We—at the Chestnut Mountain church of Christ—desire to love God and love our neighbors. We believe to accomplish this we must follow the standard of the New Testament.
Jesus teaches against those who follow manmade traditions which conflict with the commandments of God, Mark 7:6-9. Peter teaches that if anyone speaks, then he ought to speak as the words of God, 1 Peter 4:11. And the Apostle John gives a strong warning to those who will not abide in the teaching of Christ, 2 John 9.
What sets the church of Christ apart from other religious groups? We trust in the absolute authority of the Holy Bible. Of course this makes us distinct from non-Christian groups. However, this even makes us distinct from groups which claim to be followers of Jesus.
There are some Christian organizations which make human tradition a greater priority than the Bible, or personal revelation a greater priority than the Bible, or the leaders in their organization a greater priority than the Bible. In short, they follow what people say first, and then follow what God says second.
We in the church of Christ suggest this is backwards. Instead, we ought to follow what God says first, and then, if possible, follow the wisdom men.
Jesus lived a sinless life. He willingly laid down His life to free us from sin. And He lives today as the mediator between God and humanity. Considering His love and selflessness, we ought to place a higher importance on His words and actions than the opinions of men.
Minister,
S.J. Michael