Dear brother, 

I'm not sure how I am receiving emails from you. But I would like to respond to one of the articles that you wrote concerning clapping in worship.  

I'll have to say it was a bit troubling for me to read.  I agree with one of the responses to that article in that the article seemed to have a very narrow minded and legalistic feel to it.  You seem to know quite a bit about the bible and have apparently studied it extensively.  Praise God for that. 

First of all writing an article about clapping, praise teams, raising hands or any other so called "liberal acts of worship" is inflammatory and can only lead to hard feelings.  It is not edifying in any way.  I'm not sure what the purpose of the article was. 

I have been a member of the church of Christ for 40+ years.  The c Of C is for the most part has turned into a very legalistic group of people.  Paul addresses legalism in the letter to the Galatians as you well know.  

I am not sure why we continue to focus so much on what we should and shouldn't do in our worship assemblies. Jesus came to the earth to show us how to live our lives and to teach us how to bring others to Him. The things that we of the c of C should be focusing on is how we can help the lost find Jesus, serving one another and loving each other. 

Our brother Paul gave us several letters to different churches usually in response to issues in those particular churches.  He wasn't necessarily addressing their assemblies.  We do things today very different from the way the first century churches did. They met in homes not church buildings. They probably met most of the day when they worshiped and probably more often.  It was probably very informal etc....  I not telling you something you do not already know. 

Let me say one more thing and then I'll close.  Clapping in worship or in any other place is a great form of expressing one self in appreciation.  It should never be hindered by anyone.  The way we praise God together as a family has nothing to do with our salvation since we are saved by grace.  So why focus so much on it.  It is not an important issue.  All we have to do is believe in the Gospel, be baptized as we are commanded and bring others to Christ. 

I believe that clapping and other issue in the church are just comfort issues.  Meaning, it makes us uncomfortable so we want to say it is wrong.  If we would stand back and really open our minds we would see that we have been wasting our time here on earth feuding about insignificant things.  We have very little time to spread the gospel.  So lets get together and fight Satan not ourselves.  Thanks. In love,

 Dave

Dear Brother Dave,

I want to thank you for your kind and inquisitive e-mail concerning the article on “Clapping in Worship” and the ensuing discussion published in our e-mail bulletin and on our website (www.cvillechurch.com). You have shown a spirit of love and openness that the Lord Himself commends (John 7:17).

You have rightly observed that each of us has a different background and practice as we approach this subject. The article I published by brother Gardner Hall was a calm study to see what is found in the Bible on that topic. Having never attended an assembly of Christians where clapping was used, I found the study useful to examine all pertinent passages on the subject without any name-calling or attempts to stir up prejudice. I never anticipated that it would evoke some of the strong emotions that it did.

It appears that you come from a background where clapping is practiced in your assemblies. Again, I deeply appreciate your willingness to examine a subject that is a personal one to you. Far too many in the religious world are quick to slam the door of their hearts to any discussion that critically examines a practice that is dear to them (John 3:19-21). I thank you, brother, for reading the material even when it was “a bit troubling” to read. I hope I will show the same spirit as I examine your response!

You indicated that the article referred to “liberal acts of worship” and, as a result, were “inflammatory” and would lead to “hard feelings.” Brother, I have read and re-read the article and I found no such reference to “liberal acts of worship” or anything remotely being inflammatory or prejudicial. Could it be that you are taking the memories of other articles you have read and actions of other people you have heard and transposed them to this article? I do know that religious controversies can easily degenerate to such actions. Please do not assume that the bad actions and spirit of one person that objects to a practice means that all people who object to a practice have the same spirit! Please read the article again and specify where the writer says or implies such things.

Surely you would not oppose a thorough study of the Bible on this or any other subject. Such a study will never produce anger among those who have learned “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17). It is in this attitude that the love of God is displayed among His people (Jn 14:15, 23-24). It is in the careful study of God’s word that genuine edification can take place (Acts 20:32). Brother, what have you found in the scriptures on this subject? What conclusions can you draw from the scriptures to share with your brother and help me better understand the Lord’s way? I sincerely appreciate anyone who loves the Lord and loves me enough to proceed in this manner.

You indicated that you have spent  40+ years in the church of Christ. You also said that from your observations that these churches in general have “turned into a very legalistic group of people.” I sincerely ask you to define “legalism.” You mentioned that “legalism” is found in the book of Galatians. I have understood that the Judaizing teachers mentioned by Paul were seeking to “be justified by law” (Gal 5:4).

Does attempting to walk by faith and trying to “discern both good and evil”
(Heb 5:14) make one a legalist? If that is so, then I cannot see how we could ever discuss any Bible subject. Because you or I may conclude that an action, or even an article, may be out of harmony with God’s will, does that disagreement make each of us a “legalist?” I would like to recommend an article on the website on this subject called “Legalism – the Un-Sin” by Steve Klein (http://www.uvachurch.com/Articles/Article_LegalismTheUnSin.htm).

It has become common for some of my brethren to do as you have and make general observations about churches that wear the name “church of Christ.” We both have observed the rapid changes in our society and have seen the effect that has had on Christians. There are many possibilities concerning what we have observed and the reasons why these changes have come about. Would it not be better to point to the unchanging God and His unchanging word to make sure we are walking by that standard? We may find ourselves in the “mainstream” or the “left or right stream” as we look at our brethren. I am not sure how much this will profit us. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise”
(2 Cor 10:12). “For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (2 Cor 10:18).

You seem to point out that since we are saved by grace when we are baptized by faith that everything else is secondary and, thus, not a matter of salvation. If I have misunderstood you on this, please correct me. I, like you, understand that we are forgiven of sin through the grace of God when we are baptized into Christ (Gal 3:26-27; Ron 6:3-5). I also believe that we must “continue in the faith” by “holding fast” God’s word (1 Cor 15:1-2), by discerning truth and error (1 Jn 4:1-6), and, in some cases, openly standing against those who have “hindered you from obeying the truth” (Gal 5:7-12). If I turn away from such efforts and mark those as “legalist” that properly warn me, then my soul is in danger! Look again at the books of Galatians, 1-3 John, and Jude and see that it is the grace of God that leads one to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3).

We will be challenged as we apply the instructions given to the various churches and their problems and make application to the problems we face in our time. We will have some things that we will struggle with to determine if they are matters of “culture” or matters of imitating those who are keeping God’s will
(1 Cor 11:1). Yes, we will have disagreements, but let us not in those disagreements think that the process of discernment is “unspiritual” or, even worse, a soul-destroying sin of being justified by law (Gal 5:4). 

Let us make disciples by baptizing them into the Lord (Mt 28:18-20). Let us also be careful to teach them to “observe all things.” Failure to do either can result in terrible fruits that can last an eternity (1 Cor 3:9-14).

I want to thank you again brother for you concerns. I look forward to hearing from you again!

In Christian Love,

Larry Rouse

Thanks for your good work.  Here is a sermon to go along with that article about Wrong is always Wrong 

WRONG IS WRONG!!  

INTRODUCTION:

A.   In a period of loose and sagging morals, Satan provides many rationalizations for improper behavior.

B.    Those who would live faithful Christian lives must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11). 

C.  Wrong is always wrong despite our efforts to excuse our actions. 

BODY: 

I.  SATAN HAS MANY DEVICES TO DAMN PEOPLE. 

      A.  Some are tempted to do what God has told them not to do, Gen. 3:1-5. 

      B.  Some are tempted not to do what God has said to do,  (Jonah). 

      C.  Some people are tempted with money, 1 Tim. 6:7-10. 

      D.  No one is free from temptation not even Christ,
            1 John 2:15-17.  Matt. 4:1-11. 

      E.  Most are tempted to wait. 

            1.  The devils had a contest to dam the most souls. 

            2.  Not to believe the Bible, in God, In Christ, last said wait. 

II.  SATAN CAN ONLY TEMPT YOU TO SIN, CAN'T MAKE YOU SIN. 

      A.  We are free moral agents, when we sin it is our fault. 

            1.  James 1:13-17, steps of sin. 

            2.  1 Cor. 10:13, sin is only one way out. 

3.     Sometimes we want not to sin but we fail Matt. 26:41. (Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak). 

      B.  When it comes right down to it we must make a choice. 

            1.  Adam and Eve made a choice, they left God. 

            2.  Lot made a choice.  Gen. 13:8-13. 

                        a.  Did not look down the road far enough.

                        b.  Did not look to God for help in choosing. 

III.  WRONG IS ALWAYS WRONG. 

      A.  Wrong is wrong even if we don't get caught. 

            1.  Prov. 15:13 The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil
                 and the Good. 

            2.  Many Christians are like this with taxes and the laws of the land. 
                  Rom. 13:1-5. 

      B.  Wrong is wrong even if you do wrong for a good cause. 

            1.  The honorable purpose never justifies a dishonorable action. 

            2.  The end never justifies the means. (Example bombing an abortion
                  clinic.) 

            3.  This is called situation ethics. 

            4.  1 John 3:4. 

      C.  Wrong is wrong even if others are doing worse things. 

            1.  We compare ourselves with the Bible not others. 

            2.  Prov. 24:9 the thought of foolishness of sin. 

      D.  Wrong is wrong even if it doesn't trouble the conscience. 

          1.  If you commit a sin with a good conscience you still sin. 

            2.  Paul the perfect example of this Acts 23:1.

       E.  Wrong is wrong even if it is commonly acceptable as right. 

            1.   Ex.  23:2, Thou shall not follow a multitude to do evil. 

             2.     Prov. 4:15 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and do not go in the
                     way of evil men, avoid it turn from it and pass by. 

            3.  1 Thess. 5:21, 22. 

            4.  Just because everyone else is doing something that doesn't make it
                  right. 

            5.  Just because a thing is lawful doesn't make it right. 

                        1.  Abortion.  1 1/2/ million last year. 

                        2.  Some places prostitution is lawful. 

CONCLUSION: 

A.  There is never a right way to do wrong. 

B.  We talked before about making a choice, you must make one now.

In Response to "How Can We Build A Biblical Faith in our Children?"

Larry, 

I very much enjoyed and benefited from the sermon outline on instilling biblical faith in our children.  I often pray for wisdom in raising my two daughters (one is almost 3 and the other is almost 4 months) according to His will.  I will print out this outline and take it home for Allison and I to study and consider. 

Thank you. 

Your brother,

Jarod

In Response to "Who Are we?"

Larry,

I read the description of your church on it's website and I was curious about something. You make reference to seeking a kind of faith along the lines of the very early Christians of the first century in the sense of being 'just Christians.' This seems to me like a really good idea.

What I'm wondering is whether you also study gospels that were dismissed, lost or suppressed by the Catholic church over the following 2,000 years or so. It seems to me that some of these gospels, such as that of St. Thomas, would have formed an important part of the faith of these early Christians. Your thoughts?

Mark's Response

Thank you for visiting www.cvillechurch.com and for your question regarding the church of Christ:  You wrote: "Excuse me! what kind of religion or denomination is the Church of Christ? Thank you." 

Let me first point out what a denomination is: “The name or designation of a class of things” (Webster). In religion, a denomination is a religious group that follows a specific tradition, teaching, and practice and has chosen a specific name to identify (or designate) themselves in order to separate themselves from other religious groups. The world typically thinks of “Christianity” as consisting of many denominations or “Christian” subgroups (e.g., Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, etc.) and believes all members of all denominations to be “Christians.”

There is in existence a “Church of Christ” denomination in America today, but this does not represent true Christianity according to the New Testament. In fact, the practice of forming “Christian denominations” has no approval or authority in the Scriptures. Denominationalism, by its very nature, leads to division which is clearly condemned in Scripture (1 Cor. 1:10-15; Gal. 5:19-21). Jesus prayed that His disciples be as one and that such unity be based on the truth or God’s word (John 17:17-23). Thus, denominationalism goes against the desire of Jesus.  

In brief, denominationalism is an evil practice because the wisdom of men and man-made creeds are followed in forming such groups instead of the Bible alone (e.g., Col. 2:8). Christ is not regarded as Head or the authority in the church (Col. 1:18; Mat. 28:18) when His word is not obeyed (John 12:48). Denominationalism does not result in genuine Christians nor in “churches of Christ.” Only by “sowing” the right kind of “seed” (God’s word) will Christians result instead of another denominational group (Luke 8:11; Gal. 6:7-8).  

Secondly, denominationalism destroys the autonomy (i.e., self-governing) and independence of local churches. Instead of elders (otherwise called pastors or bishops in the N.T.) overseeing only the local church that they belong to and are a part of (1 Pet. 5:1-3; Acts 20:28) and members standing for the truth of the Scriptures, denominational churches submit to their denominational creed and obey their denominational leaders. As a result, they lose their independence and free will to think and stand on their own for the Lord and His word. 

There is nothing wrong with “choosing a specific name to identify” a religious group in order to make a distinction from other religious groups, provided that the name is a name given by God in the Scriptures (e.g., Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 12:23). However, a group in God’s name only does not necessarily mean it is the Lord’s church.  

The Church of Christ, as described in the New Testament, began on the day of Pentecost in A.D. 33 in Acts 2. This was the church that Jesus promised He would build (Mat. 16:18). Jesus made the church possible by dying on the cross for our sins -- offering His own blood (Acts 20:28). Three thousand people (Acts 2:41) on that day heard the gospel (cf. Rom. 10:17) and obeyed the gospel to become Christians: “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38, NASB).  By obeying the gospel, they were added to the Lord’s church: “…And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47, NKJV). Every person who obeys the gospel is automatically added to the church of Christ or the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18) and thus are a part of the saved people of God (Heb. 12:22-23). The church of Christ is therefore made up of Christians, not local churches or denominations. By this standpoint, there is only one church, which is His body (Eph. 1:22-23): “There is one body…” (Eph. 4:4). 

However, Christians are authorized to organize themselves into local “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16). A local church is a body of Christians located at a specific city or geographical region who collectively work and worship together. Christians are commanded to assemble themselves together (Heb. 10:25) for the purpose of worship (e.g., Acts 2:42) and are to work together to carry out the work of the Lord (e.g., evangelism, edification, benevolence) (e.g., Mat. 28:18-20; Phil. 4:15-18; Eph. 4:16; Acts 11:27-30). Thus, each local church is to work toward having elders (i.e., pastors, bishops; Titus 1:5-9) and deacons (1 Tim. 3:8-13) like the church at the city of Philippi for example: “Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers (i.e., bishops) and deacons” (Phil. 1:1, NASB). 

The North Charlottesville church of Christ is not a part of a denomination. The North Charlottesville church of Christ is a local body of Christians who work and worship together, following the New Testament for its beliefs and practices. The North Charlottesville church, as mentioned above, is completely autonomous and independent from any outside leadership or denominational structure.  

You also asked what kind of religion is the church of Christ. The church of Christ or Christians submit to Christ who has been given all authority (Mat. 28:18) and make sure that every belief and practice they have is authorized by Christ and His word (Col. 3:17). This means that every work to be a good work in God’s sight must be in accordance to the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Thus, the type of the work the church does, the manner of worship the church offers, the proper conduct of the individual Christian, etc. must have authority or approval as given by the Scriptures. Christians follow the New Testament (or covenant), not the Old, because the Old Testament (or covenant) has been nailed to the cross (Col. 2:13-17). The Old Testament has been replaced by the New (Read Hebrews, chapters 8, 9, & 10).  

I hope this response is helpful to you. Please let me know what your thoughts are and if you have any more questions. I am more than happy to discuss any subject with you as it pertains to religion, the church, or the word of God. 

Sincerely,Mark Larson

In Response to "The First Day of the Week - A God-Given Memorial"

Sunday is not the Sabbath day!! Saturday is the day for us to rest. The bible tells us so.

General Responses and Questions

I have a person who wants to debate.  This person's view is that Jesus' teachings are not relevant today unless re-taught by the apostles.  To aid me in the debate I would like to have lots of material to answer various objections.  Are you familiar with this teaching and would you have any material which could aid me?

David

Brother David,

Here is an in-depth study of this subject:

http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVstudies/MMLJ/MMLJ.htm

Here are some debates:

http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/debates/index.html

Here are some articles:

http://www.wisechurch.com/bulletin_jan_99.html

http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVSermons/HowDoTheyDoThat.htm

There is much more available!

In Christian Love,

Larry Rouse