HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT…in many ways. In our approach to
Scripture—we must have Bible authority to serve Him -the Bible
matters -truth matters. We cannot act presumptuously—if the Bible
doesn’t authorize it, we cannot do it (instrumental music, earthly
headquarters, name of the church, woman preachers, sprinkling for
baptism, etc.). Consider the following seven differences.
1. The church’s name is His name. The church belongs to
Christ and is married to Christ—it must wear His name,
Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23-25 and Rom 16:16. Many
call themselves by names you cannot find in the Bible.
2. The name we wear individually is Christian, disciple,
servant, Acts 11:26; I Cor. 1:1-2.
3. Worship differences are many and significant…must be in
spirit and truth, John 4:24 and God’s word is truth, John 17:17.
Not all worship is acceptable to God, Matt. 15:9; Rom. 12:1-2
(NIV); Heb.12:28 (NASV).
a. Prayer – according to His will in the name of Jesus,
Luke 22:42; James 4:15; Col. 3:17.
b. Singing – vocal – without instruments because the Bible
does not authorize it. We teach and admonish each
other in song, Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15.
c. Teaching and preaching only God’s word is worship,
John 4:24; Col. 3:17, 23; Matt. 15:9.
d. Lord’s Supper every Sunday, as the Bible teaches, on the
first day of the week, Acts 20:7. Every week has a first day.
4.Giving on the first day of the week as God has prospered us,
I Cor. 16:1-2
5.Organization of the Lord’s church follows the Bible pattern,
with MEN as shepherds (elders-pastors), deacons and
preachers, Eph. 4:11-16. See Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28-32;
I Tim. 3:1-16.
6.Prophecy – fulfilled in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and
the destruction of Jerusalem. See Luke 24:44-47; 21:20-22.
7.Mission of the church – not social but spiritual “to save
souls,” Matt. 1:23; Luke19:10; Matt. 28:18-20. See also
Eph. 3:9-11. Not to lower taxes, or improve community, etc.
but to preach the Gospel!
–Ivy Conner
