About Us
Who are the churches of Christ? What do the churches of Christ believe in?
History of the Mid-Hudson Church of Christ
Who are the churches of Christ? What do the churches of Christ believe in?
By Batsell Barrett
Baxter
What is the distinctive plea of the church of Christ?
It is a plea for religious unity based upon the Bible. In
a divided religious world we believe the Bible is the only possible common
denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God-fearing people of the land
can unite. This is an appeal to go back to the Bible, to speak where the Bible
speaks and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that
pertain to religion. It further emphasizes that in everything religious there
must be a "Thus says the Lord" for all that is done. The objective is religious
unity of all believers in Christ. The basis is the New Testament. The method is
the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
The Historical Background of the Restoration Movement
One of the earliest advocates of the return to New
Testament Christianity, as a means of achieving unity of all believers in
Christ, was James O'Kelly of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1793 he withdrew
from the Baltimore conference of his church and called upon others to join him
in taking the Bible as the only creed. His influence was largely felt in
Virginia and North Carolina where history records that some seven thousand
communicants followed his leadership toward a return to primitive New Testament
Christianity. In 1802 Abner Jones and Elias Smith led a similar movement among
the Baptists in New England. They were concerned about "denominational names and
creeds" and decided to wear only the name Christian, taking Bible as the only
guide. In 1804, in the western frontier state of Kentucky, Barton W. Stone and
several other Presbyterian preachers took similar action declaring that they
would take the Bible as the "only sure guide to heaven." Thomas Campbell, and
his son, Alexander Campbell, took similar steps in the year 1809 in what is now
the state of West Virginia. They contended that nothing should be bound upon
Christians as a matter of doctrine, which is not as old as the New Testament.
Although these four movements were completely independent in their beginnings
eventually they became one strong restoration movement because of their common
purpose and plea. These men did not advocate the starting of a new church, but
rather a return to Christ's church as described in the Bible. Members of the
church of Christ do not conceive of themselves as a new church started near the
beginning of the 19th century. Rather, the whole movement is designed to
reproduce in contemporary times the church originally established on Pentecost,
A.D. 30. The strength of the appeal lies in the restoration of Christ's original
church.
How many churches of Christ are there?
The most recent dependable estimate lists more than 15,000
individual churches of Christ. The "Christian Herald," a general religious
publication, which presents statistics concerning all the churches, estimates
that the total membership of the churches of Christ is now 2,000,000. There are
more than 7000 men who preach publicly. Membership of the church is heaviest in
the southern
states of the United States, particularly Tennessee and Texas, though
congregations exist in each of the fifty states and in more than eighty foreign
countries. Missionary expansion has been most extensive since the Second World
War in Europe, Asia and Africa. More than 450 full time workers are supported in
foreign countries. The churches of Christ now have five times as many members as
were reported in the U.S. Religious Census of 1936.
How are the churches organizationally connected?
Following the plan of organization found in the New Testament,
churches of Christ are autonomous. Their common faith in the Bible and adherence
to its teachings are the chief ties that bind them together. There is no central
headquarters of the church and no organization superior to the elders of each
local congregation. Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in supporting the
orphans and the aged, in preaching the gospel in new fields, and in other
similar works. Members of the church of Christ conduct forty colleges and
secondary schools, as well as seventy-five orphanages and homes for the aged.
There are approximately 40 magazines and other periodicals published by
individual members of the church. There are no conventions, annual meetings, or
official publications. The "tie that binds" is a common loyalty to the
principles of the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
How are the churches of Christ governed?
In each congregation, which has existed long enough, to become
fully organized, there is a plurality of elders or presbyters who serve as the
governing body. These men are selected by the local congregations on the basis
of qualifications found in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the
elders are deacons, teachers, and evangelists or ministers. The latter do not
have the authority equal to or superior to the elders. The elders are shepherds
or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New
Testament, which is a kind of constitution. There is no earthly authority
superior to the elders of the local church.
What does the church of Christ believe about the Bible?
The original autographs of the sixty-six books that make up the
Bible are considered divinely inspired, by which it is meant that they are
infallible and authoritative. Reference to the scriptures is made in settling
every religious question. A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the
final word. The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is
the Bible.
Do members of the churches of Christ believe in the virgin birth?
Yes. The statement in Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the
virgin birth of Christ. New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25, are
accepted at face value as declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is accepted
as the only begotten Son of God, uniting in his person perfect divinity and
perfect manhood.
Does the church of Christ believe in predestination?
Only in the sense that God predestines the righteous to be
eternally saved and the unrighteous to be eternally lost. The statement of the
apostle Peter, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but
in every nation he that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable unto
him"(Acts 10:34-35.) is taken as an evidence that God did not predestine
individuals to be eternally saved or lost, but that each man determines his own
destiny.
Why does the church of Christ baptize only by immersion?
The word baptize comes from the Greek word "baptizo" and
literally means, "to dip, to immerse, to plunge." In addition to the literal
meaning of the word, immersion is practiced because it was the practice of the
church in apostolic times. Only immersion conforms to the description of
baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5. Paul speaks of it as a
burial and resurrection.
Is infant baptism practiced?
No. Only those who have reached the "age of accountability" are
accepted for baptisms. It is pointed out that the examples given in the New
Testament are always of those who have heard the gospel preached and have
believed it. Faith must always precede baptism, so only those old enough to
understand and believe the gospel are considered fit subjects for baptism.
Do ministers of the church hear confession?
No. Ministers or evangelists of the church
have no special prerogatives. They do not wear the title of Reverend or Father,
but are addressed simply by the term Brother, as are all other men of the
church. Along with elders and others they do counsel and advise those seeking
help.
Are prayers addressed to the saints?
No. God the Father is considered the only one to whom the prayers
may be addressed. It is further understood that Christ stands as mediator
between God and man (Hebrews 7:25). All prayers are therefore offered through
Christ, or in the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).
How often is the Lord's Supper eaten?
It is expected that every member of the church will assemble for
worship on each Lord's Day. A central part of the worship is the eating of the
Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7). Unless providentially hindered, each member considers
this weekly appointment as binding. In many instances, as in the case of
illness, the Lord's Supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending
the worship.
What kind of music is used in the worship?
As a result of the distinctive plea of the church - a return to
New Testament Faith and practice a cappella singing is the only music used in
the worship. This singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music,
conforms to the music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries
thereafter (Ephesians 5:19). It is felt that there is no authority for engaging
in acts of worship not found in the New Testament. This principle eliminates the
use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other
similar elements.
Does the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell?
Yes. The statement of Christ in Matthew 25, and elsewhere, are
taken at face value. It is believed that after death each man must come before
God in judgment and that he will be judged according to the deeds done while he
lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgment is pronounced he will spend eternity either
in heaven or hell.
Does the church of Christ believe in purgatory?
No. The absence of any reference in the scriptures to the
temporary place of punishment from which the soul will eventually be released
into heaven prevents the acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory.
By what means does the church secure financial support?
Each first day of the week the members of the church "lay by in
store as they have been prospered" (1 Corinthians 16:2). The amount of any
individual gift is generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord.
This free-will offering is the only call the church makes. NO assessments or
other levies are made. No moneymaking activities, such as bazaars or suppers,
are engaged in. A total of approximately $200,000,000 is given on this basis
each year.
Does the church of Christ have a creed?
No. At least, there is no creed in the usual sense of the word.
The belief of the church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is
no other manual or discipline to which the members of the church of Christ give
their allegiance. The Bible is considered as the only infallible guide to
heaven.
How does one become a member of the church of Christ?
In the salvation of man's soul there are two necessary parts:
God's part and man's part. God's part is the big part, "For by grace you have
been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not
of works, that no man should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love that God felt
for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and
teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel
to men constitute God's part in salvation. Though God's part is the big part,
man's part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the
conditions of pardon that the Lord has announced. Man's part can clearly set
forth in the following steps:
Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? How
shall they believe him whom they have not heard? How shall they hear without a
preacher?" (Romans 10:14).
Believe. "And without
faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he rewards them that seek after him" (Hebrews
11:6).
Repent of past sins.
"The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commands men that
they should all everywhere repent."(Acts 17:30).
Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water, what doth hinder me to be
baptized? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou may. And he
answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts
8:36-37).
Be baptized for the
remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized
everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and
ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."(Acts 2:38).
Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of
him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
AN OPEN INVITATION
Now that you are aware of a church in the 20th century, which is
built according to the blue prints of Christ's original church, why not become a
member of it? In becoming a member of it, you will be called upon to do nothing
that you cannot read of in the New Testament. You will then live and worship
just as the apostle-guided Christians of the first century did. Not only is this
return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all believers
in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just what our Lord
commanded we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as we go back to
the Bible, back to Christ and his church.
Consider again why we say these things...
Nearly 2,000 years ago, a man of Galilee walked the earth, said
many things and by his life and death changed the world forever. He claimed to
be more than a mere man; he said he was the Son of God and that He was with the
Father from the beginning of time. To prove those claims, he performed miracles
of healing and showed his power over nature by calming storms and even raised
the dead. The ultimate proof of his claims was that he was raised from the dead
on the third day after his crucifixion. This is our belief.
He said he was going to die and rise again and it happened just as he said. He
made many disciples, some of who would die telling the story of the crucifixion
of the Savior and his resurrection. The Lord had commanded his apostles to "Go
into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." This gospel was
what would save men from the horror of sin; it was the power of God unto
salvation. This is our belief.
As these men fulfilled that great commission, those that
believed their message responded in a favorable way by being baptized for the
remission of their sins: "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we
do?' Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to
all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call. And with many other
words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse
generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day
about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:37-41)
Then they banded together in accordance with the Lord's
command and became a congregation to worship and work together after God's
ordinances: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and
fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42) They were
known simply as the church, or the Lord's church, the church of Christ. They
were followers of Christ and were called simply, Christians: "... And the
disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26c)
The churches of Christ are congregations established and patterned after the New
Testament blueprint. Terms of church membership are taught exactly as the
apostles taught them 2,000 years ago. The same gospel taught by Paul and Peter
and John and all the inspired men are taught in Bible classes and from the
pulpit. If the gospel of Christ was the power of God unto salvation 2,000 years
ago ("For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God
to salvation for everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16), can there be any
question that it will still save men and women today?
All need to be made the friends of God because "all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Sin separates us from
the God of the universe and the gospel is God's remedy for the problem. If we
die in our sins, then we must spend an eternity away from the presence of God in
flaming fire of hell. Thanks to God that he provided a sacrifice for our sins
and revealed the terms of pardon in the Bible. It is extremely important for all
of us to learn the simple gospel plan of salvation if we want to go to heaven
when this life is over. It makes no difference how moral or religious we think
we are, we still need to know the truth as revealed in God's holy word, the
Bible.
To that end, we invite you to our bible classes and worship services so that we
can all come to a better knowledge of the truth that saves. Jesus said, "Ye
shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) You may
rest assured that with your help and diligence in study of God's word, we may
all come to a proper understanding of the will of God in our lives.
We all stand on the threshold of eternity. You and I will
spend eternity either in the presence of God and his holy ones or forever
separated from the face of God. Our hope is that you will avail yourself to this
invitation to hear the gospel of Christ that can save your soul.
Back to top
More on the church...
By Roger
Campbell
We know that some people have not heard of the church of Christ. Others
have heard of us, but do not really know who we are. We want to consider some
questions that are often asked about the Lord's church. We hope these ten
questions and our brief answers to them will help you personally better
understand just who we are and what we do, and that with this knowledge you will
be better prepared to teach others.
1. Is the church of Christ a new
religious organization?
No. In fact, the church of Christ has existed for nearly 2000 years. The church,
which is Christ's kingdom on the earth, had its beginning in the first century
in the spring of A.D. 30 on the day of Pentecost, a feast of the Jews. This came
about just ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven. The establishment of the
church is recorded in the Bible in Acts chapter two, where we read that on that
first day about 3000 received the word preached by the apostles and were
baptized (Acts 2:36-41).
2. Where did this church begin?
The Bible records that the church of the living God had its beginning in the
city of Jerusalem (Acts 2:5,14). Before Jesus' ascension to the Father, He told
His apostles to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from above, which
was the power given to them by the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8). Though
the Lord's church began in Jerusalem, Jesus instructed His followers to go into
the entire world and preach the gospel to every person (Mark 16:15). It is God's
will that there be congregations of His church throughout the whole world! In
God's sight there is no such thing as a "western" or "eastern" church, as there
is only one spiritual body or church of Christ (Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:4).
3. Who founded the church of Christ?
It was not founded by man but the Lord Himself. The Bible says, "Except the Lord
build the house, they labor in vain that build it" (Psalm 127:1). The sole
founder of the church was Jesus Christ, for He said, "Upon this rock I will
build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew
16:18).
4. What books or standard of
authority does the church of Christ follow?
The church of Christ does not follow or accept the teachings of men, including
human traditions and creed books. We follow only the teaching of the Bible,
because, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That
the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2
Timothy 3:16,17). The Bible is God's word, His truth, and only its message is a
safe guide to make men free (John 8:32). Our creed is the Bible: it is the only
authority that we accept in our faith and practice.
5. To what religious organization or
denomination does the church of Christ belong?
The church of Christ is undenominational. We are not a part of any
denominational organization. We are not connected with the Roman Catholic
Church, Mormon Church, denominations from the Protestant Reformation, or any
other group. We belong only to God. We are simply Christians, just as the
disciples were called "Christians" in the first century (Acts 11:26). We strive
to follow the pattern for the church that is found in the New Testament in order
that today we might be just as the non-denominational church, which the Son of
God founded nearly 2000 years ago.
6. Where are the headquarters for the
church of Christ?
The church of Christ has no headquarters on the earth, no central office, and no
worldwide governing body. We have no pope, no president, and no person or group
of persons on this earth who control the thousands of congregations that exist
throughout the world. The Bible says Jesus is the head of the church (Ephesians
5:23), and God has put all things under His feet (Ephesians 1:22). Because
Jesus, our head, now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven (Colossians
3:1), the "headquarters" for the church of Christ are in heaven. Each local
church or congregation is self-ruling. Jesus Christ has been given all authority
(Matthew 28:18), and thus every congregation is under His rule.
7. Why do you call yourselves "the
church of Christ?"
Jesus promised His apostles, "Upon this rock I will build my church" (Matthew
16:18). Therefore, the church belongs to Christ. The Bible also records that
Jesus purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The church is thus
His by right of ownership. We wear the name of Christ to give honor to our
Savior and head, to whom we belong. There are several descriptions of the church
in the New Testament, including "church of God" (1 Corinthians 1:2), "churches
of Christ" (Romans 16:16), "body of Christ" (Ephesians 1:22,23), "house of God"
(1 Timothy 3:15, and "kingdom" of God's Son (Colossians 1:13).
8. On which day does the church of
Christ worship? And, what do you do during your worship services?
The Bible declares that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week,
which is Sunday (Mark 16:9). In addition, in the first century Christians
assembled on the first day of the week in order to remember their risen Lord and
worship the God of heaven (Acts 20:7). Today the church of Christ continues to
assemble each Sunday to worship the living God. Our worship each Lord's Day
consists of five parts, listed below: (1) Preaching/study of God's word (Acts
20:7; 2 Timothy 4:2) - We emphasize the Bible because only the word of God is a
lamp for our feet to travel the way of life (Psalm 119:105). Only the gospel is
God's power to save man (Romans 1:16). (2) Prayer (Acts 2:42; Timothy 2:1,2,8) -
Prayer is man's way to communicate to God. Our prayers include thanksgiving,
requests, praise and glory to God, and confession of sin. (3) Lord's Supper (1
Corinthians 11:23-27) - The Lord's Supper, which is also called "breaking bread"
or "communion," consists of two elements: unleavened bread and fruit of the
vine. In order to remember the death of Jesus, each Sunday members of the church
eat the bread, which represents the body of Jesus, and drink the fruit of the
vine, which represents His blood (Matthew 26:26-28). (4) Contribution (1
Corinthians 16:1,2) - Giving to God on each first day of the week (Sunday) is
the responsibility of each Christian. These contributions are used to support
the work of the local church, and such free will gifts are the sole source of
income for the church. The church does not engage in business enterprises to
support its activities. (5) Singing (Ephesians 5:19) - As the New Testament
teaches, our music consists of offering praises to God in a cappella singing,
speaking to one another and admonishing one another "in psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody" in our hearts to the Lord.
9. What must one do in order to enter
(become a member of) the church of Christ?
According to the Bible, men do not join the church, but rather God adds all
saved people to His church (Acts 2:47). Or to express it another way, one must
be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom (John 3:5). The
condition that one must meet in order to enter the church is to obey the gospel
of Jesus Christ. What does this include? It includes hearing the word of God
(Romans 10:17), believing that God exists (Hebrews 11:6) and that Jesus is His
Son (John 3:16-18), repenting of all sins (Acts 17:30), confessing Jesus as the
Son of God (Matthew 16:16; Acts 8:37), and being baptized (immersed in water)
for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). When a person does the things just noted,
he is saved from all past sins, and God adds him to His church. He has been born
into God's family.
10. Why does the church of Christ
exist? What is its mission?
The Bible indicates that before the creation of the world, the church was
already in the mind of God (Ephesians 3:6-11). Its establishment was foretold by
the prophets of the Old Testament (Isaiah 2:1-4). In all of its activities, the
church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21). Our mission, like that of our Savior,
is to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). In order to do this, the church has
three different areas of work in which it engages: preaching the gospel of
Christ to the lost, teaching the Bible to Christians to build them up and
strengthen the church, and the doing of benevolence or good works to those in
need.
We realize that our answers to these ten questions have been brief, but we hope
that the material we have presented has helped you to better understand the
church of Christ. May God bless you as you strive to learn and do His will! "The
churches of Christ salute you" (Romans 16:16).
Back to top
What is a Christian?
In its simplest terms, a Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ, the son of the living God.
So how do we demonstrate that we are His followers?
Christians accept Christ as being one
with the Father (John 10:30). Understand that salvation and eternal life are
gifts from God and are ours through Christ, not through a way of our own
choosing (Proverbs 16:25, Romans 6:23). Accept that we have sinned, but know
that His sacrifice provides for the forgiveness of those sins (Ephesians 1:7).
Know Him as our shepherd, and are known by Him as His sheep (John 10:14). Place
dedication to the principles of Christ above our own desires (Matthew 16:24).
Give Him more than just lip service (Matthew 7:21). Love one another as He has
loved us (John 13:34).
Why become a Christian?
Christ died for us, even though we were sinners (Romans 5:8). Christ alone is
the way to God, the Father (John 14:6). Christ is the one true mediator between
God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). God sent Christ to be our savior (1 John 4:14).
There is eternal life in Christ (Romans 6:23).
How do I become a Christian?
Believe the gospel - the "good news" - of Christ, for it is the power of God for
the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Turn away - repent - from
sin, so they may be forgiven (Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30). Confess Christ is Lord
(Romans 10:9). Share in his death and resurrection through baptism (Mark 16:16;
Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4).
Why baptism? What is baptism?
A rite ordered for believers (Acts 10:48). Done in the name of Jesus (Acts
8:36-38; Acts 10:48). Described in the scriptures as a burial (Romans 6:3,4).
Defined by Bible dictionaries as "plunging, dipping, immersing, or submerging."
An action that always involved going to a place where there was enough water,
not bringing a small amount of water to the candidate; archaeology shows early
baptisteries as pools of water.
Who is to be baptized?
Those who believe the word, (Mark 16:16; Acts 18:8), who obey the word, (Mark
16:15-16; Acts 2:41) and who repent of their sins (Acts 2:38).
Why should I be baptized?
Be baptized to become a disciple (Matthew 28:19-20). To be saved (Mark 16:16).
To have your sins forgiven, washed away (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). To receive the
Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). To get into Christ; to be in his body - the church
(Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 12:13). To unite in Christ's death and life
(Romans 6:3,4).
What then? After I become a Christian, what?
Upon your baptism, you are added to Christ's church -- the total of all people
who have obeyed Him (Acts 2:37-47). Christ and His church are inseparable. He
gave Himself for the church (Acts 20:28) and is the head and Savior of His
church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). Christ is Lord of everything,
including daily work responsibilities and relationships (Ephesians 5:21-6:9).
The church, the body of believers, shares the Lord's supper (communion) as a
memorial to Christ's death on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7; 1
Corinthians 11:17-32), sings hymns of praise (Ephesians 5:18-20), prays (Acts
2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:17), receives God's word in teaching (Acts 2:42), and
encourages each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Christ's followers show the
presence of Christ in their lives by both their words and their deeds
(Colossians 3:17).
Please take the time to consider what you have read above. Think about your life
and God, think about you and God. Not how others are living their lives but
about the relationship you have with God. If you want to read more, if you want
to learn more, if you want to discuss more about any of these points please
contact us now.
Church of the New Testament
We live in time where the Religious world is
divided and they don't seem to think anything about it. Most believe that we
should just agree to disagree that it doesn't really matter how you worship God.
Our goal is to see what God says about worship to Him, who better to tell us how
to worship than God Himself.
I
know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks
to direct his own steps.
- Jeremiah 10:23
This is most important in our worship to God, without the word of God we would
not now how to please God. In the very first instance of worship that God gives
us in the Bible, we see two different kinds of worship. Let's examine this
example our God has given us.
So
it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of
the fruit of the ground.
Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat
portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering;
but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry
and his countenance fell.
- Genesis 4:3-5
We notice two types of worship in this example that the LORD has given us, and
we will do well to examine them, as there is an acceptable worship and an
unacceptable one as well. God had regard for Abel and his offering, but no regard
for Cain's. Seeing as the word of God will lead us into all Truth, let us look
to the Scriptures to see why.
By
faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he
obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts,
and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.
- Hebrews 11:4
Well we see the difference in their worship, that difference is Faith, it was by
faith that Abel made a better sacrifice than his brother Cain and it was the
lack of faith in Cain's worship that made it unacceptable.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
-
Romans 10:17
By "faith" or by the word of God Abel's worship was accepted and Cain's was not.
Well, let's see God's reaction to Cain.
Then
the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do
what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin
is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.
- Genesis 4:6-7
God wants to accept our worship to Him, He has given us all the very same word
for that reason. That we may know what our God desires of us and obey His word.
God's word is so powerful, He speaks and the waves lay down, He speaks and the
dead come to life! All creation obeys His voice. But, our God has given mankind
a free will. We have a choice to obey God and that is what Love is all about. If
God made robots who instantly obeyed Him all the time and couldn't choose wrong,
then it wouldn't be Love at all. Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and
My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him"
- John 14:23
"Why
do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
- Luke 6:46
It's so important that we understand God's will for us, and worship Him
according to His word. The denominational (which means split) world calls this
"Legalism" as if someone takes the word of God too seriously. God calls it Love!
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me
through their message,
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May
they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
-
John 17:20-21
God calls for Unity through the message that is His word, the Holy Spirit of God
used the Apostles to reveal the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ
(2 Peter 1:20-21) and when people do not obey that message and worship God by
"faith" or by His word, it creates division and a world that does not believe!
The very world we are now living in. The Church of the Bible is the One Church
that Jesus built. (Matt 16:18; Eph 4:4-6; 1:20-21; 5:23; Col 1:18)
God paid for the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The Bible calls it
simply The Church Of Christ (Romans 16:16).
Come
visit us and see if we are the Church you read about in your New Testament
History of the Mid-Hudson Church of Christ
The Mid-Hudson Church of Christ began March 2, 1947. The
congregation started meeting at Brother Alton Aaron’s house before moving to the
Odd Fellows Hall at 261 Main Street, upstairs and above a Chinese restaurant.
They met on Sunday mornings, but there was no evening service. Bible class was
at 11:00am, and worship services were held at 11:45am. In addition to the
meeting hall, classes met in a kitchen and cloakroom; later, a class even met in
a pool hall.
The first four members of the Mid-Hudson Church of Christ were Andrew and Vivian
Randall and Mr. and Mrs. Alton Aaron. Andrew and Vivian Randall, both with
masters degrees in music from Oklahoma University, lived in Goshen, New York. He
taught music in Goshen and later moved to Pleasantville; Andrew taught in the
White Plains school district until he retired. Apparently Andy was quite
influential in community affairs. CBS News devoted a segment of their newscast
one evening to Andy “Pops” Randall; he was also the subject of an entire
30-minute segment of CBS’ Magazine show. At the time of his death, Andy Randall
could play every instrument in the band. He and Vivian had two sons and a
daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Alton Aaron moved to New York from Georgia. While living in
Poughkeepsie, he took care of the finances for Vanderbilt Mansion at Hyde Park.
They had a daughter named Betty.
The Randalls and Aarons advertised the church’s meetings in the newspaper and
thereby came into contact with Walter and Hazel Richards. They later found John
Smith, along with Arthur and Margaret Saari, and by the fall of 1948, the now
Mid-Hudson Church of Christ had about twelve members. The group of Christians
contacted Bill Fain, a recent graduate of Abilene Christian College, and he came
to New York to work with the congregation for several months. Bill was single
and did not require much income to survive; however, what support he had faded
away, and he then moved to Oregon.
After Bill Fain left, brother Aaron did most of the speaking, and Andy led the
singing. The congregation grew modestly over the next two years when Alice
Goodwin started attending the church’s meetings. When Thomas Byers moved to
Poughkeepsie from Burlington, Vermont, there were fourteen members.
The church paid Thomas fifty dollars when he relocated in October 1952. He began
working for the Collister Corporation shortly after arriving. He worked in the
sales and service department for the office machine company. The congregation
really began to grow in 1953, and by January 1955, there were 35 members.
Attendance would often be about 50 with visitors.
Thomas Byers returned to Texas, his childhood home, in order to raise enough
support to preach fulltime. When he came back to Poughkeepsie in 1956, he had
raised sufficient support and began the task of trying to move the congregation
into a more permanent location. The church had about $10,000 in a building fund
but could not get a loan to cover the rest of the costs. In addition, the city
of Poughkeepsie had zoned the church out of its prospective pieces of property.
Arthur Saari put the congregation in touch with the Jewish congregation at
Temple Beth El, who wanted to sell their building on Montgomery Street. The
temple was having a difficult time selling their building because it was next to
a school building. The temple had several lawyers in their congregation so the
church let them handle all the legal work. They did not charge us anything for
their services and even helped the congregation to secure a loan.
Thomas went south in 1957 and raised $5000 so the church could move into the
building in September of the same year. The church survived and even began to
grow. When Thomas Byers left in August of 1959, the congregation had 49 members,
and attendance on Sunday mornings averaged about 60. The church had become
self-supporting by this point in time.
After Thomas Byers, Gene Lyles came to the church in September of 1959; he
stayed until June of 1963. Following his tenure, Bob Schales became the preacher
at Mid-Hudson Church of Christ…