Subject: need for a bible-anyone |
Bible Note: Hello Joe, You wrote: 1. There are many independent churches that are not part of the Churches of Christ who agree ("Bible" churches, "Independent Baptist" churches, "Congregationalist" churches). The congregationalist form of church government is by no means limited to the churches of Christ. Like it or not, they aren’t wearing a Scriptural name and a little digging will reveal they aren’t practicing what was taught in the NT. Where do we find choirs, pianists, soloists? Other creeds? Lord’s Supper served how often? etc. 2. Secondly, if there is no other office outside of the local church, how do you explain Titus and Timothy? They weren't elders in the churches in Crete and Ephesus. They appointed elders. Titus and Timothy? In Titus 1 we are given qualifications for elders. 1:5 “…I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely" He goes on to list the qualifications. He was to ensure that wherever he went, IF men fell under those qualifications, that they are serving as elders. You wrote: We also see church councils in the book of Acts, where leaders from different churches come together to set policy which will be binding on all of the churches. Like it or not, there is precedent in Scripture for overseeing bodies. Where? Give specific Scripture. What church council? Are you referring to Acts 15? “Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them” There is no church council meeting to determine if something is right or wrong…they already knew the answer and went on to make their point. There is no voting, rewording, or drafting of documents. They were shedding light on false teaching. You wrote: Then where was the church all those years? Scripture is sufficient for me. I recall the rich man wanting Lazarus to go back and warn his brothers so they could avoid eternal torment. Abraham’s response: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” Luke 16:19-31 If you want to refute what God has said, you show there weren’t any Scriptural baptisms occurring. You wrote: And how did Stone and Campbell hook up with this already existing church, if it was so far removed from the "mainstream." Why would they need to “hook up?” Plant the seed (The Word of God), you yield the same church,the church the Lord established, the church of Christ. mouse2 |