The CoC(denomination) is a cult. I live in between two of them. They preach more on water than grace. They are the hardcore CoC churches, where they’re the only ones going to heaven.
Hi SG,
The idea of what a "church" is, has been changing throughout history.
It changed faster as people began reading the Bible.
Different groups formed, the reformation, and then the further divisions of the modern era.
Each group doing what they believed to be right according to the Bible, generally speaking.
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The Bible outlines, and gives examples of what the operation of the congregation should be like with elders/bishops, and others.
This is what I believe that each congregation should be like, if they can.
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But one size or shape won't fit everybody will it?
We have to be free from the Law, and free from the laws that men put on us in the name of Jesus.
The most beautiful thing is that we can read and study for ourselves, find the truth, know the truth.
And what is the truth about the church? Is it the denomination that you belong to that saves you? The congregation that you are a "member" of that saves you? Is it because you use instruments in the worship services, or don't use them that saves you?
Lord have mercy on the souls of men, "My grace is sufficient for thee."
It's your personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit that saves you, not the congregation you attend.
Provided that the congregation you choose holds the Bible as the highest authority of all, and acts to establish itself according to the examples given there and teaches the truth.
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I see that people have been moving toward the light of God's Word for hundreds of years now. Closer and closer to the ideal example set by the apostles.
Breaking away from the structured, ritualistic, pagan RCC.
Returning to a basic Bible outline/example for the government of the congregation.
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But just because they have the structure of the government of the congregation correct, doesn't mean that every individual congregation has their act together.
I know what you are saying, about the CoC, I preached at several non instrument congregations for 30 years.
(But not on the use of instruments in worship, a sore topic, for those OUTSIDE, of our congregations.)