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Encyclopedia > Churches of Christ

The Churches of Christ discussed in this article are not part of the United Church of Christ; the International Churches of Christ; the Disciples of Christ; the Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science); The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or any other denomination within the Latter Day Saint movement; or the Philippines-based Iglesia ni Cristo. Disambiguation: This article is about the United States denomination known as United Church of Christ. ... Alternate meanings: International Churches of Christ discussed in this article are not part of International Christian Churches, the Churches of Christ,not part of Independent Christian Churches, the Disciples of Christ, not part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the United Church of Christ, Church of... The insignia of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). ... The factual accuracy of this article is disputed. ... For other uses, see The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (disambiguation). ... The Latter Day Saint movement (a subset of Restorationism) is a group of religious denominations and adherents who follow at least some of the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Iglesia ni Cristo (also known as INC or Iglesya ni Kristo, literally Tagalog for Church of Christ, pronounced ) is a nontrinitarian Christian restorationist religious organization that originated in the Philippines[4] The INC was incorporated in the Philippines by Felix Y. Manalo on July 27, 1914;[5] The church...

Churches of Christ
Classification Christian, Restorationist
Orientation New Testament, Restorationism
Polity Congregationalist
Separations Disciples of Christ
Distinct fellowships Non-institutional, Non-class, One-cup, Mutual Edification[1]
Statistics
Congregations 40,000
Members 5,062,074
Christianity Portal 


Churches of Christ are autonomous and undenominational Christian congregations that are associated with one another through common biblical beliefs and practices (also referred to collectively or in the singular as "Church of Christ"). These churches identify doctrinally, spiritually, and historically with the overall church of Christ that they believe has existed continuously since its establishment by Jesus Christ in the first century A.D. They hold that certain church structures, doctrines, and hierarchies that have arisen since the first century are extra-biblical, unnecessary, and stray from the intended format for a Christian congregation. Churches of Christ derive their doctrine and ecclesiastical structure from the New Testament, and intend to avoid the binding of traditions, practices, or doctrines that have arisen since the writing of the New Testament. Thus, they recognize only Jesus Christ as founder, and they trace their ecclesiastical and spiritual origins to the first Day of Pentecost after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, which is when the New Testament records the birth of the church. Alternate meanings: see Church of Christ (disambiguation). ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      This article is about the Stone... Christian doctrine redirects here. ... For other usages, see Dispensationalism, Restoration Movement, and Restoration The term Restorationism is used to describe both the late middle ages (15-16th century) movement that preceded the protestant reformation, and recent religious movements. ... Ecclesiastical polity is the operational and governance structure of a church or Christian denomination. ... Congregationalist polity, often known as congregationalism, is a system of church governance in which every local congregation is independent. ... The insignia of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). ... The label non-institutional refers to a distinct fellowship within the Churches of Christ who do not agree with the support of church or para-church organizations (colleges, orphans homes, etc. ... For the architectural structure, see Church (building). ... Image File history File links Portal. ...


Modern Churches of Christ in America, and some elsewhere, are linked to the Restoration Movement, which was a converging of several Christians across denominational lines who sought a return to original, "pre-denominational" Christianity. Like many other individuals and Christian groups throughout the history of Christianity, the Restoration Movement was an attempt to seek doctrine and practice in the Bible only rather than recognizing the decisions of councils and denominational hierarchies that had evolved since the first century.


Churches of Christ generally have these distinctive traits: they hold to no formalized creeds or statements of faith, in preference for the Bible itself; autonomous, congregational church organization without denominational oversight; local governance by a plurality of male elders; baptism by immersion only (in obedience to the New Testament command/example, i.e., βαπτιζο) performed on consenting individuals (i.e., not infants) in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; weekly observance of communion, also referred to as the Lord's Supper; the practice of a cappella singing in worship (although some related congregations use instruments in worship, usually known as Christian Churches).


In keeping with their history, Churches of Christ claim the New Testament as their sole rule of faith and practice in deciding matters of doctrine and ecclesiastical structure. Although they view the Old Testament as divinely inspired and historically accurate, they do not see its laws as binding under the New Covenant in Christ (unless they are repeated in the New Testament). They believe that the New Testament demonstrates how a person may become a Christian, thus a part of the universal church of Christ, and how a church should be collectively organized and carry out its scriptural purposes.

Contents

Church Population

These churches comprise about 5,062,074 members in over 40,000 individual congregations worldwide.[2] Approximately 13,000 congregations exist in the United States comprising about 1.3 million members [3]


Self-identification

Churches of Christ consider themselves "Christians only" and do not identify as Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant. They believe that biblically and historically, the church was founded by Jesus Christ and his teachings and desire for the church are found in the Scriptures of the New Testament. Therefore, they claim that the church and its doctrines and practices transcend these other entities, traditions, movements, structures, councils, etc. that developed later within Christendom. Members do not typically consider themselves to be members of a denomination, but prefer to simply be known as "Christians" (in contrast to, for example, a Catholic Christian, a Presbyterian Christian, a Baptist Christian, etc.), with no other religious title needed or preferred. Thus, they believe that Christians should be referred to as the Church of Christ. Separate articles treat Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox Judaism. ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... This T-and-O map, which abstracts the known world to a cross inscribed within an orb, remakes geography in the service of Christian iconography. ...


History in America

Restoration Movement

Although the Church of Christ traces its roots through autonomous congregations since the first century A.D., the American Restoration Movement of the 18th and 19th centuries resulted in the significant development and growth of Churches of Christ in America and elsewhere. This movement was an emergence of seekers who perpetuated ideals that have existed throughout church history regarding inspired truth over ecclesiastical tradition or dogma. The Restoration Movement largely promoted a return to the purposes of the first century churches as described in the New Testament and is considered by some historians to be part of the Second Great Awakening. One major impetus of the movement was the Kentucky Cane Ridge Revival in 1801, which resulted in many from various traditions no longer holding to their denominational ties and referring to themselves simply as "Christians" or "Disciples." Several Churches of Christ were established as a result of this revival, with some denominational congregations even dropping their traditional titles in favor of "Church of Christ," "Disciples of Christ," or "Christian Church." While ever emphasizing that the Bible is the only source to seek doctrine, an acceptance of Christians with diverse opinions was the norm in the quest for truth. "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love" was an oft-quoted slogan of the period.[4] The Restoration Movement solidified as a historical phenomenon in 1832 when restorationists from two major movements championed by Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell merged (historians thus often refer to it as the "Stone-Campbell Movement"). Following Stone's death in 1844, Alexander Campbell served as the most influential surviving voice. The Seekers were a dissenting group in the time of the Commonwealth of England. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      This article is about the Stone... The Second Great Awakening  (1800–1830s) was the second great religious revival in United States  history and consisted of renewed personal salvation experienced in revival meetings. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      This article is about the Stone... Year 1832 (MDCCCXXXII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... For other usages, see Dispensationalism, Restoration Movement, and Restoration The term Restorationism is used to describe both the late middle ages (15-16th century) movement that preceded the protestant reformation, and recent religious movements. ... Barton W. Stone (December 24, 1772 - November 9, 1844) was a religious reformer of the early 19th century associated with the Restoration Movement. ... Alexander Campbell Alexander Campbell (September 12, 1788 – March 4, 1866) was an early leader of a movement that began in 1800 with the goal of removing divisions between Christians, by returning believers in the New Testament to principles of Truth and Union. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      This article is about the Stone... Jan. ...

See also: Restoration Movement.

Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      This article is about the Stone...

Historical Connection to Christian Churches and Disciples of Christ

Modern Churches of Christ and Christian Churches are very similar (the primary difference being a cappella worship in Churches of Christ) and, depending on the ideals and personality of each local congregation, maintain communication and fellowship.


Although its evolution can also be traced to the Restoration Movement, today's Disciples of Christ denomination is very different from today's Churches of Christ and Christian Churches. Unlike the latter, the Disciples of Christ denomination does not regard the autonomy of churches as one of the more important ideologies of the Restoration Movement. The insignia of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). ...


During the first hundred years of the Restoration Movement, all three of these titles were commonly used for congregations. As interpretations, convictions, and preferences regarding a cappella and instrumental music distinguished congregations, the a cappella churches typically used "Church of Christ" to identify themselves while instrumental churches used "Disciples of Christ" or "Christian Church" as designations. In 1906, the U.S. Census for the first time made a distinction of two groups between the a cappella and instrumental churches; this was also the result of other issues related to the Civil War.[5]


The development of the Disciples of Christ denomination was the later result of some within the instrumental church embracing liberal teachings traditionally espoused by Protestant denominations that many others in the movement would not accept. Thus, those who refused to accept such separated and typically refer to themselves as Christian Churches, leaving the Disciples of Christ designation to those who eventually organized into that named denomination which exists today. While "Disciples of Christ" is often used as a designation in history books for all churches within the Restoration Movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries, modern Churches of Christ and Christian Churches more accurately reflect the Restoration Movement ideals of that era.

See also: Restoration Movement#Churches of Christ/Disciples of Christ split

Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      This article is about the Stone...

Variations within Churches of Christ

Since Churches of Christ are autonomous, not denominational, and purposefully do not maintain an ecclesiastical hierarchy or doctrinal council (as they hold the Bible alone as the only source of doctrine), it is not unusual to find variations from congregation to congregation. For example, some allow for more open interpretations regarding worship and other church practices, while others hold to more strict interpretations. The level of fellowship and cooperation that will exist between those of varying opinions will depend on each member and local congregation. Congregations and members are free to study the Scriptures and to the best of their abilities determine God's revealed will. Yet, most Churches of Christ have the similarities mentioned in the prior introduction.


Church organization

Congregational autonomy

Church government is congregational rather than denominational. Churches of Christ purposefully have no formally recognized headquarters, councils, or hierarchical church government. Rather, the independent congregations are a network with each congregation participating at its own discretion in various means of service and fellowship with other congregations, and with other Christian bodies as well. Churches of Christ are linked by their shared interpretations of biblical doctrine as listed above.


Congregational leadership

Congregations are generally overseen by a plurality of elders (also known in some congregations as shepherds) who are sometimes assisted in the administration of various works by deacons. Elders and deacons are appointed in congregations based on the qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. A religious elder (in Greek, πρεσβυτερος [presbyteros]) is valued for his or her wisdom, in part for their age, on the grounds that the older one is then the more one is likely to know. ... For other uses, see Deacon (disambiguation). ...


While Churches of Christ promote the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers,[6] congregations generally have professionally educated and trained clergy and staff.[citation needed] However, Churches of Christ emphasize, based on Romans 1:7 and other passages, that each member is a minister and a saint, that no believer is more important than another, and that all should use the gifts he or she has to serve others. In lieu of willing men who meet these qualifications, congregations are usually overseen by the congregation's men in general.


Hermeneutics

Churches of Christ practice the principle of the Bible being the only source to find doctrine (also known as "sola scriptura"). Interpretive approaches to Scripture may vary somewhat from congregation to congregation as Churches of Christ are not bound to a creed, catechism, headquarters, or denominational council. Regarding Biblical historicity and literalism, Churches of Christ are quite conservative and generally see the Bible as historically accurate and literal, unless scriptural context obviously indicates otherwise. Regarding church practices, worship, and doctrine, there is great liberty from congregation to congregation in interpreting what is biblically permissible, as congregations are not controlled by a denominational hierarchy.


Some believe God binds people only to the explicit commands of New Testament Scripture, meaning that anything commanded must be obeyed in its proper and obvious context but that anything not expressly forbidden is allowable and open to interpretation and preference. Many others have a more stringent view of scripture, believing that only what is expressly commanded, given as an approved example, or indicated as permissible by inference is allowable as a practice in the church. The latter view means that if something is not specifically mentioned and approved of in the New Testament, then the church should not take the liberty of doing it. There is much variety that exists from congregation to congregation between these two ideologies. This approach, which is related to the non-denominational/autonomous nature of congregations, allows open interpretation for the uninhibited search and discovery of the original meanings of biblical texts. However, Churches of Christ tend to be uncannily similar in their biblical interpretations regarding salvation and morality. The liturgy or form of worship is also quite similar in most congregations, although the style sometimes varies in different locales.


Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)

Like most evangelical Christian churches, Churches of Christ teach that humans (of accountable age) are lost in sin, but can be redeemed because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice. The primary difference between Churches of Christ and most other Christian evangelical churches is how and when a person receives salvation in Christ. Churches of Christ hold that salvation occurs when a repentant believer submits to Christ by being baptized in His Name (e.g., Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16), rather than at the point of mental belief in Christ, the moment of repentance, or when a "sinner's prayer" to receive salvation is made. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...


Other Theological Tendencies

The concepts of Original Sin, total depravity, predestination, etc. are rejected as doctrinal innovations that are not based on Scripture. Election and predestination are regarded as functions of the exercise of free will (i.e., God has chosen and wishes for all to be saved but only those who choose to believe and submit to Him will be). Those who choose God's way through Christ are elect and therefore saved while those who reject Christ are lost in sin. The doctrine of "once saved always saved" is also rejected. It is generally understood in churches of Christ that a Christian can consciously decide to cease following Christ and thus lose salvation, or "fall from grace". Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... Original Sin redirects here. ... Total depravity (also called total inability and total corruption) is a theological doctrine that derives from the Augustinian doctrine of original sin and is advocated in many Protestant confessions of faith and catechisms, including those of Lutheranism,1 Anglicanism and Methodism,2 Arminianism, and Calvinism. ... Predestination (also linked with foreknowledge) is a religious concept, which involves the relationship between the beginning of things and their destinies. ... Free-Will is a Japanese independent record label founded in 1986. ... Perseverance of the saints (or preservation of the saints or eternal security) is a controversial Christian doctrine which maintains that none who are truly saved can be condemned for their sins or finally fall away from the faith. ...


Regarding eschatology, Churches of Christ are generally amillennial and take a preterist view of Apocalyptic texts. A few congregations favor premillenial interpretations.[citation needed] Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      In Christian theology, Christian eschatology is the... Amillennialism (from the Latin prefix a meaning no, mille meaning thousand, and annum meaning year) is a view in Christian eschatology named for its denial of a future, thousand-year, physical reign of Jesus Christ on the earth, as espoused in the premillennial and some postmillennial views of the Book... Preterism is a variant of Christian eschatology which holds that some or all of the biblical prophecies concerning the Last Days (or End Times) refer to events which actually happened in the first century after Christs birth. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      This article is about Premillennialism in Christian...


Basis of a cappella worship practice

Churches of Christ believe that there is no evidence that first-century churches used instruments in worship and that New Testament Scripture references to worshiping God in song never mention instruments. Only the voice, heart, and spirit are mentioned in commands to worship with singing. Therefore, Churches of Christ have adhered to the practice of a cappella music in worship. Churches of Christ members often point out that, throughout church history, instrumental music in worship was not practiced until the sixth century, hence the Latin/Italian word "a cappella", meaning like the chapel/church. This article is about the vocal technique. ...


The level of conviction regarding a cappella only worship varies from church to church. To some the practice is a preference, a good interpretation, or an embraced tradition but is not binding on others because there is no command in Scripture that forbids instruments in worship. To others, the use of instruments in worship would equate with adding to the Bible since instruments are not mentioned, making the a cappella practice a strong matter of doctrine or dogma within that congregation.


Churches of Christ outside the United States

At least two distinct groups of churches carry the same name in Churches of Christ in Australia with approximately 150 (out of a total of 180) "Churches of Christ" having a formally defined themselves as members of the "National Conference of Churches of Christ, Inc." By sending appointed delegates to vote at such a National Conference places those churches squarely in a "denominational" structure which would separate them from non-denominational (restoration-movement-style) Churches of Christ in Australia and elsewhere. A similar New Zealand group is the Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand. These churches take generally ecumenical views, similar to the Disciples of Christ denomination in the US. Of the main American groups the Australia and New Zealand churches are closest in belief and practice to the Disciples of Christ). The Churches of Christ in Australia is part of the Restoration Movement. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Christianity Portal This box:      Ecumenism (also oecumenism, Å“cumenism) refers to initiatives aimed at greater religious unity or cooperation. ... The insignia of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). ...


Churches of Christ in Europe arose separately from the American Restoration Movement and during the 1840s onwards various movements came into fellowship. The Restoration Movement in the United Kingdom started before the Campbell/Stone movement in the USA. In England, churches of Christ flourished in the 1600s and before; eventually many became Baptist.[7] Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Baptist is...


Most of the Association of Churches of Christ in the UK became part of the United Reformed Church in 1981. Most of the remaining became the Fellowship of Churches of Christ. The latter group and some Australian and New Zealand Churches advocate a "missional" emphasis with an ideal of "Five Fold Leadership." Many people in more traditional churches of Christ see these groups as having more in common with Pentecostal churches. The main publishing organs of traditional churches of Christ in Britain are Christian Worker magazine and the Scripture Standard magazine. A history of the Association of Churches of Christ, Let Sects and Parties Fall, was written by David M Thompson. Logo of The United Reformed Church The United Reformed Church (URC) is a Christian denomination (church) in the United Kingdom. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Athanasius · Augustine · Constantine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Calvin · Luther · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Pentecostal...


The Australian and New Zealander groups planted churches throughout the Pacific Islands (although the American groups are credited with establishing churches in American Samoa, two major island groups within the Kingdom of Tonga and Viti Levu, the main island within the Fiji Islands); the United Kingdom group planted churches throughout the British Empire; and the American groups planted churches throughout the Americas and the rest of the world. These groups often used the name "Church of Christ" and were affiliated with the other churches of that name. While a few such churches still exist, many have merged with other groups. Tuamotu, French Polynesia The Pacific Ocean contains an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 islands (the exact number has yet to be precisely determined). ... Viti Levu is the largest island in the Republic of Fiji. ... For other uses, see Fiji (disambiguation). ... The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ... World map showing the Americas CIA political map of the Americas in an equal-area projection The Americas are the lands of the New World, consisting of the continents of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions. ...


Very large numbers of churches of Christ exist in India and sub-Saharan Africa due to the initial work of American missionaries and international Bible correspondence courses, followed by very significant internal organic growth. Significant pockets of Churches of Christ can be found in Latin America, especially in the Mexican states of Nuevo León and Coahuila. Nuevo León (Spanish for New León, after the former kingdom in Spain) is a state located in northeastern Mexico. ... Coahuila (formal name: Coahuila de Zaragoza) is one of Mexicos 31 component states. ...


See also

For other usages, see Dispensationalism, Restoration Movement, and Restoration The term Restorationism is used to describe both the late middle ages (15-16th century) movement that preceded the protestant reformation, and recent religious movements. ... Church of Christ affiliated colleges and universities include these institutions. ... There are many politicians, writers, thinkers, athletes, entertainers as well as other well-known people associated with the Restoration Movement churches. ...

References

  • Brownlow, Leroy. (1973). Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ. Brownlow Publishing Company, Inc.
  • Murch, James DeForest (1962). Christians Only, A history of the Restoration Movement. Cincinatti: The Standard Publishing Company. 

Notes

  1. ^ Ross, Bobby Jr. Who are we?. Features. The Christian Chronicle. Retrieved on 2007-10-29.
  2. ^ Church numbers listed by country. ChurchZip. Retrieved on 2007-09-11. This is a live country-by-country tabulation, based on the enumeration of specific individual church locations and leaders. While it is known to under-represent certain developing countries, it is the largest such enumeration, and improves significantly on earlier broad-based estimates having no supporting detail.
  3. ^ Churches of Christ in the United States Nashville: 21st Century Christian, 2006.
  4. ^ [1]
  5. ^ Decades of Destiny: A History of Churches of Christ from 1900-2000, edited by Lindy Adams and Scott LaMascus, pp. 28-31
  6. ^ Roberts, Price (1979), Studies for New Converts, Cincinnati: The Standard Publishing Company, pp. 53-56
  7. ^ Traces of the Kingdom

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 302nd day of the year (303rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Question_book-3. ...

External links

Image File history File links Broom_icon. ...

General websites

Online print media

  • Apologetics Press - Publishes materials defending a literal interpretation of creation in the Bible.
  • The Christian Chronicle - A newspaper of the Churches of Christ.
  • Christian Courier - Investigating biblical apologetics, religious doctrine, and ethical issues.
  • Focus Press - Publisher of Think magazine. Discusses modern day issues.
  • House to House/Heart to Heart - An online/printed magazine used to teach both Christians and non-Christians.
  • The Preacher's Files - Online articles, sermon outlines, and discussion forum.
  • Restoration Quarterly - Magazine devoted to study of the Restoration Movement and Churches of Christ.
  • Seek the Old Paths - An online/printed magazine used to defend the Truth and teach others.
  • Truth Magazine - A monthly publication from what would be regarded as a "conservative" or "non-institutional" viewpoint.
  • The Light - A publication representing the "one cup" brotherhood. [2]
  • "The New Testament Church" - Information and resources on biblical topics and listing of one cup churches of Christ.

Online TV/Radio stations

Directories

  • ChurchZip - Global Directory of 40,031 Churches of Christ with maps, web-sites, contact names, and geographical search capabilities."
  • Churches of Christ Online - Locate local US Church Websites with Thumbnail views by State. Just click on the map.
  • Church of Christ Online Network - An Online directory of US Churches of Christ web pages
  • Singapore Churches of Christ -
  • Global Directory of Christian Universities Affiliated with the Churches of Christ
  • Worldwide Church of Christ Locator
  • Directories of churches of Christ

History and sources

  • Historical Texts, Images, and Interpretations of the Restoration Movement: Disciples of Christ, Christian Churches, Churches of Christ
  • TheRestorationMovement.com
  • British web site of early churches of Christ - History web site detailing in Europe churches of Christ before the American RM

Miscellaneous

  • Bible Study Guide

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To God Be the Glory. . .Search Eng To God Be the Glory. . ...</b></a> <font color=gray>(554 words)</font></td> </tr> <tr><td valign=top style='padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 2px'><img src=http://images.nationmaster.com/images/a.gif></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px"> For those who are such do not serve our <a href="/encyclopedia/Lord" title="Lord" class=fl>Lord</a> <a href="/encyclopedia/Jesus" title="Jesus" class=fl>Jesus</a> <b>Christ</b>, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. </td></tr> <tr><td valign=top style='padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 2px'><img src=http://images.nationmaster.com/images/a.gif></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px"> Each <a href="/encyclopedia/Congregation" title="Congregation" class=fl>congregation</a> of the <b>church</b> of <b>Christ</b> is <a href="/encyclopedia/Autonomy" title="Autonomy" class=fl>autonomous</a>, answering only to God and functioning within the laws of the land. </td></tr> <tr><td valign=top style='padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 2px'><img src=http://images.nationmaster.com/images/a.gif></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px"> By following the <a href="/encyclopedia/Bible" title="Bible" class=fl>Bible</a> as its only creed, the members of the <b>church</b> of <b>Christ</b> have to discern between right and wrong and fellowship with groups of <a href="/encyclopedia/Christian" title="Christian" class=fl>Christians</a> who also seek to hide their lives in <b>Christ</b> (Colossians 3).</td></tr> <!--tr> <td colspan="2" style="padding-bottom: 5px"> <font color=gray>www.church-of-christ.net</font>   (554 words) </td> </tr--> </table> <table class="text" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="padding-bottom: 5px"><a href="http://www.abideinchrist.com/selah/nov28.html"><b> The Church of Christ</b></a> <font color=gray>(940 words)</font></td> </tr> <tr><td valign=top style='padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 2px'><img src=http://images.nationmaster.com/images/a.gif></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px"> It is impossible to be saved and not be a member of the <b>church</b>, which is <b>Christ’s</b> own body, because a part of the divine work of <a href="/encyclopedia/Salvation" title="Salvation" class=fl>salvation</a> is the uniting of the individual to <b>Christ</b> by the <a href="/encyclopedia/Baptism" title="Baptism" class=fl>baptism</a> with the <a href="/encyclopedia/Holy-Spirit" title="Holy Spirit" class=fl>Holy Spirit</a> (1 Cor. </td></tr> <tr><td valign=top style='padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 2px'><img src=http://images.nationmaster.com/images/a.gif></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px"> The true <b>church</b> of <b>Christ</b> is composed of all people who have repented of their sins and put their <a href="/encyclopedia/Faith" title="Faith" class=fl>faith</a> in <a href="/encyclopedia/Jesus" title="Jesus" class=fl>Jesus</a> <b>Christ</b> as their Savior and who are thus joined together in one living union by the <a href="/encyclopedia/Baptism" title="Baptism" class=fl>baptism</a> of the <a href="/encyclopedia/Holy-Spirit" title="Holy Spirit" class=fl>Holy Spirit</a>. </td></tr> <tr><td valign=top style='padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 2px'><img src=http://images.nationmaster.com/images/a.gif></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px"> You do not have to be a member of the local <b>Church</b> of <b>Christ</b>, or be baptized by one of their officials in order to be saved.</td></tr> <!--tr> <td colspan="2" style="padding-bottom: 5px"> <font color=gray>www.abideinchrist.com /selah/nov28.html</font>   (940 words) </td> </tr--> </table></td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td width="100%" class="text"> <b> <a href=http://www.factbites.com/topics/Churches-of-Christ>More results at FactBites</a> »</b> </td> </tr> </table> <br> <script type="text/javascript"> var curLink = ""; 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