IDENTITY CRISIS (1)

In last weeks article I introduced the subject of "Identity Crisis" while citing some of the plans of the Richland Hills church of Christ in Richland Hills, TX.  Several weeks ago there was a couple that was visiting with us from Georgia.  The wife came in to look around inside the building.  I had a good idea what she was looking for.  She was looking for a musical instrument. This could possibly be the most "visible" indicator of doctrinal differences between churches of Christ, but it certainly is not the only difference.  Maybe it was the only one that mattered to them.

Because one sees "Church of Christ" lettered on the building or a sign does not necessarily mean that the body-of-believers inside, are faithful to New Testament teaching.  One might find that a particular church uses only one communion cup or believes that one must break the loaf before it is served to the congregants.  Another might teach that it is sinful to financially support orphan homes or to send financial support to a missionary through a "sponsoring" church. Again, there are others that believe that the Lord is coming to "Rapture" the saved before a 7-year tribulation period and that Jesus will establish his reign on Earth.

These are the typical characteristics of the wake of division among our brethren for the past fifty years.  In the next article, I will relate to you the paths of division that are brethren are marching toward most recently and in the future.

Paul