Posts Tagged ‘membership’
Is membership in a local congregation necessary for salvation?
Question: First of all, I want to say that I do like your site and the good information it provides. However, while reading “Christians Without Churches?” I came across the following statement: “Is it possible for a Christian to be part of the “universal” church without being identified with a local church? The Scriptures give…
Read MoreHow can you be in a church when there isn’t one in your area?
Question: I am a Christian from the United States and I’m living in India. I have suffered a lot of abuse in the church in my life – yes, clear abuse and other things. Anyway, I do believe I need to be with other Christians, but I’m really praying and seeking to find out in…
Read MoreWhy do some believe you have to be a part of some building to enter heaven?
Question: This is the first that I have seen, but I am sure there more, Church of Christ site that actually says the Church of Christ is a “Way of Life” and not a particular building. Why do some believe it is the building you need to be a member of to enter Heaven? Answer:…
Read MoreWhat kind of questions should I ask the elders before joining a church?
Question: I think that I have found a church where I would like to worship. But first, I think that I should have a meeting with the elders before I place my membership there. I was wondering what questions I should ask the elders to make sure that they and the church are following the pattern of a…
Read MoreDevaluing the Local Church
by Glen Young via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 25, June 22, 2008. The local church occupies an important position in God’s scheme of things. It is through the local church that Christians execute certain works. These are works that God commands that can only be accomplished as a group in the context of a local…
Read MoreShould a person leave a church that doesn’t have elders or deacons?
Question: How long should a person attend a church that does not have any elders or deacons? What are some of the problems associated with a church not having any elders or deacons? Answer: The follow-on question is: Are there no elders because none one currently attending is qualified, or are there no elders because the…
Read MoreChristians Without Churches?
by Ethan R. Longhenry Over the past few years, a trend has increased among people, especially Americans: the idea that people can be good Christians without being part of a church. Many people will recognize that Jesus is the Messiah and Lord, but yet want nothing to do with any church. This attitude fits with…
Read MoreDoes the Bible teach that you don’t have to congregate to go to heaven?
Question: A good friend and fellow sister in Christ called last night to tell me about a conversation she’d had with a few co-workers. One guy said that, although he didn’t know where, he knew the Bible said you ‘don’t have to congregate to go to heaven.’ A woman said someone had once told her…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for joining the church there and what are the requirements for getting married there?
Question: My fiance and I are looking for a Church of Christ to join in your area. We were wondering if you could give us some information about requirements for joining your congregation and also any rules, regulations, and information about getting married in your church as we’re looking to get married next year. Thank…
Read MoreDo you have to join a church?
Question: I would like to know do you believe in having to join to be a member of the “Church of Christ”? Answer: This question only becomes difficult to answer in that I don’t know if you understand the way the New Testament uses the concept of “church.” “Church” is used in two senses. One…
Read MoreShould I worship with a group that I think is teaching error in order to teach them the truth?
Question: It is only proper to first introduce myself. I am a 19-year-old guy and I live in the Philippines. I have been surfing your web site for almost half a year now (although not very often) and have in fact asked you probably less than five questions. Dear sir, I quite appreciate your labor…
Read MoreCan a church consist of just one person?
Question: Can a church consist of just one person? Answer: A church is an entity separate and distinguishable from a single individual Christian. This can be seen in the separation of responsibility seen in I Timothy 5:16, “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be…
Read MoreHow does a disfellowshiped Christian worship God?
Question: If a person is disfellowshiped at a congregation, then how can that person biblically worship God? How does a person know that they have been disfellowshiped? Today’s churches seem to practice no visible discipline, but many are treated as if they have been disfellowshiped. It seems the decision is made in secret among the…
Read MoreWhy I am a Member of the Church of Christ
by Irvin Himmel via The Voice of West End, Vol. 5, No. 23, Feb. 16, 1964. People have offered a variety of reasons for their religious connections. I am here to present my reasons for being a member of the church of Christ; but, first, some negative thoughts: Not because of wealth The Roman Catholic Church…
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