Huntington Church of Christ

The above statement came across my desk several years ago in the form of an advertisement trying to sell health insurance. I am sure it was intended to be cute, but sadly it commented on a general perception that prevails in the world today. Two things came to mind when I read this little statement:

First, the majority of men perceive the church to be nothing more than a human organization. This is why men are so ready to change the laws of God and create new laws of convenience and pleasure. Is the church of Christ nothing more than a human organization? Certainly not! (Matthew 16:16-19; Ephesians 2:19-21; 5:25-27; Acts 2:47; 20:28). The New Testament church was established in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven. It was the fulfillment of Daniel 2-- The establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Dear reader, the church is a spiritual institution created for a spiritual work (Acts 2:47; ephesians 1:21-22; 3-10; Romans 4:17; 1 Corinthians 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 3:15). It was planned before creation and purchased by the blood of Jesus. It is the very pillar (foundation) of Truth. Everything the church does should be according to the New Testament pattern (2 Timothy 1:13; Hebrews 8:5), and not according to human reasoning or law. No, the church is not a human organization.

Secondly, there are those who say "religious organizations" are only human, therefore we must meet the needs of the human. Such is called the "Social Gospel". The goal of the social gospel is to satisfy the carnal man, whether it be with food, entertainment or some present social issue, But for the church there is no Bible pattern established concerning these social matters. "Churches" are taking on fleshly works in an attempt to appeal to the flesh, but that is not what we are to appeal to. The heart and soul of man is what needs to be addressed. Man-made religious organizations are using "Disney-style" allurements, magic shows, plays, motion pictures, sporting events and even gambling to draw the masses in. Do you read of any such allurements in the Bible? The early Christians did not have to re-enact great Bible scenes in order to help the lost find Christ. Paul and Barnabas did not put on a show singing "gospel tunes" as they toured the cities. They simply preached the gospel of Jesus Christ

Whenever men attempt to change God's church into a human organization they will find it necessary to employ such fleshly gimmicks. Why? Because it ceases to be God's church. It no longer holds to the pattern of the New Testament church and salvation cannot be found within it. Yes, men have created their own religious organizations. Instead of following God, such churches boast of the great numbers being won. Sadly, none are being won for Christ, but rather enticed by the flesh. Faith founded upon the flesh will not last (Romans 3:7-8). When the food and games are taken away, and the exciting projects and social issues are completed, man will seek it elsewhere. Men will hop from "church" to "church" seeking new and exciting things to satisfy their fleshly appetites. Every religious organization that does not pattern itself after the church of Jesus Christ is a human organization.

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ