Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
January 8, 2017

The Church Of Christ Teaches…
Or Does It?
Adapted from an article by Whit Sasser
Recently on a radio talk show a caller was asked by the host, what the Church of Christ teaches on an issue that had been raised. The caller was a little unsure, so the host asked an assistant to call a local church of Christ to find out. While I listened to hear what the response would be, I knew that whatever answer was given, it might not hold true for me, for you see, though I understand it coming from a person with no true appreciation of the nature of the Lord’s church, this kind of thinking is denominational to the core! Let me illustrate.
Imagine if you will two very influential non-Christians in first century Asia talking about the Nicolaitan philosophy and one asking, “what does the Church of Christ believe about it?” The other says, “Let’s find out.” So they contact a leader of the church in Pergamos and he says, “yes, we believe that doctrine” (Revelation 2:15). They then begin to spread the word that this is what the Church of Christ believes about the Nicolaitan doctrine. However, imagine you are a member of the Ephesus church of Christ and you hear that. Because this doctrine is false, you have learned to hate it (Revelation 2:6). What the Pergamos church of Christ believed or practiced did not hold true for all churches of Christ.
In the first century, the independence of all churches of Christ made it such that, even though most things were done the same in all the churches, you could not make a sweeping statement that ALL churches of Christ believe this, or practice that, for they sometimes did not. Denomination X can make a broad statement of faith for all its churches and likewise denominations Y and Z, but churches of Christ following the original New Testament pattern are not denominational and are therefore unable to do so, and should be unwilling to do so.
When someone says, “the Church of Christ believes this,” which church are they thinking of? True churches of Jesus Christ are independent; they do not join together to form any larger organization. Because this is true, no one can possibly speak for all. Each must be evaluated on it own, as to whether it is faithfully following the teachings of Jesus Christ. That’s the way the Lord wanted it, and that’s the way we need to keep it. By the way, the “church of Christ” person contacted by the radio station—I did NOT agree with his answer.

Local Churches in the New Testament—Examples for Us to Follow Today?
by Bryan Gibson
You better believe it, and here's why:
They operated under the direction of the apostles (the ambassadors of the King), and those on whom the apostles laid their hands to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18).
They were taught from the beginning to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, doctrine which obviously came from the Lord (Acts 2:42).
The same thing was taught in every church (1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17), and what they were taught were the commandments of the Lord (1 Cor. 14:37).
What they did, then, in obedience to the Lord is what we must do today.
Consider carefully what Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica: “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe" (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7). Because they were following the Lord, they became examples—not just to those of their own generation, but also to us today.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.