First of all, you might be interested in knowing I grew up being taught EXACTLY what the Church of Christ minister told you. In fact, I taught this very same doctrine for 31 years. I was a Church of Christ minister. (By the way, they will not go by "pastor" but only "minister" which is another subject.)
What the Church of Christ minister is saying is what Roman Catholics and Mormons teach. ALSO, what he wrote is almost word for word what EVERY Church of Christ minister will write. They do not think for themselves. If a member of their church questions this doctrine that is known in the Christian world as "baptismal regeneration" they will not be welcome as members.
Also, know, that the Church of Christ makes the same claim Mormons and Catholics make. That is they are the one and only true church. Salvation is found in their "church". Their efforts are not to get sinners saved, but to get people from the denominations to join them and thereby be saved. They will teach that there is one Lord, one faith (the Church of Christ faith) and one baptism (Church of Christ baptism).
There are millions of people who are "dechurched" by the Romans Catholics, Mormons, and Church of Christ. I use the word "dechurched" to mean those have lost a faith that they once valued or have left a body of believers with whom they were once deeply engaged. Furthermore, they have felt damaged and alienated in the process.
These people have suffered greatly after being trapped in a dysfunctional system. There are four rules the "dechurched" have experienced which are subtle messages designed to silence church members.
1. Don't think.
2. Don't feel.
3. Don't talk.
4. Don't trust.
Most people who leave these organizations need heavy help in "Christian recovery" ministry.
Finally, notice they are legalists. Notice, the CC minister talks about the New Testament being a will as in a legal will in the United States legal system.
- Fw: Re: [TruthTalk] Web Site Request for Information Terry Clifton
- GJTabor
