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Mar 4, 2020
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#81
Then please explain this text in its content
I think it’s pretty self-explanatory.

10Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

There’s not going to be any work in Sheol. No work to plan. No wisdom required. It definitely doesn’t say anything about soul sleep, whatever it means.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
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#82
I look for a church that has good repretation, outreach programs, great fellowship, seminary level classes and a good library.
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
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#84
I disagree. Not all Churches of Christ agree on what is "100% scriptural."

Churches of Christ have some pretty strange ideas. For example, one Church of Christ I attended did not use musical instruments because there's no mention of their use in the New Testament. However, they used overhead projectors. Where are those in the New Testament? The New Testament churches met in public places or in houses. Why, therefore, do Churches of Christ have church buildings?

I've read articles by Church of Christ people where they debate the validity of using pitch pipes in worship services. Seriously??
Regarding no musical instruments, the reason is because there's no record of musical instruments used in New Testament worship. And the basic philosophy is to speak where the bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent. Personally, I enjoy the a capella singing with no instruments. One other point I'd like to make is, the use of instruments can be a slippery slope. There can be too much emphasis on the music and performance and it can border on entertainment rather than worship. I worked with a Baptist whose job wascto run the mixing board at service. That was HIS worship! Is that true heartfelt worship of the Lord?? Is that how the Lord wants us to worship him?? I'll leave that with you. And the analogy of overhead projectorsc used is a stupid comment. We're talking about worship not building or facility. And you have to meet somewhere, so that's also a stupid comment.

And I don't agree 100% with everything nor do a lot of people, but they have it spot on when it comes to salvation which is what it's all about; saving souls. If you don't know how to save souls, you're a false teacher. The coC is the closest thing you'll find to NT Christianity.
 
Nov 7, 2022
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#85
I think it’s pretty self-explanatory.

10Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

There’s not going to be any work in Sheol. No work to plan. No wisdom required. It definitely doesn’t say anything about soul sleep, whatever it means.
It says they know nothing, it says God come back to raise the righteous from the graves and they meet him in the sky. So does God have them in heaven and they are sent back to the grave?
 
Nov 7, 2022
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#86
Them which are asleep are those who have died and will rise again like how Jesus died and rose again. God will bring with Jesus the souls of those dead people for the resurrection.

1 Thessalonians 4
13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
That's exciting , I must have missed this . Where can I read this in the bible please
 
Nov 7, 2022
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#87
I got Methodist. I got no idea what they teach, very few of them in my country. Time to find out!
sabbath day is incorrect and State of the dead. I am not sure if they believe in the rapture
 
Nov 7, 2022
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#88
Them which are asleep are those who have died and will rise again like how Jesus died and rose again. God will bring with Jesus the souls of those dead people for the resurrection.

1 Thessalonians 4
13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
What does the verse before and after that say
 
Nov 7, 2022
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#89
I think it’s pretty self-explanatory.

10Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

There’s not going to be any work in Sheol. No work to plan. No wisdom required. It definitely doesn’t say anything about soul sleep, whatever it means.

The full context is


Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed(A) about those who sleep in death,(B) so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.(C) 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,(D) and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.(E) 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,(F) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.(G) 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,(H) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel(I) and with the trumpet call of God,(J) and the dead in Christ will rise first.(K) 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left(L) will be caught up together with them in the clouds(M) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord(N) forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another(O) with these words.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
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#90
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all
wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16


Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to
the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19-20


Thank God for musical instruments and those with the will and skill/talent to use them in worship:)
 
Oct 21, 2022
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#92
If you earnestly seek God guidance thats Lord will lead to the right church where you will grow spiritually, be accepted for who you are and do life together as you share the good news to those who are hurting and seeking.

This is just me not intending to offend others belief and stand in choosing church…there is no perfect church (believers not the building perse) we gather bec. we are broken, we give our praise and worship as we recieve His grace everyday which this verse reminds me…

1 Corinthians 8:1–3 — New Living Translation (NLT)
1 Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. 2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. 3 But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.

There are seekers who all the more stay away from church because they feel more unworthy bec. how we make them feel with our words…etc sorry I cant elaborate more 😅😅😅 having a hard time explaining it in english 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ but my point is Life is simple, read your bible and do the great commission

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,(C) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,(D)20 and teaching(E) them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you(F)always, to the very end of the age.”(G)”- Matthew 28:19-20

Wheeew hahaha God loves us all🥰
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
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#93
Regarding no musical instruments, the reason is because there's no record of musical instruments used in New Testament worship. And the basic philosophy is to speak where the bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent.
I understand, but the Bible is silent about overhead projectors; but one Church of Christ where I live uses them. The point is they don't follow their own policies. They apply their "speak when the Bible speaks" policy when it fits their agenda.

And the analogy of overhead projectorsc used is a stupid comment. We're talking about worship not building or facility. And you have to meet somewhere, so that's also a stupid comment.
That's pretty much the kind of comment I'd expect from a know-it-all like yourself. No good explanation? The comment is stupid.


The coC is the closest thing you'll find to NT Christianity.
Closest to what you think New Testament Christianity should look like. But is it, really? Let's see, New Testament Christians were persecuted and killed for their beliefs. You want New Testament Christianity? Let's bring that back. New Testament Christians exercised supernatural spiritual gifts; I've yet to see that in any Church of Christ.

Each Church of Christ is self-governing so it's hard to make blanket statements. I can only say one Church of Christ I was involved with pushed hard for me to get baptized by a Church of Christ official, even though I'd already been baptized by immersion. The Church of Christ sees itself as the true Church of Jesus Christ on earth. In that respect it's no different than any number of other sects which call themselves Christian, though it yells loudly: We're not a denomination!
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
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#94
I understand, but the Bible is silent about overhead projectors; but one Church of Christ where I live uses them. The point is they don't follow their own policies. They apply their "speak when the Bible speaks" policy when it fits their agenda.



That's pretty much the kind of comment I'd expect from a know-it-all like yourself. No good explanation? The comment is stupid.




Closest to what you think New Testament Christianity should look like. But is it, really? Let's see, New Testament Christians were persecuted and killed for their beliefs. You want New Testament Christianity? Let's bring that back. New Testament Christians exercised supernatural spiritual gifts; I've yet to see that in any Church of Christ.

Each Church of Christ is self-governing so it's hard to make blanket statements. I can only say one Church of Christ I was involved with pushed hard for me to get baptized by a Church of Christ official, even though I'd already been baptized by immersion. The Church of Christ sees itself as the true Church of Jesus Christ on earth. In that respect it's no different than any number of other sects which call themselves Christian, though it yells loudly: We're not a denomination!
Think what you like, but make careful comparisons to the bible, our guide fir everything, when considering the church, how it's organized, how it functions, what it teaches and believes, and most importantly of it adheres to the scriptural plan of salvation and can really save souls. You can't save your soul by reciting some silly prayer, or inviting Jesus into your heart, or by ignoring scripture regarding salvation that you don't like. Unfortunately, when you start eliminating those that do such things, there ain't much left to look at. There is only one truth and not multiple truths. Goodbye 👋
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
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#95
Think what you like, but make careful comparisons to the bible, our guide fir everything, when considering the church, how it's organized, how it functions, what it teaches and believes, and most importantly of it adheres to the scriptural plan of salvation and can really save souls. You can't save your soul by reciting some silly prayer, or inviting Jesus into your heart, or by ignoring scripture regarding salvation that you don't like. Unfortunately, when you start eliminating those that do such things, there ain't much left to look at. There is only one truth and not multiple truths. Goodbye
I can't help notice you completely ignored all the concerns I raised and went of on side issues.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
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#96
Churches of Christ invoke Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 to justify not using musical instruments in worship. But let's examine these passages more closely.

Ephesians 5:19 says: " . . . speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord . . . " Churches of Christ say, look, Paul doesn't say anything about musical instruments so they should be excluded. However, what does he actually say? Paul says "psalms": Greek, ψαλμοῖς (psalmois); that is, the book of Psalms as opposed to "spiritual songs": Greek, ᾠδαῖς (ōdais); this refers to any kind of melody or song.

It's no accident that Paul refers to the book of Psalms which is loaded with references to worshipping God with all kinds of musical instruments. All of what is true of Ephesians 5:19 is also true of Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms [ψαλμοῖς (psalmois)] and hymns and spiritual songs [ᾠδαῖς (ōdais)], singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Okay, you might say, all this might be true, but these passages still say teach we should "make melody in our hearts," not with musical instruments; musical instruments tend to distract and cause vain worship. But this is a dead argument; vain worship is vain worship, whether you're using instruments or not.
 
Nov 26, 2021
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#97
Musical Instruments? There are Harps in Heaven itself, which the Presbyters/Elders in Heaven praise God with. Reference: "
Revelation 5:8, ESV: And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

A harp as we know is a musical instrument: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp

They're also mentioned in the Old Testament, as discussed here below:

“Oh God, a new song I will sing to You. With a harp of ten [strings] I will play to You” (Psalm 144:9).

An ancient string instrument of ten strings used to accompany the voice. Standing almost three feet tall, the harp had of two sets of strings (five on each side of the instrument) that could be played in much the same manner as modern harps (by plucking with the fingers) or possibly with a bow. The harp was primarily a melodic instrument and most likely doubled or outlined the melodies sung by the singers."

https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/2019/02/the-list-of-musical-instruments-mentioned-in-the-bible

Also in Revelation 15: "1 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues--last, because with them God's wrath is completed. 2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name. They held harps given them by God"

God Bless.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
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#99
Churches of Christ invoke Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 to justify not using musical instruments in worship. But let's examine these passages more closely. .
You can be saved if you believe you should use instruments in church, or not use them. But it is essential we understand the symbolism and the old covenants that was the base of the reality of Christ.

Christ told us in Matt. 5 that He changed nothing of the Father, then explained the reality in Christ of those symbols. As an example, he said He did not change the commandment not to murder, but we are to understand that command in the spirit. Symbolic commands in the OT are now commands in the spirit---the reality of them was brought in by Christ.

Most or our protestant churches do not seriously teach the OT basics of our Christianity. It is like building a house without a foundation. Or like reading only the last chapter of a book.

Matt. 15:13 But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not plantedwill be pulled up by its roots."Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
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one that preaches the gospel and helps you grow in faith, one you can find fellowship in

I think church tends to be spoiled sometimes by fleshly concerns. I found this lovely churches I liked I also had friends to go with, but then started getting hit on by one of the men in the congrgation.

For single women you go to find fellowship, not to be chatted up. You dont expect it, but it happens and I think spoils it when you get cornered by people looking at your body like they want to take it home. Honestly.