreation, entertainment, and socialization.
I wonder, though, is the work of the church truly our number one priority? All
too often we allow ourselves to neglect the work of the church. Just because we
assemble three times a week doesn’t mean the work of the church is being
carried out. By our actions we think that the work of the church is magically
going to be done. If the work of the church is to be our number one priority, then
it is imperative that a few things be in place:
1.) Truly carrying out the work of the church involves more than just assembling
three times a week. It involves a great deal of time and personal sacrifice.
2.) We must realize that the Lord’s kingdom is more valuable than anything else
in this world (Matt. 13:44-46). When a person views it as such, then they are
more apt to want to make the work of the church the number one priority (cf.
Matt. 6:33).
3.) Leaders, in their meetings, must make the work of the church their number
one priority. All too often meetings are centered around everything else but the
work of the church. It must be the work of the church that takes front and
center. Leaders must take the time and initiative in brainstorming about ways
and avenues in which to evangelize, edify, and be benevolent.
May we ever strive to make the work of the church our number one priority!