This document discusses the differences between churches of Christ. It argues that the main difference is whether a church sticks closely to the mission and authority of Christ as outlined in the Bible. It notes that while the mission of individuals and the church are related, they should not be confused as the same. The document emphasizes that the New Testament only records the church providing help to Christians, not non-Christians, and that individuals rather than churches will stand before God and be judged. It encourages readers to seek truth from scripture alone rather than following man's teachings.

2. Introduction:
• Many may ask, “What is the difference
between churches of Christ?”
• There’s really just ONE difference
between churches of Christ.
– Some try diligently to stick to the mission
given to the church and the authority of Christ,
others do not. Matthew 16:18; Luke 19:10;
1 Timothy 3:15; John 14:6

3. Introduction:
• How can the church accomplish this mission to
seek and save the lost?
– By Christ’s authority, not man’s! Mt. 28:18-20;
Colossians 3:17; Prov. 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23
– The mission of the church is spelled out in the
Bible. Yet, many confuse the mission of the
church with the mission of individuals often
making them one in the same.
• We begin our study on issues that divide the
church.

4. The Bible Teaches Us
2 Timothy 3:16-17
• In every example of the church’s work to
help the needy, help was only given to
Christians (saints). Ephesians 5:17
– Every one’s challenge is to give just one
passage where the New Testament church
gave funds to non-Christians. ????????
– Many churches of Christ today are going
beyond the Bible by giving to non-Christians
out of the Lord’s treasury.1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Jn. 9
– The world says, “It’s the church’s mission to
help everyone”. Luke 6:46; John 15:14

5. The Bible Teaches Us
2 Timothy 3:16-17
• Will the church stand before God at the
Judgment or each individual?
– Every individual. 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12
– Many churches will give to orphan homes,
widows or unwed mothers homes (Jas. 1:27),
but these are not the only ones who qualify for
help. Matthew 25:31-46
– The individual Christian is the one being
talked to in James 1:21-27, not a church of
people. That means you and I personally!
– Consider Galatians 6:1-10 in context.
It’s for each Individual to do these things.

6. Know the Truth, Practice Truth
• Jesus said, “And Ye shall know the truth and
the truth shall make you free” John 8:31-32
• We can only have freedom in the Truth of
Jesus’ word!
– You and I must act according to what Jesus
taught to be right, not what man teaches. Jn. 6:68
– God’s wisdom teaches us… Proverbs 23:23
– Paul showed, that when we read the scriptures
we can understand His knowledge in the mystery
of Christ. Ephesians 3:4
– So we can read and understand that we might
obey all of Jesus’ commands! Mt. 28:20

7. Conclusion:
• Let us continue to earnestly seek the
scriptures to understand the differences
between some churches of Christ. Acts 17:11
• I pray that by understanding the truth we will
know the difference and strive to serve the
Lord will all purity. Ephesians 5:8-10
• Let us not be fooled by man’s ways of serving
the Lord, saying, “it is a good thing.”
Matthew 15:8-9

8. God’s Plan of Salvation!
Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 1:16-17
• God’s Grace. Eph. 2:8
• Christ’s Blood. Eph. 1:7
• Holy Spirit’s Gospel. Romans 1:16
• Sinner’s Faith. Acts 16:31
• Sinner’s Repentance. Luke 13:3
• Sinner’s Confession. Romans 10:10
• Sinner’s Baptism. Acts 2:38
• Christian’s Work. James 2:24
• Christian’s Endurance. Revelation 2:10