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)
In our two previous articles we have dealt with some very basic and clear things that we can examine when looking for a sound congregation with which to worship. Our series is set to continue to get more specific beginning with this article. We know that we must look for a church that identifies herself as a “church of Christ”. We know to look for such things as mechanical instruments, which will show that an assembly of “religious people” is failing to follow the pattern of authorized worship that is clearly laid forth in the New Testament. Now we concentrate on things that will show the distinctions between a liberal [not literal or strict : LOOSE; BROAD-MINDED; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms] and a conservative [tending or disposed to maintain existing views; not willing to change that which exists in authority] congregation. This article will deal with the most obvious which would be the entertainment mindset of liberal brethren.
Stick Around For Our Fellowship Meal, Potluck Dinner, Etc.
When you walk into a building and get set to assemble with the brethren meeting there, you often find yourself looking at their local bulletin. That is a great way to examine a congregation’s soundness. When you are examining a bulletin of a liberal congregation you may read something like this:
“REMEMBER!!!The above quotation was taken from “The Mountain City Reminder” which is the weekly bulletin of the Mountain City Church of Christ in Mountain City, TN. The issue was the June 1st, 2003 issue. Now, on the front cover of this liberal publication they claim that they are following the New Testament pattern in work and worship. If that were true there would not be a student appreciation presentation and the pot-luck meal occurring as a work of that local church, for no local church in the New Testament ever did those things. If there is no authority from the head of the church (Christ), it ought not be practiced (Colossians 1:18; 3:17, I Peter 4:11, and Revelation 22:18-19).• Pot-Luck after services
• Men’s Business Meeting after the pot-luck and student appreciation presentation.”
Jesus was very clear in showing that the Gospel is not a social Gospel: John 6:24-27 “When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” When the local church at Corinth was making the Lord’s Supper a common meal the Apostle Paul was very clear in pointing out that the home is the place wherein we provide meals (I Corinthians 11:22; 34). A real clear sign of a liberal congregation is that fellowship hall you may see attached to the building. Food, fun, and frolic were never a work of the local church. Those things occurred as either concurrent or individual action in the New Testament (Acts 2:46).
You might also find a local church advertising their “VBS”. There is nothing inherently wrong with “Vacation Bible School”, but among liberal brethren it is really “Vacation Eating, Playing, Screaming, and Fun School”. The Bible is taught, but the focus is on the fun. The “Correspondent” out of Collinsville, IL published June 16th, 2003 had their ad for their VBS. It says: “Together we will follow the Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey around the Mediterranean Sea. Each evening we will visit other modern ports of call, fulfilling “Our Mission” to go into all the World. Be prepared to have fun learning about different Cultures and of the World and how God’s love is being spread there. Join us for Bible lessons, skits, puppets, singing, crafts, ethnic cuisine and fun activities.” What is their focus? FUN is their focus! I was a member of a congregation as a teenager in Springfield, OH wherein we had a puppet show, Friday night graduation where the kids were lead as a choir (Ephesians 5:19) singing their song of the week with a woman song leader (I Corinthians 14:34-35 and I Timothy 2:11-12), and many other things that are unauthorized in the New Testament. These things are clear distinctions marking a liberal church.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Jesus
Christ is sufficient to save the souls of the lost (Romans 1:16).
Pizza, pie, sandwiches, and fun are great; but they are not part of the
work of the local church. Edification is building up THE BODY of
CHRIST, not filling up your body with food. No liberal congregation
could come close to giving a scripture authorizing such things. Our
article next week will deal with some signs in the work of evangelism in
a local church that will show whether or not they are sound in the faith.
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, Mike Lockwood (having stressful time with work), 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.