[357 words]
I used to get phone calls frequently asking if we were the church that gave away furniture. There was another group in town that did. I do not ever get a call asking if we are the church mentioned in the Bible. People may not ask that question. Doctrine alone may not attract a lot of people. When trying to set up a study with an individual, we may have to initiate the study. Generally most people will not ask to study the Bible, but when they are asked, many will.
Locally, how are we known? If you were to fill in the blank above, what would you put? Would we say we are the church that sings “acapella?” Would we say we are the church that stresses baptism for the remission of sins? Many might say we are the ones that think we are the only ones going to heaven.
How about saying we are the church that believes we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:5, 9)?
How about saying we are the church that believes the blood of Jesus washes away our sins, and that baptism puts us in contact with that blood? (Matt. 26:28; Rev. 1:5; Acts 22:16) How about saying we are the church that worships in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23,24)? How about saying we are the church that believes in elders as overseers (Acts 20:28)?
As individual members, how are we known? Are we known as criticizers or encouragers? Are we known as condemners or instructors? Are we known as self-righteous or humble?
It is not our job to argue with people. We should be known as Christians who believe in following the Bible, and living the life as Jesus would want. We should love the souls of others and help them know what the Bible says we must do to get to heaven.
We should be known as the church that believes Christ should be exalted above all others. So, we bear His name, preach His doctrine, and teach His gospel. We do not say that to be arrogant, just biblical.
Bill Brandstatter
Marion church of Christ
Marion, IL