Is One Church REALLY As Good As Another?

By Don McClain

Can it be said that a church is a "good" church if it is not acceptable and pleasing to God? I think the answer is rather obvious. But how bout' this - Is it possible to determine whether a church is acceptable and pleasing to God? I contend that it is, because God has given us a standard by which to measure - good from evil, right from wrong, His church from man-made churches etc.

The apostle Paul said to Timothy, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," (2 Timothy 2:15). Many have grown extremely apathetic in their quest for truth, mostly because they have been sold the BIG LIE - "truth doesn't matter," (Read 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). As a result, God's word, (which is truth, John17:17), has been relegated to a mere incidental artifact, or a historical monument, - "after all times are changing" - right? Times may change, but truth doesn't - therefore God's word hasn't! I submit to you that what God's word describes as being acceptable to Him nearly two Millenniums ago still goes, and that by handling it rightly we can know today where we stand in His sight.

Consider another passage from 2 Timothy - "16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (3:16,17). This passage teaches us that ALL scripture is from God and has a purpose -

·They provide us with the doctrine of Christ - that which we are to believe, teach, and obey -

·They provide us the means of reproof - proving that which we believe, teach and practice -

·They provide us with a standard by which we can correct those who stray from the straight and narrow path of the truth.

·They provide us with every thing we need to know in order to be acceptable and pleasing to God.

I ask again - "Is it possible to determine whether a church is acceptable and pleasing to God?" God has revealed the doctrine within the scriptures that He wants taught. Shouldn't those who claim to be following the scriptures, be able to give book chapter and verse for what they believe, teach and practice? God has provided for us in His word all that we need so that we can discern truth from error. We can conclude from this passage that God has revealed to us what teachings and actions He has approved. Things are NOT proved to be acceptable to God just because He did not say “Thou Shalt Not” do it. Would it not then be correct to say that In order for a church to be acceptable and pleasing to God, it MUST be scriptural, or in other words, substantiated by the scriptures? Can you say that the church with which you are affiliated or familiar with is indeed scriptural in the following things?

*         Name - 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 16:16

*         Organization - Ephesians 5:22-25; Titus 1:51 Timothy 3:1-13

*         Worship - John 4:24; Matthew 15:7-9; Hebrews 12:

*         Doctrine - John 12:48; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 John 9

*         Terms of admission - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-47; Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26,27

Can the church to which you belong provide book chapter and verse for that which they believe teach and practice? For example, can the Methodist Church provide book, chapter and verse for:

*         The name they wear, (Methodist)

*         Substituting sprinkling for immersion, (baptism),

*         Their organization,

*         Instrumental music in worship, etc. . . . .

If the religious group to which you belong believes teaches, or practices anything that can't be substantiated from the scriptures then from whence did it originate? (Matthew 15:7-9; 21:25). Any practice that cannot be substantiated by the word of God is unscriptural and therefore

·Cannot be practiced by faith, (Romans 10:17; 14:23; 2 Corinthians 5:7).

·Cannot be practiced in the name of Christ, (Matthew 7:21-23; Colossians 3:17).

·Will NOT result in fellowship with God and His Son - (1 John 1:5-7; 2 John 9; John 12:48)

I truly believe that these things are extremely important and worthy of our diligent consideration. I agree that one denomination is just as good as another, but I humbly submit to you that NO denomination is good, simply because denominationalism is contrary to the scriptures, (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Only those who follow God's word are right and acceptable in His sight. The same holds true for everyone ‘INCLUDING US!’- Let us ALL recognize our need to follow the instructions of the apostle Paul - (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

We invite you to investigate the teachings and practices of the West Sixty Fifth St. church of Christ. We believe that the ONLY way to please God is to strictly adhere to His revealed will as found in the New Testament, (2 John 9; Philippians 3:16,17). Therefore we strive to speak only where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent, (1 Peter 4:11). To do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names, (Philippians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 11:1,2). We have NO creed but Christ, NO standard or rule of faith but the Scriptures, (Matthew 28:18-20; 17:5; Philippians 3:16). We do not follow "Church of Christ Doctrine," but rather desire to follow ONLY the doctrine of Christ, which in turn produces a church that belongs to Christ! We are not part of a "Denomination," and in fact stand opposed to all denominations. (Matthew 16:18; John 17:20,21;). We desire to follow the scriptural exhortation – “10Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). That is accomplished when we "21Test all things; hold fast what is good,” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), . . . That is, that which God says is good.

If you have ANY questions or comments, and desire further studies regarding these things please contact me at: - 501-568-1062, or by email – donmccla@msn.com. For more information about us you can also visit our website:

http://www.w65stchurchofchrist.org/My_Homepage.html

May the Lord bless you in your quest for truth . . . For it is truth that will make you free – not the doctrines and commandments of men! (John 8:32; Matthew 15:7-9).