TWO Churches of Christ

Is the church splitting apart?

Introduction

1. In 1906 – Census Bureau asked David Lipscomb if there were in fact 2 different churches of Christ.

2. With a heavy heart he confirmed that this was true.

Today there are two churches of Christ:

1. Two views of the church of Christ

   1. Established by Christ

   2. Other established by Stone, Campbell and others

2. Two views of the Bible

   1. Inspired of God without mistakes or flaw

   2. Sees flaws, mistakes and contradictions

3. Two views of communion

   1. Bread and fruit of the vine in memory of Christs body and blood

   2. Festive occasion – take with common meal, take at wedding, other days

4. Two views of music in the worship of God

   1. Make melody in the heart – sing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs

   2. Use instruments, mix praise with performance

5. Two views of the atmosphere of worship

   1. Worship with decency and in order, solemn, reverent

   2. More emotional, exciting, entertainment

6. Two views of the mission of the church

   1. Mission is to glorify God, preach the Word, minister to needy

   2. Church is a social club, social more important

7. Two views about the church's relation the larger religious world

   1. Church is God's work to the world, in conflict with denominations

   2. All denominations are pleasing to God, Christians in all denominations

8. Two views of the role of women in the church

   1. Respect the restrictions placed on men and women

   2. Follow the demands of the feminist movement

9. Two views of what it means to restore the ancient faith

   1. We must continue to seek to restore NT Christianity

   2. Forget restoration – not possible; rather, conform to the world

From – “Christianity: then & now”, Vol. 12, No. 9, by John Waddey