Uniontown
church of Christ
No Need To Search Any Further, You Have Found The Site With The Truth Of Jesus.
Our congregation was started on July 11 1911 in a old building that was across the road from this building, it is now a parking lot. And it was started by three individuals from this little town. They had a preacher that would drive his horse and buggy the whole way from Somerset Pa. until they got their first preacher. We are a Bible based church, and our only desire is to preach the gospel and all the truth of scripture.
2nd Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
2nd Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Sunday Bible Study starts at 10:00 am
Sunday Worship Starts at 11:00 am
Sunday Evening Starts at 6:00 pm
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pm
Monday Night for the Master if you are going to eat 6:00 pm and if you are not going to eat 6:25 pm
You can contact us by mail, and our address is.
Uniontown church of Christ
6620 Route 240 Highway
Cherry Tree, Pa. 15724
Phone Number Is 814-743-5185
Our Preacher's name is Albert Brown
Alberts e-mail Is AlbertGBrown@aol.com
Our Elders are, Jay Britton, Bob Elick, and Phil Faint
I Take Care of The Web Pages and my name is Gordon, you can contact me at kb3aqa@comcast.net
Some Things You May Have Wondered
About the churches of Christ
Acts 28 describes the arrival of the Apostle Paul in Rome as a prisoner bound over to the tribunal of Nero Caesar. Soon after his arrival, Paul called together the leading men among the Jews to explain the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment. They came together with some curiosity... They candidly told Paul that they had some questions about his religious beliefs because they had heard the faith which he preached "everywhere spoken against." Acts 28:22
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
It was agreed to set a day for Paul to speak to them in an effort to answer their questions about Jesus Christ and His church. When the day came, the writer of Acts tells us that Paul "explained to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and tried to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening." Acts 28:23
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
In very much the same spirit of honest inquiry we approach the subject of this writing. It is our intention to attempt to answer questions about some of the things churches of Christ believe and do religiously. Perhaps you, yourself, have wondered about some of the things done by churches of Christ... or perhaps you are unsure about the things which we teach and do. Maybe you have wondered what distinguishes churches of Christ from the hundreds of other churches in the world.
Well let me then, attempt to explain "Some Things You May Have Wondered about Churches of Christ..."
With What Denomination Are You Associated?
It is our firm intention to be simply undenominational. We believe that it is possible to be simply a Christian - Christians only - without being a member of any denomination. We do not consider ourselves as being a denomination - neither Catholic or Protestant or Jewish! We simply want to be members of the church of the New Testament.
It is probable that most people misunderstand what we are trying to say when we use the words "churches of Christ." It is not our intention to use the term "church of Christ" as a denominational name or designation. The word "church" literally means "the called out" or "the assembly." It refers to a body of people. When we speak of the church of Christ, we are simply referring to that body of people which belongs to Christ. It is simply a descriptive term and not a denominational title.
By "church of Christ" we simply mean to refer to that body of people throughout the whole world who have submitted to the Lordship of Christ by obeying His commands and who are striving to live according to His teachings! It is our sincere aim not to be any kind of denomination, but to restore the simple faith and worship of the New Testament church.
Wasn't the Church of Christ
Started by Alexander Campbell?
The answer, of course, is an emphatic "No!" Remember that when we speak of the "church of Christ" we simply mean that group or body of people which belongs to Christ. When we speak in those terms, it is easy to see that the church was started by Christ. He promised to build it. (Matthew 16:13-19)
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
He gave Himself for it. (Ephesians 5:25)
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
He shed His blood to purchase it. (Acts 20:28)
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
He is the foundation under it. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
He is the head over it. (Ephesians 1:22)
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
It was His desire that His church remain pure, "Not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing..." (Ephesians 5:27)
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
As long as men respected Christ's authority and followed the teachings of the New Testament, the church remained pure. But with passing centuries the church was corrupted: men would not endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and the church became buried under centuries of human tradition, religious division, and man-made doctrine.
Shortly after the Revolutionary War in America, voices were heard calling for the "restoration of New Testament Christianity." This movement began to spread, one observer said, "like a prairie fire in dry stubble." Men from widely different denominational backgrounds began to plead for all Christians everywhere to be united on the basis of the Bible alone. They urged, "Where the scriptures speak, we speak!" One early leader in the movement was James O'Kelly, a prominent Methodist preacher from North Carolina who established a congregation in 1793 which resolved to take the Bible as its only creed.
In New England, two Baptist preachers by the name of Elias Smith and Abner Jones renounced "sectarian names and creeds" and began preaching New Testament Christianity about 1801. In the state of Kentucky, Barton W. Stone, a gifted Presbyterian preacher, called for the same thing. These movements began separately, without knowledge of one another, but soon they were working together in the same great cause.
One of the most gifted speakers and writers in the early days of this movement was Alexander Campbell who had emigrated to America from Scotland in 1809. Alexander, like his father Thomas, had been raised in the Presbyterian church and had prepared for the Presbyterian ministry. But both men, studying independently, came to the shared conclusion that they would work together to restore New Testament Christianity.
Because of his unusual ability and because he was the friend of Presidents, Senators, and Congressmen, Alexander Campbell became extremely well-known. Some critics began to label those who were working for a return to New Testament
Christianity "Campbellites" as a term to ridicule. Campbell was called the founder of the church of Christ. In reality, he was only one of thousands who were working for a return to New Testament Christianity. Long before he left Scotland in 1809, thousands of men and women in America were already calling themselves simply "Christians" and a number of congregations had been organized simply as "churches of Christ."
While I admire and respect Alexander Campbell as a student of the Bible (as I do Martin Luther, John Wesley, and Ulrich Zwingli) l owe no religious allegiance to him or any other man! We plead for men and women to go back to Christ! Back to the Bible! Back to the First Century church! We believe that we can restore the New Testament church if we will believe what early Christians believed, obey what they obeyed, and observe what they observed!
How are Churches of Christ Organized?
We believe in the simplicity of New Testament Christianity; we believe that congregations today should be organized just as they were in the 1st Century. Churches of Christ have none of the trappings of modern day religious bureaucracies... there are no governing boards... no district, regional, national, or international headquarters. Each congregation is independent and autonomous. The only tie that binds congregations together is a common allegiance to Christ and the Bible.
Each local congregation is governed locally by a plurality of Elders, in keeping with the New Testament pattern. (Acts 20:17, 28)
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Acts 20:28
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
These men are chosen by the congregation on the basis of qualifications for office given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. In New Testament times, these men were also called Bishops (Overseers) and Pastors (Shepherds). 1 Peter 5:1-4
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Philippians 1:1
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Ephesians 4:11
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Serving under the Elders are deacons, who are chosen by the congregation on the basis of requirements of 1 Timothy 3. The word "deacon" means servant, and theirs is a ministry of service. Congregations are also served by evangelists or preachers who are charged with the responsibility of "preaching the Word."
2 Timothy 4:2
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
We believe that no one outside the congregation has any right to direct the affairs of the congregation: There are no conventions, no associations no annual meetings, no official publications... No person or group issues policies or makes decisions for other congregations!
There are about 30,000 congregations of churches of Christ throughout the world with a total of 2 1/2 to 3 million members or more. There are about 25,000 congregations in America and congregations are found in more than 100 countries... but the only tie that binds these congregations together is that of a shared faith and loyalty to the same Lord!
Why Do Preachers of Churches of Christ Object to Being Called "Reverend" or "Pastor"?
In New Testament times, the word "Pastor" was a synonym for Elder. It was used this way by both Peter (1 Peter 5:1-2)
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
and Paul (Acts 20). It comes from a Greek word, POIMEN, meaning "to shepherd." Biblically, the shepherds of the flock are the Bishops or Elders - not the Preacher! There was never one, single pastor in any congregation - always a plurality of Pastors. Some preachers are also Pastors or Elders; Peter was. (1 Peter 5:1) 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Most preachers are not elders. We wish to call Bible things by Bible names.
We reject the use of Reverend because we believe it is the kind of religious title forbidden by Christ in Matthew 23:8-12
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
when He said we were to call no man "Rabbi" or "Father" or "Master" in a religious sense. The word "Reverend" is used only once in the Bible (KJV) in Psalm 111:9, and there it is used in connection with God! The word refers to something which is to be held in reverence! It is inappropriate to apply it to men.
We respectfully decline to be called either "Pastor" or "Reverend" because of our commitment to follow the New Testament not only in the deeds we practice, but also in the words we speak.
Why Do Churches of Christ Not Use
Instruments in Worship?
This is often misunderstood... some are surprised to discover that we don't use them... others are confused as to our reasons for not doing so. It is not because of a lack of interest in music or because we feel that musical instruments are wicked in and of themselves. Rather, it is because of our concern for doing in worship only what the New Testament specifically allows.
We realize that mechanical instruments of music were a part of Old Testament worship. But we also note that animal sacrifice, incense, and a priesthood were connected with Old Testament Worship. When Christ took the old law out of the way by nailing it to His cross, those things were also taken away. (Romans 7:4)
4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Today we are to be guided by the New Covenant - The New Testament.
There are eight passages in the New Testament which have to do with music in worship: Matthew 26:30
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Acts 16:25
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Romans 15:9
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
1st Corinthians 14:15
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Ephesians 5:19
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Colossians 3:16
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Hebrews 2:12
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
and James 5:13
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
In each case, it is singing which is specifically mentioned!
1st Corinthians 4:6 warns us not to do more than the scriptures allow: 6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. "That in us you might learn not to go beyond the things which are written."
History confirms that it was NOT the practice of the New Testament church to use instruments of music. Early Christian writers were unanimous in condemning instrumental music in worship. Modern historians uniformly agree that the music of the early church was purely vocal. The first recorded use of an organ in Christian worship did not come until the time of Pope Vitalian in 670 AD; its use did not become widespread until the Middle Ages!
It is interesting to note that the word "acappella" used today to indicate unaccompanied singing comes from a Latin phrase meaning "in the manner or style of the church." To sing acappella was to sing as they did in church - without instrumental music!
Great Reformers and religious thinkers in the past have repeatedly called for the church to be purged of the innovation of Instrumental Music. Martin Luther called instrumental music "an ensign of Baal." John Calvin insisted that "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, and the restoration of other shadows of the law... Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in their noise but the simplicity God recommends to us by the Apostles is far more pleasing to him."
John Knox called for the church to be purified of what he called "a popish corruption" and urged the restoration of "the plain singing of psalms unaccompanied by instrumental music." Charles Spurgeon urged that all organ pipes in church buildings ~be compactly filled with concrete." Adam Clarke in his classic Commentary speaks movingly of his own opposition to it and describes the opposition of his friend and teacher, John Wesley, who urged that instruments of music neither be seen or heard in Methodist churches. (Vol. 4, p. 684.) All the great reformers were agreed: Returning to Biblical Christianity meant rejecting instrumental music!
We fear that to add instrumental music to what God has called for would be to go beyond what the scriptures allow. "And that if anyone goeth onward and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, he hath not the Father nor the Son." (2 John 9)
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. So we are content to simply sing!
Why Do Churches of Christ
Place Such Emphasis on Baptism?
Because we believe that the New Testament places great emphasis upon it! Baptism is mentioned more than 100 times in the New Testament.
The New Testament teaches that Baptism is an act which is essential to salvation. Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
It enables one to enter the kingdom. (John 3:5)
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
It is for remission of sins. (Acts 2:38)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
It saves. (1 Peter 3:21)
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
It washes away sins. (Acts 22:16)
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
It puts us into the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
In Romans 6:3-4
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
It is said that Baptism puts us (1) Into Christ; (2) Into His death; and (3) Into a death to sin. Baptism does not save in and of itself; it is not an ordinance of the church. But it is an act of obedience by which we come into contact with the saving blood of Christ and surrender to God's grace!
Conclusion
When John Q. Adams was President of the United States (1825-1829), he stood before Congress one afternoon and said: "I hold in my hand a bushel basket from the state of North Carolina and one from New York. One contains 68 more cubic inches than the other." He picked up a pair of two-pound weights, one from Maine and one from Carolina and said, "There are ounces of difference between them." He urged the adoption of a system for the regulation of weights and measures and that afternoon the motion was made and passed creating a Bureau of Weights and Measures.
That is what this writing is about: the need for a standard in religion! It is our conviction that the Bible is God's only recognized standard and that we must speak the "oracles of God."
(1 Peter4: 11)
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Let's take the Bible as our only authority, adding and subtracting nothing!
All scripture is from the KJV.
About the churches of Christ
Acts 28 describes the arrival of the Apostle Paul in Rome as a prisoner bound over to the tribunal of Nero Caesar. Soon after his arrival, Paul called together the leading men among the Jews to explain the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment. They came together with some curiosity... They candidly told Paul that they had some questions about his religious beliefs because they had heard the faith which he preached "everywhere spoken against." Acts 28:22
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
It was agreed to set a day for Paul to speak to them in an effort to answer their questions about Jesus Christ and His church. When the day came, the writer of Acts tells us that Paul "explained to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and tried to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening." Acts 28:23
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
In very much the same spirit of honest inquiry we approach the subject of this writing. It is our intention to attempt to answer questions about some of the things churches of Christ believe and do religiously. Perhaps you, yourself, have wondered about some of the things done by churches of Christ... or perhaps you are unsure about the things which we teach and do. Maybe you have wondered what distinguishes churches of Christ from the hundreds of other churches in the world.
Well let me then, attempt to explain "Some Things You May Have Wondered about Churches of Christ..."
With What Denomination Are You Associated?
It is our firm intention to be simply undenominational. We believe that it is possible to be simply a Christian - Christians only - without being a member of any denomination. We do not consider ourselves as being a denomination - neither Catholic or Protestant or Jewish! We simply want to be members of the church of the New Testament.
It is probable that most people misunderstand what we are trying to say when we use the words "churches of Christ." It is not our intention to use the term "church of Christ" as a denominational name or designation. The word "church" literally means "the called out" or "the assembly." It refers to a body of people. When we speak of the church of Christ, we are simply referring to that body of people which belongs to Christ. It is simply a descriptive term and not a denominational title.
By "church of Christ" we simply mean to refer to that body of people throughout the whole world who have submitted to the Lordship of Christ by obeying His commands and who are striving to live according to His teachings! It is our sincere aim not to be any kind of denomination, but to restore the simple faith and worship of the New Testament church.
Wasn't the Church of Christ
Started by Alexander Campbell?
The answer, of course, is an emphatic "No!" Remember that when we speak of the "church of Christ" we simply mean that group or body of people which belongs to Christ. When we speak in those terms, it is easy to see that the church was started by Christ. He promised to build it. (Matthew 16:13-19)
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
He gave Himself for it. (Ephesians 5:25)
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
He shed His blood to purchase it. (Acts 20:28)
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
He is the foundation under it. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
He is the head over it. (Ephesians 1:22)
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
It was His desire that His church remain pure, "Not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing..." (Ephesians 5:27)
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
As long as men respected Christ's authority and followed the teachings of the New Testament, the church remained pure. But with passing centuries the church was corrupted: men would not endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and the church became buried under centuries of human tradition, religious division, and man-made doctrine.
Shortly after the Revolutionary War in America, voices were heard calling for the "restoration of New Testament Christianity." This movement began to spread, one observer said, "like a prairie fire in dry stubble." Men from widely different denominational backgrounds began to plead for all Christians everywhere to be united on the basis of the Bible alone. They urged, "Where the scriptures speak, we speak!" One early leader in the movement was James O'Kelly, a prominent Methodist preacher from North Carolina who established a congregation in 1793 which resolved to take the Bible as its only creed.
In New England, two Baptist preachers by the name of Elias Smith and Abner Jones renounced "sectarian names and creeds" and began preaching New Testament Christianity about 1801. In the state of Kentucky, Barton W. Stone, a gifted Presbyterian preacher, called for the same thing. These movements began separately, without knowledge of one another, but soon they were working together in the same great cause.
One of the most gifted speakers and writers in the early days of this movement was Alexander Campbell who had emigrated to America from Scotland in 1809. Alexander, like his father Thomas, had been raised in the Presbyterian church and had prepared for the Presbyterian ministry. But both men, studying independently, came to the shared conclusion that they would work together to restore New Testament Christianity.
Because of his unusual ability and because he was the friend of Presidents, Senators, and Congressmen, Alexander Campbell became extremely well-known. Some critics began to label those who were working for a return to New Testament
Christianity "Campbellites" as a term to ridicule. Campbell was called the founder of the church of Christ. In reality, he was only one of thousands who were working for a return to New Testament Christianity. Long before he left Scotland in 1809, thousands of men and women in America were already calling themselves simply "Christians" and a number of congregations had been organized simply as "churches of Christ."
While I admire and respect Alexander Campbell as a student of the Bible (as I do Martin Luther, John Wesley, and Ulrich Zwingli) l owe no religious allegiance to him or any other man! We plead for men and women to go back to Christ! Back to the Bible! Back to the First Century church! We believe that we can restore the New Testament church if we will believe what early Christians believed, obey what they obeyed, and observe what they observed!
How are Churches of Christ Organized?
We believe in the simplicity of New Testament Christianity; we believe that congregations today should be organized just as they were in the 1st Century. Churches of Christ have none of the trappings of modern day religious bureaucracies... there are no governing boards... no district, regional, national, or international headquarters. Each congregation is independent and autonomous. The only tie that binds congregations together is a common allegiance to Christ and the Bible.
Each local congregation is governed locally by a plurality of Elders, in keeping with the New Testament pattern. (Acts 20:17, 28)
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Acts 20:28
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
These men are chosen by the congregation on the basis of qualifications for office given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. In New Testament times, these men were also called Bishops (Overseers) and Pastors (Shepherds). 1 Peter 5:1-4
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Philippians 1:1
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Ephesians 4:11
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Serving under the Elders are deacons, who are chosen by the congregation on the basis of requirements of 1 Timothy 3. The word "deacon" means servant, and theirs is a ministry of service. Congregations are also served by evangelists or preachers who are charged with the responsibility of "preaching the Word."
2 Timothy 4:2
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
We believe that no one outside the congregation has any right to direct the affairs of the congregation: There are no conventions, no associations no annual meetings, no official publications... No person or group issues policies or makes decisions for other congregations!
There are about 30,000 congregations of churches of Christ throughout the world with a total of 2 1/2 to 3 million members or more. There are about 25,000 congregations in America and congregations are found in more than 100 countries... but the only tie that binds these congregations together is that of a shared faith and loyalty to the same Lord!
Why Do Preachers of Churches of Christ Object to Being Called "Reverend" or "Pastor"?
In New Testament times, the word "Pastor" was a synonym for Elder. It was used this way by both Peter (1 Peter 5:1-2)
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
and Paul (Acts 20). It comes from a Greek word, POIMEN, meaning "to shepherd." Biblically, the shepherds of the flock are the Bishops or Elders - not the Preacher! There was never one, single pastor in any congregation - always a plurality of Pastors. Some preachers are also Pastors or Elders; Peter was. (1 Peter 5:1) 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Most preachers are not elders. We wish to call Bible things by Bible names.
We reject the use of Reverend because we believe it is the kind of religious title forbidden by Christ in Matthew 23:8-12
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
when He said we were to call no man "Rabbi" or "Father" or "Master" in a religious sense. The word "Reverend" is used only once in the Bible (KJV) in Psalm 111:9, and there it is used in connection with God! The word refers to something which is to be held in reverence! It is inappropriate to apply it to men.
We respectfully decline to be called either "Pastor" or "Reverend" because of our commitment to follow the New Testament not only in the deeds we practice, but also in the words we speak.
Why Do Churches of Christ Not Use
Instruments in Worship?
This is often misunderstood... some are surprised to discover that we don't use them... others are confused as to our reasons for not doing so. It is not because of a lack of interest in music or because we feel that musical instruments are wicked in and of themselves. Rather, it is because of our concern for doing in worship only what the New Testament specifically allows.
We realize that mechanical instruments of music were a part of Old Testament worship. But we also note that animal sacrifice, incense, and a priesthood were connected with Old Testament Worship. When Christ took the old law out of the way by nailing it to His cross, those things were also taken away. (Romans 7:4)
4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Today we are to be guided by the New Covenant - The New Testament.
There are eight passages in the New Testament which have to do with music in worship: Matthew 26:30
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Acts 16:25
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Romans 15:9
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
1st Corinthians 14:15
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Ephesians 5:19
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Colossians 3:16
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Hebrews 2:12
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
and James 5:13
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
In each case, it is singing which is specifically mentioned!
1st Corinthians 4:6 warns us not to do more than the scriptures allow: 6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. "That in us you might learn not to go beyond the things which are written."
History confirms that it was NOT the practice of the New Testament church to use instruments of music. Early Christian writers were unanimous in condemning instrumental music in worship. Modern historians uniformly agree that the music of the early church was purely vocal. The first recorded use of an organ in Christian worship did not come until the time of Pope Vitalian in 670 AD; its use did not become widespread until the Middle Ages!
It is interesting to note that the word "acappella" used today to indicate unaccompanied singing comes from a Latin phrase meaning "in the manner or style of the church." To sing acappella was to sing as they did in church - without instrumental music!
Great Reformers and religious thinkers in the past have repeatedly called for the church to be purged of the innovation of Instrumental Music. Martin Luther called instrumental music "an ensign of Baal." John Calvin insisted that "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, and the restoration of other shadows of the law... Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in their noise but the simplicity God recommends to us by the Apostles is far more pleasing to him."
John Knox called for the church to be purified of what he called "a popish corruption" and urged the restoration of "the plain singing of psalms unaccompanied by instrumental music." Charles Spurgeon urged that all organ pipes in church buildings ~be compactly filled with concrete." Adam Clarke in his classic Commentary speaks movingly of his own opposition to it and describes the opposition of his friend and teacher, John Wesley, who urged that instruments of music neither be seen or heard in Methodist churches. (Vol. 4, p. 684.) All the great reformers were agreed: Returning to Biblical Christianity meant rejecting instrumental music!
We fear that to add instrumental music to what God has called for would be to go beyond what the scriptures allow. "And that if anyone goeth onward and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, he hath not the Father nor the Son." (2 John 9)
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. So we are content to simply sing!
Why Do Churches of Christ
Place Such Emphasis on Baptism?
Because we believe that the New Testament places great emphasis upon it! Baptism is mentioned more than 100 times in the New Testament.
The New Testament teaches that Baptism is an act which is essential to salvation. Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
It enables one to enter the kingdom. (John 3:5)
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
It is for remission of sins. (Acts 2:38)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
It saves. (1 Peter 3:21)
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
It washes away sins. (Acts 22:16)
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
It puts us into the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
In Romans 6:3-4
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
It is said that Baptism puts us (1) Into Christ; (2) Into His death; and (3) Into a death to sin. Baptism does not save in and of itself; it is not an ordinance of the church. But it is an act of obedience by which we come into contact with the saving blood of Christ and surrender to God's grace!
Conclusion
When John Q. Adams was President of the United States (1825-1829), he stood before Congress one afternoon and said: "I hold in my hand a bushel basket from the state of North Carolina and one from New York. One contains 68 more cubic inches than the other." He picked up a pair of two-pound weights, one from Maine and one from Carolina and said, "There are ounces of difference between them." He urged the adoption of a system for the regulation of weights and measures and that afternoon the motion was made and passed creating a Bureau of Weights and Measures.
That is what this writing is about: the need for a standard in religion! It is our conviction that the Bible is God's only recognized standard and that we must speak the "oracles of God."
(1 Peter4: 11)
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Let's take the Bible as our only authority, adding and subtracting nothing!
All scripture is from the KJV.
