the7ones.comThe Church
Consider yourself served!
Have you ever stopped to think of how important God considers His church? Consider this: In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said that He would build His church. In Acts 20:28, we read that Jesus purchased the church (His church) with His own blood. In Colossians 1:18 we learn that the body of Christ is the church, [...]
The ‘un-denominational’ church
by Matt Clifton One of the most misunderstood doctrines of modern times is the doctrine of the church, and how the Lord’s church is not divided into “denominations.” Many insist that different religious bodies can worship differently, and hold different interpretations of scripture, and yet both still be correct. This, of course, cannot be true. [...]
The most divisive trend among churches of Christ
by Matt Clifton By far, the most divisive trend currently making rounds among the churches of Christ is the willingness to alter our perception of biblical authority in order to fellowship a larger circle of people. At the root of this movement is the well-intentioned desire to fellowship with more people who we consider Christian [...]
Is Peter ‘the rock?’
by Matt Clifton And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound [...]
Who leads congregations of the Lord’s church?
by Matt Clifton If you were to call or stop by a local denominational church in your town, you would probably be inclined to ask for “the pastor.” Having a “pastor” over a local church has become the standard among many evangelical denominations. However, having a single “pastor” who is over a congregation is not [...]
Is the church of Christ a denomination?
by Matt Clifton It is the desire of the church of Christ to practice only what is found in scripture, and nothing that is absent. One idea that is conspicuously absent from scripture is denominationalism. We read of one body (Eph. 4:4), the body of Christ, which is the church (Col. 1:18). We do not [...]
Is there a pattern for the church?
by Matt Clifton There are as many different views on the meaning of scripture, it seems, as there are groups that claim to follow Christ. In any given town, one will find building after building emblazoned with the name of a different denominational body. All claim to follow Christ and honor His word. Invariably, however, [...]
Is baptism essential for salvation?
Some have wondered why the church of Christ places so much emphasis on baptism. A more important question may be, “Why have so many denominations placed little or no emphasis on baptism?” The reason the church of Christ preaches baptism as essential to salvation is because that is exactly the position the Bible gives it. [...]