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The church of Christ?
Editor's Note: Some among our brethren are taking the view that the N.T. is just a narrative. As result of this kind of thinking, some are now saying that apostolic examples are not binding upon us today; some are advocating that all preaching is to be focused on the subject of "love;" some are condoning social drinking; some are advocating change in the observance of the Lord's Supper — making a common meal out of it, engaging in conversations with one another while partaking of it, allowing women to participate in those conversations; lengthening and embellishing it; etc. Some caught up in this "new" movement have been heard speaking of their "Baptist brethren."The targets, and usually the ones who fall prey to this movement are young people, who have become embittered toward the so-called "traditional church of Christ." They want to be different, as though they have come up with something new (which is really recycled "old"), and as a result, "spiritual elitism" develops; some no longer refer to themselves as the "church of Christ." Brother Ed Bragwell made some thought-provoking comments about this:
In all the ongoing hoopla about what local churches belonging to Christ should call themselves, there are a couple of observations that I would like to make.
- After years of designation as a "church of Christ," what is behind the change to "Christians meet here," "Assembly of Christ," "The Church," or whatever alternative scriptural designation. Is it because one of these designations will bring them closer to the Lord than "church of Christ?" If so, how?
- Or, is it an effort to set them apart (separate) from their brethren in the general area and the world for that matter? An attempt to make them "unique" among Christians? An attempt to be different for the sake of being different? In what way does this enhance the sense of "brotherhood" (1 Peter 2:17) that should exist between Christians? In what way does this separating contribute to the non-denominational nature of the church?"
Whatever scriptural term we use, we must reflect their relation to Christ in what we teach and practice and the lives we live. When looking to identify with one of these groups one still has to look beyond their advertised designation to see if their teaching and practice reflect what their "designation" claims. Are they really an assembly of people reflecting the doctrine of Christ? Are they really "Christians" after the New Testament order or just people that claim to be "Christians?" Does their "unique" way of designating themselves reflect deeper differences?
This "movement" is having an effect upon brethren in different parts of the country. May God grant us the insight to always be alert to the dangers of this "new" movement, which inevitably leads to apostasy.
