The Same Seed, the Same Plant

Topic(s): Evangelism

The seed is the Word of God (Lk. 8:11). It makes no difference how long that seed may have been stored. If it came from a crop of a thousand years ago and has been preserved, wherever and whenever it may chance to be planted, regardless of who does the sowing, it will produce the original fruit. God made it a law of nature that the earth would bring forth the “herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind” (Gen. 1:11). The principle is true in the spiritual realm as well. If there had not been a church of God upon the earth after the New Testament order for the last nineteen hundred years, but God’s Word still survived then when people today read, understood, and obeyed it, it would make of them exactly what it made on that memorable Pentecost. It would replicate the original—the same church as in the beginning. This is what the church of Christ is seeking to do in the present age. 

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” —Jeremiah 6:16a

The Power of the Written Word

Topic(s): Bible Influence, Evangelism

Sometimes we are told that, of course, while Jesus Christ was upon earth there was power in what He had to say, but “all we have now is the written Word.” Does the mere fact that God’s Word has been written rather than forevermore spoken reduce its force or influence? Do we regard our oral words more sacred and binding than we do our written documents? Are our deeds, mortgages, government bonds, and securities rendered valueless because they have been written? Should we shut down the county court clerk’s office, the recorder’s office and do business by word of mouth to give force thereto? The Savior understood full well that there is power in the Word of God. It ought to be considered as having enough power and force for the accomplishment of that which God intended—namely, the salvation of the souls of men.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…” —Romans 1:16

Things About the Church of Christ that Surprise People: Part 1

Topic(s): Church, Worship

Due to a strict emphasis on following only the Bible (rather than a mixture of Scripture and tradition), the church of Christ differs from other religious groups. Often people are pleasantly surprised—even refreshed—to learn these differences. In this and coming issues, we’ll highlight a few.

The church of Christ does not “tithe.”

Who could count the times someone has exclaimed, “You mean the church of Christ does not tithe?!” They have always been taught that tithing was a part of every church’s doctrine and are surprised to learn that the New Testament does not even use the word “tithe” in relation to giving in the church.  Tithing was a part of the Old Law and is mentioned in reference to the practice of the Pharisees (Mt. 23:23; Lk. 11:42; 18:12), and Levitical worship (Heb. 7:5-9). The New Testament does not command a certain percentage, but teaches we are to give as we are prospered, as we purpose, and with a cheerful attitude (1 Cor. 16:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:6, 7).