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Home , Church of Christ, Rubel Shelly

What I Like about the ‘’

Sunday Morning Bible Class Summer Quarter David Bearden, Teacher What I Like about the ‘Church of Christ’

A building like the first two I preached in. Why were they the same? A little bit about my history preaching. Some Guidelines for This Class:

• I will speak in denominational terms, of the specific group, ‘Church of Christ,’ while making comparisons to the biblical universal Church of the Lord Christ. • Based on Personal Feelings, based on growing up in the ‘Church of Christ’ and being a minister for many years, yet we will study the Bible and Church History

Some Guidelines for This Class:

• While I will at times share some of my personal disappointment, and even areas where I feel there have been misplaced emphases, even errors; I will do so in love for this group and deep respect for those who have gone before me. I will expect the same from my students. • Unless I say so, I will not be speaking for the Elders. • Please be on time, I don’t have time to back up, and you will need the context for discussion.

Some of the “Likes” I will discuss:

• Respect for the authority of the Bible • Restoration mission • Effort to be a non-denomination unity movement • Emphasis on pleasing God in worship and church practice • Strong emphasis on evangelism • Emphasis on Baptism and Lord’s Supper There are several sources that have influenced my thinking: • Various Church History and Reformation History Sources • Books by the Church of Christ stating our traditional doctrine • The Church of Christ by Edward Wharton • Behold the Pattern by Gobel Music • The Church by Everett Ferguson Books Re-examining Our Doctrine

• Searching for a Better Way by Monroe Hawley • Directions for the Road Ahead: Stability in Change among by Committee • The Cultural Church by F. LaGard Smith • Discovering Our Roots: The Ancestry of Churches of Christ by Allen and Hughes • The Cruciform Church by Allen Books and Articles

• Will the Cycle Be Unbroken? Churches of Christ Face the 21st Century by Douglas Foster • Hope for the Future: Contemporary Values of the by Alan Rabe, Ed. • Free in Christ by Cecil Hook • I Just Want to Be a Christian by • Bits and Pieces of Many More Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible • (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV) All Scripture is God- breathed [inspired of God] and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, {17} so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible • (2 Pet 1:3 NIV) His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible • (Heb 4:12 NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible • (2 Th 2:13-15 NIV) But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. {14} He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. {15} So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible • (John 8:31-32 NIV) To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. {32} Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible • (Gal 1:6-9 NIV) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- {7} which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. {8} But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! {9} As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible • (Jude 1:3 NIV) Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible • (Rev 22:18-19 NIV) I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. {19} And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Start with Respect for the Authority of the Bible Homework • Think about how an emphasis on “Bible Authority” might be misapplied, or misused. • Is there a history of this in the ‘Church of Christ’? • How did this misuse start and where has it led?