Category Archives: Church of Christ Doctrinal Issues

A Plea to Reconsider: Introduction

A few weeks, I saw on a discussion board that someone had written a book challenging Rick Atchley’s sermons, called “Both/And,” defending the decision of Richland Hills Church of Christ to add an instrumental service. Rumor had it that someone … Continue reading

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The Birth of Jesus on Christmas Day

My congregation used to avoid Christmas trappings. After all, it’s obvious Jesus wasn’t born in December. And the celebration has roots in a pagan feast dedicated to the Roman god Saturn, Saturnalia. But we came to realize that we needed … Continue reading

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Regarding the Organization of the First Century Church

Jay,In the article “Imagine a World Without Denominations” you start with the statement that “In New Testament times, the ‘church’ in Ephesus was a series of house churches in which thousands were members, meeting 30 or less to a house, … Continue reading

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A Debate on Instrumental Music, Part 3

Messrs. AC and IM meet for lunch a third time to finish up their discussion. AC: I took good notes last time. At least I thought I did. I made an appointment with my preacher to discuss these thoughts, and … Continue reading

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A Debate on Instrumental Music, Part 2

As I try to cope with my recovery from surgery, I find I have to take naps. I didn’t mean to fall out during today’s sermon–which was a fine sermon–but my body just needed 20 winks. It only got 2 … Continue reading

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A Debate on Instrumental Music, Part 1

Well, following my back surgery, I’m finally off narcotics. I’m not sure whether I’m thinking more or less clearly. But I’m sure having some strange dreams! I was still reflecting on that Christian Chronicle ad as this dream came to … Continue reading

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A Time to Speak

This month’s Christian Chronicle (October 2007) features a two-page ad from a group of Church of Christ preachers organized as NewTestamentChurchToday.org. The ad advocates a cappella music as the exclusive authorized means of worship. The purpose of this post is … Continue reading

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Church Discipline: Those Without Faith

This is one of the most abused verses in all of scripture (which says a lot!) (2 John 1:7, 9-11) Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. … … Continue reading

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Reflections on the Instrumental Music Question

Here I am, an elder of an a cappella Church of Christ, and we just had another wonderful worship service with truly marvelous singing. We’ve figured out how to do a truly excellent job with our singing (praise team of … Continue reading

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Interpreting the Bible: Instruments of Music

So let’s try out all these theories on a tough question: is a cappella music in worship mandatory? Rather than considering the traditional arguments, let’s go through the hermeneutical principles taught earlier and see where they lead us. Each bold … Continue reading

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