Preaching Divine Creation stirs the Evolutionist.

Preaching the one true church stirs the denominationalists.

Preaching against liquor stirs the drinker.

Preaching on modesty stirs the immodest.

Preaching on attendance stirs those unfaithful in attendance.

Preaching on pure speech stirs the gossip.

Preaching on dedication stirs the uncommitted.

Preaching on honesty stirs the cheat.

Preaching against sin stirs the guilty.

Preaching on Christ stirs those who love Him.

Preaching on Heaven stirs the hearts of those who want to go there.

Come visit the Mt. Baker church of Christ and hear soul-stirring Gospel preaching!!

(Acts 17:6; Rom 1:16; 2 Pet 1:13; 3:1) 

-Adapted from the Southside church of Christ website, Owensboro KY

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(With some changes for length, this is an answer recently sent to a woman asking the question, “What is the Church of Christ?” –Joe)

The church of Christ is not a denomination; it is the Biblical description of those who are saved in Christ. The word “church” translates a word that means the called out ones. In its broadest sense, church of Christ identifies those are called out of sin and thus belong to Christ. For example, Jesus said “I will build my church” (Matt 16:18). The Lord adds to the church those who are being saved (Acts 2:47). So, “church of Christ” means the church that belongs to Christ. It is a statement of possession: the saved ones who belong to Christ.

     “Church of Christ” is also used in the NT in a local sense to describe local congregations (churches). For instance, “the churches of Christ salute you” is a reference to local churches, each belonging to Christ (Rom 16:16). So, we read of the church of God which is at Corinth (1 Cor 1:2), the church of the Thessalonians (1 Ths 1:1), etc. in the New Testament.

     The apostle Paul taught that the church of Christ is the body of Christ, and that there is “one body” (Eph 1:22-23; 4:4). This statement does not suggest that one denomination is better and to be preferred over other denominations; Paul did not use the word “church” denominationally. He used it of those who are saved in Christ, who is the “Savior of the body” (Eph 5:23).

     There is no denominational usage of the word “church” in the New Testament. Denominations were built by men and are divided based on man-made and endorsed creeds, confessions, etc. These separate believers and contradict the NT teaching about the church of Christ. In the NT, each local church of Christ had its own eldership overseeing its own congregation without any inter-congregational or extra-congregational organization and/or oversight (Acts 14:23; 20:28; Phil 1:1; 1 Pet 5:2). The Catholic Church (with its bishops, archbishops, cardinals and pope) corrupted the independent, congregational structure of churches of Christ. Protestant reformers did not restore the NT organization, worship or work of the church of Christ; they established competing denominations – all claiming to be part of the church of Christ. Their claim is not supported by the Scriptures, since Christ is not divided (1 Cor 1:10-13).

     The plea we make is to go back to the Bible; back to the gospel of Christ for our full and final authority for all we believe, teach and practice (Col 3:17). Unfortunately, some churches of Christ in our generation have turned away from that simple plea just as some churches did in the days of the early church (from Rev 2-3 we learn that even before the first century ended some churches were in danger of falling into apostasy).

     The NT teaches us how to be saved in Christ (“he that believes and is baptized shall be saved”, Mk 16:16). The Lord adds those who are saved to His church (Acts 2:38-41, 47). From these and other verses we learn the doctrine of salvation by “faith only” does not save us (Jas 2:21-24). The faith that saves sinners is faith that obeys the Lord in all things (Matt 7:21-23; Heb 5:9).

     Like the people in Berea in Acts 17:11-12, we can examine the Scriptures with noble hearts to learn, believe and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. By doing so we will have salvation in the Son and the unity of believers for which Jesus prayed (Jno 17:20-21).

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

1. Sacrifice: “The act of offering; then, objectively, that which is offered” (Vine).
2. Sacrifices have certain characteristics to be acceptable to God (1 Pet 2:5):
  a. Presentation (Lev 1:3-5; Rom 12:1).
  b. Personal (Lev 1:2; Rom 12:1).
  c. Value, 2 Sam 24:18, 21-25.
  d. Prescribed manner, Lev 9:15-16.
3. 2 Sam 24:24: The cost of our sacrifices…,  Rom 5:8; Heb 11:17-19.

I. SACRIFICE OF YOUR FAITH, Phil 2:17.

  A. We Present our Faith to God, Heb 11:6, 4. (cf. Abel, 11:4).
  B. The Sacrifice of Faith is the Christian’s Life and Conduct is the Expression of Personal Faith, Phil 2:17 (1:9-11, 27, 29-30; 2:12-13, 2:14-16; Jas 2:14, 24, 26

II. SACRIFICE OF OUR BODY (LIVING), Rom 12:1.

  A. Present our Bodies to God to Fulfill His Will in Our Lives, 1 Cor 6:13; Rom 6:12-14; 1 Ths 4:1-8; 1 Pet 4:3-4; Mk 7:20-23.

III. THE SACRIFICE OF MATERIAL GOODS TO HELP OTHERS, Phil 4:18.

  A. Helping those in Need, Gal 6:10; 1 Tim 6:17-19; 2 Cor 9:7, 12-15; 1 Jno 3:16-17.
  B. Supporting Preachers in their Work, Phil 4:15-16; Gal 6:6.
  C. God is Pleased with these Sacrifices, Heb 13:16 (Matt 25:34-40).

IV. THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE, Heb 13:15.

  A. God is Praised when We Confess Him in our Lives, Matt 10:32-33.
  B. Our Assembled Worship Provides this Opportunity, Heb 10:24-25; Psa 42:4.

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