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Bro. Turner
 I
am a member of the church of Christ, but many of my friends are
not. They frequently ask me to attend church with them. Should I
go with sometimes? PYM
Reply:
Why
are you a member of the church of Christ? Do you consider the
church of Christ one among many religious bodies, any of which
would be acceptable to the Lord? Perhaps you like some features
of the "c of C" better than those of the A or B
church, but feel that the differences are not matters of eternal
consequences?
If
so, you still have a sectarian conception of "church".
Lacking true convictions, I see no harm done by your attending
services with your sectarian friends. You are all in the same
boat, and I would not want to encourage "party"
conflicts among you. Perhaps you could study God's word
together, seeking the truth concerning the Lord's church, so
that some day the Lord's church could mean what it should to
you, and you could worship the Lord with faith and conviction.
On
the other hand, if you have been truly converted to Christ, and
have studied His word, you know that His church is that body of
people who have been "called out" of the world by
obedience to the gospel of Christ. (Acts 2:37-47; 1 Pet. 2:9-10)
As part of this body, the 'bride' of Christ, you want to be true
to Him — and not flirt with another Christ, another spirit, or
another gospel. (Eph. 5:23f. 2 Cor. 11:2-4) You have no taste
for any religious organization, work, or
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worship for which there is no divine
authority. (Col. 3:17)
You
seek the fellowship of fellow saints, assembling with them and
holding fast the profession of your faith. (Heb. 10:22-f.) This
is not a matter of "party" loyalty with you —
although you recognize your obligations to the congregation of
which you are a part — but your loyalty is to Christ.
Should
you ever visit a denominational "service" with your
friends? Well certainly not when it means you must ignore your
obligation to the Lord and His people. Further, you can not go
"to worship", for we must worship "in spirit and
in truth"; (Jn. 4: 24) and you could not sincerely worship
God by means which you know are not in keeping with His truth.
There
are times, however, when you and your friends may
"visit" without either of you slighting your
obligations or compromising convictions. I believe I am serving
God according to His truth; but I have never contended that my
understanding of matters was perfect, or that my conclusions
should be used as the rule for others. (2 Cor. 10:12-f) You may
observe your friends' religion, measuring it by the word of God;
and invite your friends to do the same with you. You can be
perfectly frank with each other, granting sincerity on both
sides, and you may both learn more truth. As long as you
"prove all things, hold fast to that which is good"
using the Bible as your standard of truth (Jn. 17:17) the
relation will be profitable. P.S. LET ME KNOW HOW YOU COME OUT!
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