Editors note: the short article below which explains the sponsorship of the TTT hardcopy distribution does not relate to the TTT Web page. While one local congregation has accepted the work of reproducing and mailing out the hardcopy for the monthly distribution list, no such support is solicited or has been accepted for the web page. The web version is an individual work supported entirely by those individuals who participate, and no religious organization is involved. The stereotyping which occurs at the mention of the name of any religious organization is highly problematic. We would hope that you will interpret what we write in terms of the scriptural evidence presented (and that alone) so that there will be no prejudice because of the teachings of some organizations with a name common to the local congregation that supports the TTT hardcopy mailings.
We have had some inquiries as to the organization which sponsors TTT . Stating a mere name, however, might convey just as much misinformation as enlightenment. However, this is a fair question, and having acquired a non-profit mailing permit, it will no longer be expedient to avoid naming our sponsor.
The editors of TTT are both members of the Northwood church of Christ in Northport, Alabama, and that church has agreed for us to use the church's photocopier and paper in its production as well as providing postage. They review the articles (post production) to assure that the truth is being taught. Thus, this church is certainly participating in this work as part of our efforts to fulfill the Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-19).
This does not mean that TTT proclaims "church of Christ" doctrine. Those who understand the true nature of the Lord's church realize that doctrine comes from the scriptures , not from any organization. We will dedicate this issue to communicating this concept as it applies to church names.
We ask you, and especially those who might be members of a church of Christ, to put away the denominational concepts that have tended to cloud our thinking, preventing us from seeing the truth on this subject. God's word, the truth, is the source (cause) of all that is good and right, including His church. The church is an effect of this truth, not its source. While the church has the responsibility to preach the gospel, it does not have the responsibility to determine what the gospel is or means. This is the responsibility of the individual, and we appeal to you to use TTT and help us to improve TTT toward this goal.
The proper role of the church in proclaiming the truth is not a hard concept to understand; but it certainly is different from that which is commonly accepted by most people in the religious world today.
These bible study questions provide assistance to you in studying and teaching God's word. The answers are quite clear, and they prove that we can have the same understanding as the apostles had by reading what they wrote (Ephesians 3:4). We challenge you to open your bible and establish the truth.
On Terms Which Describe The Lord's Church
Preparation : Recognize the difference between a unique name and descriptors. An organization can have many descriptors, each of which demonstrates one or more of its characteristics.
How does the bible refer to the universal church, which is the universal body of believers (Heb. 12:18-24)?
How does the bible refer to local churches (i.e., individual congregations of Christians)?
What other designations refer to the church but do not use the word "church?"
Paul was very definitive in 1 Cor. 1:10-13: They should not give names to parts of the church, since this naming invariably divides by distinguishing one group of the church from another. Note that the list includes "I am of Christ," which should have been a truthful statement. However, even this was forbidden when done for the purpose of distinguishing one group from another.
The New Testament shows absolutely no higher organization above the local church. We know of many religious organizations who call themselves "The Church of Christ" while engaging in practices that we cannot find in the New Testament. Any religious organization, regardless of doctrine, could place a sign with the words "Church of Christ" in front of its meeting house. Thus, a "right name" proves little.
Most cannot see that a church can exist separate and apart from a denominational type of organization. Obviously, however, the command to "seek after God" (Heb. 11:6) involves far more than merely finding an organization with the right name.
The local church is much more the result than it is the cause, of people serving God in His way. This does not diminish its value. Banding ourselves together with our fellow Christians is commanded, and it is essential for provoking us to love and good works (Heb. 10:24-25). All disciples of Christ are individually obligated to seeking out the very best group of Christians with which they can serve and worship God together in good conscience.
But this decision is not so trivial as merely determining the right name. While the terminology used to designate the Lord's church must be consistent with scripture, this is only one aspect of many that we should verify to be "in the name of the Lord."
As you study, ask yourself: Did the Lord ever intend His church to have a unique name to distinguish it from all others? (See our You Find the Answers section to answer this question.)
God did give a name to believers, after the name of Christ: Christian (Act 11:26, 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16) "... let him glorify God on this behalf." Unfortunately, like the name of Christ, this name has become so misused as to have little meaning to those unfamiliar with biblical teaching. Nevertheless, in obedience to our Lord, we should carry no other name but this one.
There's nothing in a name ...
But the Apostle Peter stated (Acts 4:10-12):
"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
In our You Find the Answers section this month, it is clearly demonstrated that there is no one unique descriptor given to the Lord's church. Instead, various terms provide rich descriptions for this group. This includes the word church itself ( ekklesia -- a calling out of).
This does not authorize man to supply an unscriptural name. Our descriptions of the church that Jesus built (Mt. 16:18) must be totally consistent with that given in scripture. This is part of looking to no other authority (name) than that of Jesus Christ.
When we assign names which are not even given as descriptors in the bible, we are going beyond the scriptures (2 Jn. 9), and exalting some other name (authority) above that of Christ.