Why does it matter what name we wear? Does it matter to God? Why are there so many different names worn by religious people?

First, we wear this name because it is scriptural to do so. “Greet one another with an holy kiss, the churches of Christ salute you” (Romans 16:16). Why would anyone want to refer to the church in a way not found in the scriptures? Is it not then unscriptural to wear a name that God doesn’t approve of?

Second, we recognize that Jesus is the one responsible for building the church. “…I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). We did not build the church. Jesus did! The church is not yours, mine nor ours. The church does not belong to anyone but Jesus.

Therefore, it is the church of Christ.

Third, we gladly wear the name of Jesus because He purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28). He gave His life for the church. How sad that many would rather call the church by some humanly devised name rather than church of Christ.
Would you like to know more about the church of Christ? We would love to study with you about the church of Christ.

Terry Claunch

“If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them” (Deut. 21:18). God equates a rebellious son with one who will not obey the voice of his father and mother. Even after there has been correction given, the son still will not hearken unto their voices. Why is this so serious?

Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about God (Deut. 6:4-7). This teaching was to be done throughout the day. Everyone should learn that they are “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecc. 12:13). Every child should have the ability to be brought up in a godly home (Eph. 6:4). Have we as parents abdicated our role? Do our children only receive biblical teaching at the feet of others? Is it possible that we are in such a sad state spiritually because we have failed to do this?

Children have the responsibility to hearken (obey) to the teaching of their parents (Eph. 6:1-2). Parents are the authority within the home. It is not the other way around. Christians, as children of God, are to be obedient to His voice. The same principle applies in the home between children and their parents. Are you an obedient child?

What were the consequences under the OT law when a child was rebellious? If he did not hearken he was to be stoned. Under the NT the punishment may not come as swift but it is more severe. The “wages of sin” (Rom. 6:23) is death. Disobedience to parents is sin. Therefore, one will lose life eternally (Matt. 25:46) if it is not forgiven. As long as our parents are guiding us in the way of righteousness then we ought to honor them by hearing and hearkening to their voice. May God bless both parents and children in this great endeavor.

Terry Claunch

The joke says that possession is 9/10’s of the law, or something to that effect. In spiritual matters it either belongs to Jesus or it doesn’t. He does not recognize religion that is characterized by a fraction. Our study today will deal with some things that the New Testament describe as belonging to Jesus.

We want to begin with the blood of Jesus. Throughout the history of mankind many have been those who have shed their own blood for a specific cause. Within the history of the Jewish people many were the animals that had their blood shed as a sacrifice for the sins of the people. But neither of these compare with the blood that stained the old rugged cross. It was by “his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). It was by “the things which he suffered” that we can have “eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:8-9). It is with the “precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19) that we are redeemed. No other blood would do. The importance of His blood can be seen in three ways:

1. It gave us the New Testament. “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

2. We also learn from this verse that His blood provides forgiveness of sins. John writes “…unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). How does one have his sins washed away? Ananias told Paul to “be baptized and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16). Jesus’ blood washes away our sins when we are baptized.

3. The blood of Jesus purchased the church. “…the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). How valuable the church must be for it cost the Son of God his life, the shedding of his own blood!

The next thing that belongs to Jesus is the kingdom. Daniel foretold of a kingdom to be established by God (Daniel 2:44). John, Jesus and the apostles preached, “the kingdom was at hand” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 10:7). Were they all wrong? Were any of them mistaken? Not at all! God did just what He said He would do. He established a kingdom. It was not like the kingdoms of the world. It was spiritual in nature (John 18:36). The Jews did not stop God from accomplishing His promises. The establishment of the kingdom is not some yet future event. How does one know? Look at the scriptures. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom” (Hebrews 12:28). Can something be received that does not exist? “Which in His times He shall shew, Who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). If Jesus is not King now neither is He Lord. “Who has delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). If the kingdom does not exist that leaves us in the power of darkness. Jesus is now reigning as King over His kingdom.

The church, as a possession, belongs to Jesus. It does not belong to John the Baptist, John Wesley, Joseph Smith, Alexander Campbell. Neither does it belong to you or me. Should we then name churches after these men or their doctrines? We have already seen that it was the blood of Jesus that purchased the church (Acts 20:28). “Ye [the church] are bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:12, 20). Those who had repented and been baptized were “added to the church” (Acts 2:38, 47). Jesus built only one church (Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22; 4:4). What a monstrosity it would be to have one head over so many bodies. Jesus is the head over His one body, the church.

Don’t you want to belong to Christ? By His blood you can become a part of His kingdom the church.

Terry Claunch

This question is found in Acts 14:15. Paul and Barnabas want to know why the people of the city are making sacrifice to them. It is explained that they are men just like them. They are not gods. The people of Lystra were wrong in what they were attempting to do. That is why Paul asked, “Sirs, why do ye these things?” Do we need to ask ourselves why we do some things? Many times we do something because that’s the way it’s been done before. We may do it out of honesty and sincerity. In religious matters we need to know why we do the things we do.

Why does the church of Christ practice immersion (baptism) in water for the forgiveness of sins? That is a good question.

Either the Bible teaches this or it does not. It cannot be both ways! First, baptism is revealed by the scriptures as a means to obtain salvation. “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Guilty Jews asked Peter and the others (Acts 2:37), “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” The response to their question is found in the next verse. Peter tells them to “Repent, and be baptized everyone of you for the remission of sins…” Yes, baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. Why do anything else? Second, this baptism for the forgiveness of sins is an immersion in water. The New Testament does not reveal any other mode. “They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38). Colossians 2:12 declares that one is “buried with him in baptism.” Why do anything else?

Why does the church of Christ wear that name? Again, that is a good question. Paul wrote to the Romans “the churches of Christ salute you” (Romans 16:16). The descriptive title “church of Christ” shows that the church belongs to Jesus. He is its builder (Matthew 16:18). He is the one who purchased it (Acts 20:28). He is its head (Colossians 1:18). With these things being true what else would you call it? Why do anything else?

Why does the church of Christ sing without the addition of mechanical instruments of music? Yes, it is true that we sing and that alone. Why do this? Worship is the outpouring of grateful hearts unto our Father in heaven. He, and He alone, has the right to determine what pleases Him! “Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). There are only eight other references in the New Testament (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Hebrews 2:12; 13:15 and James 5:13). None of these mention a mechanical instrument. They do reveal that the instrument used is the heart. When God told Noah to build an ark of gopher wood (Genesis six) that ruled out any other kind of wood. Didn’t it? The same principle applies when God said sing. When He specified singing that ruled out other kinds of music. Why do anything else?

Other questions could be asked as to why we do the things we do. We ought to “be ready to give an answer…” (1 Peter 3:15) for the things we do. May it be our desire to do things that have God’s stamp of approval upon them.

Terry Claunch

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

One of the greatest problems, if not the greatest, that faces a Christian is heart trouble.

Heart trouble can keep one from believing in God (Psa. 14:1). Hearts that have been hardened through unbelief need to be broken.

Heart trouble will stop many from believing in Jesus (Rom. 10:9, 10). Regardless of the evidence some will not come to believe.

Heart trouble prevents many from repenting of their sins (Rom. 2:4). Some will not allow their heart to know the goodness of God.

Heart trouble keeps lips silent (Jo. 12:42, 43). Fear is a symptom of spiritual heart trouble.

Some will not be baptized because of heart trouble (Rom. 6:3-4, 16-18). They simply do not believe.

Terry Claunch

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:1-2)

The book of Acts contains examples of people being saved by the grace of God. These people have been converted (1 Thes. 1:9). Cornelius, the centurion, is one such example of conversion. What truths about conversion can we learn from Cornelius?

First, we learn that from his PAST that he was lost. Peter came to tell him words in order to save him (Acts 11:14). It did not matter that he was doing some things that were considered godly. He was separated from God and needed to be converted.

Second, his conversion shows that PREPARATION was made (Acts 10:24-29). He had to send for Peter. He had to wait for the messenger of the gospel to arrive. If we are lost may we be humble enough to call for help. It is essential that one be hear, learn and obey (John 6:44, 45) if he is going to be converted. He was also concerned about others. He gathered his relatives and friends so that they might be converted.

Third, there is the need for PREACHING in conversion. God chose the “preaching of the gospel” to save (1 Cor. 1:18). Cornelius had to hear the saving message of Jesus (Acts 11:14; Rom. 10:14). Without it he would remain lost.

Fourth, conversion involves a PURPOSE. Why does one need to be converted? What does it do? Why not stay where you are? Conversion means that one is made a child of God (John 3:3-5). Conversion results in the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). When one is converted he is added to the church (Acts 2:47). Without being converted one will remain lost (Col. 1:13).

Finally, one learns about the PRIORITY of conversion. Cornelius could not wait. He could not delay. To procrastinate would risk his soul (2 Cor. 6:2). Paul was asked why he waited (Acts 22:16).

Are you ready to be converted?

Terry Claunch

This is a question that is recorded by the prophet Malachi (3:8). The Jews were guilty of not giving to God what was His. Achan stole what belonged in the “treasury of the Lord” (Joshua 6:18-19). He thought no one would find out. Because of his sin the Israelites failed to capture the city of Ai. His sin hit closer to home as well (Joshua 7:20-25). Is it possible for us to be guilty of robbing God? Yes, it is!

We can rob God by not living for Him. He is the giver of life (Acts 17:28-29). He wants us to have an abundant life (John 10:10). A failure to live for him means we rob God.

We can rob God by not giving as we should. That was the message of Malachi. Does God need our financial gifts? No, but by them we show our love (2 Cor. 8:8). Are you robbing God?

We can rob God of a soul if we are not saved! God wants all to be saved (2 Pet. 3:9). One soul is valuable to God (Matt. 16:26). Will you rob God?

Terry Claunch

In the last few years much has been made of politicians having to defend themselves against criminal charges. Such is the case with the new senator from Illinois, Roland Burris. It seems we make a telling the truth only necessary if we have taken an oath. Many times that oath is closed with “so help me God.”

Christians are to be people of truth. Jesus said, “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; and Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matt. 5:37). Wouldn’t it be refreshing for all people to truthful? Yes, we are to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Jesus warned that some were of their father the devil (John 8:44). As he was a liar so also are they. God is the father of Christians. God cannot lie (Heb. 6:18) and lies should be put away from the lips of His children (Col. 3:9). We do not tell the truth because we have taken a formal oath. We tell the truth because it is the right thing to do.

Those who lie are in danger of eternal punishment (Rev. 21:8). If it is not repented of then an eternal hell awaits. Anyone who does not “love the truth” will be allowed to “believe a lie” (2 Thes. 2:10-11) and be lost. Telling a lie may come easy to some, but the consequences are devastating. There are those who are habitual liars. It seems that they do not know the truth nor do they care to speak the truth.

Only the truth can make one free (John 8:32). Only by following the truth can one go to heaven (John 14:1-6). Satan wants you to be a liar and be lost. God wants you to speak and obey truth.

Terry Claunch

“And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God” (Deut. 15:21). These are the words Moses gave the Israelites before they crossed Jordan. Their sacrifices had to be the best. Seconds or leftovers would not work.

God wants the best from us as well in worship. Do we give Him the best singing we have (Eph. 5:19)? Is our giving the best we can do (2 Cor. 8:12)? What about our prayers (James 5:16)? Are they the best or just vain repetitions (Matt. 6:7)? When we observe the Lord’s Supper do we give it our best (1 Cor. 11:27-29)? Is the time we spent in studying God’s Word the best?
God gave His best, what will we give?

Terry Claunch

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:16, 17)

In chapter five of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he directs them as to what they can do. He includes himself in a series of “we” statements. He answers the question as to what we can do.

First, WE are to walk by faith (v7). Paul is not suggesting that we take a blind leap in the dark. Rather, we are to be those guided by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). God has not left us with something to give us direction (Jer. 10:23). If We are going to do anything We must follow the word of God (Col. 3:17).

Second, WE are to be confident (v8). If we know the word then we have every right to be confident. We can know that we know (1 Jo. 5:13, John 20: 31; 8:32). Paul wrote to Timothy about the confidence he had (2 Tim. 1:12). If we are going to be effective as Christians then we must be confident of our belief in God and His word.

In the third place, WE are to labor (v9). In his first epistle (15:58) Paul wrote that we are to labor for the Lord. We need to “lift up our eyes” (John 4:35) for there is work to do. Regrettably there are too few who are willing to work (Matt. 9:37, 38). The busier we stay working for God the less time we will have do things of no value (1 Tim. 5:13).

Fourth, WE are all accountable before God (v10). The omniscient God is aware of everything we do. Nothing escapes His view (Heb. 4:13). Heaven or hell awaits us based on the judgment of God (Matt. 25:46). Where are you headed.?

Finally, Paul wants us to know that WE are to persuade others (v11). Persuade them of what? They need to be reconciled to God. This is accomplished by the “word of reconciliation.” We need to tell the word that reconciliation comes through faith, repentance, confession and baptism.

We’ve got much to do, let’s get busy.

Terry Claunch