A publication of the:
Butler church of Christ
Our meeting location is:
201 5th Ave.
Butler, PA 16001
724-287-0628 (building) / 724-282-9417
(home/office)
Assembling Times:
Sunday Bible Class - 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship – 10:30 AM
Wednesday Bible Class – 7:00 PM
Editor / Preacher –
Brian A. Yeager
Check out the web site:
(I Corinthians 10:31 and I Peter 4:11)
Many times Christians are faced with a situation in which they are seeking after a “sound” congregation with which to worship. Whether it is because a Christian is traveling or even possibly moving to a new area, this question at sometime has or will arise. The question is a needed one to be asked. A Christian certainly does not want to find that they are partaking in the evil deeds of those whom do not teach and practice what Christ has authorized in the pages of the New Testament (II John 9-11). This series of articles will bring forth some thoughts that should help faithful brethren when seeking saints with whom to worship.
What is “Sound”?
The word referenced in the title of this article comes from passages such as this one: (Titus 2:1) “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” The word “sound” is translated from the Greek word “hugiaino”. Strong’s points out that this word means “uncorrupt (true in doctrine); sound – whole”. When a Christian looks for a congregation with which to worship they must look for a place that teaches and practices the truth. Faithful brethren hold fast to the sound words they have been taught (II Timothy 1:13). The same Greek word appears in I Timothy 6:3 and is translated in the King James Version as “wholesome”. We need to consider that sound teaching is not based on teaching some of the truth, but the sum [whole amount] of the truth.
It is often difficult when traveling or moving to new locations to find sound congregations. The reason is this: (II Timothy 4:3-4) “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 they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Christians are to be a people of truth. Truth is necessary for us to be set free from sin (John 8:32). Truth is not subjective. Truth was revealed and stands with or without our human conclusions. God has already fully equipped us with the knowledge to make the proper conclusions based upon scriptural evidence (II Timothy 3:16-17). My emotions or my preconceived ideas will not change whether or not a congregation is standing for truth or is accepting unsound doctrine and practices.
Conclusion
In our next article
we will touch on the fact that there are many that are known as “churches
of Christ”, and why that does not mean they are necessarily sound.
We are in a time of growing apostasy. To become complacent [unconcerned]
about where we are attending is wrong. We must realize that we need
to be concerned. Apathy will surely cause us to be put into situations
wherein we will compromise the truth. We must remember that anyone
can claim to be the church of Christ, but not every one of those teach
and practice the doctrine of Christ. (I John 4:1) “Beloved, believe
not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because
many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
Quick
NotesThose Serving Today:
Announcements – Brian Yeager
A.M. Song Leader – Terry Nannie
Lord’s Table – George Papp
Assisting – Bill Graham and Brian Yeager
First Prayer – Sergio Imbarlina
Closing Prayer – Steve Burgoon
Those In Need of Our Prayers:
Joan Croyle, Marie Glunt (a friend of
the Papp’s who is suffering from cancer), Brenda Graham (having knee problems),
Valarie Johnson, Kathleen Santana, and Julie Rado (a friend of the Graham’s
who has been diagnosed with breast cancer).
Traveling:
Keep the Wagner’s and Mike Lockwood in
your prayers as they are traveling the next few weeks.