WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST?

The world in which we live is one that has literally thousands of religions and philosophies competing for our attention and allegiance. Even within those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, there are hundreds of sects, schisms, and denominations. What is different about the "churches of Christ?" What is the basic plea of these people?

Basically, we are attempting to be Christians without denominational names and practices. We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, and we try to follow it as our only authority in religion. We are not attempting to be a denomination in any sense of the word. In fact, all denominations are of human origin and are contrary to God's word. In the churches of Christ, we have no human creeds, manuals, or statements of faith to set forth doctrine because the Bible contains all the Christian is to believe (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The churches of Christ accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and respect his authority. In Luke 6:46, Jesus said, "And why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Adding to or taking away from the simple instruction of Jesus is to fail to honor Him as Lord. Manmade systems only serve to compete with Christ's authority and often bind human traditions upon others (Matthew 15:3-9). Every Christian ought to seek to glorify Christ and to exalt His name and authority. This principle is found in many passages of scripture. One of these is Colossians 3:17, where the apostle Paul said, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."

The inspired apostle also wrote to the Corinthian church saying, "…whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31). No person can glorify God if one does not respect the authority of Christ. The churches of Christ plead for all people to reject the doctrines and teachings of men and to follow only the doctrine of Christ. If we follow only God's Word, then we know that God will be pleased, Christ will be glorified, and Christ's authority respected.