In this video, I take a step back from my personal testimony and examine the way the COC interprets scripture, and why I believe they are wrong in their interpretation.
I want to thank you Amber for your videos. I too left the Church of Christ this past January. My family and I attended faithfully for 3 1/2 years, 3 times a week. When I first started attending I knew almost nothing about scripture. I learned a lot and I’m truly grateful for the members of Church of Christ. The last year of my time here I felt like I just hit a wall and there was no where to turn. Sermons and bible studies are repetitive. We were taught that we were the only true church and everyone else is going to hell. It is true when you are in it, it doesn’t seem all that bad but watching your videos help me to remember why I left. I was told that I am not a member of the body of Christ anymore because I left. I told them that they never added me to the Church, that I made a covenant with God when I was baptized and I am the Church. After I left I got very depressed because all the people from that church I no longer had anymore. They cannot fellowship with me anymore. I attend a different Christian Church now. I wasn’t raised with a family so I do miss the family I had at CoC. But I now know that it is by believing in Christ Jesus that we are saved. God can know our heart. I truly follow Jesus Christ in my everyday living and I do have so much reverence for the Lord. I know now that satin wants to keep this Church Of Christ here to blind them from Gods Holy Spirit. It’s good to rejoice and be excited in our Lord🎉 We don’t have to be fearful because we have freedom in Jesus!🎉💝 Thank you again & God bless you and your family! Your sister in Christ, Desiree
*Praise God,* Desiree! i pray hopefully that your "current" church home will teach you *ALL The Counsel Of God!* For Today, Found In *Romans - Philemon #* Be Blessed: *God's GREATEST News Ever = HIS Gospel Of The Amazing GRACE Of God!* For ALL who have NOT YET *Been WASHED IN THE BLOOD!* Do you Desire ETERNAL Condemnation? If so, then just please "remain" as you are - In "UNbelief": 😢 ↓ (Luke 18 : 11-12!) for ALL others who wish to be "humble" ♫😇↑ (Luke 18 : 13-14!): *FAITH Cometh By hearing, And hearing By The Word Of God!:* Amen?: *(ALL Scriptures From God's Preserved WORD = KJV! ##)* *The Gospel Of The GRACE Of God! = God's ETERNAL Salvation! By:* 100% faith (heart belief, trust!) in *The LORD JESUS CHRIST,* *In HIS Blood, And In HIS Resurrection! = God's ETERNAL Life!!* *(Romans 10 : 17; 1 Corinthians 15 : 1-4 And Ephesians 2 : 5-10!)* *Good Works Will Not Save you, But Will Get you Rewards At:* *The Judgment Seat Of CHRIST! (1 Corinthians 3 : 8-15!)* ***Note1: Verse 15! Teaches ETERNAL SALVATION "Despite Loss!"*** ***Note2: IF you just BELIEVED This AND your Are The LAST "member"* *Of The Body Of CHRIST, we Are Going To Be Raptured Outta Here,* *so, learn This Right NOW, And you Will Receive A crown At Judgment!:*** *"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,* *Which The LORD, The Righteous Judge, Shall Give me At That Day:* *And not to me only, but unto All them also that love HIS Appearing!"* *(2 Timothy 4 : 8!)* Amen? Because: *GRACE Departure "Could" Happen At ANY MOMENT!!* Amen? --------------------------------------------- IF you are in any "religion" with ONE "false doctrine," it is UNclean!, Please *Obey God, WHO Commands:* *"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, Saith* *The LORD, And touch not the unclean thing; and I Will Receive you,* *And Will Be A Father Unto you, and ye Shall Be MY sons and daughters,* *Saith The LORD Almighty!" (2 Corinthians 6 : 17!)* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Therefore: *God's ETERNAL Salvation Is THE Best Motivation For "true"* *believers to serve God "out of love," being SAVED For ETERNITY!* rather than "serving out of FEAR" of "losing Probationary" salvation!: *"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,* *And of love, and of a sound mind!" (1 Timothy 1 : 7!)* Surely, *Gratitude To God For HIS UNSPEAKABLE Gift is in order DAILY!* Amen? ------------------------------------------------------------------- continued in *Approval Unto God!...*
Former COC preacher here. Thank you SO much for your words. You really get it right. As a former preacher, I apologize for what people like me did to you. I am sorry.
We are so thankful we found this. I was raised in COC my whole life then my wife has been with me 22 years in the church. We recently left and hearing your testimony really answered a lot of my questions. Thank you!
Thanks again, Amber, for your boldness and your gentle spirit. Just reading many of the comments below brought back a strong memory of the very bondage you are speaking of. They serve as perfect illustrations of what you are saying.
Roy Row Doing as the Lord says and following His doctrine is NOT bondage but loving God and His word and I am not talking about having a kitchen, clapping during services, paying for a building, paying a preacher. I am talking about teaching the truth on how to be saved and it is NOT just believing.
I was added to the body of Christ a little over a year ago, I must say that I have learned more in a year than I have my whole life. I was raised a Baptist and there were certain practices that no one had clarified to me on why we did what was done in worship service. Then in my adult life I converted over to non denomination. The first church of this style of worship the bishop kicked me out because I wouldn't follow his instructions. His instructions was of sin and I refused so, he shun me, turned the congregation , my friend as well as my relatives. Then I moved to another town and I joined another non denominational church and I was at a stand still because I wasn't growing in the knowledge of the Lord. Pastors (male & female) and they were very nice but the thing with their church was it was THEIR CHURCH. No one did anything but to sit there and listen to them. I sung in what little choir we had and I would often sing solos in which I enjoyed very much. But, when the last music director passed away, they took over and they had no knowledge of music. I have some experience in music and tried to give a little instruction on how a song should go; I was immediately shut down. So, I prayed to my Savoir to lead me in the direction that He wants me to go. Well, a short while later I met my now minister at a Wal-Mart. He invited me to come visit,. Well, lets say that I have been there every since. I have learned so much and I was also taught to pray when reading God's Word so that I can rightly divide His Word. I see how many people take God's word and make it be what is beneficial to them. Weather it is money in which that is collected every first day of the week. Now what made since to me is that the other churches I attended took up collection every Sun and did the Lord's Supper once a month. I feel more secure when I take communion. I think we both agree on that Amber. Plus unlike those other churches; collection is taken up once during service; not 2 or 3 times. And they don't hit you with "Who will rob God?" to scare you into giving more. (Malachi) I guess that it is true that even in the Church of Christ people will still make up what they want God's word to mean. One thing I can say is that my minister encourage us to study on our own and not just go on what he says. We should not lean in to our own understanding nor no one else, If we have that personal relationship with Him then it will be His understanding that we will have knowledge of. It is really heartbreaking that you have been convicted all this time and for you to leave the Body in order for you to feel free is a injustice. I have never gotten that everything we do wrong will send us to hell. If we could be perfect the old covenant would still be in place and God would have never sent His Son to establish a new covenant. I feel fortunate to know the Lord the way that I do. I know that He loves me in what ever I do or how I act because He knew me before I knew myself. God knows what we are going to do before we do it. He is faithful to us and God just want us to love Him just as much. I will pray that you go back to the Body of Christ and attend a church that is strictly by God's word. And yes Amber He wants us to gather and fellowship. We had church outside in a tent last night. LOL. But anyway, please remember that He loves us and He is always there even when we don't think He is. I hope this reach you my sister in Christ. Be blessed.
I meant to add that I did not reach these conclusions because of my own intelligence. God opened my eyes and my heart, and I thank him for showing me my error and give him all the glory for changing my life.
Amber Head Dear Amber, I enjoyed hearing your explanations on your decision. As a catholic, I find it very intriguing. I have some thoughts from my catholic perspective that I would like to share without any desire to criticize but only to offer it as a contrast. Many protestants believe that the UNITY necessary for the TRUE CHURCH of CHRIST need be nothing more than a particular spiritual INTERNAL BOND, and IF EXTERNAL, it can just as well mean that all acknowledge the same God and reverence the same Christ. Thus most Protestants like you, think that the only union necessary for the Church is that which comes from faith, hope, and love toward Christ; in worshipping the same God, obeying the same Lord, and in believing the same fundamental truths which are necessary for salvation. This is what you regard as a unity of doctrine, organization, and cult. The CATHOLIC conception of the mark of UNITY, which must characterize the ONE CHURCH founded by Christ, is far more demanding. Not only must the true Church be ONE by an INTERNAL and spiritual union, but this union must also be EXTERNAL and VISIBLE, consisting in and growing out of a UNITY of FAITH, WORSHIP, and GOVERNMENT. Hence the Church which has CHRIST for its FOUNDER is not to be characterized by any merely accidental or internal spiritual union, but, over and above this, it must unite its members in UNITY of DOCTRINE, expressed by EXTERNAL, public profession; in UNITY of WORSHIP, manifested always in the reception of the SAME SACRAMENTS and in UNITY of GOVERNMENT, by which all its members are subject to and obey the SAME AUTHORITY, which was INSTITUTED by CHRIST Himself. This, my dear friend, is our catholic view for 2,000 years. May God bless your discernment.
Amber Head Dear Amber, Thanks for your patience. Here I add some important passages on the UNITY of the Church. CHURCH UNITY IN THE GOSPELS: 1.- A city the keys of which were entrusted to the Apostles. (Matthew 5:14; 16:19) 2.- A sheepfold to which all His sheep must come and be united under one shepherd. (John 10:7-17) 3.- A house built upon a rock against which not even the powers of hell should ever prevail. (Matthew 16:18) 4.- Furthermore Jesus just before He suffered, prayed for His disciples, for those who were afterwards to believe in Him, FOR HIS CHURCH, that they might be and REMAIN ONE as He and the Father are ONE. (John 17:20-23) 5.- He had already warned them that "every kingdom divided against itself shall be made desolate: and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand". (Matthew 12:25) ST. PAUL ON UNITY OF THE CHURCH: 1.- He declares that those guilty of "dissensions" and "sects" shall not obtain the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:20-21) 2.- Hearing of the schisms among the Corinthians, he asked impatiently: "Is Christ divided? Was Paul then crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:13) 3.- In the same Epistle he describes the Church as one body with many members distinct among themselves, but one with Christ their head: "For in one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free". (1 Corinthians 12:13) 4.- He asks: "The chalice of benediction, which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? And the bread, which we break, is it not the partaking of the body of the Lord? For we, being many, are ONE BREAD, ONE BODY, all that partake of ONE BREAD". (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) 5.- Again in his Epistle to the Ephesians he teaches the same doctrine, and exhorts them to be "CAREFUL TO KEEP THE UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace", and he reminds them that there is but "ONE BODY AND ONE SPIRIT ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE GOD and FATHER OF ALL". (Ephesians 4:3-6) 6.- In one of his very first Epistles, he had warned the faithful of Galatia that if anybody, even an angel from heaven, should preach unto them any other Gospel than that which he had preached, "let him be anathema". (Galatians 1:8) Such declarations coming from this great Apostle are clear evidence of the essential UNITY which must be the primordisl characteristic of the TRUE CHURCH OF CHRIST. The other Apostles also proclaimed essential and necessary THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. (1 John 4:1-7) (Apocalypse 2:6, 14-15, 20-29) (2 Peter 2:1-19) (Jude 5:19) Thanks for the opportunity to share our catholic view. May God bless your discernment.
bob whatshisname Bob, Thanks for your response and sharing your link. Even though I do not agree with its contents, I appreciate the fact that you consider it valid to support the existence of more than 60,000 distinct and divided "Bible only" protestant churches. Here is a thought for you: As you know, the Bible does not include a "holy index" of the books that should be part of the Bible as Word of God. How do you know which books should belong in the Bible? When did those books come together as the Bible and who decided? Here is the answer: Decree of Pope Saint Damasus from the Acts of the Roman Synod (382 AD) Source: Henry Denzinger's Enchiridion Symbolorum Translated by Roy J. Feferrari Loreto Publications www.loretopubs.org Denzinger 84 (179) in newer editions) The Canon of Sacred Scripture Likewise it has been said: Now indeed we must treat of the divine Scriptures, what the universal Catholic Church accepts and what she ought to shun. The order of the Old Testament begins here: Genesis one book, Exodus one book, Leviticus one book, Numbers one book, Deuteronomy one book, Josue Nave one book, Judges one book, Ruth one book, Kings four books, Paralipomenon two books, Psalms one book, Solomon three books, Proverbs one book, Ecclesiastes one book, Canticle of Canticles one book, likewise Wisdom one book, Ecclesiasticus one book. Likewise the order of the Prophets. Isaias one book, Jeremias one book,with Ginoth, that is, with his lamentations, Ezechiel one book,Daniel one book, Osee one book, Micheas one book, Joel one book, Abdias one book, Jonas one book, Nahum one book, Habacuc one book, Sophonias one book, Aggeus one book, Zacharias one book, Malachias one book. Likewise the order of the histories. Job one book, Tobias one book, Esdras two books, Esther one book, Judith one book, Machabees two books. Likewise the order of the writings of the New and eternal Testament, which only the holy and Catholic Church supports. Of the Gospels, according to Matthew one book, according to Mark one book, according to Luke one book, according to John one book. The Epistles of Paul [the apostle] in number fourteen. To the Romans one, to the Corinthians two, to the Ephesians one, to the Thessalonians two, to the Galatians one, to the Philippians one, to the Colossians one, to Timothy two, to Titus one, to Philemon one, to the Hebrews one. Likewise the Apocalypse of John, one book. And the Acts of the Apostles one book. Likewise the canonical epistles in number seven. Of Peter the Apostle two epistles, of James the Apostle one epistle, of John the Apostle one epistle, of another John, the presbyter, two epistles, of Jude the Zealut, the Apostle, one epistle. This was a historical event which occurred when there was only ONE church, The Catholic Church. May God bless your discernment.
That link is extremely valid and if you research you will find it is also very factual. Thou Shalt not murder...Have you heard of John Huss (Jan Hus). He was a catholic priest who spoke out against the pope and the corruption in the church. They poured oil over him and set him alight. What happened to William Tyndale and John Wycliffe is exactly as that link says. Do some research on Westcott and Hort. Bloody Mary as she became called supported the Catholic Church. You will always find Catholic teachings to justify what they believe. Have a look at what has gone on in the Catholic Church. You go to confession and get told by a man that your sins are forgiven. 1John 1:9 . Only God can forgive sin. Exe 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Why have a statue of Mary and pray to her. When the bible said she shall be blessed above all woman... yes she was but it never said to pray to her. Have you been baptized in accordance with John 3:5 because I know of Catholics who are not. Why are priest denied to marry when the bible expressly says..1Cor 7.. better to marry than burn with passion. When you talk of discernment, one of the hardest places is to be in that which you are trying to discern. If the bible says that is appointed for man to live but once and then the judgement then how or why do Catholics pray for the dead. Why do those who are alive have to pay for the priests to pray for the dead. It is all wrong, it is religion and religion might have the appearance of being godly but is based upon the doctrines of man and not of God.
I have been a CoC preacher for 45+ years, but I agree with you. The reason I haven't left is that if I do they win. I am trying to make a difference in my foot print.
I see so many comments on points that Amber is talking about, and after watching this whole video I cannot see anything she has said that is wrong. I see a lady that is allowing the Lord to show her the way instead of following man. I applaud her. I too grew up in a religious home and have now come to see many things that were made into something else than what the Lord desired. For you Amber I want to say keep following Him and allowing Him to use you. Do not be disheartened by the naysayers that have commented below. They have to answer for their own actions like you have to answer for yours and I have to answer for mine. Keep walking the narrow path towards the great and final reward. For the path to righteousness is narrow and few will find it. Love you sister Amber.🙏✝🙏❤
Really, then please do tell us how you know the way? In acts, the Ethiopian eunuch was asked if he understood what he was reading? He replied, how can I unless someone explains it to me. Following God is not merely a journey guided by feelings, in fact often it is contrary to what we feel is right. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. There are great examples of faith in the new and Old Testament, but it very much got down to the heart of the matter. It has to 100% be backed by Gods word, or it probably isn’t God teaching you it. I’m not part of the LDS by any means, but they often use a verse where Jesus says, my sheep will know my voice, do you think that just happens on accident? Or what about Jesus being tempted for 40 days in the desert, he got gut level honest and exposed Satan’s lies, using the words of the Old Testament prophets as his guide (God’s word essentially). I didn’t even touch on the New Testament passage about all scripture being god breathed and useful for correcting, teaching, etc... If that is not talking about authority, then I don’t know what is. Is it authority to add to gods word? Nope, but it is certainly authority to teach it and guide people with it.
Ephesians 5:22-33 King James Version (KJV) 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
@@lindahutchens8612 I never realized the animosity people have for my church. The Church of Christ I go to does not resemble the negative comments on line. In fact, it saddens me. My church loves GOD...with all their hearts souls and minds..,and loves their neighbor as themself. We serve our King...but...that doesnt mean its "works". We know that Jesus paid it all on the cross....and therecis NOTHING we can do to repay GOD for that gift. Serving the King is very different than works. We love and respect GOD....volunteering....sharing the gospel....helping others....its GODs love we are showing, not our own. Having a servants heart and serving...being a light....being the salt. To be honest...seeing the anti CoC comments has shown me that I shouldnt be telling catholics or muslims or mormons etc....anything about their worship. I'm sad that people have to blow up my church when we love GOD as much as anyone possibly could. My comment to you isnt directed at anything you said personally...or is meant to insult...its just a general comment about the subject. GOD bless
@@williamgullett5911 William, I am also very saddened by the fact that this video and all these negative comments gives the Lord's church a bad name but we must stay strong and contend for the faith. There are sound churches of Christ and there are some that are not and there are some that used to be sound but have turned away from sound doctrine and we are warned about this in the book of Revelation to the seven churches; we must stay in the doctrine of Christ. I think most of these people grew up in the church when the preachers preached too much about Hell and not enough about the love and grace of God. However, nowadays all you hear about is grace and not much about repentance and some may only mention baptism at the end of the sermon and don't even mention it is for remission of sins like Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16 say it is for. They may just say if you want to "put on" Christ is baptism; well that is true baptism is where we "put" him on but some people do not know what that means. We need to be clear and teach what Jesus taught "He that believes AND is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16) and that baptism is the moment whee our salvation is applied. Baptism is a part of our faith response to the grace of God. People think that baptism is a work of man even though the scriptures say "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the OPERATION OF GOD, who hath raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:12); they still say we are working our way to heaven even though it is God's work; not man's. Satan has deceived many that the sinner's prayer is what one needs to do to be saved and/or accept Jesus as your Lord and savior. They need to read Acts 8:35-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. Please do not be discouraged; I am on this site so that the word of God will convict someone here to become a child of God. Satan does not want you to speak to Muslims, Buddists, etc. and he is telling you look how messed up the church of Christ is; do not listen to him for he is a liar. He doesn't want anyone to go to a doctrinally sound church of Christ; God bless.
I’m not sure if you’ll see this now after all this time since the video posted, but I needed to thank you for putting this out there. My teenage daughter is being pulled in to COC by her boyfriend and my husband and I are setting boundaries that she doesn’t like but are for her benefit. My husband is a pastor, she’s grown up in church and we are definitely not “perfect” but this situation is captivatingly scary. I felt so encouraged by your videos and feel even more support for our goal. She won’t hear our voices on doctrine and judgement inside the organization and the overbearing ideal of authority and who it belongs to. Thank you so much!
Hi I couldn’t help but to be touched by your comment. I pray that the lord keeps your daughter away from such a dark for of doctrine. I know that they can be very compelling and persuasive to new or young people. They fail to mention that after their unbiblical baptism, they are going to put a wait on you that you can not carry. It’s the load that was placed on Jesus at Calvary and they will tell you that it’s yours to carry in order to get to heaven. It’s so sad.
@@followingchrist3660 This is not a comment to say that CoC are 100% correct but ....Jesus also said if you love me you will keep my commandments. Not to mention about baptism....the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunich. Once he was taught Jesus and the good news, what did he do directly after , he saw water and went down into it and was bapstised. When Paul was in jail, and the earthquake happened and the jailer was going to kill himself because he thought everyone escaped and Paul shouted out to stiop because they were still all there. The jailor asks what must I do to be saved. Hes told to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. they go back to the jailers home(it sthe middle of the night) and the Paul teaches to the jailors entire family about Jesus. What did they do next? It says they went and washed and then were all baptised into Jesus. There are many others on that. also, if you think you can live however you like after being saved, Read the entire book of 1Peter. He tells Christians how they should live. Which makes more sense to you....that Christ would say, now that you're saved you can live in sin and be forgiven, or would it be the devil who would say you can keep living in sin?
I had a similar journey being raised in the Christian Church. It wasn't until my mid-30's, while sitting through preaching from the book of John, and I began to pray to the Lord to "teach me your faith", that he opened the veil and called me to be His own. When I want to disparage that former denomination, the Lord reminds me that He exposed me to His Word there, planting the seeds that would eventually bring His predestining purpose about in my life. Praise His Holy Name. We love because He first loved us.
I cannot even express to you how thankful I am that I found your videos. Wish SO BADLY you had more of them. You put this so incredibly and put my mind at such ease. You are a blessing and a light my sweet sister in Christ! Much Love!!
I have been in the church of Christ all my life but I have never been hit with a preacher telling me that we had to be perfect to get to HEAVEN. The Church has always been a guide for me to accept Christ and know that his Grace will help me as I try to live a life pleasing to God as I know he came to give me life and live it more with Him walking beside me. G
I believe that is what she is saying. We can't be perfect, but we are supposed to TRY to be perfect, and then God's grace will give us that extra push. It's crippling. It limits God's power and love. " . . . where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." God's grace and love has so limits. He IS love, and he does command in the NT that we love Him and our fellowman. That commandment is EXPLICIT.
Mathew 5 verse 48 King James Bible Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. I believe this was not a suggestion from Jesus Christ but a command.
@@SingingLawyer88 Mathew 5 verse 48 King James Bible Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. I believe this was not a suggestion from Jesus Christ but a command.
@@misha-elministries5246 the Bible does not contradict itself. The Father and His Son both are fully aware that we are unable to be perfect in the sense that we are sinless. "He that is without sin, cast the first stone." The Greek word translated to "perfect" here is closer to "complete." Using the context of the previous verses, Christ is telling us to be complete in our character. Don't just love our friends. Love all, just at the Father loves us all
@@SingingLawyer88 No Eric , no He said be perfect and Holy as he is perfect and Holy . The only way to do that is to be born again. You want to escape his commands because you are not born from above and Gods seed does not abide in you for you are a son of this world and not Gods son. For this reason Gods Son was made manifest in this world that we may know who belongs to God and who belongs satan
Very well spoken!!! Bless you! I have been involved - nearly 'interned' into several of these cults - the CoC is just the most recent. My hearing is not as good as it once was, but sitting in the pew (with 7 other people in attendance) listening to, or trying to listen to the 'speaker' (I don't dare call him/them ministers or pastors) I kept saying to myself - no, he didn't really just say "not a denomination" or "the only true church" - no way any ADULT or MATURE CHRISTIAN that has opened a Bible would say anything like that, but - they just kept on repeating these and other ODD and or HERETICAL things... I tried to help - and through my prayer, I think God has made this my "Ninevah" for the near future - so should I run, or face my Ninevah? Three days in a fish do not appeal to me (I don't expect you to get that if you go to a C of C) Gospel Freedom: "Letter of the Law or the Spirit of the Law?" Romans 7:6 Also: If God is perfect, why/how could he make a mistake such that he would have to make an exception? i.e... The thief on the cross next to Him... To call than an exception to the rule is to "add/subtract/multiply/divide" the Word of God...
I'm glad that you have the courage to put this video out there. When I left the COC was in a different place. 1996. There was no CZcams, so I took a notebook and titled it the same title as this video, "Why I Left The Church" and began to spool several throughts on the legalism and rules that so burdened me down. And Thank You for mentioning the comments on "being perfect" in your first video.
Legalism robs one of the peace and assurance that is in Jesus Christ. By coming out of the darkness of legalism and into the light of grace, you will now begin to grow so much in your walk with Jesus. May your journey be one of confidence and assurance as a loved child of God. God bless!
The word 'legalism' is a umbrella term and doesn't really address the problem. If you worship at any one church that professes to follow Christ, then under that definition, you should be labeling them as legalistic as well.
Legalism, in a nutshell, is adding works to the gospel. It teaches that Jesus is necessary but not sufficient for salvation. It teaches that salvation's a lifelong process only received if one has followed God's commandments and turned from their sins (aka keep the law). I teaches that you can lose your salvation. It teaches to trust in yourself and what you do in your life as evidence of salvation, instead of resting in the finished, redemptive work of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. It makes a mockery of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and can lead to a heavy dose of self-righteous hypocrisy. In your example, if you teach that a person needs to turn from a sinful act of the flesh as being a part of receiving salvation, then yes, that is legalism. If you ever come across this scenario, give that sinner the true gospel of Jesus Christ and allow it's power if received to change that person from the inside-out over time. The power of God's grace is amazing. If they don't receive it, then all you can do is pray for them. You've done your job by giving them the truth. Shake the dust off your feet, move on, and tell someone else the true gospel.
obeying our creator is not LEGALISM .its is doing what he said and he said he did not come to change anything read mat 5 17-19 www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=commandments&t=KJV#s=s_primary_0_1 www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=obey&t=KJV#s=s_primary_0_1
Legalism, in this context, refers to any system that teaches a form of justification by human works that teaches that if you do enough, it obligates God to save you. Works righteousness that thinks that one contributes something to salvation, which the Church of Christ is the foremost proponent of this side of Roman Catholicism.
Hi Amber, I happened to come across your video and would like to encourage you to forbear one another in love. Christ is the head of His Church and we cannot build upon another foundation other than what He established through His apostles. I came into His Church through faith and obediance of baptism. I never even heard of the Church of Christ then. But I knew and was convicted by the Holy Spirit to be able to start over, beforgiven for my sins like being buried with Jesus, and like Jesus rose again I can walk a new life, free of my own sin. How else can you be clothed with Christ? beware of the guest at the Brides groom wedding who did not have the propper wedding clothes. Please consider the maturity of the congregation you were attending, I hope you are able to fellowship together again, with brotherly love, forbearing one another because there is only One Lord, One Faith, one baptism . God is so much bigger than you think and can really work within congregations to grow and mature if we work together out of brotherly love. What concerns me is the division you have with your loved ones and yet you are so divided and cannot fellowship together. Where is God in that? Love in Christ, I pray for Gods peace for your family and loved ones. Strife is such a foothold for Satan to do his filthy work.
One of my cousins is in the Church of Christ. I attended a bible study for their church. I learned about what it was recently and decided to go to learn more about why my cousin when and how they taught. God with all his mercy and grace led me to thoroughly read the book of John, Acts, and Romans, but mostly John before going. For every church, I visit I pray that God keeps me safe from manipulation. God etched the truth in my heart and mind. When I went I was surprised to hear and see how they used God's word. The way they said their church was the only way. How they denied John 1:1-15 and said Jesus wasn't God (John 1:2 "The Word was God") and used a part of John as well as other parts of the bible to deny it when in John 8:58 Jesus said "..Before Abraham came into being, I AM". I wanted to cry and should from sadness as they continued to make their point, nitpicking parts of the bible instead of one whole cohesive narrative. As soon as I could, I was fortunate that my sister called, I when and took the call outside and cried. I cried and shook with devastation. My cousin said what they are taught is biblical, but when I asked her if she ever read the bible she said no. I don't know how to talk to her about it. I suggested she read and try to understand what she believes in, but she is doesn't seem interested. God is good and I know everything will go as He designed. I trust him and see he has blessed me time and time again. I don't have a cohesive point, I just want to share my experience. If there is anything productive I could share is this. Pray, pick up Gods word by paper or digital, and read, compare all the translations if you think that is best. Just try and come to understand what you believe in, guard your heart with the truth if you believe in God's word, because we all nothing but man/mortal and are prone to failure. It is only by grace that any of us is redeemable. Thank you for sharing yours.
I’m so sorry for your experience. I go to Church of Christ but they are not like this at all. We take the Bible as a whole, not just pieces. And preachers or Sunday school teachers always tell us to do our own research too, not to just believe everything they or someone else says
You are absolutely and positively, correct!! I have been so encouraged by your message, I actually feel some freedom, because I believed for years, after being delivered from demon spirits, and years of doing drugs, and many Spiritual gifting, I totally believed I could no longer come back to Jesus because I backslid so many times, and been restored by God, that he couldn't possibly forgive me anymore! I have begun to realize that when you were talking about your children, how long I had been punishing myself for sin, and punishing myself over and over again, for not being just like Jesus, because I so much wanted to be. Although he showed me things in the Spirit realm, I was still in many ways a young, baby Christian, and I demanded so much of myself, that it became about my performance, not God's saving grace, by faith, and that was not of my own making, but a gift from him, and so no One could boast in it. I didn't feel as if I could live in the world anymore either, because all I saw was sin, and now after many years of relapsing, I am beginning to feel hope again. For years, I became focused on my own performance and looking down on people in religious disgust, like a Pharisee, and forgot where I came from, and the One who gave it to me freely! Without anything else needed but a willing, open heart. I didn't feel any personal closeness to God, because I thought I was supposed to be exactly like Him, which is impossible! Please, please pray for me, because I want to walk with him again, and have my family restored, because years of backsliding caused my youngest daughter to hate me because of drugs and neglect on my part, all due to the fact that as a very young widow with 4 very young children, I started to fear the future and losing my own father at 9 years old, I began to slip into depression and started to think I couldn't cope with these losses without drugs because God wouldn't understand my grief or my sorrow. Thank you!
shes absolutely correct, i personally believe that no instruments is better but i would never say one is going to hell for using them. Denominations do need to get together, right on!
I watched completely your first video and here comes your second one. I am proud that i am a member to the Lord's body the church. your idea of legalism or freedom is the same as the world want to do. I am not condemning you but my idea of freedom is according the freedom that my Savior wanted to give me. I am free from sin though i am not perfect.
So your still sinning. Gods seed is not in you , you shall be perfect.New King James Version Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
@@misha-elministries5246 Read 1 John 1:5-2:1. A Christian can sin. John said so. The better translation of the text you referenced is 1 John 3:9 (NASB) 9 "No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." The key word is "practices."
May I ask if you only attended one church of Christ and what did they teach that wasn't biblical? As you most likely know churches of Christ are autonomous and that is why one would need to make sure the apostle's doctrine is being taught.
@@lindahutchens8612 My great grandfather was an elder in the church of Christ, then my Granny, my mom, and then me. I got out of the Army in 1994, and found out that the Body of Christ is Diverse, and Large. Beginning in 1996, I learned of the New Covenant and Grace!! It changed my whole life! I'm now free in Christ! The church of Christ does Not teach Security of our Salvation! See John 5:24, Col. 2:13,14, Romans 5:17, etc etc. Get turned on to Grace and Truth!! 🙋♂️
I’ve been to congregations in a building, school building, shopping center, and at houses. I have some friends who have been to Africa and there worship service was outside. Same for the times of worship. I’ve been to worship where it starts in morning and night. Some start at the morning and no night service. Some have Wednesday service or Tuesday or Wednesday service. There are many things that God has commanded us, but there are also many expediences that God has left open for us. Instead of “Greeting with a kiss” we greet each one another with a handshake or a hug.
Very brave, good for you! I grew up in the COC. Fond memories, good people but my relationship with the Lord and with my fellow Christians is so much better since leaving.
Amen. Your testimony has touched my heart. God will reveal the truth to those who seek the truth of his word. HIS grace and love is so wonderful. It is all of God. Eph 2: 8&9
WONDERFUL teaching here. My mom was catholic and my dad SDA.. God is crying out "Come out of her my people".. we are to BE he church, not GO to church... Dad being SDA for example taught me the importance of the Lord's Sabbath... it was not and has not been done away with.. GOD FORBID.. but we are not bound by it.. being bound is being enslaved.. Sabbath is a day to rest and REMEMBER that God is GOD and that we have a special time to commune with Him.. to rest in Him.. He has given us a day off.. and he PLAINLY says Sabbath was made FOR man.... a FREE gift.. I LOVE absoluely LOVE how you emphasis the word FREEDOM in your videos.. for the main theme of the entire bible is freedom.. not love but FREEDOM.. for it is only through freedom that you can truly love.. Adam was free to choose, God set the israelites free, He sent Christ to die for our FREEDOM.. once you choose Christ, you are free indeed.. ANYTHING binding is of Satan.. Catholic women resemble muslim woman.. partly because mohammad's mommy was catholic, but primarily because SATAN binds women in their attire.. same as mennonites, or amish.. We are to BE the church.. and I absolutely LOVE the beginning of this video where you speak of the building.. there is NO biblical basis for 'church' buildings.. they ALL have 2 things in common... 1) a billboard out front soliciting BUSINESS and 2) a collection plate inside collecting funds to sustain the said business... We are to GO and BE the church.. clothe the naked and feed the hungry.. by doing THIS we will SHOW the world the love of Jesus.. NOT by sitting still in some building hoping to draw in patrons.... IMAGINE the money that is in just the real estate alone of these 'corporate worshippers' as you call them.. IMAGINE>. WHAT could be done with this money! HOW MANY could come to know the Lord if we DID what we preached!!! Oh Jesus.. forgive us, for we know not what we do!!!!
KJVTRUTH We are NOT to forsake the assembly of our selves together as is the manner of SOME but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching; Hebrews 10:25 and regarding the Sabbath......So let no one judge you in food or in drink or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths; Colossians 2:16.
@@lindahutchens8612 I'll see your "forsake not the assembly" and I'll raise you a " you have turned my father's house into a DEN OF VIPERS". I will NOT assemble with SNAKES let alone the most dangerous of all snakes VIPERS. VIPERS who have signed 501c3 tax free covenants with Ceasar "allowing" them to disregard the rendering unto ceasar commandment we are to assemble WITH BRETHREN. NOT VIPERS. We are to assemble together..as the first century BRETHREN did. That favorite verse of your local liar for hire does nothing but guarantee himself attendence to fill his wallet every venerable day of the sun. I'm not judging you regarding Sabbath, but I will do as commanded in 2 tim 4:2.
Your comments on how God knows how to clearly spell out laws 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I’ve thought this also but have never heard someone say it. I was raised Church of Christ.
I stumbled upon this and I agree with everything you’ve said in your first two videos! I am currently active in a local bible believing Southern Baptist Church that’s a group of awesome people that (generally) hold to the Bible. I am glad that you, and your husband came to the realization that you did, that legalism is not the liberty that Jesus promised. I made the realization that their logic was broken after a period of hardship for me. My grandfather passed, I was struggling with sin and trying to find an identity. When a bible school teacher said “those people don’t go to heaven, none of us have this problem” and moved on, I did to and found my identity in that sin. It sucked. It took my younger sister being involved in a car crash to bring me back to my search for God, and his will nearly a year later. I pray that those in these hateful churches will see the light of day, and know that the saving grace is for everyone, regardless of background, race, sin or anything! (I was a “member” of the Church of Christ for the better part of 18 years - I know the arguments, teachings and ect. While I’m not saying all fall under this I’d say the VAST majority do, due to coming out of the campbellite movement.)
@Jennifer Seay I watched/stomached one of your videos. I was born and raised (several generations) of cOC, so I know exactly where you are coming from... and I want to warn you... you need to pray God will open your eyes and take off those cOC colored glasses. When they speak of church of Christ in the Bible, it is referring to believers in Christ, NOT referring to "Campbellite" church of Christ that we know in America today. You have to remove yourself to be able to have your eyes opened. I know how you look at people like me that speak against it. I used to be you.
I appreciate your video very much. I am a member of the COC and completely agree with you on all accounts. Me and my family attend a fairly "liberal" COC that we like at this time and the people are great, I do think it depends on the individual congregations. I have come across some COC members throughout my 50+ years on this earth who have been so legalistic that they have actually repelled people away from the faith and "kicked" the brethren in the shins passive aggressively that at times I have wanted to introduce them to the end of my momma's old switch. And whoever said that the lifting of Holy hands is cultural, that is idiotically ridiculous, it is not cultural, it is worshipful. What they are really saying is that they are much too dignified to engage in such behavior. I think that proves your point. God bless.
Hello Justin, Check this church out. Maybe you'll find what you are looking for incmedia.org/our-beliefs/ Everything is based on the bible. No addition, no subtraction, no personal opinions, no denominations.
Don't take this the wrong way, just an honest question; How do you know what scripture is? i.e. Who told you that the book of Hebrews belongs in scripture, etc.? Just interested in how you would answer this since there is no divine 'table of contents', etc.
Can I just scream THANK YOU! You have articulated what my heart is feeling can we please have a Bible study. I really need support as I transition. This is so hard.
Which baptism is a part of the salvation process, based on what the Bible says? What did Peter say below? Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Based on Luke 3:16, and John 1:33, and Acts 11:15-16, the most important thing about the word "baptize" in the New Testament has nothing to do with water. The Holy Spirit is the master teacher promised to New Covenant believers in Jeremiah 31:34, and John 14:26, and is found fulfilled in Ephesians 1:13, and 1 John 2:27. Unfortunately, many modern Christians see water when they read the word "baptize" in the text. Based on the above, what is the one baptism of our faith found in the passage below? How many times is the word "Spirit" found in the passage, and how many times is the word "water" found in the passage? Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, “baptize” KJV Mat_3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Mar_1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mar_1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Luk_3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Joh_1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; Joh_1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. ================== New Covenant Whole Gospel: Let us now share the Old Testament Gospel found below with the whole world. On the road to Emmaus He said the Old Testament is about Him. He is the very Word of God in John 1:1, 14. Awaken Church to this truth. Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Is the most important genealogy in the Bible found in Matthew 1:1 (Gal. 3:16)? Is God's Son the ultimate fulfillment of Israel (John 1:49)? Why has the modern Church done a pitiful job of sharing the Gospel with modern Orthodox Jews? Why would someone tell them they are God's chosen people and then fail to share the Gospel with them? Who is the seed of the woman promised in Genesis 3:15? Who is the "son" in Psalm 2? Who is the "suffering servant" of Isaiah 53? Who would fulfill the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34? Who would fulfill the timeline of Daniel chapter 9 before the second temple was destroyed? Why have we not heard this simple Old Testament Gospel preached on Christian television in the United States on a regular basis? Once a person comes to understand the New Covenant promised to Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which is found fulfilled by Christ during the first century in Hebrews 8:6-13, and Hebrews 10:16-18, and specifically applied to the Church in 2 Corinthians 3:6-8, and Hebrews 12:22-24, man-made Bible doctrines fall apart. Let us now learn to preach the whole Gospel until He comes back. The King of Israel is risen from the dead! (John 1:49, Acts 2:36) Watch the CZcams video “The New Covenant” by Bob George.
I'm a member of the church. My grandfather preached at one church for 43 years. I agree with you that if we take it upon ourselves to pick and choose what we want to follow and what we don't then it's wrong. We don't have the authority to pick and choose. Which leads me to the question, what on earth was your church teaching?? What my grandfather taught was the scripture and all of the scripture. He taught me that some of the more liberal churches are starting to do things like introducing instruments into worship and then he immediately told why that is wrong with many examples of scripture. One of which is that you don't find it in scripture to add instruments into worship. You do however find where it says not to add nor take away from it. So if the scripture doesn't say anywhere to use instruments but actually says from our hearts and we still use instruments then that is adding to the word. Which is wrong. We are a more conservative church but still we don't teach stuff that are cultural things. My grandfather taught things that are expected from us by scripture to do. Like baptism. I can show 10 examples of where it is demanded that we have to get baptized to wash away our sins. That rite there is what divides us from most other teachings or denominations like the baptist for example. Jesus clearly said that unless a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of god. He then said unless a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of god. That rite there is as clear as It can be, so that rite there is a rule that we have to follow. The scripture tells us how we should worship too. Jumping around and dancing and falling on the floor is NOT the way to do it. It's all in the word. Also yes there are a good amount of rules in the New Testament. We all have free will even the angels have free will so I'm not telling you what to do. I am however saying that the church of Christ for the most part is not like you have been saying. At least not any I've been too. Which makes me wonder again, what church did u attend?! I ask because from what you've said they're getting some things mixed up that shouldn't be!!
I respect you and your grandfather...My grandfather was a Church of Christ preacher as well as an elder till he passed when I was 19 years old. I am now Assembly of God and I disagree with several teaching methods of the Church of Christ. My grandfather came to me in a dream, smiled and ensured me , "son ,it's not the name on the building that matters, it's what is in your heart" I know many Church of Christ friends and family and they are still me brothers and sisters in Christ.
Hello Amber, I'd like to share my story. I left the NYC CoC in 2005 after 3 years of being there. I met a member whom I will call A.C. and considered her a "friend". I left the cult, but she stayed for 16 years. So for almost 10 years I had no contact with her. In May 2015 I was crossing the street when a member of the CoC saw me and told me that A.C. had had an accident, she couldn't walk (a car had crushed her foot) and she was staying with a male friend. I reached out to A.C. (whom I prayed for 7 years for her to get out of that cult) and she told me she just started to walk. She had no job, no place to live because the male friend asked her to leave. I helped her get a job and a place to live (she was living with me in another room). In July 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Do you know what she did? NOTHING. She totally ignored me. She never knocked on my door to find out how I was doing after chemo, or if I needed money for rent since I couldn't work after chemo, or if I needed food since I was too weak to cook. I swear I never seen such coldness towards someone in need. She was a member of the Church of Christ for 16 years and this is how she treated me. Please tell me I'm not the only one who had this horrible experience. I can give you my phone number also to talk to you. Thanks
IMHO (and I hope I am dead wrong), the problem in churches of Christ is way worse than you think. I am a member of Christ’s church, or put another way, the “church of Christ”. I would never leave Christ’s church. I am Christ’s servant and a member of his church (Mt 16:18), but your experience is why I believe 99.9% of those in Christ’s church will find themselves on the day of judgment totally shocked that they are going to hell for eternity (Mt 25:46). The reason? An almost total ambivalence toward the second greatest commandment to love one’s neighbor as themselves, a command required to be obeyed to go to heaven (Lk 10:25-28). Jesus even provided an example of what happens when someone breaks that command (Lk 16:19-23). Our “neighbors” are the ones who require some heavy lifting to help out, and we may not even like them (Lk 10:29-37), not just the ones whom we give a cup of sugar to when asked. Jesus even listed some of those neighbors including prisoners (Mt 25:36). Just like you were, these brothers and sisters of ours behind bars are ignored by almost all of their non-felon counterparts. I know of a newly released parolee and a fellow Christian, who had nothing, and thus desperately needed help. Except for me and a couple of others, everyone at church ignored him (a church with over 800 members). IMHO, the youtuber missed the real point about the problems with the church of Christ. Today’s church as a whole simply does NOT love its neighbors as itself. Until that is fixed, all the other stuff is just sideshow banter.
Hi. Thank God I'm doing very well. God healed me from cancer. And as for that person who didn't help me when I was sick with cancer she went to China to teach English. I recently found out that she married to get Chinese residency and that didn't work. She got divorced and lost her residency in China.
@@Mark16v15 There are thousands of churches of Christ (and I am not talking about the Mormon church; which I believe is a cult) and you cannot put all churches of Christ in the same basket. I have been to many loving churches of Christ including the one I attend now that does many kind things for others. I cannot believe you would make a comment that 99.9 percent of those in Christ's church will find themselves in hell; that is just ridiculous.
I love your dish washing analogy. So true. The way people do things is considered "law" in the Church. I was in the International Church of Christ (ICOC) and it was the same.
The ICOC is a bit different. I've heard about some of their practices and it seems like a very controlled environment. I suggest you look into mainstream churches of Christ.
I wish I could sit down and have coffee with you and pick your brain on some things. I wanted to say I agree with what you are saying. I was raised in the coc and my dad was a preacher until I was about 15 and then him and my mom got a divorce, and 3 years later he wanted to marry my step mom. As you may know the coc has strict rules about remarriage. So my dad was basically forced to step down. I don’t think God would want anyone to remain alone for the rest of their lives due to a failed relationship. God is all knowing and knows we’re only human. It took me a long time to realize I was being told growing up that everything did have to be a certain way with worship. When my dad was a preacher he made a suggestion to add more songs to worship period because we only sang a couple. It was a huge deal to add songs because “we’ve never done it that way it’s sinning to try new things”. No where in the Bible does it say how many songs you have to sing during worship. The Bible is very specific and very vague on some doctrines. Coc people are very judge mental I was judged for going to prom and was judged for missing youth events because I was in several extra curriculars. I did not get along with the youth because they were always gossiping when we had just learned in bible class that gossiping is a sin. The middle aged members of the congregation were the same way, they were very cliquey. Most of the older generation in the coc are very conservative and have to have things a certain way or else. I miss going to church but things like raising holy hands are out of my comfort zone because I was taught it was weird or wrong. People feel the love of God in different ways and I don’t think it is any man’s job to judge anyone, it is between them and God.
Thanks Amber, I realize that I am over 2 years past due, but I just found your video. You are one of the best preachers that I have ever heard. I loved what you said and how you said it. I am just an old man that enjoys going to church, worshiping GOD, giving gifts and singing songs of praise, and fellowship with other believers. Keep it up, Make another video. Love you in the Lord, Ron
I watched this video to the end and I'm asking myself only one question. How will she interpret 1st corinthians 14:37? Paul wants us to understand that his writings that are put in the bible are commands from God. You made mention that what you mostly see in the bible are suggestions not commands..buh what you failed to understand is that the apostolic doctrines are inspired of God and contain most of the things that our father wants us to do. So there is indeed a pattern to christianity. You cant just do what you like and expect that God will be okay with it. 1st Peter 4:1..if anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracle of God. You dont just do what you like buh rather, you do what God wants..how do we know what God wants? The holy spirit revealed His will to the apostles and they wrote it down for us.
I'm a church of christ an what i've been thaught is to believe that christ died for our sin get baptize an from there learn more bout his words spread the gospel,an repent whenever you sin,an try not to drink,follow marriage law,an love your enemies well as others an do good,no 1 is perfect we all stumble fall an fall but we need to get back up repent of our sins an keep moving foward. Only God can judge where we heading.
Only the New Testament in the Bible can judge us where we are heading to...Jesus Christ His apostles doctrines can us where we stand and where we are heading to...
Thank you for your wisdom Amber. Those lock into the church you came from can leave but maybe scared to do so. Most of us know that. But you found the door and used it to free yourself. Praise God. Your right on.
Amen. Well said. I applaud your courage in saying these true things, even though it might cause some discomfort and difficulties for you. As a former PK in the COC, I second what Amber is saying. I don't know Amber Head. I look for posts like this to see if I'm alone. My family won't leave the COC with me. I can tell you first hand that adopting the attitude of laying your doctrine at the feet of God and being open to changing your stance of Biblical subjects is only uncomfortable at first, but it's liberating later. For the church of Christ, how you physically worship is so wrapped up with the thought of being saved, that any change to these regimens might mean provoking the wrath of God. Being open to being wrong is frightening because if you see you were wrong about one thing you always believed, it may mean that other things could be wrong, or worse, that maybe even God isn't real. I remember shaking in fear after seeing one little verse in a new light, John 3:5. When a non-denominational friend told me what he thought the verse meant, I laughed at him and told him he was stretching that verse to say what he wanted it to mean. But later, I prayed and told God that I would follow anything He revealed, no matter what I found, and I meant it. Then, as if seeing the verse for the very first time, I saw that it had nothing to do with water baptism. That is when I shook in fear. My whole spiritual world was in doubt, and I was depressed. A few days later, a thought and feeling came into me that -wait a minute...God is still real, Jesus is still real, I'm still saved, but now I understand something that I didn't before. I asked myself, why was I so frightened? Because change is scary, especially about the most important thing in our lives. Throughout the years, I remained open to being uncomfortable and truly, all-the-way surrendered to God, and started over with Christ. That means looking into everything again with a truly open mind, and trusting that the Holy Spirit will reveal what you need to know. I was uncomfortable so many times that I grew out of being uncomfortable. Years later, I am now free in Christ, and ready to be wrong about something in scripture. Yes, I feel like I can now rejoice when someone shows me something in the Bible that I didn't previously understand. Members of the Church of Christ, if you can't say the same, then you do not have the correct attitude! Humble yourselves before the Lord and be willing to be wrong! It's only scary at first, then it's pure joy to not have all these man made rules. You're swimming in man-made ceremony! The command, example, and necessary inferences ordinance is not Biblical; we aren't given that model. I am SO far from where I want to be in Christ, but I can say this, being free in Christ and truly surrendering (even your doctrine) gives you strength like nothing else. My days of shivering in fear are gone, replaced by the knowledge that Christ will speak for me, no matter what. Bring on all of us being wrong about doctrine! All we need is Christ, then we can learn along the way. Amber Head is correct. I challenge members of the church of Christ to listen to her video with an open heart.
So, after reading John 3:5 have you become a born again believer ?. Baptized in the Holy Spirit ?.You are right in that it is not about legalism however we do reap what we sow. Saved by grace and not of works.
I don't really understand what you are asking, but yes, we are saved by grace and not works. I was already a saved believer before I read John 3:5, but that is the moment when I realized that it is possible for me to be wrong, so from then on I put my assumptions under a microscope. That enabled me to grow out of legalism.
John 3:5 is not about baptism. It is about receiving the Holy Spirit after you are baptized. There are so many verses about water baptism and you are converted away from the truth by something that is not even talking about that? Baptism is not a work. The removal of dirt from the flesh does not save you it is an appeal for a clean conscience. Baptism is no more a work than "thinking" about being saved and accepting Jesus into your heart. People get paid to think - mathematicians get paid to think. They are doing work. You are doing works when you "call Jesus into your heart." You are being legalistic when you try to call baptism a work. It is done through faith in God - the faith that he will save you when you are baptized. Did the Apostles do work when they healed sick? Or was it God doing the work through them? Just because they put their hands on someone doesn't mean they were doing anything! Baptism is the same. I am sorry, but you and Amber are deeply mistaken when you think you can ignore the guidance of the almighty God. Are you sure that your revelation is not a delusion? The Bible is not hard to understand. Any person can read the Bible with no agenda or lense and would automatically assume you have to be baptized. You have to go through hoops and rationalizations to think something else. You must create complicated doctrines do get around baptism. I have no problem being wrong. I am not scared to open my mind. I say the following with no ill will. I love you as an erring brother and I want to tell you the truth. I read your arguments and see a lost and confused person who is at war with their convictions because they have been peer pressured by their incorrect friends. I see someone who wants to rebel against their parents and wants them to be wrong even though deep down they know the truth. What you are doing is wrong. You lead people astray by your ill informed and unsubstantiated testimony. I will pray that you embrace humility and come to repentance. May God touch your heart and lead you to the truth.
Amber, I am SO sorry that this was your experience. I found the Lord through the coC at age 28, and became a Minister with them. I did choose to leave (just as your husband did) because I could no longer match my understanding of Scripture with traditional coC doctrine. I would agree also, that the coC has developed its identity around what it is NOT (NO instruments, NO women in teaching roles, etc) rather than what it is. I do have a few responses, though. First, as the coC has no hierarchy, congregations identifying themselves as coC vary greatly in perspective and practice. I would be careful about asserting that you know what they practice and why - because it is really all over the map. I found the Lord in an incredible coC - where the Holy Spirit was alive and well - and was nurtured in my faith for a decade in another. I have also experienced profoundly legalistic coC - most of which are dying/nearly dead - where CENI-E is a way of life. Second, I think it appropriate to note that the coC is not the odd man out in this legalistic tradition. The fact is that in the 1950s-60s most American churches exploded in numbers - largely due to social economic conditions after WWII. Churches became THE social outlet for burgeoning families. Under pressure to grow, many churches/denominations introduced this 'competitive' rhetoric, seeking to separate themselves from 'those other people.' It is sad, really, but my point is that it is not coC specific. Third, as I have grown in my faith and experienced other tribes of believers, I have learned to appreciate that it is the motivation of one's heart that God is concerned with, rather than the specifics of the expression. You are correct in asserting that the NT tells us nearly NOTHING about worship practices, sacramental procedures or leadership structure. In fact, Stone & Campbell founded the Restoration Movement in response to the needless implementation of such things by 'high churches.' True to form, though, humans have succeeded in simply replacing one broken understanding with another - developing a different set of traditions that soon become doctrinal in value. Having said that, I also see those who have left groups like the coC (remember - me included), that fail to consider the hearts of those practicing those traditions. Our family left one coC because I was not allowed to sit in a children's class with my son and hear the songs the (female) teacher was introducing to the 2-3 year old's. Initially, this angered me greatly - and on many levels I still think it is ridiculous - but over the years I have realized the teacher's decision to ask me to leave was a matter of conscience. Her goal was to serve the Lord with all of her heart. This is something, I believe, God values greatly. As the prophet Samuel experienced in selecting Saul's replacement (1 Sam 16) God sees the heart of a man, rather than judging by appearances. Paul calls us to be similar in Romans 14, as he addresses arguments over different perspectives and tells each to be weary of asking another to violate his conscience. Thus, I do believe that different perspectives can be held by Christians and still be honorable to the Lord, because it is the motivation that God is concerned with most. I say all this to communicate three things: 1. I applaud your desire to open hearts and minds as you gain in understanding! 2. Take care to ensure that you are considering the hearts of a believer over his/her method of expression (I recognize that you are trying to encourage others to do that, I am simply cautioning you to avoid valuing your current expression as somehow better than others). 3. The Lord reaches people in many ways. The reality is that one expression of faith may work exceptionally well for some, but horribly for others. Our job is to look for the beauty that God sees in those expressions first. :-) Blessings to you on the journey! P.S. - I don't know that anything I've said here is worth quoting, but if you do please DATE it. I see things differently now than I did 10 years ago, and I suspect I will be able to say the same 10 years from now. - Diatribe complete -
Robert. I appreciate your words. I have worshiped at a church of Christ all my life, have my own questions and what you wrote makes perfect sense, regardless of whether I stay or go. Thank you.
The NT tells us nothing about leadership structure when it has Paul telling Titus to appoint elders in every church, when it has Paul giving the qualifications for bishops and deacons, when it has Ephesus in Acts 20 with elders who are overseers (bishops) and who pastor (shepherd) the flock, the same three things Peter gives of fellow elders in I Pet.5? ????!!!!!
Amber, I grew up with my father as the song leader of church of christ. This institution has been heartbreaking for my family to exist. I found strange things growing up. I was the girl with a lot of questions. That made them very angry. The best thing I did for myself was to remove myself from this abusive structure. Women were not allowed to pray or have any notion when a man was around. That's rely messed up. I've come to a place in my life where I see spiritually in different ways. I've been in therapy for al. Ost six years now and have had to understand my Ptsd and the abuse I had growing up with this church and my family. It truly hurts and divides human beings. I have so much more to say, but I'll stop here and send lots of love to you and any other person that dealt with this cult. It's not far from Scientology in ways. Thee fear, guilt, and also the hypocrisy. Love to you.
Talking about Grace. The grace is real but we can´t use our freedom to indulge the flesh. The truly reason to don´t sin isn´t the fear, but our personal expression of love by God. Is hard to walk with right steps in a way of thorns every day. But if we turn our eyes to the target and hold our love in Jesus, we´ll reach the finish line. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 Jo 1:9). God Bless!
Vikki, me as well .. I hope my story even furthers that conviction. I came to know Christ through The Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. We were called the International Church Of Christ the main leader was Kip McKean. They were strong on Discipleship and strong in biblical reading and great fellowship. Was hard to leave thinking you were the only real church. I was suffering with emotional issues at some point in time while still there. But the church and it’s discipleship made it much worse. Disciplining became harsh and out of control not always directly with me but it was there. Women leaders ridiculed my wife in a disciplining gathering, and my wife did not tell me immediately. Two years later these same women leaders leave the church; which they would describe as fallen away! As in you are no longer with the church and therefore you will end up in hell Lol. They lost all sense of grace! They thought and probably still think they can immediately turn off & on salvation. And I knew that wasn’t right but never approached it. They would judge many by their education or status quo to move up in leadership. There came a time when disciplining became so out of control and they bragged about it ! Authoritarians they were! There was such Self Righteousness. AND THEN IT HIT ! A major letter from another well respected leader seeing where the Church leadership has gone wrong ! And calling out the Church leaders On IT ! And immediately people were dropping and leaving the church. When this letter was read we had been with the church already 9 years we hung in there. My wife and me read this letter and my Wife Frances looking at me said Jesse you were correct. I showed her my notes previously dating back two years; praying please God give me clarity and understanding. I finally said good buy; so many were so farce and had not repented or have totally ignored it altogether; perhaps they couldn’t except it? Many of those same leaders today that wrote books Preached great sermons have left the church, some divorced their wife’s; some have never returned to a church or God due to what I have read from them personally. I am the one now on the Outside looking in “ THANK GOD” I admit I was part of a Cult ! The cult portion has to do with Salvation through Baptism.. I struggled with this and it was hard for me to attend another church after I left, but yet I did because God showed me through fasting and prayer how wrong we were as the Church Of Christ. Yes i see baptism in the scriptures but how those scriptures and the translation of Koine Greek were mistaken by unschooled Evangelist leaders. And yet there is more proof of no physical baptism needed but some how I them were blinded to this. But I would need to write a blog because I’m only skimming the surface in this total comment. Today this same church has split into various section and names. Many beautiful people still stuck there. And I love them. Yet they still believe and follow church of Christ standards. Sadly their in a Cult by declaring that salvation is the only through physical Baptism. Funny only the Cults believe this. The Church of Latter-day Saints , the Jehovah Witnesses and few others .. etc... And yes the Church of Christ. A church that once thought we were advancing the kingdom of God that thought they were on the cutting edge and modern. Today they lack growth their dated and still separated from all other churches because their one ☝️ plague that hinders their Growth and God won’t bless it !
@@jesserevilla992 Did Jesus say "He that believes AND is baptized shall be saved?; Mark 16:16 and I Peter 3:21 says that baptism doth also now save us? And in Acts 2:38 that in baptism our sins are washed away? And Saul/Paul was not saved until his sins were washed away in Acts 22:16. Satan is behind all this that baptism is not neccessary. He is doing the same thing he did in Genesis 3:2-4 when He inserted one three-letter word twisting God's commandment into a lie; he (Satan) inserted the word NOT, He said to the woman "Ye shall not surely die," Satan has done the same thing with the way we are saved. He has inserted the SAME three-letter word in Mark 16:16. He made Mark 16:16 say "He that believes and is "NOT" baptized shall be saved. The gospel of Christ was Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Obeying the gospel was to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins; Acts 2:38. God will take vengeance on those who do not OBEY the gospel; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. We at coC do not follow coC standards but Jesus and His word.
@@jesserevilla992 Church of Christ is NOT a cult and Jesus himself said in Mark16:15-16 "Go into all the world and preach the GOSPEL to every creature. He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved. And he that believeth not shall be condemned. Saul who later became the apostle Paul was told in Acts 22:16 "Why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord. I Peter 3:21 says baptism doth also now save us. Read Acts 8:35-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. Did you become a Christian this way?
@@jesserevilla992The Lord's church (Romans 16:16) is not a cult. It is called church of Christ because it is Christ's church; the one he purchased with His own blood; Acts 20:28. The mainstream church of Christ is not like the International church of Christ so please don't put us all in the same basket. Since the church of Christ is autonomous one would need to visit several churches of Christ to make sure they are teaching the apostles doctrine which is mentioned in Acts 2:42 and note in verse 41 that those who gladly received His word were baptized and about three thousand souls were added to them. Note in verse 47 it says praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. One does not join the church of one's choice; the Lord adds you to His church when one obeys the gospel and is baptized in water (read Acts 8:35-38 and note what needs to be done when Jesus is preached). Saul who later became the Apostle Paul was told in Acts 22:16 "Why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord." By the way it was as you know Jesus, himself who said in Mark 16:15-16 "Go into all the world and preach the gospel. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. And he who believeth not shall be condemned and then there is I Peter 3:21 that says "baptism doth also now save us. Also read Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:11-12. Once again the church of Christ is not a cult.
Loved your second message! You have such a awesome, great examples and knowledge of the Lord and His Word. Hope I get to see any future messages you have.
Is there anyway I could email you. You have brought a lot to my attention and has been a direct bombshell to my faith and i have a lot of questions. So much of what I have been taught and so many things coming to light. I have run into a situation where the congregations i attended were so against certain things but would hold on to manly traditions that didn't have a hill of beans to do with anything. thanks.
I want to start off by saying I agree with you on 99% I also was raised Church of Christ and my father was a preacher. I blamed God for a lot of things and it took me many years before I started studying on my own. Here is what I found. Studying scripture is way different then readying the bible. Because when you study it the bible becomes a live and it transforms you. where when you read it you focus in on verses here and there and tend to get the wrong understanding. Your Idea of your grace with your kids is correct. Just as there are different Doctrines like Baptist methods and so on there are also different Doctrine in Church of Christ. My dad growing up preached grace. There is only one faith and anything outside of that is false There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. (Ephesians 4:4-7 NASB) Church of Christ is the only church that preaches united with Christ through Baptism Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? (Romans 6:3 NASB) For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:27 NASB) Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 NASB) If you look at Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27 you see we are baptized into Christ we are united with him Romans 8:1 states there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ. If baptism is not necessary show me a verse that puts you in Christ without being baptized. Other religions state baptism is just a show of faith and try to use the Thief on the cross as a reason you don’t need to be baptized, but Jesus tells us in Matthew 9:6 Mark 2:10 Luke 5:24 that he had the Authority to forgive sin on earth. Now if you look at John the Baptist his whole reason for his existents was to make the way for Jesus and start the whole Idea of baptism Mark 1:4 Luke 3:3. up until John the only way to make it to heaven was to follow the law so when John started preaching baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sin people wanted in on that. In Acts 2:38 the next part of this comes in once baptized we receive the Gift of the Holy spirit. Without that Gift we are not marked for salvation and there is no way that we can walk a new life sinless. Now the bible also teaches that are walk increase over time and we are not a perfect Christian overnight but yet the Holy spirit works on us over time its that strive for perfection that God is looking for. Now he not looking for a perfection of following rules he is looking for a change of heart. That change of heart is what causes us to leave sin behind. As far as I know Church of Christ is the only church that preaches this. They may not be perfect but without this you are not united with Christ the bible is clear on that. we are saved by Grace there is no one without sin But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7 NASB) This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:5-10 NASB) To Walk in sin means that it’s your way of life. It is not talking about someone that in a moment of weakness sinned realized there sin and asked for forgiveness and did not make this a part of their life style. Foot Washing Jesus was not teaching foot Washing as a part of religion he was teaching humbeling yourself and serving others, not putting yourself above others. So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. "Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17 NASB) I think the idea you were looking for was John 15:1-7 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:1-7 NASB) abiding in Christ if following the things he taught and the Holy Spirit passed on through the Apostles.
Tony Stites John the Baptist head many reasons besides baptism!!!! 1) John was to be a witness that Christ was the messiah spoke of in the Old Testament 2) John was from the Levitical priest his baptizing the Messiah was, necessary according to the Levitical law so that Christ could become the new high priest 3) please research the history of the word baptism, christ also brought a baptism that had nothing to do with water!! When you search the Scriptures see if you can rightly divide the baptism of repentance Johns and the baptism of the Holy Ghost Christ , they are different.
Tony Stites **it deeply saddens me to know that Coc thinks no born again christian other than members of their church will go to heaven. Just like JW'S, LDS, SCIENTOLOGY, CATHOLICS, JEWS... JESUS NEVER SAID CHURCH MEMBERSHIP WAS REQUIRED.... SO SAD AND HAVE PITY THAT YOU SERV SUCH A SMALL GOD THAT CANNOT SAVE PEOPLE WHO CRY OUT TO CHRIST, REPENT, BAPTIZED, AND EXPERIENCE CHANGE OF HEART AND MIND, BUT SINCE THEY DIDN'T JOIN Y O U R CHURCH THEY ARE CHILDREN OF HELL AND DECEIVED ABOUT MASSIVE CHANGES AND ANSWERED PRAYER AND DESIRE TO SHARE CHRIST WITH OTHERS... I GUESS IF YOU WERE JEWISH YOU WOULD'VE BEEN A PHARISEE....WE KNOW HOW JESUS LOVED THEM RIGHT? PRAY THAT CHRIST GIVES YOU MERCY ON OTHER BELIEVERS AND RELIEVE YOU OF CONDEMNING EVERY CHRISTIAN NOT EXACTLY LIKE YOU EVERY WAKEN MOMENT OF EVERY DAY.... STARTING IN GOSPEL OF JOHN, FIFTH CHAPTER PLEASE READ SERMON ON THE MOUNT.... BY THE WAY YOU JUDGE OTHERS. Y O U WILL BE JUDGED. I'M NOT SURE IF YOUR CHURCH IS A CULT BUT IT SEEMS THAT ANYONE WHO PROFESSES CHRIST IS LORD YOU WOULD FEEL SOME LOVE FOR.... THEN AGAIN THE CHRIST I SERVE HAD LOVE AND MERCY ESPECIALLY ON THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED ON HIM... EVIDENTLY YOUR ORG. INC DOESN'T SHARE THAT... SAD AND PITIFUL 🙁....I said earlier that you serve a smaller GOD than I but actually it is how small YOU have made him, the GOD I SERV IS THE GOD OF ABRAHAM ISAAC AND JACOB.... WHICH THERE WAS NO GOD BEFORE AND NO GOD AFTER.... HIS SON JESUS CHRIST TESTIFIES AND POINTS TO HIM AND THE COMFORTER CONSTANTLY.... I AM NOT ANGRY AT WHAT YOU SAY JUST DISAPPOINTED I NEVER KNEW HOW Y'ALL ARE, AND MY ANCESTORS WERE COC SO I WORRY ABOUT ANYONE OR ANYTHING BELIEVING A COPYRIGHTS ON GOD THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.
Hey you are spot on when doctrine, which should guide our life, becomes something of a mental ascendancy to God that determines our standing with HIm it all goes pear shaped instead of living out a relationship with Him, you are an inspiration! God Bless You
I just found your videos and i am grieved that youve had these experiences. I grew up in the christian church. Went to Christian seminary, it wasnt until 10 years after that that i had lived all over the country and i see what your talking about. Ive been to lots of different kind of churches and to be honest. Ive yet to find a church where i agree on ALL the doctrine. Anyway. I apreciate your story
I have been down the same path during my 12 year walk with the Trinity. Through my experience, I have also learned about the Old Testament being about law and the New Testament being about grace. From my perspective at least, growing up from both backgrounds, not to mention a lot of ungodly backgrounds from both sides (which I lived as well having a history of mental illness and drug use) I have learned that you need a balance of both, and unfortunately, there are a lot of Churches that are too much of one or the other. I had to go through several Churches before finding the right one for me (and yes I do prefer one that is relational not judgemental), but even though I may have found the right one and I do trust God, I still don't trust people despite not having any problems with the ones at my current place of worship. Unfortunately law and grace play a big role in politics as well. Anyway, this is just my two cents, and that's how I see it, in the end though it's between the individual and the Lord.
You speak the absolute truth. My family and I left CoC because of the spiritual abuse and bickering over what is and isn’t “scriptural.” I wish you’d make more of these videos as you continue your journey! The thing I missed out on the most was the Holy Spirit. They teach cessation, but the Holy Spirit is alive and well today. The Spirit breathes fire into our souls and love and wisdom in our hearts. I have embraced this since leaving-I never believed in cessation even in the CoC. I would similarly love to hear more about what you’ve been discovering in your spiritual (and personal) life since leaving. I hope you are well and happy in your spiritual freedom. God bless you.
Amber I agree with you on so much. I went to the conservative Church of Christ with my wife for 35 year. I grew up in the less conservative Church. I never accepted the strict beliefs of the conservative church. I hoped to change them from within but could not. We now attend a church more like where I grew up and less conservative. It is refreshing but not perfect but I see grace as covering the churches too. We are both more open to others beliefs. We don't agree with all but we do realize that most love Christ and our pray is that grace will cover all of us.
Amber, please don’t denominate from any denomination and please don’t create your own personal denomination. I praise God for the Spiritual battle that is occurring within you. God Bless!!
There you go again you people have not learnt anything from Paul. If you think you are so righteousness then you have missed it. If you think others are lost pray for them daily stop condemnation
Amber, we must have been raised in pretty much the same “sect” of COC’s. Thank you for such a clear, coherent (pt 2, also) exposure of the doctrine. I was surprised you didn’t mention another favorite of theirs, 2Tim2:15 “....rightly dividing the word of truth “. The Lord brought me out 30 years ago at the age of 37. I remember reading Romans and thinking, “This book makes no sense to me!” Well, I guess not! It didn’t fit our doctrine and instead of rejecting the doctrine I just continued to embrace the doctrine! The Lord didn’t leave me alone though, and I am now a pastor’s wife in one of those churches that we were taught teach the devil’s doctrine. Another thing the Lord did for me was to have someone give me a good book on Dispensational Truth. That book greatly helped me to “rightly divide”. So glad I decided to see if anyone had posted a similar coming out.
@@lindahutchens8612 Does the book of Romans fit the COC doctrine? Does Romans 3:21-28 fit their theology if you have a biblical definition of these words: justified, grace, redemption? Pay special attention to vs 26. Then ch 4:5-8; ch 5:8-11 (get biblical definition of atonement). Ro 10:6-9. COC do not make a division between “salvation” scriptures and “walking out your salvation” scriptures as the Lord teaches us as we walk this walk of faith and learn to separate flesh from spirit. During this walk I do not fear going to hell as I am confident in what Christ accomplished at Calvary; however, I do fear displeasing the One who died for me because we now have a relationship in which I can return the great love He has for me. I don’t know if this helps you or not. I know I was such a devout COC that it took a situation in my life that caused me to have to cry out to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was then that Jesus showed up for me and I experienced the “great salvation “ spoken of in Hebrews 2:3 and He became “not a doctrine “ but a “real savior “ that I could know personally! No one will make it to heaven because they follow a set of rules, but only because they KNOW him. I will ask anyone reading this, “Do you know Him? Or do you know rules?”
@@ediebutler8138 The church of Christ follows the apostle's doctrine; Acts 2:42. Now can you tell me using scripture how one becomes a Christian and also where do you worship at?
Thank you so much for this, I have a friend who was in your situation. How you explain things helps me understand his upbringing. He also went to the bible college and was a youth minister. He has been "searching" or trying out other religions. The statement you made about how the doctrine is everything makes a lot of sense when he quotes scripture without context. I know he was hurt at his church and it is intertwined with his family. I am praying that he develops a relationship with Christ and learns of his love, grace, and forgiveness. As his friend I do not know how to be supportive, do you have any suggestions. I definitely want to show him this video ( when the time is right)to show him he is not alone, and that you have searched for Christ and began a deeper real relationship with him. And that Christ can heal his hurt.
The doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a matter of perfection, but a matter of how we ought to live our lives on the purpose of God for us. Truly, there are no perfect persons or even Christians. You've just been discouraged. But do not leave the body of Christ, the church. Encourage your spirit with the words of God. 😊 I hope you will be enlightened Sister. - Jomar Garbo, Church of Christ preacher, Philippines
Amber Amber Amber...such a beautiful name...I have to be honest with you from the start...i started not to watch your video for fear that it would cause even more confusion within myself...but i am glad that i watched it...ive also sat here and read alot of the comments ...only a few do i agree with...i have to focus on one main thing here that you said...in the first video...and that is the feeling of the need to be perfect...oh my ...i have been there and i know another who i love dearly that now feels that way...no hon none of us will ever be perfect...it took me so long to realize that...but it is my hearts desire to serve the Lord...I have only just recently returned to the scriptures and looking at COC videos in search of answers...I will continue to read and search...but this i must share with you ...at a time when i felt that need to be perfect...it was a church of christ sister that said to me...the only difference between a sinner and a christian is that a christian is a saved sinner...this is where pauls preaching comes in ...we are to strive to be perfect but we wont ever be perfect until that day when the lord takes us home...i have heard it said since my teens that coc believes we are the only ones going to heaven...when that was first said to me it hurt me a great deal..i do not believe that way..i know now where they come to that conclusion but i also know now that each and every religion seems to think the same thing...i have come to the conclusion that...God knows a persons heart better than we know our own hearts...and that i do believe is what we will be judged by...my dear girl i love you and i respect your bravery...i am saddened to read that you no longer have anything to do with your family...my mama taught me that actions speak louder than words...love is a verb it is an act of doing something ...it took christ to die for us for God to show us how great his love is for each and everyone one of us...i do hope that you and your family will make amends before it is too late ...if you really are serving God in what ever way you it is that you believe you are serving him...it all starts and ends with love and forgiveness ...or that is my thoughts on the subject ...as i said i too am still searching...i have not left the church beliefs at this point but i am searching ...my prayer is for all man kind because i know there will be a day of judgement and as God delays his coming so that all might come to him...I too would love to know that we will all be saved but not my will ...but Gods and in that i must trust God and his judgements ...prayer sweetie
I'm cut from a different bolt of cloth. For years I was a talented church organist. A part of all social ministries full time. Until I crossed paths with a conservative gospel preacher did I find out why my life was filled with confusion and inward dispare. I learned how to love myself and love others as myself. All my many friends can visibly see my love for God. What a great life I have now! (BTW I am a closet keyboardist and love it)
@Nolan Duncan Bwahahaha! All the love I have seen you express could fit into a thimble, just like nearly all the Church of Christers I've met over the last 30 years. You are 66 years old and never married. With friends like you have, a person needs no enemies, even that big doctor in Waco. Go learn what this means: "I was hungry, you didn't feed me, I was thirsty, you gave me nothing to drink, I was in prison and you didn't visit me...." People like you are the reason people are leaving! Bleh! I just want to puke!
I have just watched two of your videos on why you left the COC. Just curious on what "doctrine" you follow after this experience with an erred Church of Christ. - SarahBeth King
Anna King You will not get an answer from Amber. I asked her what commandments do we need to follow and if she still believed baptism is essential for salvation and no answer still; so sad.
It seems to be like this in many denominations. It almost seems like grace, humility, and being broken before God has been lost. It's heartbreaking. People are either on the far right or left of the spectrum. Grace has been turned into, I CAN LIVE AS THE WORLD LIVES AND GO TO HEAVEN, or LIVE LEGALISTIC WITH NO GRACE AT ALL. You hit this right on the head!! God wants us humble, seeking His righteousness and living in grace to accomplish His purpose. I'm so glad God opened your eyes to His truth. TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOREVER!!
You seemed very confused. I am a coach and know that God cares about obedience. A coach has to follow the rule book. Jesus built his Church and tells us what is correct. The old testament was written for our learning. The new testament is our will of our Lord
More focus should be on the 2 New Commandments that Jesus gave us. Is there any reason to become militant about any of the rest of scripture? Sure if you want to start argument of silly headedness waste of time.. Why would anyone try to turn certain scripture into dogma other than to restrict our freedom of knowing the truth that sets one free to believe. Many denominations won't love their brothers because they think they have all the correct answers which really is a form of pride.
Amber thank you. Your first video was as if you were describing my life growing up in the coc. Both your videos helped me on my journey “waking up” from my many years of indoctrination. Please don’t listen to those who belittle you. I would love to see you post more videos I have been so encouraged by you.
I feel that when you talk about the Church of Christ, there is a notion that every single church of christ do exactly these things which I feel just isn't true. :( One COC doesn't compute to All COC
Early Church Fathers on the History of the Bible The Apostles quoted straight from the Old Testament over 300 times when writings their epistles that ended up becoming the New Testament. Which version did they use 90% of the time? The Septuagint with the Catholics 46 Books or the Protestant’s Hebrew version with 39 books? Click on the link below to get a few examples of which Old Testament the Apostles used ecclesia.org/truth/comparisons.html Luther took out the 7 deuterocanonical books, he also added to the Bible as well! Luther was a nut case! www.davidlgray.info/2013/09/11/500-years-of-protestantism-the-33-most-ridiculous-things-martin-luther-ever-wrote/ Did the Early Church Fathers know those 7 deuterocanonical books were Scripture? You better believe it! practicalapologetics.blogspot.com/2013/07/early-church-fathers-on-apocrypha.html Here’s some more bible facts for you....... The Codex Vaticanus is the oldest manuscript in existence of an incomplete Bible (missing some books and has some books that was deemed non-scriptural 80+ years later at the Council of Rome) and one of the most priceless documents in the world. It sits in the Vatican Library today and those 7 deuterocanonical books are in there! (300ad) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_Vaticanus Did the Bible fall from the sky? Nope! The Catholic Church decided which books belonged in the New Testament at the councils of Rome 382, Hippo, 393, and Carthage 397 www.tertullian.org/decretum_eng.htm Council of Rome outline www.newadvent.org/fathers/3816.htm Council of Carthage outline St. Jerome initial translation of the Latin Vulgate Bible does not have those 7 books. It wasn’t until after letters from St. Augustine and Pope Damasus I explaining to him that the Apostles used the Greek Septuagint. So St.Jerome added them back to his translation. How do we know? You can read all their correspondence and the original Latin Vulgate is in the Vatican Library today. Yes those 7 glorious books were in the Latin Vulgate translated by St Jerome in the 380’s. vulgate.org Did the Catholic Church prevent people from reading the Bible? No! You often hear that the Catholic Church prevented people from reading the Bible, killed people for translating the Bible and so forth. This kind of propaganda is called “Black Legend”. It comes from the Church of England to put out false propaganda on the Catholic Church. Here’s some quick facts. Catholic Monks hand wrote the Bible up until the printing press was invented taking them from 10-20 years for each copy depending on how extravagant each one was with art work. The poverty level in the 15th century was around 90%. What does this mean? Most people were poor and couldn’t afford a Bible. The literacy rate was around 25% in the 15th century. What does this mean? Not many people could read! The Bible was written in Latin from St. Jerome in 380ad. What does this mean? Nobody except Catholic Clergy could read Latin. Bibles were very expensive to produce so they were chained up to the lecture inside the church so no one could steal it. The “word” or “Bible” was not hidden from the people ever! The Catholic Mass is completely scripture! The complete 73 books are read entirely every 3 years in the. Catholic Church! Johanas Gutenberg invented a printing press in the mid 1400’s. Gutenberg printed only Bibles at first. It was the Latin Vulgate Bible! There are 50 original copies in existence today in the finest libraries and museums in the world. The University of Texas has digitized it for your enjoyment. Guess what? Those 7 deuterocanonical books are in Gutenberg’s Bible! Remember while reading this that Gutenberg’s newly printed bible was printed before Martin Luther was even born! 😮 www.hrc.utexas.edu/gutenberg-bible/ The Latin Vulgate was translated into English in the 1500’s. Those 7 books are in their! www.drbo.org The first place we see a Bible with those 7 Deuterocanonical books not listed in it is Luther’s “Lut 1545” Bible. That’s right! Luther took them out! newchristianbiblestudy.org/bible/german-luther-1545/ Even King James knew you shouldn’t take those books out so he added them back to his KJV 1611 bible. They were in his KJV for 275 years until they were mysteriously were removed in an 1885 KJV translation! www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611-Bible/
Early Church Fathers on Peter Being the First Bishop of the Church in Rome Clement Recognitions book 1 (27-97 ad) The epistle in which the same Clement, writing to James the Lord's brother, informs him of the death of Peter, and that he had left him his successor in his chair and teaching, and in which also the whole subject of church order is treated, I have not prefixed to this work, both because it is of later date, and because I have already translated and published it. But I do not think it out of place to explain here what in that letter will perhaps seem to some to be inconsistent. Since Linus and Cletus were bishops in the city of Rome before this Clement, how could Clement himself say that the chair of teaching was handed over to him by Peter? Now of this we have heard this explanation, that Linus and Cletus were indeed bishops in the city of Rome before Clement, but during the lifetime of Peter: that is, that they undertook the care of the episcopate, and that he fulfilled the office of apostleship; as is found also to have been the case at Caesarea, where, when he himself was present, he yet had Zacchaeus, ordained by himself, as bishop. And in this way both statements will appear to be true, both that these bishops are reckoned before Clement, and yet that Clement received the teacher's seat on the death of Peter. Tertullian Prescription Against Heretics ch 22 (160- 240 ad) Was anything withheld from the knowledge of Peter, who is called "the rock on which the church should be built," who also obtained "the keys of the kingdom of heaven," with the power of "loosing and binding in heaven and on earth?" Tertullian Prescription Against Heretics ch 32 (160- 240 ad) For it is evident that those men lived not so long ago,--in the reign of Antoninus for the most part,--and that they at first were believers in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, in the church of Rome under the episcopate of the blessed Eleutherus, the 13th Bishop of Rome until on account of their ever restless curiosity,with which they even infected the brethren, they were more than once expelle Tertullian The Prescription Against Heretics ch 32 [160-240 AD] "[T]his is the way in which the apostolic churches transmit their lists: like the church of the Smyrneans, which records that Polycarp was placed there by John, like the church of the Romans, where Clement was ordained by Peter" (Demurrer Against the Heretics 32:2 [A.D. 200]). Caius Fragment 2 AGAINST THE HERESY OF ARTEMON ch 1 (180-240 ad) For they say that all those of the first age, and the apostles themselves, both received and taught those things which these men now maintain; and that the truth of Gospel preaching was preserved until the times of Victor, who was the fourteenth bishop in Rome after Peter, Origen Commentary on the Gospel of John Book 5 par 3 (185-254 ad) And Peter, on whom Christ had to build his church, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail left only one epistle of acknowledged genuineness. Cyprian of Carthage Epistle 45 par 2 [200-270 AD] We," they say, "know that Cornelius, the twenty-first bishop of the most holy Catholic Church elected by Almighty God, and by Christ our Lord. We confess our error; we have suffered imposture; we were deceived by captious perfidy and loquacity. For although we seemed, as it were, to have held a kind of communion with a man who was a schismatic and a heretic, yet our mind was always sincere in the Church. For we are not ignorant that there is one God; that there is one Christ the Lord whom we have confessed, and one Holy Spirit; and that in the Catholic Church there ought to be one bishop." Cyprian of Carthage epistle 74 par 16 (200-270 ad) But what is the greatness of his error, and what the depth of his blindness, who says that remission of sins can be granted in the synagogues of heretics, and does not abide on the foundation of the one Church which was once based by Christ upon the rock, may be perceived from this, that Christ said to Peter alone, "Whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." And again, in the Gospel, when Christ breathed on the apostles alone, saying, remitted unto them, and whose soever sins ye retain they are retained." Therefore the power of remitting sins was given to the apostles, and to the churches which they, sent by Christ, established, and to the bishops who succeeded to them by vicarious ordination. But the enemies of the one Catholic Church in which we are, and the adversaries of us who have succeeded the apostles, asserting for themselves, in opposition to us, unlawful priesthoods, and setting up profane altars, what else are they than Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, profane with a like wickedness, and about to suffer the same punishments which they did, as well as those who agree with them, just as their partners and abettors perished with a like death to theirs? Cyprian of Carthage epistle 72 par 7 (200-270 ad) But it is manifest where and by whom remission of sins can be given; to wit, that which is given in baptism. For first of all the Lord gave that power to Peter, upon whom He built the Church, and whence He appointed and showed the source of unity--the power, namely, that whatsoever he loosed on earth should be loosed in heaven. And after the resurrection, also, He speaks to the apostles, saying, "As the Father hath sent me, even so I send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith, unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained." Whence we perceive that only they who are set over the Church and established in the Gospel law, and in the ordinance of the Lord, are allowed to baptize and to give remission of sins; but that without, nothing can either be bound or loosed, where there is none who can either bind or loose anything. Cyprian of Carthage epistle 54 par 14 (200-270 ad) After such things as these, moreover, they still dare--a false bishop having been appointed for them by, heretics--to set sail and to bear letters from schismatic and profane persons to the throne of Peter, and to the chief church whence priestly unity takes its source; and not to consider that these were the Romans whose faith was praised in the preaching of the apostle, to whom faithlessness could have no access. Cyprian of Carthage Epistle 51 par 8 [200-270 AD] "Cornelius was made bishop by the decision of God and of his Christ, by the testimony of almost all the clergy, by the applause of the people then present, by the college of venerable priests and good men, at a time when no one had been made bishop before him-when the place of Pope Fabian, which is the place of Peter, the dignity of the sacerdotal chair, was vacant. Since it has been occupied both at the will of God and with the ratified consent of all of us, whoever now wishes to become bishop must do so outside. For he cannot have ecclesiastical rank who does not hold to the unity of the Church" Cyprian of Carthage Treatise 1 par 4 [200-270 AD] There is easy proof for faith in a short summary of the truth. The Lord speaks to Peter, saying, "I say unto thee, that thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." And again to the same He says, after His resurrection, resurrection, He gives an equal power, and says, "As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you: Receive ye the Holy Ghost: He arranged by His authority the origin of that unity, as beginning from one. Cyprian of Carthage epistle 39 par 5 [200-270 AD] There is one God, and Christ is one, and there is one Church, and one chair founded upon the rock by the word of the Lord. Another altar cannot be constituted nor a new priesthood be made, except the one altar and the one priesthood. Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad) ...and guardian of all preceding and subsequent occupiers of this pontifical chair ...Peter was the first of the apostles... Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad) A cycle of two hundred and eighty-five years from the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had rolled round, when the venerable Theonas, the bishop of this city, by an ethereal flight, mounted upwards to the celestial kingdoms. To him Peter, succeeding at the helm of the Church, was by all the clergy and the whole Christian community appointed bishop, the sixteenth in order from Mark the Evangelist, who was also archbishop of the city. Acts of Andrew (260 ad) And while he was thus speaking, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to them in the form of a child, and said to them: Hail, Peter, bishop of the whole Church! Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad) feared to rend His coat; he was so hurried on by giving the rein to his madness, that, rending asunder the Catholic Church not only in the cities of Egypt, but even in its villages, he ordained bishops of his own party, nor cared he aught for Peter, nor for Christ, who was in the person of Peter.
I see it as a love relationship that is so great that we want to do what makes the other person happy. In a dating relationship the guy buys flowers for his girlfriend because he loves her, not because he is afraid she will kill him. If someone pulls another person out from the path of a speeding car the one that was rescued will feel gratitude for the act and want to express it in some way. Its a big subject but love should be the motivation for what we do. Don't kill because we love the other person, don't steal because we love the person that owns what we see, etc.
Thanks, Amber. I very much appreciate your beautiful testimony. I, too, grew up in the churches of Christ. My dad was an elder. I still believe I am in the church of Christ, but also the church of God, the Christian Church, the body of Believers, the Ecclesia, the Disciples of Christ, whatever name the followers of Jesus have used I can use because I am part of God's family. The unity of believers is what our LORD prayed for in the Garden and you promote that rather than encourage division. GOD bless you and your family.
Thank you, Amber!! God bless you! Thank you for your testimony, for being so articulate, for your knowledge of the scripture, and having the courage to make these videos. I can relate so much, so very much. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and you are not alone. ❤✌🙂
Amber this made a lot of sense to me. I, too, was raised in the CoC. My Dad was a deacon and minister. He grew up with Campbellite followers. I wasn’t allowed 😊😊to play sports at school, no dances, no association with people at school. I, too, was isolated and sheltered and I was only to participate in church activities. I was physically, emotionally, psychologically, and religiously abused. I was not to sing “church songs” with instruments. But it was hard to control that because music always came naturally to me. I asked on several occasions why we were acapella. I could not get an answer that made sense. The one comment that kept getting thrown at me is sing and make melody in your heart. I could never understand why one couldn’t sing and make melody in your heart with a piano or a guitar. Still don’t. If you are singing and praising God with your heart, God is the one who sees what is in your heart. I am 59, and I have questioned many things taught by the CoC. Having these questions has made me look in the Bible to find the answers.
Hi Melanie, If you are willing, I would love an opportunity to speak to you. I am 59 as well... grew up in the one cup COC and it has tortured my spiritual walk in unspeakable ways. Hope to hear from you.
I thank God for you. I have this week decided to stop attending the COC I go to. The men have instituted a culture of keeping the women there as second class citizens. As a single woman I won't conform to their system of what is essentially spiritual abuse, and I don't think this is the environment my daughter should be in any longer. It has been a trying week, but your videos have been an encouragement and have helped me with this bit of cognitive dissonance I'm experiencing over it all. Thank you again & you are in my prayers.
I watched both videos and I first went to a instrumental coc and went to a non instrumental one for 5 years and left it and went back to my original church that does play musical instruments coc. The one I went to for 5 years made me to a point that it made me miserable going to church. I am glad I switch back to my old coc. I agree with a lot you say as I have too saw what your are talking in a heavy conservative coc. I pray that you find a coc that meets your needs.
Wow! Hats off to you! After four years at a huge Big 10 engineering school, I remained devoted. But then, just a couple months into my career, I had enough freetime to realize, "Oh, those two world views aren't compatible." I've been an agnostic athiest, I suppose, ever since and still, forty years later, feel a bit like a survivor of cancer or a cult.
I'm a COC preacher's kid who recently left for the second time. Thank you for sharing your videos. I would love to discuss with you more your reasoning for leaving and the backlash you may or may not have faced after leaving - and also how you were able to move forward after leaving the church. I was raised in it, and have struggled personally with the doctorine my entire life. However to save the relationship with my family, I kept going and doing ("drinking the kool aid"). I do understand what you said in your first video about your parents loving you intellectually and not emotionally. I would like someone to talk to who understands what I'm going through...
The House Smith, my family no longer associates with me, and many of my friends have written me off as well. But there are several friend who believe like I do and they are trying to affect change from within. It is extremely difficult to lose your culture and way of life. I believe it will take a long time for me to heal, but God is good, and he has never left me. He never will.
Amber Head I don’t speak to my family anymore either after being extremely hurt by their actions, and I have no friends from the COC. We’ve isolated from non Christian extended family, erring Christian extended family, and bc no one outside of the COC could possibly be safe to form friendships with (said sarcastically) I also was prevented from forming deep rooted friendships with others. I find myself stuck in this cycle of being glad I’m out bc I’m generally happier but I find myself extremely isolated which becomes lonely at times. And breaking free from the rules and confinement’s of the COC often makes me feel as if I’m floating in space unsure of where I’m supposed to go with my life. The first time I left I was actually kicked me out of my home (given thirty days to vacate) for not breaking off my engagement with my now husband who I’ve been married to for 11 years. It was determined I shouldn’t be unequally yolked with the world and under the guise of “reasonable authority” I was given the ultimatum. Im now a year out from leaving again. After a multiplicity of hurtful actions I put up with for far too long - on top of the doctrinal issues. I too think this will take a while to heal. I’m just hoping not too long.
I can relate to the loneliness and uncertainty. It is difficult to be okay "living in the unknown," not having an exclusive answer for every doctrinal question. But it's freeing as well. Feel free to look me up on Facebook messenger! I'm sorry you've had such a rough road. The people God put on earth to love you unconditionally hurt you deeply, it seems. Hang in there. Jesus is worth it.
Amber Head I have left lots of comments and all have disappeared. Can you tell me why? Also once again can you tell me if you believe baptism is necessary for salvation? What commands do you believe we have to follow?
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. The Bible makes things black and white but people always want to gray everything. Don't be afraid to wield the sword and make righteous judgement. No ye not that ye shall judge the world? 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Mathew 5 verse 48 King James Bible Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. I believe this was not a suggestion from Jesus Christ but a command. Leviticus 20:26 ... You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. ... You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. ... 1John 3 verse 9 King James Version Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
I always cringe a little when I watch these "why I left the coc" videos mainly because I see myself in people like Amber 12yrs ago. I was like them. I had all their questions. I attended the Richland Hills church of Christ, now named The Hills Church led by Rick Atchley. I too thought I was "being led by God" but began to really observe and listen to what was being preached and done. Instead of being lead by emotion I started to study and be led by the Holy Spirit and reason. I looked around during the instrumental services. I started to see through the stage smoke, the loud instruments, the multicolored stage lights and multimedia presentations. A watershed moment was when a few of the members during one of the adult classes claimed to be able to "speak in tongues". yes like the Benny Hinn type. I desired discernment and studied diligently. I realized that these people were really no different than the people in the CoC that they criticized. They were legalistic too just in a different manner. I also realized that I had become the prodigal son. I was the one that left the church to create a God that is not in the bible. To worship God of my will instead of His. I realized that the "conservative church of Christ' as they are called had been right all along. I notice how Amber says 'Just think of what they are missing" in regards to worship and fellowship with God. I am sooo glad I do not have that spirit anymore. I now realize it's not about me, it's about pleasing God. I don't want want God to miss out. I don't want Him to be displeased with the offering of the fruit of my lips and singing in spirit and truth. I have now come back to the "conservative' church and have grown so much in the last 3 yrs. I pray that Amber and people like her will return as well.
So true. "I notice how Amber says 'Just think of what they are missing" in regards to worship and fellowship with God." Yep, just think of what Noah was missing when he couldn't have the smell of cedar on the ark. It has such a beautiful smell and is a beautiful wood. It is so delightful to the nose and to the eyes. He should have used it even though it would have been blatant rebellion against God for surely God wouldn't have minded, right? Noah must have been a victim of legalism since he did what God told him to do instead of going with what smells and looks good. Of course, Noah survived the flood, too. There's another example that Amber probably won't like as authority. (Romans 15:4) They probably will exclaim that my spirit and motivation is wrong, but such is the case when people have made up their mind that "Freedom in Christ" is freedom to do as you please. I've had this alleged many times, and it gets tiresome when they have no reply but, "God didn't say not to do it."
Thank you for sharing an important perspective that can only come from dilligent study with an open mind, and heart. Can one truly know the correct path to follow without that mindset? "Study to show yourself approved of God a workman that need not be ahsamed rightly dividing the word of truth". We should always prefer the word to direct our steps. Should we want that any other way?
Could not agree more. Worship that stirs an emotional response is awesome, but it's ultimately not about me. I love your perspective, and I respect Amber's, as well.
Amber, may the Lord bless you! keep walking in grace and love your family, your brothers in Christ and preach the Gospel. In Acts 15:24 after much debate the Holy Spirit informed the council what was expected from the gentiles as brothers in Christ. Love you sister in Christ! Praise the Lord.
Amber, Have you read the book "Church Refugees"? It is not only the coC who has distorted scriptures while designing what they believe to be the Church? In fact there is "only one church" the one which Jesus established. Notice that one carefully in scriptures and observe that it never shows its self as physical congregation in a physical location. That is because the church that Jesus designed is within each of his followers. It is just like God and Jesus it is a living Spirit. This Spirit (the church) can exist in any environment of this world, inside prisons, within governments who oppose it (they do not have any power over the Spiritual Church). Get one of the many Bible search engines (I use e-sword almost exclusively, its free, but for a small fee you can have over 20 translations to search). Search on words or phrases. Search NT for "worship" and see if there is any instructions to "go to or to attend worship". Why would there not be? if you were commanded to go to "worship", then it would have been a necessity that there was a time that you were not worshiping. God wants your life to be a worship, to do that involves 24/7, never off duty. Does anyone think Jesus displayed that he was not worshiping his father 24/7 ? How many organizations called church have explained that your worship is not in the assembly?
All our life is not worship. These are the kind of comments that show's complete ignorance. We eat, we work, we exercise and do many other things that are not worship. All of Jesus life was not worship and he's are perfect example. He did no sin nor was there any guile found in his mouth, Jesus hungered, he wearied, he agonized, he wept to mention a few things that he did. Please study the bible without predetermining what it's saying before you read or being influenced by someone else. Read with integrity that you might received with meekness the implanted word that's able to save your soul. God bless you.
I was raised in the church of Christ, my grandfather was an Elder and I was always taught that the church of Christ is the ONE and only true church. I do believe this according to Ephesians 4 that there is only ONE WAY, and this is primarily why I have remained in the church of Christ because I don't think other religions follow Christ's command to believe and be baptized to be saved as in Mark 16 and other conversion examples in the NT obviously confirm that. All the years I was in the CoC I never questioned the obvious beliefs of the church. I was a member of a local church of Christ in Kentucky for 13 years. This congregation once had 400 members and strong Elders to lead the flock. Over the years though the church became lost in its church of Christ traditions. Young people left, members aged and passed on, no new members would come or stay, the Eldership died and no qualified leaders stepped up. The men tried to fulfill their responsibility to lead but only to continue the failed implementation of man made church traditions. Until one day when they had an opportunity to do something scriptural and some members opposed making a few remaining members question, WHY? These were women who wanted to do right by scripture. The men just said no and gave no explanation. This made some of the women Christians upset and they wanted to sit in on the "men's" business meeting to get some answers. The men would not allow the women to attend their meeting. The women asked why they were being excluded from the church work. Finally they said because women are to remain silent in the church, citing 1 Cor. 14. The women said the men are wrongly applying this scripture out of context and applying it as a gag order on women in the church. The women do not want to be in authority over men in this church they just want to be able to participate in the church work. They asked the men to study the issue from the bible but the men refused to study or discuss it with the women. They just kept saying women should be silent, women cannot usurp authority of a man. The preacher agreed that this matter needed to be studied and prayed about so he started a series of sermons on the topic of women of bible. This made the men angry and after about six months of harsh criticism they fired the preacher. The preacher and maybe 10 of the members left saying they could no longer agree with their doctrines of man made traditions and idol worship. My family and I agreed that we needed to leave also because those people interpret scripture to their own evil desires and not as the truth of the bible teaching. I was so angry and disappointed about what had happened. I have since learned to always question everything according to the one true interpretation through diligent study, prayer and meditation on the scriptures. That is were I am placing my trust from now on, not on another person or a group of persons. The seed of truth is the word of God which is the Bible. The good news is that now we feel so much freedom we didn't have before. We meet in our home on Sundays for small group bible study, prayers,singing and communion. We all share a closer bond with Christ now because of all that has happened. I still will fellowship with Christians of the church of Christ but we will be extremely careful about placing membership with just any church of Christ from now on. I hope you can find people who share your passion for truth and build you up in faith and strength. I think your story really opened my eyes also and hopefully will draw your followers into a closer relationship with Christ. God bless you and thanks.
That sounds like the same experience I had with the "Church of Christ that I visited. One thing that they teach is that before you become born again, you have to clean up your life and get your life right first. That is not true and scriptural, when God says come as you are. God will take you just as you are, God doesn't care how far out there you are. Once you become saved and accept Jesus Christ, then he will help you get you life right, and get on the right track.
to become a member of the Church Christ one must “Repent” from all His sin. Without repentance there is no forgiveness of sin. I hope you understanding the true meaning of repentance.
Bryan Sims I go to a church of Christ and have never heard that one has to clean up your life first. Jesus is the one who does the cleaning up. Have you heard that song.......Come as you are???? By the way how would you teach one to become a Christian?
@@jersonmanjares2036 Maybe I was wrong to say COC is a cult but it shows some characteristics like a cult. I have a friend who is a member of the COC and says all other churches are going to HELL only COC are saved, I found this to be false because the members in that church masturbated, used charms and judged others with prejudice yet they insist they are the only ones bound for heaven - I wonder which heaven that is?! Cult meaning: a system of religious (veneration) and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object. He believes that the Apostolic ministry was specific for the Jews alone, but that is Not true because it only ends when men reach the fullness of Christ and the grace is now on the gentiles Ephesians 4:13-15. He also said playing any musical instrument is worldly yet the whole bible talks about musical instruments from David to Revelation of Heaven. You shun musical instruments but use cars, computers and phones made by non-believers that is hypocritical don’t you think? These and many other things he said don’t add up with scripture and led me to conclude its like a cult I may be wrong because I think some COC members are truly saved - its also more of a Latino congregation
@@mulengamukuka6288, im wrong mule, sorry, COC is really a cult...all of them are saying they are bible base doctrine but the truth, theres nothing truth about it, its very unforgivable that they use the bible..and do not followed them at all...liars.
@@jersonmanjares2036 Churches of Christ only use the word of God and have no creed books or manuals, etc. Why do you call coC a cult and also liars? We teach the truth on how to be saved and it doesn't include the sinner's prayer and asking Jesus into your heart which is nowhere taught in the New Testament. We all need to study the word of God and check out everything with the word of God to see if it is so and we cannot go by how we feel as to whether we are saved. The word of God must be preached (taught and heard) or it must be read by the individual; John 6:45, Acts 8:30-31, Acts 22:10, Romans 10:14 and Romans 10:17 which says So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. God's word must be believed with all of your heart and mind; Matthew 16:15-16, John 8:24, 8:36-37. One must believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and was resurrected from the grave; I Corinthians 15:1-4. The believer who seeks salvation by the grace of God through the blood of Christ must repent; Luke 13:3, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; Acts 2:38. Every believer who believes the gospel of Jesus Christ is commanded by God to confess that Jesus is the Son of God; Acts 8:37. Next the believer must submit to the passive act of being baptized (immersed in water) for the remission of sins; Acts 2:38. Baptism is passive in that an individual has to submit themselves into another's hands for the process to be performed. Note that baptism is NOT a work of man which merits salvation but an operation of God; Colossians 2:12. Please read Acts 8:35-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. In baptism sins are washed away; Acts 22:16. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus told Peter he would build His church. Note in Acts 2:41 that those who gladly received His word were baptized and about three thousand souls were added. Acts 2:47 says what they were added to: Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Here we see the church is made up of the saved and the saved make up the church. There are so many denominations teaching so many different ways to be saved and they cannot all be right. All I have given is scripture and you call coC a cult and people who go there "liars"; but the churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) teach all the above scriptures. I pray that someday you will obey the gospel and have your sins washed away and after your baptism be added by the Lord to his church.
@@mulengamukuka6288 We don't believe everyone else is going to Hell just because they don't go to our "church". We aren't in the place of God to judge people's hearts and who is going to heaven or Hell. Like what was already mentioned, God adds those who are saved Acts 2:47 to His church. So yes, only those of Christ's church will be saved but that's up to God who is apart of His church and who isn't.
What are your views on how to be saved now that you have gone apostate? There is NO SCRIPTURAL WAY for all the different creeds and man made reuqirements in the denominational world to allow all men everywhere to be saved. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6. That is NOT something we can decided is important or not... 2 Timothy 3 (the whole chapter)... Matthew 15:7-9... For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” II Peter 2:18-22 NKJV... I pray that you change your heart and return to the truth... you have risked everything for your own glory... This video is sickening and maddening... how many people you are leading astray!
Nicole Wynne I know exactly what Amber is saying because I’ve been involved in a legalistic church in the past. I know exactly what she means by binding things that aren’t meant to be bound, or forcing an interpretation of scripture onto someone who may not have the same interpretation of it (ie: speaking in tongues to be saved vs not speaking in tongues but still having different gifts of the Holy Spirit) she has not left the truth nor has she stopped believing in Jesus Christ her Saviour. God has revealed to her where her path of life needs to go and she’s following it. Thank you Amber for speaking out and showing us an example of your faith in Christ. We are all called to follow him and him only.
Nicole Wynne This video upsets me very much also; Satan is trying really hard to discredit the Lord's church; that is why we must all speak up for the truth and also we need to keep praying that Amber and her husband will one day return like the prodigal son did. God bless.
@@lindahutchens8612 "Yeah"; keep telling yourself that when someone tells the truth about the sick, twisted, vile, pseudo-Christian Campbellite cults, 'its Say Tan uh tacking duh true church'..... 😏😉😜
Amber I have enjoyed the 2 videos I have watched of yours. It is a blessing seeing people come out of the garbage of religion and rest in the grace of Jesus as Savior. My only concern..I was startled when u described 2 sins that we couldn’t get into heaven for..if u are truly saved by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross, the atonement for all of our sins..his death, burial and resurrection then u know it is finished. Paid in full. God’s standards are perfection. All fall short of the glory of God. We sin daily whether in thought, word, or deed. Even a quick thought of fear is a sin to God. Christ paid our debt in full. The Holy Spirit comes to us after we are saved and guides us on our walk of discipleship and we know when we sin because we grieve the Holy Spirit. We grow in our discipleship of Christ..whatever you are referring to must be in regards to a message to the unsaved. Ephesians 2:8-9....saying that a sin could keep us out of heaven once saved is basically saying that what Jesus did for us was not enough..it shifts it over to our works. Our works are to be done for the unbeliever to that they see Christ in us. I think u are wonderful. I too spent my life in Christian religions that held doctrines of man and church higher than Christ himself. I think u are wonderful. My prayer is that u have not found your way into a church that twists doctrine yet again. Pray, read God’s word and the Holy Spirit will discern all things for u. Love in Christ.
Amber, You have touched on something that is incredibly relevant in churches of Christ. I am glad you didn’t go straight into a specific doctrine because that’s not where it starts. The question really is how do we approach the Bible. As you probably know there has been division after division within the church since the church formed. Paul delt with a lot of it in his letters and John in Revelation. Today in churches of Christ with internal division it all comes down to the question you have outlined here. How do we take the Bible and understand and apply it. So here is my offer, if you or your husband is willing to have a public discussion or private discussion I would like too. I am connected in the mainstream churches of Christ so that if you truly believe what you understand now needs to reach those in the church of Christ then I can make that a possibility. If you are interested reply back to this message with a way of getting in contact.
I want to thank you Amber for your videos. I too left the Church of Christ this past January. My family and I attended faithfully for 3 1/2 years, 3 times a week. When I first started attending I knew almost nothing about scripture. I learned a lot and I’m truly grateful for the members of Church of Christ. The last year of my time here I felt like I just hit a wall and there was no where to turn. Sermons and bible studies are repetitive. We were taught that we were the only true church and everyone else is going to hell. It is true when you are in it, it doesn’t seem all that bad but watching your videos help me to remember why I left. I was told that I am not a member of the body of Christ anymore because I left. I told them that they never added me to the Church, that I made a covenant with God when I was baptized and I am the Church. After I left I got very depressed because all the people from that church I no longer had anymore. They cannot fellowship with me anymore.
I attend a different Christian Church now. I wasn’t raised with a family so I do miss the family I had at CoC. But I now know that it is by believing in Christ Jesus that we are saved. God can know our heart. I truly follow Jesus Christ in my everyday living and I do have so much reverence for the Lord. I know now that satin wants to keep this Church Of Christ here to blind them from Gods Holy Spirit. It’s good to rejoice and be excited in our Lord🎉 We don’t have to be fearful because we have freedom in Jesus!🎉💝
Thank you again & God bless you and your family!
Your sister in Christ,
Desiree
*Praise God,* Desiree! i pray hopefully that your "current" church home will teach you
*ALL The Counsel Of God!* For Today, Found In *Romans - Philemon #* Be Blessed:
*God's GREATEST News Ever = HIS Gospel Of The Amazing GRACE Of God!*
For ALL who have NOT YET *Been WASHED IN THE BLOOD!*
Do you Desire ETERNAL Condemnation? If so, then just please
"remain" as you are - In "UNbelief": 😢 ↓ (Luke 18 : 11-12!)
for ALL others who wish to be "humble" ♫😇↑ (Luke 18 : 13-14!):
*FAITH Cometh By hearing, And hearing By The Word Of God!:* Amen?:
*(ALL Scriptures From God's Preserved WORD = KJV! ##)*
*The Gospel Of The GRACE Of God! = God's ETERNAL Salvation! By:*
100% faith (heart belief, trust!) in *The LORD JESUS CHRIST,*
*In HIS Blood, And In HIS Resurrection! = God's ETERNAL Life!!*
*(Romans 10 : 17; 1 Corinthians 15 : 1-4 And Ephesians 2 : 5-10!)*
*Good Works Will Not Save you, But Will Get you Rewards At:*
*The Judgment Seat Of CHRIST! (1 Corinthians 3 : 8-15!)*
***Note1: Verse 15! Teaches ETERNAL SALVATION "Despite Loss!"***
***Note2: IF you just BELIEVED This AND your Are The LAST "member"*
*Of The Body Of CHRIST, we Are Going To Be Raptured Outta Here,*
*so, learn This Right NOW, And you Will Receive A crown At Judgment!:***
*"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,*
*Which The LORD, The Righteous Judge, Shall Give me At That Day:*
*And not to me only, but unto All them also that love HIS Appearing!"*
*(2 Timothy 4 : 8!)* Amen? Because:
*GRACE Departure "Could" Happen At ANY MOMENT!!* Amen?
---------------------------------------------
IF you are in any "religion" with ONE "false doctrine," it is UNclean!,
Please *Obey God, WHO Commands:*
*"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, Saith*
*The LORD, And touch not the unclean thing; and I Will Receive you,*
*And Will Be A Father Unto you, and ye Shall Be MY sons and daughters,*
*Saith The LORD Almighty!" (2 Corinthians 6 : 17!)*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Therefore:
*God's ETERNAL Salvation Is THE Best Motivation For "true"*
*believers to serve God "out of love," being SAVED For ETERNITY!*
rather than "serving out of FEAR" of "losing Probationary" salvation!:
*"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,*
*And of love, and of a sound mind!" (1 Timothy 1 : 7!)*
Surely, *Gratitude To God For HIS UNSPEAKABLE Gift is in order DAILY!* Amen?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
continued in *Approval Unto God!...*
I so appreciate this! Amen!
Thank you 😊
Desiree, you are Very Welcome!
Former COC preacher here. Thank you SO much for your words. You really get it right. As a former preacher, I apologize for what people like me did to you. I am sorry.
So different than the CofC I grew up.
I don’t remember ever hearing about damning anyone else for their beliefs.
We dont have that right, i dont judge the non COC members either
We are so thankful we found this. I was raised in COC my whole life then my wife has been with me 22 years in the church. We recently left and hearing your testimony really answered a lot of my questions. Thank you!
Thanks again, Amber, for your boldness and your gentle spirit. Just reading many of the comments below brought back a strong memory of the very bondage you are speaking of. They serve as perfect illustrations of what you are saying.
Roy Row Doing as the Lord says and following His doctrine is NOT bondage but loving God and His word and I am not talking about having a kitchen, clapping during services, paying for a building, paying a preacher. I am talking about teaching the truth on how to be saved and it is NOT just believing.
I was added to the body of Christ a little over a year ago, I must say that I have learned more in a year than I have my whole life. I was raised a Baptist and there were certain practices that no one had clarified to me on why we did what was done in worship service. Then in my adult life I converted over to non denomination. The first church of this style of worship the bishop kicked me out because I wouldn't follow his instructions. His instructions was of sin and I refused so, he shun me, turned the congregation , my friend as well as my relatives. Then I moved to another town and I joined another non denominational church and I was at a stand still because I wasn't growing in the knowledge of the Lord. Pastors (male & female) and they were very nice but the thing with their church was it was THEIR CHURCH. No one did anything but to sit there and listen to them. I sung in what little choir we had and I would often sing solos in which I enjoyed very much. But, when the last music director passed away, they took over and they had no knowledge of music. I have some experience in music and tried to give a little instruction on how a song should go; I was immediately shut down. So, I prayed to my Savoir to lead me in the direction that He wants me to go. Well, a short while later I met my now minister at a Wal-Mart. He invited me to come visit,. Well, lets say that I have been there every since. I have learned so much and I was also taught to pray when reading God's Word so that I can rightly divide His Word. I see how many people take God's word and make it be what is beneficial to them. Weather it is money in which that is collected every first day of the week. Now what made since to me is that the other churches I attended took up collection every Sun and did the Lord's Supper once a month. I feel more secure when I take communion. I think we both agree on that Amber. Plus unlike those other churches; collection is taken up once during service; not 2 or 3 times. And they don't hit you with "Who will rob God?" to scare you into giving more. (Malachi) I guess that it is true that even in the Church of Christ people will still make up what they want God's word to mean. One thing I can say is that my minister encourage us to study on our own and not just go on what he says. We should not lean in to our own understanding nor no one else, If we have that personal relationship with Him then it will be His understanding that we will have knowledge of. It is really heartbreaking that you have been convicted all this time and for you to leave the Body in order for you to feel free is a injustice. I have never gotten that everything we do wrong will send us to hell. If we could be perfect the old covenant would still be in place and God would have never sent His Son to establish a new covenant. I feel fortunate to know the Lord the way that I do. I know that He loves me in what ever I do or how I act because He knew me before I knew myself. God knows what we are going to do before we do it. He is faithful to us and God just want us to love Him just as much. I will pray that you go back to the Body of Christ and attend a church that is strictly by God's word. And yes Amber He wants us to gather and fellowship. We had church outside in a tent last night. LOL. But anyway, please remember that He loves us and He is always there even when we don't think He is. I hope this reach you my sister in Christ. Be blessed.
I meant to add that I did not reach these conclusions because of my own intelligence. God opened my eyes and my heart, and I thank him for showing me my error and give him all the glory for changing my life.
Amber Head
Dear Amber,
I enjoyed hearing your explanations on your decision. As a catholic, I find it very intriguing.
I have some thoughts from my catholic perspective that I would like to share without any desire to criticize but only to offer it as a contrast.
Many protestants believe that the UNITY necessary for the TRUE CHURCH of CHRIST need be nothing more than a particular spiritual INTERNAL BOND, and IF EXTERNAL, it can just as well mean that all acknowledge the same God and reverence the same Christ. Thus most Protestants like you, think that the only union necessary for the Church is that which comes from faith, hope, and love toward Christ; in worshipping the same God, obeying the same Lord, and in believing the same fundamental truths which are necessary for salvation. This is what you regard as a unity of doctrine, organization, and cult.
The CATHOLIC conception of the mark of UNITY, which must characterize the ONE CHURCH founded by Christ, is far more demanding. Not only must the true Church be ONE by an INTERNAL and spiritual union, but this union must also be EXTERNAL and VISIBLE, consisting in and growing out of a UNITY of FAITH, WORSHIP, and GOVERNMENT. Hence the Church which has CHRIST for its FOUNDER is not to be characterized by any merely accidental or internal spiritual union, but, over and above this, it must unite its members in UNITY of DOCTRINE, expressed by EXTERNAL, public profession; in UNITY of WORSHIP, manifested always in the reception of the SAME SACRAMENTS and in UNITY of GOVERNMENT, by which all its members are subject to and obey the SAME AUTHORITY, which was INSTITUTED by CHRIST Himself.
This, my dear friend, is our catholic view for 2,000 years.
May God bless your discernment.
Amber Head
Dear Amber,
Thanks for your patience. Here I add some important passages on the UNITY of the Church.
CHURCH UNITY IN THE GOSPELS:
1.- A city the keys of which were entrusted to the Apostles.
(Matthew 5:14; 16:19)
2.- A sheepfold to which all His sheep must come and be united under one shepherd.
(John 10:7-17)
3.- A house built upon a rock against which not even the powers of hell should ever prevail.
(Matthew 16:18)
4.- Furthermore Jesus just before He suffered, prayed for His disciples, for those who were afterwards to believe in Him, FOR HIS CHURCH, that they might be and REMAIN ONE as He and the Father are ONE. (John 17:20-23)
5.- He had already warned them that "every kingdom divided against itself shall be made desolate: and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand".
(Matthew 12:25)
ST. PAUL ON UNITY OF THE CHURCH:
1.- He declares that those guilty of "dissensions" and "sects" shall not obtain the kingdom of God.
(Galatians 5:20-21)
2.- Hearing of the schisms among the Corinthians, he asked impatiently:
"Is Christ divided? Was Paul then crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"
(1 Corinthians 1:13)
3.- In the same Epistle he describes the Church as one body with many members distinct among themselves, but one with Christ their head: "For in one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free".
(1 Corinthians 12:13)
4.- He asks: "The chalice of benediction, which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?
And the bread, which we break, is it not the partaking of the body of the Lord?
For we, being many, are ONE BREAD, ONE BODY, all that partake of ONE BREAD".
(1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
5.- Again in his Epistle to the Ephesians he teaches the same doctrine, and exhorts them to be "CAREFUL TO KEEP THE UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace", and he reminds them that there is but "ONE BODY AND ONE SPIRIT ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE GOD and FATHER OF ALL". (Ephesians 4:3-6)
6.- In one of his very first Epistles, he had warned the faithful of Galatia that if anybody, even an angel from heaven, should preach unto them any other Gospel than that which he had preached, "let him be anathema".
(Galatians 1:8)
Such declarations coming from this great Apostle are clear evidence of the essential UNITY which must be the primordisl characteristic of the TRUE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The other Apostles also proclaimed essential and necessary THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
(1 John 4:1-7)
(Apocalypse 2:6, 14-15, 20-29)
(2 Peter 2:1-19)
(Jude 5:19)
Thanks for the opportunity to share our catholic view.
May God bless your discernment.
+Joe Castillo
Joe, watch this video... czcams.com/video/u026TRV3ATY/video.html
bob whatshisname
Bob,
Thanks for your response and sharing your link.
Even though I do not agree with its contents, I appreciate the fact that you consider it valid to support the existence of more than 60,000 distinct and divided "Bible only" protestant churches.
Here is a thought for you:
As you know, the Bible does not include a "holy index" of the books that should be part of the Bible as Word of God.
How do you know which books should belong in the Bible?
When did those books come together as the Bible and who decided?
Here is the answer:
Decree of Pope Saint Damasus
from the Acts of the Roman Synod (382 AD)
Source: Henry Denzinger's Enchiridion Symbolorum
Translated by Roy J. Feferrari
Loreto Publications www.loretopubs.org
Denzinger 84 (179) in newer editions)
The Canon of Sacred Scripture
Likewise it has been said: Now indeed we must treat of the divine Scriptures, what the universal Catholic Church accepts and what she ought to shun. The order of the Old Testament begins here: Genesis one book, Exodus one book, Leviticus one book, Numbers one book, Deuteronomy one book, Josue Nave one book, Judges one book, Ruth one book, Kings four books, Paralipomenon two books, Psalms one book, Solomon three books, Proverbs one book, Ecclesiastes one book, Canticle of Canticles one book, likewise Wisdom one book, Ecclesiasticus one book. Likewise the order of the Prophets. Isaias one book, Jeremias one book,with Ginoth, that is, with his lamentations, Ezechiel one book,Daniel one book, Osee one book, Micheas one book, Joel one book, Abdias one book, Jonas one book, Nahum one book, Habacuc one book, Sophonias one book, Aggeus one book, Zacharias one book, Malachias one book. Likewise the order of the histories. Job one book, Tobias one book, Esdras two books, Esther one book, Judith one book, Machabees two books. Likewise the order of the writings of the New and eternal Testament, which only the holy and Catholic Church supports. Of the Gospels, according to Matthew one book, according to Mark one book, according to Luke one book, according to John one book. The Epistles of Paul [the apostle] in number fourteen. To the Romans one, to the Corinthians two, to the Ephesians one, to the Thessalonians two, to the Galatians one, to the Philippians one, to the Colossians one, to Timothy two, to Titus one, to Philemon one, to the Hebrews one. Likewise the Apocalypse of John, one book. And the Acts of the Apostles one book. Likewise the canonical epistles in number seven. Of Peter the Apostle two epistles, of James the Apostle one epistle, of John the Apostle one epistle, of another John, the presbyter, two epistles, of Jude the Zealut, the Apostle, one epistle.
This was a historical event which occurred when there was only ONE church, The Catholic Church.
May God bless your discernment.
That link is extremely valid and if you research you will find it is also very factual. Thou Shalt not murder...Have you heard of John Huss (Jan Hus). He was a catholic priest who spoke out against the pope and the corruption in the church. They poured oil over him and set him alight. What happened to William Tyndale and John Wycliffe is exactly as that link says. Do some research on Westcott and Hort. Bloody Mary as she became called supported the Catholic Church. You will always find Catholic teachings to justify what they believe. Have a look at what has gone on in the Catholic Church. You go to confession and get told by a man that your sins are forgiven. 1John 1:9 . Only God can forgive sin. Exe 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Why have a statue of Mary and pray to her. When the bible said she shall be blessed above all woman... yes she was but it never said to pray to her. Have you been baptized in accordance with John 3:5 because I know of Catholics who are not. Why are priest denied to marry when the bible expressly says..1Cor 7.. better to marry than burn with passion. When you talk of discernment, one of the hardest places is to be in that which you are trying to discern. If the bible says that is appointed for man to live but once and then the judgement then how or why do Catholics pray for the dead. Why do those who are alive have to pay for the priests to pray for the dead. It is all wrong, it is religion and religion might have the appearance of being godly but is based upon the doctrines of man and not of God.
I have been a CoC preacher for 45+ years, but I agree with you. The reason I haven't left is that if I do they win. I am trying to make a difference in my foot print.
Darrel Robertson Do you believe one is saved before baptism by faith only?
❤
I see so many comments on points that Amber is talking about, and after watching this whole video I cannot see anything she has said that is wrong. I see a lady that is allowing the Lord to show her the way instead of following man. I applaud her. I too grew up in a religious home and have now come to see many things that were made into something else than what the Lord desired. For you Amber I want to say keep following Him and allowing Him to use you. Do not be disheartened by the naysayers that have commented below. They have to answer for their own actions like you have to answer for yours and I have to answer for mine. Keep walking the narrow path towards the great and final reward. For the path to righteousness is narrow and few will find it. Love you sister Amber.🙏✝🙏❤
Really, then please do tell us how you know the way?
In acts, the Ethiopian eunuch was asked if he understood what he was reading? He replied, how can I unless someone explains it to me.
Following God is not merely a journey guided by feelings, in fact often it is contrary to what we feel is right.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
There are great examples of faith in the new and Old Testament, but it very much got down to the heart of the matter. It has to 100% be backed by Gods word, or it probably isn’t God teaching you it.
I’m not part of the LDS by any means, but they often use a verse where Jesus says, my sheep will know my voice, do you think that just happens on accident?
Or what about Jesus being tempted for 40 days in the desert, he got gut level honest and exposed Satan’s lies, using the words of the Old Testament prophets as his guide (God’s word essentially).
I didn’t even touch on the New Testament passage about all scripture being god breathed and useful for correcting, teaching, etc... If that is not talking about authority, then I don’t know what is. Is it authority to add to gods word? Nope, but it is certainly authority to teach it and guide people with it.
Ephesians 5:22-33 King James Version (KJV)
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
@@p3rrypm I do not think Amber is talking about LDS; it is just the Church of Christ.
@@lindahutchens8612 I never realized the animosity people have for my church. The Church of Christ I go to does not resemble the negative comments on line. In fact, it saddens me. My church loves GOD...with all their hearts souls and minds..,and loves their neighbor as themself. We serve our King...but...that doesnt mean its "works". We know that Jesus paid it all on the cross....and therecis NOTHING we can do to repay GOD for that gift. Serving the King is very different than works. We love and respect GOD....volunteering....sharing the gospel....helping others....its GODs love we are showing, not our own. Having a servants heart and serving...being a light....being the salt. To be honest...seeing the anti CoC comments has shown me that I shouldnt be telling catholics or muslims or mormons etc....anything about their worship. I'm sad that people have to blow up my church when we love GOD as much as anyone possibly could. My comment to you isnt directed at anything you said personally...or is meant to insult...its just a general comment about the subject.
GOD bless
@@williamgullett5911 William, I am also very saddened by the fact that this video and all these negative comments gives the Lord's church a bad name but we must stay strong and contend for the faith. There are sound churches of Christ and there are some that are not and there are some that used to be sound but have turned away from sound doctrine and we are warned about this in the book of Revelation to the seven churches; we must stay in the doctrine of Christ. I think most of these people grew up in the church when the preachers preached too much about Hell and not enough about the love and grace of God. However, nowadays all you hear about is grace and not much about repentance and some may only mention baptism at the end of the sermon and don't even mention it is for remission of sins like Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16 say it is for. They may just say if you want to "put on" Christ is baptism; well that is true baptism is where we "put" him on but some people do not know what that means. We need to be clear and teach what Jesus taught "He that believes AND is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16) and that baptism is the moment whee our salvation is applied. Baptism is a part of our faith response to the grace of God. People think that baptism is a work of man even though the scriptures say "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the OPERATION OF GOD, who hath raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:12); they still say we are working our way to heaven even though it is God's work; not man's. Satan has deceived many that the sinner's prayer is what one needs to do to be saved and/or accept Jesus as your Lord and savior. They need to read Acts 8:35-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. Please do not be discouraged; I am on this site so that the word of God will convict someone here to become a child of God. Satan does not want you to speak to Muslims, Buddists, etc. and he is telling you look how messed up the church of Christ is; do not listen to him for he is a liar. He doesn't want anyone to go to a doctrinally sound church of Christ; God bless.
I’m not sure if you’ll see this now after all this time since the video posted, but I needed to thank you for putting this out there. My teenage daughter is being pulled in to COC by her boyfriend and my husband and I are setting boundaries that she doesn’t like but are for her benefit. My husband is a pastor, she’s grown up in church and we are definitely not “perfect” but this situation is captivatingly scary. I felt so encouraged by your videos and feel even more support for our goal. She won’t hear our voices on doctrine and judgement inside the organization and the overbearing ideal of authority and who it belongs to. Thank you so much!
Hi I couldn’t help but to be touched by your comment. I pray that the lord keeps your daughter away from such a dark for of doctrine. I know that they can be very compelling and persuasive to new or young people. They fail to mention that after their unbiblical baptism, they are going to put a wait on you that you can not carry. It’s the load that was placed on Jesus at Calvary and they will tell you that it’s yours to carry in order to get to heaven. It’s so sad.
@@followingchrist3660 curious as to what you mean by “unbiblical baptism” here.
@@followingchrist3660 This is not a comment to say that CoC are 100% correct but ....Jesus also said if you love me you will keep my commandments. Not to mention about baptism....the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunich. Once he was taught Jesus and the good news, what did he do directly after , he saw water and went down into it and was bapstised. When Paul was in jail, and the earthquake happened and the jailer was going to kill himself because he thought everyone escaped and Paul shouted out to stiop because they were still all there. The jailor asks what must I do to be saved. Hes told to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. they go back to the jailers home(it sthe middle of the night) and the Paul teaches to the jailors entire family about Jesus. What did they do next? It says they went and washed and then were all baptised into Jesus. There are many others on that. also, if you think you can live however you like after being saved, Read the entire book of 1Peter. He tells Christians how they should live. Which makes more sense to you....that Christ would say, now that you're saved you can live in sin and be forgiven, or would it be the devil who would say you can keep living in sin?
I had a similar journey being raised in the Christian Church. It wasn't until my mid-30's, while sitting through preaching from the book of John, and I began to pray to the Lord to "teach me your faith", that he opened the veil and called me to be His own. When I want to disparage that former denomination, the Lord reminds me that He exposed me to His Word there, planting the seeds that would eventually bring His predestining purpose about in my life. Praise His Holy Name. We love because He first loved us.
I cannot even express to you how thankful I am that I found your videos. Wish SO BADLY you had more of them. You put this so incredibly and put my mind at such ease. You are a blessing and a light my sweet sister in Christ! Much Love!!
I have been in the church of Christ all my life but I have never been hit with a preacher telling me that we had to be perfect to get to HEAVEN. The Church has always been a guide for me to accept Christ and know that his Grace will help me as I try to live a life pleasing to God as I know he came to give me life and live it more with Him walking beside me.
G
I believe that is what she is saying. We can't be perfect, but we are supposed to TRY to be perfect, and then God's grace will give us that extra push. It's crippling. It limits God's power and love. " . . . where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." God's grace and love has so limits. He IS love, and he does command in the NT that we love Him and our fellowman. That commandment is EXPLICIT.
Mathew 5 verse 48 King James Bible
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. I believe this was not a suggestion from Jesus Christ but a command.
@@SingingLawyer88 Mathew 5 verse 48 King James Bible
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. I believe this was not a suggestion from Jesus Christ but a command.
@@misha-elministries5246 the Bible does not contradict itself. The Father and His Son both are fully aware that we are unable to be perfect in the sense that we are sinless. "He that is without sin, cast the first stone." The Greek word translated to "perfect" here is closer to "complete." Using the context of the previous verses, Christ is telling us to be complete in our character. Don't just love our friends. Love all, just at the Father loves us all
@@SingingLawyer88 No Eric , no He said be perfect and Holy as he is perfect and Holy . The only way to do that is to be born again. You want to escape his commands because you are not born from above and Gods seed does not abide in you for you are a son of this world and not Gods son. For this reason Gods Son was made manifest in this world that we may know who belongs to God and who belongs satan
Very well spoken!!! Bless you! I have been involved - nearly 'interned' into several of these cults - the CoC is just the most recent. My hearing is not as good as it once was, but sitting in the pew (with 7 other people in attendance) listening to, or trying to listen to the 'speaker' (I don't dare call him/them ministers or pastors) I kept saying to myself - no, he didn't really just say "not a denomination" or "the only true church" - no way any ADULT or MATURE CHRISTIAN that has opened a Bible would say anything like that, but - they just kept on repeating these and other ODD and or HERETICAL things... I tried to help - and through my prayer, I think God has made this my "Ninevah" for the near future - so should I run, or face my Ninevah? Three days in a fish do not appeal to me (I don't expect you to get that if you go to a C of C)
Gospel Freedom: "Letter of the Law or the Spirit of the Law?" Romans 7:6
Also: If God is perfect, why/how could he make a mistake such that he would have to make an exception? i.e... The thief on the cross next to Him... To call than an exception to the rule is to "add/subtract/multiply/divide" the Word of God...
I'm glad that you have the courage to put this video out there. When I left the COC was in a different place. 1996. There was no CZcams, so I took a notebook and titled it the same title as this video, "Why I Left The Church" and began to spool several throughts on the legalism and rules that so burdened me down. And Thank You for mentioning the comments on "being perfect" in your first video.
Legalism robs one of the peace and assurance that is in Jesus Christ. By coming out of the darkness of legalism and into the light of grace, you will now begin to grow so much in your walk with Jesus. May your journey be one of confidence and assurance as a loved child of God. God bless!
The word 'legalism' is a umbrella term and doesn't really address the problem. If you worship at any one church that professes to follow Christ, then under that definition, you should be labeling them as legalistic as well.
+Jason Jack Praise the LORD amen. absolutely wonderful video. God bless. Agape love
Legalism, in a nutshell, is adding works to the gospel. It teaches that Jesus is necessary but not sufficient for salvation. It teaches that salvation's a lifelong process only received if one has followed God's commandments and turned from their sins (aka keep the law).
I teaches that you can lose your salvation.
It teaches to trust in yourself and what you do in your life as evidence of salvation, instead of resting in the finished, redemptive work of Jesus Christ and His resurrection.
It makes a mockery of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and can lead to a heavy dose of self-righteous hypocrisy.
In your example, if you teach that a person needs to turn from a sinful act of the flesh as being a part of receiving salvation, then yes, that is legalism.
If you ever come across this scenario, give that sinner the true gospel of Jesus Christ and allow it's power if received to change that person from the inside-out over time. The power of God's grace is amazing.
If they don't receive it, then all you can do is pray for them. You've done your job by giving them the truth. Shake the dust off your feet, move on, and tell someone else the true gospel.
obeying our creator is not LEGALISM .its is doing what he said and he said he did not come to change anything read mat 5 17-19 www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=commandments&t=KJV#s=s_primary_0_1
www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=obey&t=KJV#s=s_primary_0_1
Legalism, in this context, refers to any system that teaches a form of justification by human works that teaches that if you do enough, it obligates God to save you. Works righteousness that thinks that one contributes something to salvation, which the Church of Christ is the foremost proponent of this side of Roman Catholicism.
Hi Amber, I happened to come across your video and would like to encourage you to forbear one another in love. Christ is the head of His Church and we cannot build upon another foundation other than what He established through His apostles. I came into His Church through faith and obediance of baptism. I never even heard of the Church of Christ then. But I knew and was convicted by the Holy Spirit to be able to start over, beforgiven for my sins like being buried with Jesus, and like Jesus rose again I can walk a new life, free of my own sin. How else can you be clothed with Christ? beware of the guest at the Brides groom wedding who did not have the propper wedding clothes. Please consider the maturity of the congregation you were attending, I hope you are able to fellowship together again, with brotherly love, forbearing one another because there is only One Lord, One Faith, one baptism . God is so much bigger than you think and can really work within congregations to grow and mature if we work together out of brotherly love. What concerns me is the division you have with your loved ones and yet you are so divided and cannot fellowship together. Where is God in that? Love in Christ, I pray for Gods peace for your family and loved ones. Strife is such a foothold for Satan to do his filthy work.
One of my cousins is in the Church of Christ. I attended a bible study for their church. I learned about what it was recently and decided to go to learn more about why my cousin when and how they taught.
God with all his mercy and grace led me to thoroughly read the book of John, Acts, and Romans, but mostly John before going. For every church, I visit I pray that God keeps me safe from manipulation. God etched the truth in my heart and mind.
When I went I was surprised to hear and see how they used God's word. The way they said their church was the only way. How they denied John 1:1-15 and said Jesus wasn't God (John 1:2 "The Word was God") and used a part of John as well as other parts of the bible to deny it when in John 8:58 Jesus said "..Before Abraham came into being, I AM".
I wanted to cry and should from sadness as they continued to make their point, nitpicking parts of the bible instead of one whole cohesive narrative. As soon as I could, I was fortunate that my sister called, I when and took the call outside and cried. I cried and shook with devastation.
My cousin said what they are taught is biblical, but when I asked her if she ever read the bible she said no. I don't know how to talk to her about it. I suggested she read and try to understand what she believes in, but she is doesn't seem interested.
God is good and I know everything will go as He designed. I trust him and see he has blessed me time and time again.
I don't have a cohesive point, I just want to share my experience.
If there is anything productive I could share is this. Pray, pick up Gods word by paper or digital, and read, compare all the translations if you think that is best. Just try and come to understand what you believe in, guard your heart with the truth if you believe in God's word, because we all nothing but man/mortal and are prone to failure. It is only by grace that any of us is redeemable.
Thank you for sharing yours.
I’m so sorry for your experience. I go to Church of Christ but they are not like this at all. We take the Bible as a whole, not just pieces. And preachers or Sunday school teachers always tell us to do our own research too, not to just believe everything they or someone else says
@@marliebreen5617amen! Thats what my family on my moms side needs to do
You are absolutely and positively, correct!! I have been so encouraged by your message, I actually feel some freedom, because I believed for years, after being delivered from demon spirits, and years of doing drugs, and many Spiritual gifting, I totally believed I could no longer come back to Jesus because I backslid so many times, and been restored by God, that he couldn't possibly forgive me anymore! I have begun to realize that when you were talking about your children, how long I had been punishing myself for sin, and punishing myself over and over again, for not being just like Jesus, because I so much wanted to be. Although he showed me things in the Spirit realm, I was still in many ways a young, baby Christian, and I demanded so much of myself, that it became about my performance, not God's saving grace, by faith, and that was not of my own making, but a gift from him, and so no One could boast in it. I didn't feel as if I could live in the world anymore either, because all I saw was sin, and now after many years of relapsing, I am beginning to feel hope again. For years, I became focused on my own performance and looking down on people in religious disgust, like a Pharisee, and forgot where I came from, and the One who gave it to me freely! Without anything else needed but a willing, open heart. I didn't feel any personal closeness to God, because I thought I was supposed to be exactly like Him, which is impossible! Please, please pray for me, because I want to walk with him again, and have my family restored, because years of backsliding caused my youngest daughter to hate me because of drugs and neglect on my part, all due to the fact that as a very young widow with 4 very young children, I started to fear the future and losing my own father at 9 years old, I began to slip into depression and started to think I couldn't cope with these losses without drugs because God wouldn't understand my grief or my sorrow. Thank you!
shes absolutely correct, i personally believe that no instruments is better but i would never say one is going to hell for using them. Denominations do need to get together, right on!
I watched completely your first video and here comes your second one. I am proud that i am a member to the Lord's body the church. your idea of legalism or freedom is the same as the world want to do. I am not condemning you but my idea of freedom is according the freedom that my Savior wanted to give me. I am free from sin though i am not perfect.
We will never be free from sin in this fallen world but can still inherit the Kingdom through Christs work on the cross.
I do not understand why there are different levels of sins. A sin is a sin
So your still sinning. Gods seed is not in you , you shall be perfect.New King James Version
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
@@misha-elministries5246born again Spirit no, but flesh yes
@@misha-elministries5246 Read 1 John 1:5-2:1. A Christian can sin. John said so. The better translation of the text you referenced is 1 John 3:9 (NASB) 9 "No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." The key word is "practices."
I spent 70 years as church of Christ. It was hell on earth. I have found love and Grace. I am FREE!!!!
May I ask if you only attended one church of Christ and what did they teach that wasn't biblical? As you most likely know churches of Christ are autonomous and that is why one would need to make sure the apostle's doctrine is being taught.
@@lindahutchens8612 My great grandfather was an elder in the church of Christ, then my Granny, my mom, and then me. I got out of the Army in 1994, and found out that the Body of Christ is Diverse, and Large. Beginning in 1996, I learned of the New Covenant and Grace!! It changed my whole life! I'm now free in Christ! The church of Christ does Not teach Security of our Salvation! See John 5:24, Col. 2:13,14, Romans 5:17, etc etc. Get turned on to Grace and Truth!! 🙋♂️
@@bretttubbs3890 May I ask where you attend services at now and how would you tell someone if they asked you how to become a Christian?
@@lindahutchens8612 I am part of a small non-denominational church. Acts 16:31, John 5:24 😀
@@bretttubbs3890 Did you get my response to this?
I’ve been to congregations in a building, school building, shopping center, and at houses. I have some friends who have been to Africa and there worship service was outside. Same for the times of worship. I’ve been to worship where it starts in morning and night. Some start at the morning and no night service. Some have Wednesday service or Tuesday or Wednesday service. There are many things that God has commanded us, but there are also many expediences that God has left open for us. Instead of “Greeting with a kiss” we greet each one another with a handshake or a hug.
Very brave, good for you! I grew up in the COC. Fond memories, good people but my relationship with the Lord and with my fellow Christians is so much better since leaving.
jeremy gatlin May I ask what church you attend now and how would you answer the question "What must I do to be saved?"
@Linda Hutchens good point! Salvation is found and taught only in the Lord's church.
Amen. Your testimony has touched my heart. God will reveal the truth to those who seek the truth of his word. HIS grace and love is so wonderful. It is all of God. Eph 2: 8&9
MICHAEL CARNEY you right I had to seek his word
Why the hat?
WONDERFUL teaching here. My mom was catholic and my dad SDA.. God is crying out "Come out of her my people".. we are to BE he church, not GO to church... Dad being SDA for example taught me the importance of the Lord's Sabbath... it was not and has not been done away with.. GOD FORBID.. but we are not bound by it.. being bound is being enslaved.. Sabbath is a day to rest and REMEMBER that God is GOD and that we have a special time to commune with Him.. to rest in Him.. He has given us a day off.. and he PLAINLY says Sabbath was made FOR man.... a FREE gift.. I LOVE absoluely LOVE how you emphasis the word FREEDOM in your videos.. for the main theme of the entire bible is freedom.. not love but FREEDOM.. for it is only through freedom that you can truly love.. Adam was free to choose, God set the israelites free, He sent Christ to die for our FREEDOM.. once you choose Christ, you are free indeed.. ANYTHING binding is of Satan.. Catholic women resemble muslim woman.. partly because mohammad's mommy was catholic, but primarily because SATAN binds women in their attire.. same as mennonites, or amish.. We are to BE the church.. and I absolutely LOVE the beginning of this video where you speak of the building.. there is NO biblical basis for 'church' buildings.. they ALL have 2 things in common... 1) a billboard out front soliciting BUSINESS and 2) a collection plate inside collecting funds to sustain the said business... We are to GO and BE the church.. clothe the naked and feed the hungry.. by doing THIS we will SHOW the world the love of Jesus.. NOT by sitting still in some building hoping to draw in patrons.... IMAGINE the money that is in just the real estate alone of these 'corporate worshippers' as you call them.. IMAGINE>. WHAT could be done with this money! HOW MANY could come to know the Lord if we DID what we preached!!! Oh Jesus.. forgive us, for we know not what we do!!!!
KJVTRUTH We are NOT to forsake the assembly of our selves together as is the manner of SOME but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching; Hebrews 10:25 and regarding the Sabbath......So let no one judge you in food or in drink or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths; Colossians 2:16.
@@lindahutchens8612 I'll see your "forsake not the assembly" and I'll raise you a " you have turned my father's house into a DEN OF VIPERS". I will NOT assemble with SNAKES let alone the most dangerous of all snakes VIPERS. VIPERS who have signed 501c3 tax free covenants with Ceasar "allowing" them to disregard the rendering unto ceasar commandment we are to assemble WITH BRETHREN. NOT VIPERS. We are to assemble together..as the first century BRETHREN did. That favorite verse of your local liar for hire does nothing but guarantee himself attendence to fill his wallet every venerable day of the sun. I'm not judging you regarding Sabbath, but I will do as commanded in 2 tim 4:2.
Your comments on how God knows how to clearly spell out laws 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I’ve thought this also but have never heard someone say it.
I was raised Church of Christ.
I stumbled upon this and I agree with everything you’ve said in your first two videos! I am currently active in a local bible believing Southern Baptist Church that’s a group of awesome people that (generally) hold to the Bible. I am glad that you, and your husband came to the realization that you did, that legalism is not the liberty that Jesus promised. I made the realization that their logic was broken after a period of hardship for me. My grandfather passed, I was struggling with sin and trying to find an identity. When a bible school teacher said “those people don’t go to heaven, none of us have this problem” and moved on, I did to and found my identity in that sin. It sucked. It took my younger sister being involved in a car crash to bring me back to my search for God, and his will nearly a year later. I pray that those in these hateful churches will see the light of day, and know that the saving grace is for everyone, regardless of background, race, sin or anything!
(I was a “member” of the Church of Christ for the better part of 18 years - I know the arguments, teachings and ect. While I’m not saying all fall under this I’d say the VAST majority do, due to coming out of the campbellite movement.)
What did the church of Christ you attended for 18 years teach that was not biblical?
We have to remember that we also can't add to nor take away.
@Jennifer Seay I watched/stomached one of your videos. I was born and raised (several generations) of cOC, so I know exactly where you are coming from... and I want to warn you... you need to pray God will open your eyes and take off those cOC colored glasses. When they speak of church of Christ in the Bible, it is referring to believers in Christ, NOT referring to "Campbellite" church of Christ that we know in America today. You have to remove yourself to be able to have your eyes opened. I know how you look at people like me that speak against it. I used to be you.
@@ChrissysMasterPlan Wonderfully said!
I appreciate your video very much. I am a member of the COC and completely agree with you on all accounts. Me and my family attend a fairly "liberal" COC that we like at this time and the people are great, I do think it depends on the individual congregations. I have come across some COC members throughout my 50+ years on this earth who have been so legalistic that they have actually repelled people away from the faith and "kicked" the brethren in the shins passive aggressively that at times I have wanted to introduce them to the end of my momma's old switch. And whoever said that the lifting of Holy hands is cultural, that is idiotically ridiculous, it is not cultural, it is worshipful. What they are really saying is that they are much too dignified to engage in such behavior. I think that proves your point. God bless.
Hello Justin, Check this church out. Maybe you'll find what you are looking for incmedia.org/our-beliefs/
Everything is based on the bible. No addition, no subtraction, no personal opinions, no denominations.
Should you focus on people or God? Who are you serving?
@@deborahhouston4249 God.
Don't take this the wrong way, just an honest question; How do you know what scripture is? i.e. Who told you that the book of Hebrews belongs in scripture, etc.? Just interested in how you would answer this since there is no divine 'table of contents', etc.
Just want to say Amber, it is inspirational to hear you share. God Bless
Can I just scream THANK YOU! You have articulated what my heart is feeling can we please have a Bible study. I really need support as I transition. This is so hard.
I feel like screaming THANK YOU too! I am trying to leave the COC behind too but it is so hard!!!!
Which baptism is a part of the salvation process, based on what the Bible says? What did Peter say below?
Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Based on Luke 3:16, and John 1:33, and Acts 11:15-16, the most important thing about the word "baptize" in the New Testament has nothing to do with water. The Holy Spirit is the master teacher promised to New Covenant believers in Jeremiah 31:34, and John 14:26, and is found fulfilled in Ephesians 1:13, and 1 John 2:27. Unfortunately, many modern Christians see water when they read the word "baptize" in the text. Based on the above, what is the one baptism of our faith found in the passage below? How many times is the word "Spirit" found in the passage, and how many times is the word "water" found in the passage?
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
“baptize” KJV
Mat_3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mar_1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Mar_1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Luk_3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Joh_1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
Joh_1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
==================
New Covenant Whole Gospel:
Let us now share the Old Testament Gospel found below with the whole world. On the road to Emmaus He said the Old Testament is about Him.
He is the very Word of God in John 1:1, 14.
Awaken Church to this truth.
Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Is the most important genealogy in the Bible found in Matthew 1:1 (Gal. 3:16)? Is God's Son the ultimate fulfillment of Israel (John 1:49)? Why has the modern Church done a pitiful job of sharing the Gospel with modern Orthodox Jews? Why would someone tell them they are God's chosen people and then fail to share the Gospel with them? Who is the seed of the woman promised in Genesis 3:15? Who is the "son" in Psalm 2? Who is the "suffering servant" of Isaiah 53? Who would fulfill the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34? Who would fulfill the timeline of Daniel chapter 9 before the second temple was destroyed? Why have we not heard this simple Old Testament Gospel preached on Christian television in the United States on a regular basis?
Once a person comes to understand the New Covenant promised to Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which is found fulfilled by Christ during the first century in Hebrews 8:6-13, and Hebrews 10:16-18, and specifically applied to the Church in 2 Corinthians 3:6-8, and Hebrews 12:22-24, man-made Bible doctrines fall apart.
Let us now learn to preach the whole Gospel until He comes back. The King of Israel is risen from the dead! (John 1:49, Acts 2:36)
Watch the CZcams video “The New Covenant” by Bob George.
Beautiful Message !
I'm a member of the church. My grandfather preached at one church for 43 years. I agree with you that if we take it upon ourselves to pick and choose what we want to follow and what we don't then it's wrong. We don't have the authority to pick and choose. Which leads me to the question, what on earth was your church teaching?? What my grandfather taught was the scripture and all of the scripture. He taught me that some of the more liberal churches are starting to do things like introducing instruments into worship and then he immediately told why that is wrong with many examples of scripture. One of which is that you don't find it in scripture to add instruments into worship. You do however find where it says not to add nor take away from it. So if the scripture doesn't say anywhere to use instruments but actually says from our hearts and we still use instruments then that is adding to the word. Which is wrong. We are a more conservative church but still we don't teach stuff that are cultural things. My grandfather taught things that are expected from us by scripture to do. Like baptism. I can show 10 examples of where it is demanded that we have to get baptized to wash away our sins. That rite there is what divides us from most other teachings or denominations like the baptist for example. Jesus clearly said that unless a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of god. He then said unless a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of god. That rite there is as clear as It can be, so that rite there is a rule that we have to follow. The scripture tells us how we should worship too. Jumping around and dancing and falling on the floor is NOT the way to do it. It's all in the word. Also yes there are a good amount of rules in the New Testament. We all have free will even the angels have free will so I'm not telling you what to do. I am however saying that the church of Christ for the most part is not like you have been saying. At least not any I've been too. Which makes me wonder again, what church did u attend?! I ask because from what you've said they're getting some things mixed up that shouldn't be!!
I respect you and your grandfather...My grandfather was a Church of Christ preacher as well as an elder till he passed when I was 19 years old. I am now Assembly of God and I disagree with several teaching methods of the Church of Christ. My grandfather came to me in a dream, smiled and ensured me , "son ,it's not the name on the building that matters, it's what is in your heart" I know many Church of Christ friends and family and they are still me brothers and sisters in Christ.
Love you sister! Thank you for having the courage to speak truth to the "false authority" of the "Christian" Pharisees" of the Churches of Christ.
Hello Amber, I'd like to share my story. I left the NYC CoC in 2005 after 3 years of being there. I met a member whom I will call A.C. and considered her a "friend". I left the cult, but she stayed for 16 years. So for almost 10 years I had no contact with her. In May 2015 I was crossing the street when a member of the CoC saw me and told me that A.C. had had an accident, she couldn't walk (a car had crushed her foot) and she was staying with a male friend. I reached out to A.C. (whom I prayed for 7 years for her to get out of that cult) and she told me she just started to walk. She had no job, no place to live because the male friend asked her to leave. I helped her get a job and a place to live (she was living with me in another room). In July 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Do you know what she did? NOTHING. She totally ignored me. She never knocked on my door to find out how I was doing after chemo, or if I needed money for rent since I couldn't work after chemo, or if I needed food since I was too weak to cook. I swear I never seen such coldness towards someone in need. She was a member of the Church of Christ for 16 years and this is how she treated me. Please tell me I'm not the only one who had this horrible experience. I can give you my phone number also to talk to you. Thanks
Wow I'm touched by your experience. My God give you the recompense that a friend didn't. Hope you are doing good.
Sorry to hear that story. Not surprised by the coldness of a person who does not know Jesus Christ. Praying that things are going better?
IMHO (and I hope I am dead wrong), the problem in churches of Christ is way worse than you think.
I am a member of Christ’s church, or put another way, the “church of Christ”. I would never leave Christ’s church. I am Christ’s servant and a member of his church (Mt 16:18), but your experience is why I believe 99.9% of those in Christ’s church will find themselves on the day of judgment totally shocked that they are going to hell for eternity (Mt 25:46). The reason?
An almost total ambivalence toward the second greatest commandment to love one’s neighbor as themselves, a command required to be obeyed to go to heaven (Lk 10:25-28). Jesus even provided an example of what happens when someone breaks that command (Lk 16:19-23). Our “neighbors” are the ones who require some heavy lifting to help out, and we may not even like them (Lk 10:29-37), not just the ones whom we give a cup of sugar to when asked. Jesus even listed some of those neighbors including prisoners (Mt 25:36). Just like you were, these brothers and sisters of ours behind bars are ignored by almost all of their non-felon counterparts.
I know of a newly released parolee and a fellow Christian, who had nothing, and thus desperately needed help. Except for me and a couple of others, everyone at church ignored him (a church with over 800 members). IMHO, the youtuber missed the real point about the problems with the church of Christ. Today’s church as a whole simply does NOT love its neighbors as itself. Until that is fixed, all the other stuff is just sideshow banter.
Hi. Thank God I'm doing very well. God healed me from cancer. And as for that person who didn't help me when I was sick with cancer she went to China to teach English. I recently found out that she married to get Chinese residency and that didn't work. She got divorced and lost her residency in China.
@@Mark16v15 There are thousands of churches of Christ (and I am not talking about the Mormon church; which I believe is a cult) and you cannot put all churches of Christ in the same basket. I have been to many loving churches of Christ including the one I attend now that does many kind things for others. I cannot believe you would make a comment that 99.9 percent of those in Christ's church will find themselves in hell; that is just ridiculous.
Why are you not making more videos? You are well spoken and well thought out. This content is close to my heart and makes all the sense. Thank you.
Out of context…this was instruction to the church in Corinth .
I love your dish washing analogy. So true. The way people do things is considered "law" in the Church. I was in the International Church of Christ (ICOC) and it was the same.
The ICOC is a bit different. I've heard about some of their practices and it seems like a very controlled environment. I suggest you look into mainstream churches of Christ.
Worse in the ICOC for me.
I wish I could sit down and have coffee with you and pick your brain on some things.
I wanted to say I agree with what you are saying. I was raised in the coc and my dad was a preacher until I was about 15 and then him and my mom got a divorce, and 3 years later he wanted to marry my step mom. As you may know the coc has strict rules about remarriage. So my dad was basically forced to step down. I don’t think God would want anyone to remain alone for the rest of their lives due to a failed relationship. God is all knowing and knows we’re only human.
It took me a long time to realize I was being told growing up that everything did have to be a certain way with worship. When my dad was a preacher he made a suggestion to add more songs to worship period because we only sang a couple. It was a huge deal to add songs because “we’ve never done it that way it’s sinning to try new things”. No where in the Bible does it say how many songs you have to sing during worship. The Bible is very specific and very vague on some doctrines. Coc people are very judge mental I was judged for going to prom and was judged for missing youth events because I was in several extra curriculars. I did not get along with the youth because they were always gossiping when we had just learned in bible class that gossiping is a sin. The middle aged members of the congregation were the same way, they were very cliquey. Most of the older generation in the coc are very conservative and have to have things a certain way or else. I miss going to church but things like raising holy hands are out of my comfort zone because I was taught it was weird or wrong. People feel the love of God in different ways and I don’t think it is any man’s job to judge anyone, it is between them and God.
Thanks Amber,
I realize that I am over 2 years past due, but I just found your video.
You are one of the best preachers that I have ever heard. I loved what you said and how you said it.
I am just an old man that enjoys going to church, worshiping GOD, giving gifts and singing songs of praise,
and fellowship with other believers.
Keep it up, Make another video.
Love you in the Lord,
Ron
What makes you say she is a preacher?
I watched this video to the end and I'm asking myself only one question. How will she interpret 1st corinthians 14:37? Paul wants us to understand that his writings that are put in the bible are commands from God. You made mention that what you mostly see in the bible are suggestions not commands..buh what you failed to understand is that the apostolic doctrines are inspired of God and contain most of the things that our father wants us to do. So there is indeed a pattern to christianity. You cant just do what you like and expect that God will be okay with it. 1st Peter 4:1..if anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracle of God. You dont just do what you like buh rather, you do what God wants..how do we know what God wants? The holy spirit revealed His will to the apostles and they wrote it down for us.
Paul Kyermah Great job Paul in contending for the faith; God bless!
I'm a church of christ an what i've been thaught is to believe that christ died for our sin get baptize an from there learn more bout his words spread the gospel,an repent whenever you sin,an try not to drink,follow marriage law,an love your enemies well as others an do good,no 1 is perfect we all stumble fall an fall but we need to get back up repent of our sins an keep moving foward.
Only God can judge where we heading.
Only the New Testament in the Bible can judge us where we are heading to...Jesus Christ His apostles doctrines can us where we stand and where we are heading to...
Thank you for your wisdom Amber. Those lock into the church you came from can leave but maybe scared to do so. Most of us know that. But you found the door and used it to free yourself. Praise God. Your right on.
Amen. Well said. I applaud your courage in saying these true things, even though it might cause some discomfort and difficulties for you.
As a former PK in the COC, I second what Amber is saying. I don't know Amber Head. I look for posts like this to see if I'm alone. My family won't leave the COC with me.
I can tell you first hand that adopting the attitude of laying your doctrine at the feet of God and being open to changing your stance of Biblical subjects is only uncomfortable at first, but it's liberating later. For the church of Christ, how you physically worship is so wrapped up with the thought of being saved, that any change to these regimens might mean provoking the wrath of God. Being open to being wrong is frightening because if you see you were wrong about one thing you always believed, it may mean that other things could be wrong, or worse, that maybe even God isn't real.
I remember shaking in fear after seeing one little verse in a new light, John 3:5. When a non-denominational friend told me what he thought the verse meant, I laughed at him and told him he was stretching that verse to say what he wanted it to mean. But later, I prayed and told God that I would follow anything He revealed, no matter what I found, and I meant it. Then, as if seeing the verse for the very first time, I saw that it had nothing to do with water baptism. That is when I shook in fear. My whole spiritual world was in doubt, and I was depressed. A few days later, a thought and feeling came into me that -wait a minute...God is still real, Jesus is still real, I'm still saved, but now I understand something that I didn't before. I asked myself, why was I so frightened? Because change is scary, especially about the most important thing in our lives. Throughout the years, I remained open to being uncomfortable and truly, all-the-way surrendered to God, and started over with Christ. That means looking into everything again with a truly open mind, and trusting that the Holy Spirit will reveal what you need to know. I was uncomfortable so many times that I grew out of being uncomfortable. Years later, I am now free in Christ, and ready to be wrong about something in scripture. Yes, I feel like I can now rejoice when someone shows me something in the Bible that I didn't previously understand. Members of the Church of Christ, if you can't say the same, then you do not have the correct attitude! Humble yourselves before the Lord and be willing to be wrong! It's only scary at first, then it's pure joy to not have all these man made rules. You're swimming in man-made ceremony! The command, example, and necessary inferences ordinance is not Biblical; we aren't given that model.
I am SO far from where I want to be in Christ, but I can say this, being free in Christ and truly surrendering (even your doctrine) gives you strength like nothing else. My days of shivering in fear are gone, replaced by the knowledge that Christ will speak for me, no matter what. Bring on all of us being wrong about doctrine! All we need is Christ, then we can learn along the way.
Amber Head is correct. I challenge members of the church of Christ to listen to her video with an open heart.
Thank you, sir, and God bless you on your journey of faith.
And God bless you and your family's as well.
So, after reading John 3:5 have you become a born again believer ?. Baptized in the Holy Spirit ?.You are right in that it is not about legalism however we do reap what we sow. Saved by grace and not of works.
I don't really understand what you are asking, but yes, we are saved by grace and not works. I was already a saved believer before I read John 3:5, but that is the moment when I realized that it is possible for me to be wrong, so from then on I put my assumptions under a microscope. That enabled me to grow out of legalism.
John 3:5 is not about baptism. It is about receiving the Holy Spirit after you are baptized. There are so many verses about water baptism and you are converted away from the truth by something that is not even talking about that? Baptism is not a work. The removal of dirt from the flesh does not save you it is an appeal for a clean conscience. Baptism is no more a work than "thinking" about being saved and accepting Jesus into your heart. People get paid to think - mathematicians get paid to think. They are doing work. You are doing works when you "call Jesus into your heart."
You are being legalistic when you try to call baptism a work. It is done through faith in God - the faith that he will save you when you are baptized.
Did the Apostles do work when they healed sick? Or was it God doing the work through them? Just because they put their hands on someone doesn't mean they were doing anything! Baptism is the same.
I am sorry, but you and Amber are deeply mistaken when you think you can ignore the guidance of the almighty God. Are you sure that your revelation is not a delusion? The Bible is not hard to understand. Any person can read the Bible with no agenda or lense and would automatically assume you have to be baptized. You have to go through hoops and rationalizations to think something else. You must create complicated doctrines do get around baptism. I have no problem being wrong. I am not scared to open my mind. I say the following with no ill will. I love you as an erring brother and I want to tell you the truth.
I read your arguments and see a lost and confused person who is at war with their convictions because they have been peer pressured by their incorrect friends. I see someone who wants to rebel against their parents and wants them to be wrong even though deep down they know the truth. What you are doing is wrong. You lead people astray by your ill informed and unsubstantiated testimony. I will pray that you embrace humility and come to repentance. May God touch your heart and lead you to the truth.
Amber, I am SO sorry that this was your experience. I found the Lord through the coC at age 28, and became a Minister with them. I did choose to leave (just as your husband did) because I could no longer match my understanding of Scripture with traditional coC doctrine. I would agree also, that the coC has developed its identity around what it is NOT (NO instruments, NO women in teaching roles, etc) rather than what it is. I do have a few responses, though.
First, as the coC has no hierarchy, congregations identifying themselves as coC vary greatly in perspective and practice. I would be careful about asserting that you know what they practice and why - because it is really all over the map. I found the Lord in an incredible coC - where the Holy Spirit was alive and well - and was nurtured in my faith for a decade in another. I have also experienced profoundly legalistic coC - most of which are dying/nearly dead - where CENI-E is a way of life.
Second, I think it appropriate to note that the coC is not the odd man out in this legalistic tradition. The fact is that in the 1950s-60s most American churches exploded in numbers - largely due to social economic conditions after WWII. Churches became THE social outlet for burgeoning families. Under pressure to grow, many churches/denominations introduced this 'competitive' rhetoric, seeking to separate themselves from 'those other people.' It is sad, really, but my point is that it is not coC specific.
Third, as I have grown in my faith and experienced other tribes of believers, I have learned to appreciate that it is the motivation of one's heart that God is concerned with, rather than the specifics of the expression. You are correct in asserting that the NT tells us nearly NOTHING about worship practices, sacramental procedures or leadership structure. In fact, Stone & Campbell founded the Restoration Movement in response to the needless implementation of such things by 'high churches.' True to form, though, humans have succeeded in simply replacing one broken understanding with another - developing a different set of traditions that soon become doctrinal in value.
Having said that, I also see those who have left groups like the coC (remember - me included), that fail to consider the hearts of those practicing those traditions. Our family left one coC because I was not allowed to sit in a children's class with my son and hear the songs the (female) teacher was introducing to the 2-3 year old's. Initially, this angered me greatly - and on many levels I still think it is ridiculous - but over the years I have realized the teacher's decision to ask me to leave was a matter of conscience. Her goal was to serve the Lord with all of her heart. This is something, I believe, God values greatly. As the prophet Samuel experienced in selecting Saul's replacement (1 Sam 16) God sees the heart of a man, rather than judging by appearances. Paul calls us to be similar in Romans 14, as he addresses arguments over different perspectives and tells each to be weary of asking another to violate his conscience. Thus, I do believe that different perspectives can be held by Christians and still be honorable to the Lord, because it is the motivation that God is concerned with most.
I say all this to communicate three things: 1. I applaud your desire to open hearts and minds as you gain in understanding! 2. Take care to ensure that you are considering the hearts of a believer over his/her method of expression (I recognize that you are trying to encourage others to do that, I am simply cautioning you to avoid valuing your current expression as somehow better than others). 3. The Lord reaches people in many ways. The reality is that one expression of faith may work exceptionally well for some, but horribly for others. Our job is to look for the beauty that God sees in those expressions first. :-)
Blessings to you on the journey!
P.S. - I don't know that anything I've said here is worth quoting, but if you do please DATE it. I see things differently now than I did 10 years ago, and I suspect I will be able to say the same 10 years from now.
- Diatribe complete -
Robert. I appreciate your words. I have worshiped at a church of Christ all my life, have my own questions and what you wrote makes perfect sense, regardless of whether I stay or go. Thank you.
The NT tells us nothing about leadership structure when it has Paul telling Titus to appoint elders in every church, when it has Paul giving the qualifications for bishops and deacons, when it has Ephesus in Acts 20 with elders who are overseers (bishops) and who pastor (shepherd) the flock, the same three things Peter gives of fellow elders in I Pet.5? ????!!!!!
I see. Your main problem is you just don't believe the Bible and think that it has errors. :(
Amber, I grew up with my father as the song leader of church of christ. This institution has been heartbreaking for my family to exist.
I found strange things growing up. I was the girl with a lot of questions. That made them very angry. The best thing I did for myself was to remove myself from this abusive structure.
Women were not allowed to pray or have any notion when a man was around. That's rely messed up.
I've come to a place in my life where I see spiritually in different ways.
I've been in therapy for al. Ost six years now and have had to understand my Ptsd and the abuse I had growing up with this church and my family.
It truly hurts and divides human beings.
I have so much more to say, but I'll stop here and send lots of love to you and any other person that dealt with this cult.
It's not far from Scientology in ways. Thee fear, guilt, and also the hypocrisy. Love to you.
Sorry for grammar. On my phone. Autocorrect is not do correct.
Talking about Grace. The grace is real but we can´t use our freedom to indulge the flesh. The truly reason to don´t sin isn´t the fear, but our personal expression of love by God. Is hard to walk with right steps in a way of thorns every day. But if we turn our eyes to the target and hold our love in Jesus, we´ll reach the finish line. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 Jo 1:9). God Bless!
Thank you for sharing your video and your message with us on CZcams!! A huge thank you and thumbs up to your video and message!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍
This really resonates with me. I felt so guilty for so long for not going to the COC but this really helped me let go❤️
Vikki, me as well .. I hope my story even furthers that conviction.
I came to know Christ through The Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. We were called the International Church Of Christ the main leader was Kip McKean. They were strong on Discipleship and strong in biblical reading and great fellowship. Was hard to leave thinking you were the only real church. I was suffering with emotional issues at some point in time while still there. But the church and it’s discipleship made it much worse. Disciplining became harsh and out of control not always directly with me but it was there. Women leaders ridiculed my wife in a disciplining gathering, and my wife did not tell me immediately. Two years later these same women leaders leave the church; which they would describe as fallen away! As in you are no longer with the church and therefore you will end up in hell Lol. They lost all sense of grace! They thought and probably still think they can immediately turn off & on salvation. And I knew that wasn’t right but never approached it. They would judge many by their education or status quo to move up in leadership.
There came a time when disciplining became so out of control and they bragged about it ! Authoritarians they were! There was such Self Righteousness. AND THEN IT HIT ! A major letter from another well respected leader seeing where the Church leadership has gone wrong ! And calling out the Church leaders On IT ! And immediately people were dropping and leaving the church. When this letter was read we had been with the church already 9 years we hung in there. My wife and me read this letter and my Wife Frances looking at me said Jesse you were correct. I showed her my notes previously dating back two years; praying please God give me clarity and understanding. I finally said good buy; so many were so farce and had not repented or have totally ignored it altogether; perhaps they couldn’t except it? Many of those same leaders today that wrote books Preached great sermons have left the church, some divorced their wife’s; some have never returned to a church or God due to what I have read from them personally. I am the one now on the Outside looking in “ THANK GOD”
I admit I was part of a Cult ! The cult portion has to do with Salvation through Baptism.. I struggled with this and it was hard for me to attend another church after I left, but yet I did because God showed me through fasting and prayer how wrong we were as the Church Of Christ. Yes i see baptism in the scriptures but how those scriptures and the translation of Koine Greek were mistaken by unschooled Evangelist leaders. And yet there is more proof of no physical baptism needed but some how I them were blinded to this. But I would need to write a blog because I’m only skimming the surface in this total comment.
Today this same church has split into various section and names. Many beautiful people still stuck there. And I love them. Yet they still believe and follow church of Christ standards. Sadly their in a Cult by declaring that salvation is the only through physical Baptism. Funny only the Cults believe this. The Church of Latter-day Saints , the Jehovah Witnesses and few others .. etc... And yes the Church of Christ. A church that once thought we were advancing the kingdom of God that thought they were on the cutting edge and modern. Today they lack growth their dated and still separated from all other churches because their one ☝️ plague that hinders their Growth and God won’t bless it !
@@jesserevilla992 Did Jesus say "He that believes AND is baptized shall be saved?; Mark 16:16 and I Peter 3:21 says that baptism doth also now save us? And in Acts 2:38 that in baptism our sins are washed away? And Saul/Paul was not saved until his sins were washed away in Acts 22:16. Satan is behind all this that baptism is not neccessary. He is doing the same thing he did in Genesis 3:2-4 when He inserted one three-letter word twisting God's commandment into a lie; he (Satan) inserted the word NOT, He said to the woman "Ye shall not surely die," Satan has done the same thing with the way we are saved. He has inserted the SAME three-letter word in Mark 16:16. He made Mark 16:16 say "He that believes and is "NOT" baptized shall be saved. The gospel of Christ was Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Obeying the gospel was to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins; Acts 2:38. God will take vengeance on those who do not OBEY the gospel; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. We at coC do not follow coC standards but Jesus and His word.
@@jesserevilla992 Church of Christ is NOT a cult and Jesus himself said in Mark16:15-16 "Go into all the world and preach the GOSPEL to every creature. He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved. And he that believeth not shall be condemned. Saul who later became the apostle Paul was told in Acts 22:16 "Why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord. I Peter 3:21 says baptism doth also now save us. Read Acts 8:35-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. Did you become a Christian this way?
@@jesserevilla992The Lord's church (Romans 16:16) is not a cult. It is called church of Christ because it is Christ's church; the one he purchased with His own blood; Acts 20:28. The mainstream church of Christ is not like the International church of Christ so please don't put us all in the same basket.
Since the church of Christ is autonomous one would need to visit several churches of Christ to make sure they are teaching the apostles doctrine which is mentioned in Acts 2:42 and note in verse 41 that those who gladly received His word were baptized and about three thousand souls were added to them. Note in verse 47 it says praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. One does not join the church of one's choice; the Lord adds you to His church when one obeys the gospel and is baptized in water (read Acts 8:35-38 and note what needs to be done when Jesus is preached). Saul who later became the Apostle Paul was told in Acts 22:16 "Why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord."
By the way it was as you know Jesus, himself who said in Mark 16:15-16 "Go into all the world and preach the gospel. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. And he who believeth not shall be condemned and then there is I Peter 3:21 that says "baptism doth also now save us. Also read Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:11-12. Once again the church of Christ is not a cult.
Loved your second message! You have such a awesome, great examples and knowledge of the Lord and His Word. Hope I get to see any future messages you have.
Is there anyway I could email you. You have brought a lot to my attention and has been a direct bombshell to my faith and i have a lot of questions. So much of what I have been taught and so many things coming to light. I have run into a situation where the congregations i attended were so against certain things but would hold on to manly traditions that didn't have a hill of beans to do with anything. thanks.
A lot of the terminology you mentioned is completely new to me. It shocking to me how churches like this create their own religion...
I want to start off by saying I agree with you on 99%
I also was raised Church of Christ and my father was a preacher. I blamed God for a lot of things and it took me many years before I started studying on my own. Here is what I found. Studying scripture is way different then readying the bible. Because when you study it the bible becomes a live and it transforms you. where when you read it you focus in on verses here and there and tend to get the wrong understanding. Your Idea of your grace with your kids is correct. Just as there are different Doctrines like Baptist methods and so on there are also different Doctrine in Church of Christ. My dad growing up preached grace. There is only one faith and anything outside of that is false
There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
(Ephesians 4:4-7 NASB)
Church of Christ is the only church that preaches united with Christ through Baptism
Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?
(Romans 6:3 NASB)
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
(Galatians 3:27 NASB)
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:1 NASB)
If you look at Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27 you see we are baptized into Christ we are united with him Romans 8:1 states there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ. If baptism is not necessary show me a verse that puts you in Christ without being baptized. Other religions state baptism is just a show of faith and try to use the Thief on the cross as a reason you don’t need to be baptized, but Jesus tells us in Matthew 9:6 Mark 2:10 Luke 5:24 that he had the Authority to forgive sin on earth. Now if you look at John the Baptist his whole reason for his existents was to make the way for Jesus and start the whole Idea of baptism Mark 1:4 Luke 3:3. up until John the only way to make it to heaven was to follow the law so when John started preaching baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sin people wanted in on that. In Acts 2:38 the next part of this comes in once baptized we receive the Gift of the Holy spirit. Without that Gift we are not marked for salvation and there is no way that we can walk a new life sinless. Now the bible also teaches that are walk increase over time and we are not a perfect Christian overnight but yet the Holy spirit works on us over time its that strive for perfection that God is looking for. Now he not looking for a perfection of following rules he is looking for a change of heart. That change of heart is what causes us to leave sin behind. As far as I know Church of Christ is the only church that preaches this. They may not be perfect but without this you are not united with Christ the bible is clear on that.
we are saved by Grace there is no one without sin
But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
(John 8:7 NASB)
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
(1 John 1:5-10 NASB)
To Walk in sin means that it’s your way of life. It is not talking about someone that in a moment of weakness sinned realized there sin and asked for forgiveness and did not make this a part of their life style.
Foot Washing
Jesus was not teaching foot Washing as a part of religion he was teaching humbeling yourself and serving others, not putting yourself above others.
So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. "Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
(John 13:12-17 NASB)
I think the idea you were looking for was John 15:1-7
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
(John 15:1-7 NASB)
abiding in Christ if following the things he taught and the Holy Spirit passed on through the Apostles.
Tony Stites John the Baptist head many reasons besides baptism!!!!
1) John was to be a witness that Christ was the messiah spoke of in the Old Testament
2) John was from the Levitical priest his baptizing the Messiah was, necessary according to the Levitical law so that Christ could become the new high priest
3) please research the history of the word baptism, christ also brought a baptism that had nothing to do with water!! When you search the Scriptures see if you can rightly divide the baptism of repentance Johns and the baptism of the Holy Ghost Christ , they are different.
Tony Stites 100 percent true your amazing...💪🏾
These former Campbell Lights are little more than a man made cult.
Tony Stites **it deeply saddens me to know that Coc thinks no born again christian other than members of their church will go to heaven. Just like JW'S, LDS, SCIENTOLOGY, CATHOLICS, JEWS... JESUS NEVER SAID CHURCH MEMBERSHIP WAS REQUIRED.... SO SAD AND HAVE PITY THAT YOU SERV SUCH A SMALL GOD THAT CANNOT SAVE PEOPLE WHO CRY OUT TO CHRIST, REPENT, BAPTIZED, AND EXPERIENCE CHANGE OF HEART AND MIND, BUT SINCE THEY DIDN'T JOIN Y O U R CHURCH THEY ARE CHILDREN OF HELL AND DECEIVED ABOUT MASSIVE CHANGES AND ANSWERED PRAYER AND DESIRE TO SHARE CHRIST WITH OTHERS... I GUESS IF YOU WERE JEWISH YOU WOULD'VE BEEN A PHARISEE....WE KNOW HOW JESUS LOVED THEM RIGHT? PRAY THAT CHRIST GIVES YOU MERCY ON OTHER BELIEVERS AND RELIEVE YOU OF CONDEMNING EVERY CHRISTIAN NOT EXACTLY LIKE YOU EVERY WAKEN MOMENT OF EVERY DAY.... STARTING IN GOSPEL OF JOHN, FIFTH CHAPTER PLEASE READ SERMON ON THE MOUNT.... BY THE WAY YOU JUDGE OTHERS. Y O U WILL BE JUDGED. I'M NOT SURE IF YOUR CHURCH IS A CULT BUT IT SEEMS THAT ANYONE WHO PROFESSES CHRIST IS LORD YOU WOULD FEEL SOME LOVE FOR.... THEN AGAIN THE CHRIST I SERVE HAD LOVE AND MERCY ESPECIALLY ON THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED ON HIM... EVIDENTLY YOUR ORG. INC DOESN'T SHARE THAT... SAD AND PITIFUL 🙁....I said earlier that you serve a smaller GOD than I but actually it is how small YOU have made him, the GOD I SERV IS THE GOD OF ABRAHAM ISAAC AND JACOB.... WHICH THERE WAS NO GOD BEFORE AND NO GOD AFTER.... HIS SON JESUS CHRIST TESTIFIES AND POINTS TO HIM AND THE COMFORTER CONSTANTLY.... I AM NOT ANGRY AT WHAT YOU SAY JUST DISAPPOINTED I NEVER KNEW HOW Y'ALL ARE, AND MY ANCESTORS WERE COC SO I WORRY
ABOUT ANYONE OR ANYTHING BELIEVING A COPYRIGHTS ON GOD THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.
Ephesians 2:8,9 Romans 10:9 Hello.
Hey you are spot on when doctrine, which should guide our life, becomes something of a mental ascendancy to God that determines our standing with HIm it all goes pear shaped instead of living out a relationship with Him, you are an inspiration! God Bless You
I just found your videos and i am grieved that youve had these experiences. I grew up in the christian church. Went to Christian seminary, it wasnt until 10 years after that that i had lived all over the country and i see what your talking about. Ive been to lots of different kind of churches and to be honest. Ive yet to find a church where i agree on ALL the doctrine. Anyway. I apreciate your story
Jeremy Stevig What doctrine of the coC do you not believe is true?
@@lindahutchens8612 i dont remember right off.
@@jewelediris Jeremy, the churches of Christ follow the apostle's doctrine; Acts 2:42.
I have been down the same path during my 12 year walk with the Trinity. Through my experience, I have also learned about the Old Testament being about law and the New Testament being about grace. From my perspective at least, growing up from both backgrounds, not to mention a lot of ungodly backgrounds from both sides (which I lived as well having a history of mental illness and drug use) I have learned that you need a balance of both, and unfortunately, there are a lot of Churches that are too much of one or the other. I had to go through several Churches before finding the right one for me (and yes I do prefer one that is relational not judgemental), but even though I may have found the right one and I do trust God, I still don't trust people despite not having any problems with the ones at my current place of worship. Unfortunately law and grace play a big role in politics as well. Anyway, this is just my two cents, and that's how I see it, in the end though it's between the individual and the Lord.
You speak the absolute truth. My family and I left CoC because of the spiritual abuse and bickering over what is and isn’t “scriptural.” I wish you’d make more of these videos as you continue your journey!
The thing I missed out on the most was the Holy Spirit. They teach cessation, but the Holy Spirit is alive and well today. The Spirit breathes fire into our souls and love and wisdom in our hearts. I have embraced this since leaving-I never believed in cessation even in the CoC.
I would similarly love to hear more about what you’ve been discovering in your spiritual (and personal) life since leaving. I hope you are well and happy in your spiritual freedom. God bless you.
The Holy Spirit never ceased, just the supernatural miraculous abilities given to man. This is very common church of Christ teaching.
Your dishwashing sink analogy is the most concise, coherent critique of the Churches of Christ as I have ever heard.
Amber I agree with you on so much. I went to the conservative Church of Christ with my wife for 35 year. I grew up in the less conservative Church. I never accepted the strict beliefs of the conservative church. I hoped to change them from within but could not. We now attend a church more like where I grew up and less conservative. It is refreshing but not perfect but I see grace as covering the churches too. We are both more open to others beliefs. We don't agree with all but we do realize that most love Christ and our pray is that grace will cover all of us.
Dickie Hooton What beliefs are you open to?
This is a real good start, and you will see more everyday.
Amber, please don’t denominate from any denomination and please don’t create your own personal denomination. I praise God for the Spiritual battle that is occurring within you. God Bless!!
There you go again you people have not learnt anything from Paul. If you think you are so righteousness then you have missed it. If you think others are lost pray for them daily stop condemnation
I'm a member of the church of christ and the congregation I belong to doesn't make laws up or commandments because we would be cursed by God
Amber, we must have been raised in pretty much the same “sect” of COC’s. Thank you for such a clear, coherent (pt 2, also) exposure of the doctrine. I was surprised you didn’t mention another favorite of theirs, 2Tim2:15 “....rightly dividing the word of truth “. The Lord brought me out 30 years ago at the age of 37. I remember reading Romans and thinking, “This book makes no sense to me!” Well, I guess not! It didn’t fit our doctrine and instead of rejecting the doctrine I just continued to embrace the doctrine! The Lord didn’t leave me alone though, and I am now a pastor’s wife in one of those churches that we were taught teach the devil’s doctrine. Another thing the Lord did for me was to have someone give me a good book on Dispensational Truth. That book greatly helped me to “rightly divide”. So glad I decided to see if anyone had posted a similar coming out.
Edie Butler How does coc not rightly divide the word? Also what is the doctrine that the church of Christ teaches that is not scriptural.
@@lindahutchens8612 Does the book of Romans fit the COC doctrine? Does Romans 3:21-28 fit their theology if you have a biblical definition of these words: justified, grace, redemption? Pay special attention to vs 26. Then ch 4:5-8; ch 5:8-11 (get biblical definition of atonement). Ro 10:6-9. COC do not make a division between “salvation” scriptures and “walking out your salvation” scriptures as the Lord teaches us as we walk this walk of faith and learn to separate flesh from spirit. During this walk I do not fear going to hell as I am confident in what Christ accomplished at Calvary; however, I do fear displeasing the One who died for me because we now have a relationship in which I can return the great love He has for me. I don’t know if this helps you or not. I know I was such a devout COC that it took a situation in my life that caused me to have to cry out to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was then that Jesus showed up for me and I experienced the “great salvation “ spoken of in Hebrews 2:3 and He became “not a doctrine “ but a “real savior “ that I could know personally! No one will make it to heaven because they follow a set of rules, but only because they KNOW him. I will ask anyone reading this, “Do you know Him? Or do you know rules?”
@@ediebutler8138 The church of Christ follows the apostle's doctrine; Acts 2:42. Now can you tell me using scripture how one becomes a Christian and also where do you worship at?
Thank you so much for this, I have a friend who was in your situation. How you explain things helps me understand his upbringing. He also went to the bible college and was a youth minister. He has been "searching" or trying out other religions. The statement you made about how the doctrine is everything makes a lot of sense when he quotes scripture without context. I know he was hurt at his church and it is intertwined with his family. I am praying that he develops a relationship with Christ and learns of his love, grace, and forgiveness. As his friend I do not know how to be supportive, do you have any suggestions. I definitely want to show him this video ( when the time is right)to show him he is not alone, and that you have searched for Christ and began a deeper real relationship with him. And that Christ can heal his hurt.
Maria Wardlow Can you explain to me how one is saved and please use scripture?
The doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a matter of perfection, but a matter of how we ought to live our lives on the purpose of God for us. Truly, there are no perfect persons or even Christians. You've just been discouraged. But do not leave the body of Christ, the church. Encourage your spirit with the words of God. 😊
I hope you will be enlightened Sister.
- Jomar Garbo, Church of Christ preacher, Philippines
Amber Amber Amber...such a beautiful name...I have to be honest with you from the start...i started not to watch your video for fear that it would cause even more confusion within myself...but i am glad that i watched it...ive also sat here and read alot of the comments ...only a few do i agree with...i have to focus on one main thing here that you said...in the first video...and that is the feeling of the need to be perfect...oh my ...i have been there and i know another who i love dearly that now feels that way...no hon none of us will ever be perfect...it took me so long to realize that...but it is my hearts desire to serve the Lord...I have only just recently returned to the scriptures and looking at COC videos in search of answers...I will continue to read and search...but this i must share with you ...at a time when i felt that need to be perfect...it was a church of christ sister that said to me...the only difference between a sinner and a christian is that a christian is a saved sinner...this is where pauls preaching comes in ...we are to strive to be perfect but we wont ever be perfect until that day when the lord takes us home...i have heard it said since my teens that coc believes we are the only ones going to heaven...when that was first said to me it hurt me a great deal..i do not believe that way..i know now where they come to that conclusion but i also know now that each and every religion seems to think the same thing...i have come to the conclusion that...God knows a persons heart better than we know our own hearts...and that i do believe is what we will be judged by...my dear girl i love you and i respect your bravery...i am saddened to read that you no longer have anything to do with your family...my mama taught me that actions speak louder than words...love is a verb it is an act of doing something ...it took christ to die for us for God to show us how great his love is for each and everyone one of us...i do hope that you and your family will make amends before it is too late ...if you really are serving God in what ever way you it is that you believe you are serving him...it all starts and ends with love and forgiveness ...or that is my thoughts on the subject ...as i said i too am still searching...i have not left the church beliefs at this point but i am searching ...my prayer is for all man kind because i know there will be a day of judgement and as God delays his coming so that all might come to him...I too would love to know that we will all be saved but not my will ...but Gods and in that i must trust God and his judgements ...prayer sweetie
I'm cut from a different bolt of cloth. For years I was a talented church organist. A part of all social ministries full time. Until I crossed paths with a conservative gospel preacher did I find out why my life was filled with confusion and inward dispare. I learned how to love myself and love others as myself. All my many friends can visibly see my love for God. What a great life I have now! (BTW I am a closet keyboardist and love it)
@Nolan Duncan Bwahahaha! All the love I have seen you express could fit into a thimble, just like nearly all the Church of Christers I've met over the last 30 years. You are 66 years old and never married. With friends like you have, a person needs no enemies, even that big doctor in Waco. Go learn what this means: "I was hungry, you didn't feed me, I was thirsty, you gave me nothing to drink, I was in prison and you didn't visit me...." People like you are the reason people are leaving! Bleh! I just want to puke!
I have just watched two of your videos on why you left the COC. Just curious on what "doctrine" you follow after this experience with an erred Church of Christ. - SarahBeth King
Anna King You will not get an answer from Amber. I asked her what commandments do we need to follow and if she still believed baptism is essential for salvation and no answer still; so sad.
Yes I'm in the Church of Christ and this is everything I hate about it
Get out!
Leave
You've got to love this young woman. God bless her for being so courageous.
It seems to be like this in many denominations. It almost seems like grace, humility, and being broken before God has been lost. It's heartbreaking. People are either on the far right or left of the spectrum. Grace has been turned into, I CAN LIVE AS THE WORLD LIVES AND GO TO HEAVEN, or LIVE LEGALISTIC WITH NO GRACE AT ALL. You hit this right on the head!! God wants us humble, seeking His righteousness and living in grace to accomplish His purpose. I'm so glad God opened your eyes to His truth. TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOREVER!!
You seemed very confused. I am a coach and know that God cares about obedience. A coach has to follow the rule book. Jesus built his Church and tells us what is correct. The old testament was written for our learning. The new testament is our will of our Lord
More focus should be on the 2 New Commandments that Jesus gave us. Is there any reason to become militant about any of the rest of scripture? Sure if you want to start argument of silly headedness waste of time..
Why would anyone try to turn certain scripture into dogma other than to restrict our freedom of knowing the truth that sets one free to believe.
Many denominations won't love their brothers because they think they have all the correct answers which really is a form of pride.
Amber thank you. Your first video was as if you were describing my life growing up
in the coc. Both your videos helped me on my journey “waking up” from my many years of indoctrination. Please don’t listen to those who belittle you. I would love to see you post more videos I have been so encouraged by you.
I feel that when you talk about the Church of Christ, there is a notion that every single church of christ do exactly these things which I feel just isn't true. :( One COC doesn't compute to All COC
The church is the body of Christ....which is the church members and not the building
The turbo
Absolutely!
Early Church Fathers on the History of the Bible
The Apostles quoted straight from the Old Testament over 300 times when writings their epistles that ended up becoming the New Testament. Which version did they use 90% of the time? The Septuagint with the Catholics 46 Books or the Protestant’s Hebrew version with 39 books? Click on the link below to get a few examples of which Old Testament the Apostles used
ecclesia.org/truth/comparisons.html
Luther took out the 7 deuterocanonical books, he also added to the Bible as well! Luther was a nut case!
www.davidlgray.info/2013/09/11/500-years-of-protestantism-the-33-most-ridiculous-things-martin-luther-ever-wrote/
Did the Early Church Fathers know those 7 deuterocanonical books were Scripture? You better believe it!
practicalapologetics.blogspot.com/2013/07/early-church-fathers-on-apocrypha.html
Here’s some more bible facts for you.......
The Codex Vaticanus is the oldest manuscript in existence of an incomplete Bible (missing some books and has some books that was deemed non-scriptural 80+ years later at the Council of Rome) and one of the most priceless documents in the world. It sits in the Vatican Library today and those 7 deuterocanonical books are in there! (300ad)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_Vaticanus
Did the Bible fall from the sky? Nope! The Catholic Church decided which books belonged in the New Testament at the councils of Rome 382, Hippo, 393, and Carthage 397
www.tertullian.org/decretum_eng.htm
Council of Rome outline
www.newadvent.org/fathers/3816.htm
Council of Carthage outline
St. Jerome initial translation of the Latin Vulgate Bible does not have those 7 books. It wasn’t until after letters from St. Augustine and Pope Damasus I explaining to him that the Apostles used the Greek Septuagint. So St.Jerome added them back to his translation. How do we know? You can read all their correspondence and the original Latin Vulgate is in the Vatican Library today. Yes those 7 glorious books were in the Latin Vulgate translated by St Jerome in the 380’s.
vulgate.org
Did the Catholic Church prevent people from reading the Bible? No! You often hear that the Catholic Church prevented people from reading the Bible, killed people for translating the Bible and so forth. This kind of propaganda is called “Black Legend”. It comes from the Church of England to put out false propaganda on the Catholic Church.
Here’s some quick facts.
Catholic Monks hand wrote the Bible up until the printing press was invented taking them from 10-20 years for each copy depending on how extravagant each one was with art work. The poverty level in the 15th century was around 90%. What does this mean? Most people were poor and couldn’t afford a Bible. The literacy rate was around 25% in the 15th century. What does this mean? Not many people could read! The Bible was written in Latin from St. Jerome in 380ad. What does this mean? Nobody except Catholic Clergy could read Latin. Bibles were very expensive to produce so they were chained up to the lecture inside the church so no one could steal it. The “word” or “Bible” was not hidden from the people ever! The Catholic Mass is completely scripture! The complete 73 books are read entirely every 3 years in the. Catholic Church!
Johanas Gutenberg invented a printing press in the mid 1400’s. Gutenberg printed only Bibles at first. It was the Latin Vulgate Bible! There are 50 original copies in existence today in the finest libraries and museums in the world. The University of Texas has digitized it for your enjoyment. Guess what? Those 7 deuterocanonical books are in Gutenberg’s Bible! Remember while reading this that Gutenberg’s newly printed bible was printed before Martin Luther was even born! 😮
www.hrc.utexas.edu/gutenberg-bible/
The Latin Vulgate was translated into English in the 1500’s. Those 7 books are in their!
www.drbo.org
The first place we see a Bible with those 7 Deuterocanonical books not listed in it is Luther’s “Lut 1545” Bible. That’s right! Luther took them out!
newchristianbiblestudy.org/bible/german-luther-1545/
Even King James knew you shouldn’t take those books out so he added them back to his KJV 1611 bible. They were in his KJV for 275 years until they were mysteriously were removed in an 1885 KJV translation!
www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611-Bible/
Early Church Fathers on Peter Being the First Bishop of the Church in Rome
Clement Recognitions book 1 (27-97 ad)
The epistle in which the same Clement, writing to James the Lord's brother, informs him of the death of Peter, and that he had left him his successor in his chair and teaching, and in which also the whole subject of church order is treated, I have not prefixed to this work, both because it is of later date, and because I have already translated and published it. But I do not think it out of place to explain here what in that letter will perhaps seem to some to be inconsistent. Since Linus and Cletus were bishops in the city of Rome before this Clement, how could Clement himself say that the chair of teaching was handed over to him by Peter? Now of this we have heard this explanation, that Linus and Cletus were indeed bishops in the city of Rome before Clement, but during the lifetime of Peter: that is, that they undertook the care of the episcopate, and that he fulfilled the office of apostleship; as is found also to have been the case at Caesarea, where, when he himself was present, he yet had Zacchaeus, ordained by himself, as bishop. And in this way both statements will appear to be true, both that these bishops are reckoned before Clement, and yet that Clement received the teacher's seat on the death of Peter.
Tertullian Prescription Against Heretics ch 22 (160- 240 ad)
Was anything withheld from the knowledge of Peter, who is called "the rock on which the church should be built," who also obtained "the keys of the kingdom of heaven," with the power of "loosing and binding in heaven and on earth?"
Tertullian Prescription Against Heretics ch 32 (160- 240 ad)
For it is evident that those men lived not so long ago,--in the reign of Antoninus for the most part,--and that they at first were believers in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, in the church of Rome under the episcopate of the blessed Eleutherus, the 13th Bishop of Rome until on account of their ever restless curiosity,with which they even infected the brethren, they were more than once expelle
Tertullian The Prescription Against Heretics ch 32 [160-240 AD]
"[T]his is the way in which the apostolic churches transmit their lists: like the church of the Smyrneans, which records that Polycarp was placed there by John, like the church of the Romans, where Clement was ordained by Peter" (Demurrer Against the Heretics 32:2 [A.D. 200]).
Caius Fragment 2 AGAINST THE HERESY OF ARTEMON ch 1 (180-240 ad)
For they say that all those of the first age, and the apostles themselves, both received and taught those things which these men now maintain; and that the truth of Gospel preaching was preserved until the times of Victor, who was the fourteenth bishop in Rome after Peter,
Origen Commentary on the Gospel of John Book 5 par 3 (185-254 ad)
And Peter, on whom Christ had to build his church, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail left only one epistle of acknowledged genuineness.
Cyprian of Carthage Epistle 45 par 2 [200-270 AD]
We," they say, "know that Cornelius, the twenty-first bishop of the most holy Catholic Church elected by Almighty God, and by Christ our Lord. We confess our error; we have suffered imposture; we were deceived by captious perfidy and loquacity. For although we seemed, as it were, to have held a kind of communion with a man who was a schismatic and a heretic, yet our mind was always sincere in the Church. For we are not ignorant that there is one God; that there is one Christ the Lord whom we have confessed, and one Holy Spirit; and that in the Catholic Church there ought to be one bishop."
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 74 par 16 (200-270 ad)
But what is the greatness of his error, and what the depth of his blindness, who says that remission of sins can be granted in the synagogues of heretics, and does not abide on the foundation of the one Church which was once based by Christ upon the rock, may be perceived from this, that Christ said to Peter alone, "Whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." And again, in the Gospel, when Christ breathed on the apostles alone, saying, remitted unto them, and whose soever sins ye retain they are retained." Therefore the power of remitting sins was given to the apostles, and to the churches which they, sent by Christ, established, and to the bishops who succeeded to them by vicarious ordination. But the enemies of the one Catholic Church in which we are, and the adversaries of us who have succeeded the apostles, asserting for themselves, in opposition to us, unlawful priesthoods, and setting up profane altars, what else are they than Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, profane with a like wickedness, and about to suffer the same punishments which they did, as well as those who agree with them, just as their partners and abettors perished with a like death to theirs?
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 72 par 7 (200-270 ad)
But it is manifest where and by whom remission of sins can be given; to wit, that which is given in baptism. For first of all the Lord gave that power to Peter, upon whom He built the Church, and whence He appointed and showed the source of unity--the power, namely, that whatsoever he loosed on earth should be loosed in heaven. And after the resurrection, also, He speaks to the apostles, saying, "As the Father hath sent me, even so I send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith, unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained." Whence we perceive that only they who are set over the Church and established in the Gospel law, and in the ordinance of the Lord, are allowed to baptize and to give remission of sins; but that without, nothing can either be bound or loosed, where there is none who can either bind or loose anything.
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 54 par 14 (200-270 ad)
After such things as these, moreover, they still dare--a false bishop having been appointed for them by, heretics--to set sail and to bear letters from schismatic and profane persons to the throne of Peter, and to the chief church whence priestly unity takes its source; and not to consider that these were the Romans whose faith was praised in the preaching of the apostle, to whom faithlessness could have no access.
Cyprian of Carthage Epistle 51 par 8 [200-270 AD]
"Cornelius was made bishop by the decision of God and of his Christ, by the testimony of almost all the clergy, by the applause of the people then present, by the college of venerable priests and good men, at a time when no one had been made bishop before him-when the place of Pope Fabian, which is the place of Peter, the dignity of the sacerdotal chair, was vacant. Since it has been occupied both at the will of God and with the ratified consent of all of us, whoever now wishes to become bishop must do so outside. For he cannot have ecclesiastical rank who does not hold to the unity of the Church"
Cyprian of Carthage Treatise 1 par 4 [200-270 AD]
There is easy proof for faith in a short summary of the truth. The Lord speaks to Peter, saying, "I say unto thee, that thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." And again to the same He says, after His resurrection, resurrection, He gives an equal power, and says, "As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you: Receive ye the Holy Ghost: He arranged by His authority the origin of that unity, as beginning from one.
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 39 par 5 [200-270 AD]
There is one God, and Christ is one, and there is one Church, and one chair founded upon the rock by the word of the Lord. Another altar cannot be constituted nor a new priesthood be made, except the one altar and the one priesthood.
Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad)
...and guardian of all preceding and subsequent occupiers of this pontifical chair ...Peter was the first of the apostles...
Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad)
A cycle of two hundred and eighty-five years from the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had rolled round, when the venerable Theonas, the bishop of this city, by an ethereal flight, mounted upwards to the celestial kingdoms. To him Peter, succeeding at the helm of the Church, was by all the clergy and the whole Christian community appointed bishop, the sixteenth in order from Mark the Evangelist, who was also archbishop of the city.
Acts of Andrew (260 ad)
And while he was thus speaking, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to them in the form of a child, and said to them: Hail, Peter, bishop of the whole Church!
Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad)
feared to rend His coat; he was so hurried on by giving the rein to his madness, that, rending asunder the Catholic Church not only in the cities of Egypt, but even in its villages, he ordained bishops of his own party, nor cared he aught for Peter, nor for Christ, who was in the person of Peter.
nice video. i attend COC and I go along with the doctrine that's consistent with scripture and ignore the rest....
Brian J One cannot even get an answer from Amber if she still believes baptism is necessary for salvation.
I see it as a love relationship that is so great that we want to do what makes the other person happy. In a dating relationship the guy buys flowers for his girlfriend because he loves her, not because he is afraid she will kill him. If someone pulls another person out from the path of a speeding car the one that was rescued will feel gratitude for the act and want to express it in some way. Its a big subject but love should be the motivation for what we do. Don't kill because we love the other person, don't steal because we love the person that owns what we see, etc.
I completely agree. I escaped from the ICC which branched off from the church of Christ. It was horrible.....
ICOC is a completely different deal and I'm glad you left. Would you consider attending a mainstream church of Christ?
sasha perez
ICC ( International Church of Christ) is far from a mainstream Church of Christ. ICC is not a part of C of C.
sasha perez Glad you left ICC but that is NOT coC.
Any church ,believers should follo the word of God. Only God checks our Hearts nothing else
Thanks, Amber. I very much appreciate your beautiful testimony. I, too, grew up in the churches of Christ. My dad was an elder. I still believe I am in the church of Christ, but also the church of God, the Christian Church, the body of Believers, the Ecclesia, the Disciples of Christ, whatever name the followers of Jesus have used I can use because I am part of God's family. The unity of believers is what our LORD prayed for in the Garden and you promote that rather than encourage division. GOD bless you and your family.
Or The Catholic Church.
@@9036164689 ha ha the Catholic church.....name not in the word of God.
howardcoRTL Where is the name Christian church in the word of God?
Thank you, Amber!! God bless you! Thank you for your testimony, for being so articulate, for your knowledge of the scripture, and having the courage to make these videos. I can relate so much, so very much. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and you are not alone. ❤✌🙂
In early Christianity, there is no example of a building specifically constructed for Christian worship. The New Testament model is house churches.
Amber this made a lot of sense to me. I, too, was raised in the CoC. My Dad was a deacon and minister. He grew up with Campbellite followers. I wasn’t allowed 😊😊to play sports at school, no dances, no association with people at school. I, too, was isolated and sheltered and I was only to participate in church activities. I was physically, emotionally, psychologically, and religiously abused. I was not to sing “church songs” with instruments. But it was hard to control that because music always came naturally to me. I asked on several occasions why we were acapella. I could not get an answer that made sense. The one comment that kept getting thrown at me is sing and make melody in your heart. I could never understand why one couldn’t sing and make melody in your heart with a piano or a guitar. Still don’t. If you are singing and praising God with your heart, God is the one who sees what is in your heart. I am 59, and I have questioned many things taught by the CoC. Having these questions has made me look in the Bible to find the answers.
Hi Melanie,
If you are willing, I would love an opportunity to speak to you. I am 59 as well... grew up in the one cup COC and it has tortured my spiritual walk in unspeakable ways. Hope to hear from you.
@@Bluke60 My book may help you to put the pieces together concerning the CoC.
I thank God for you. I have this week decided to stop attending the COC I go to. The men have instituted a culture of keeping the women there as second class citizens. As a single woman I won't conform to their system of what is essentially spiritual abuse, and I don't think this is the environment my daughter should be in any longer. It has been a trying week, but your videos have been an encouragement and have helped me with this bit of cognitive dissonance I'm experiencing over it all. Thank you again & you are in my prayers.
I watched both videos and I first went to a instrumental coc and went to a non instrumental one for 5 years and left it and went back to my original church that does play musical instruments coc. The one I went to for 5 years made me to a point that it made me miserable going to church. I am glad I switch back to my old coc. I agree with a lot you say as I have too saw what your are talking in a heavy conservative coc. I pray that you find a coc that meets your needs.
Wow! Hats off to you! After four years at a huge Big 10 engineering school, I remained devoted. But then, just a couple months into my career, I had enough freetime to realize, "Oh, those two world views aren't compatible." I've been an agnostic athiest, I suppose, ever since and still, forty years later, feel a bit like a survivor of cancer or a cult.
Thank you for sharing your testimony. It was very helpful and I was blessed to hear it. I appreciate your courage. God bless!
I'm a COC preacher's kid who recently left for the second time. Thank you for sharing your videos. I would love to discuss with you more your reasoning for leaving and the backlash you may or may not have faced after leaving - and also how you were able to move forward after leaving the church. I was raised in it, and have struggled personally with the doctorine my entire life. However to save the relationship with my family, I kept going and doing ("drinking the kool aid"). I do understand what you said in your first video about your parents loving you intellectually and not emotionally. I would like someone to talk to who understands what I'm going through...
The House Smith, my family no longer associates with me, and many of my friends have written me off as well. But there are several friend who believe like I do and they are trying to affect change from within. It is extremely difficult to lose your culture and way of life. I believe it will take a long time for me to heal, but God is good, and he has never left me. He never will.
Amber Head
I don’t speak to my family anymore either after being extremely hurt by their actions, and I have no friends from the COC. We’ve isolated from non Christian extended family, erring Christian extended family, and bc no one outside of the COC could possibly be safe to form friendships with (said sarcastically) I also was prevented from forming deep rooted friendships with others. I find myself stuck in this cycle of being glad I’m out bc I’m generally happier but I find myself extremely isolated which becomes lonely at times. And breaking free from the rules and confinement’s of the COC often makes me feel as if I’m floating in space unsure of where I’m supposed to go with my life.
The first time I left I was actually kicked me out of my home (given thirty days to vacate) for not breaking off my engagement with my now husband who I’ve been married to for 11 years. It was determined I shouldn’t be unequally yolked with the world and under the guise of “reasonable authority” I was given the ultimatum.
Im now a year out from leaving again. After a multiplicity of hurtful actions I put up with for far too long - on top of the doctrinal issues.
I too think this will take a while to heal. I’m just hoping not too long.
Amber Head I wish there was a way to message people on here outside of public comments.
I can relate to the loneliness and uncertainty. It is difficult to be okay "living in the unknown," not having an exclusive answer for every doctrinal question. But it's freeing as well. Feel free to look me up on Facebook messenger! I'm sorry you've had such a rough road. The people God put on earth to love you unconditionally hurt you deeply, it seems. Hang in there. Jesus is worth it.
I’d love to look you up and chat more! Thank you!
Amber Head I have left lots of comments and all have disappeared. Can you tell me why? Also once again can you tell me if you believe baptism is necessary for salvation? What commands do you believe we have to follow?
ONne Preacher Said It This Way;
We Need No mechanical Instruments Of Music Simply Because WE ARE THE INSTRUMENTS👍🏿❗️
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
The Bible makes things black and white but people always want to gray everything. Don't be afraid to wield the sword and make righteous judgement. No ye not that ye shall judge the world?
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Mathew 5 verse 48 King James Bible
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. I believe this was not a suggestion from Jesus Christ but a command. Leviticus 20:26 ... You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart
from the nations to be my own. ... You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. ... 1John 3 verse 9 King James Version
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
I always cringe a little when I watch these "why I left the coc" videos mainly because I see myself in people like Amber 12yrs ago. I was like them. I had all their questions. I attended the Richland Hills church of Christ, now named The Hills Church led by Rick Atchley. I too thought I was "being led by God" but began to really observe and listen to what was being preached and done. Instead of being lead by emotion I started to study and be led by the Holy Spirit and reason.
I looked around during the instrumental services. I started to see through the stage smoke, the loud instruments, the multicolored stage lights and multimedia presentations.
A watershed moment was when a few of the members during one of the adult classes claimed to be able to "speak in tongues". yes like the Benny Hinn type. I desired discernment and studied diligently.
I realized that these people were really no different than the people in the CoC that they criticized. They were legalistic too just in a different manner. I also realized that I had become the prodigal son. I was the one that left the church to create a God that is not in the bible. To worship God of my will instead of His. I realized that the "conservative church of Christ' as they are called had been right all along.
I notice how Amber says 'Just think of what they are missing" in regards to worship and fellowship with God. I am sooo glad I do not have that spirit anymore. I now realize it's not about me, it's about pleasing God. I don't want want God to miss out. I don't want Him to be displeased with the offering of the fruit of my lips and singing in spirit and truth.
I have now come back to the "conservative' church and have grown so much in the last 3 yrs. I pray that Amber and people like her will return as well.
So true. "I notice how Amber says 'Just think of what they are missing" in regards to worship and fellowship with God."
Yep, just think of what Noah was missing when he couldn't have the smell of cedar on the ark. It has such a beautiful smell and is a beautiful wood. It is so delightful to the nose and to the eyes. He should have used it even though it would have been blatant rebellion against God for surely God wouldn't have minded, right? Noah must have been a victim of legalism since he did what God told him to do instead of going with what smells and looks good. Of course, Noah survived the flood, too.
There's another example that Amber probably won't like as authority. (Romans 15:4)
They probably will exclaim that my spirit and motivation is wrong, but such is the case when people have made up their mind that "Freedom in Christ" is freedom to do as you please. I've had this alleged many times, and it gets tiresome when they have no reply but, "God didn't say not to do it."
Thank you for sharing an important perspective that can only come from dilligent study with an open mind, and heart.
Can one truly know the correct path to follow without that mindset? "Study to show yourself approved of God a workman that need not be ahsamed rightly dividing the word of truth". We should always prefer the word to direct our steps. Should we want that any other way?
Could not agree more. Worship that stirs an emotional response is awesome, but it's ultimately not about me. I love your perspective, and I respect Amber's, as well.
Church of Christ is not the only church or congregation doing The Will Of God!!
dsvet I can’t deal with all the fear mongering any more my self! They have no clue what or how to have a good balance between love and fear mongering.
Well spoken thank you this has touched me thank you
Amber, may the Lord bless you! keep walking in grace and love your family, your brothers in Christ and preach the Gospel. In Acts 15:24 after much debate the Holy Spirit informed the council what was expected from the gentiles as brothers in Christ. Love you sister in Christ! Praise the Lord.
Amber,
Have you read the book "Church Refugees"? It is not only the coC who has distorted scriptures while designing what they believe to be the Church? In fact there is "only one church" the one which Jesus established. Notice that one carefully in scriptures and observe that it never shows its self as physical congregation in a physical location. That is because the church that Jesus designed is within each of his followers. It is just like God and Jesus it is a living Spirit. This Spirit (the church) can exist in any environment of this world, inside prisons, within governments who oppose it (they do not have any power over the Spiritual Church). Get one of the many Bible search engines (I use e-sword almost exclusively, its free, but for a small fee you can have over 20 translations to search). Search on words or phrases. Search NT for "worship" and see if there is any instructions to "go to or to attend worship". Why would there not be? if you were commanded to go to "worship", then it would have been a necessity that there was a time that you were not worshiping. God wants your life to be a worship, to do that involves 24/7, never off duty. Does anyone think Jesus displayed that he was not worshiping his father 24/7 ? How many organizations called church have explained that your worship is not in the assembly?
Larry Cheek, I have not read that book, but I agree with the principle. Our lives should be 24/7 worship.
All our life is not worship. These are the kind of comments that show's complete ignorance. We eat, we work, we exercise and do many other things that are not worship. All of Jesus life was not worship and he's are perfect example. He did no sin nor was there any guile found in his mouth, Jesus hungered, he wearied, he agonized, he wept to mention a few things that he did. Please study the bible without predetermining what it's saying before you read or being influenced by someone else. Read with integrity that you might received with meekness the implanted word that's able to save your soul. God bless you.
You are speaking nothing but TRUTH!
@JAY SINGLETON I'm not. God bless.
I was raised in the church of Christ, my grandfather was an Elder and I was always taught that the church of Christ is the ONE and only true church. I do believe this according to Ephesians 4 that there is only ONE WAY, and this is primarily why I have remained in the church of Christ because I don't think other religions follow Christ's command to believe and be baptized to be saved as in Mark 16 and other conversion examples in the NT obviously confirm that. All the years I was in the CoC I never questioned the obvious beliefs of the church. I was a member of a local church of Christ in Kentucky for 13 years. This congregation once had 400 members and strong Elders to lead the flock. Over the years though the church became lost in its church of Christ traditions. Young people left, members aged and passed on, no new members would come or stay, the Eldership died and no qualified leaders stepped up. The men tried to fulfill their responsibility to lead but only to continue the failed implementation of man made church traditions. Until one day when they had an opportunity to do something scriptural and some members opposed making a few remaining members question, WHY? These were women who wanted to do right by scripture. The men just said no and gave no explanation. This made some of the women Christians upset and they wanted to sit in on the "men's" business meeting to get some answers. The men would not allow the women to attend their meeting. The women asked why they were being excluded from the church work. Finally they said because women are to remain silent in the church, citing 1 Cor. 14. The women said the men are wrongly applying this scripture out of context and applying it as a gag order on women in the church. The women do not want to be in authority over men in this church they just want to be able to participate in the church work. They asked the men to study the issue from the bible but the men refused to study or discuss it with the women. They just kept saying women should be silent, women cannot usurp authority of a man. The preacher agreed that this matter needed to be studied and prayed about so he started a series of sermons on the topic of women of bible. This made the men angry and after about six months of harsh criticism they fired the preacher. The preacher and maybe 10 of the members left saying they could no longer agree with their doctrines of man made traditions and idol worship. My family and I agreed that we needed to leave also because those people interpret scripture to their own evil desires and not as the truth of the bible teaching. I was so angry and disappointed about what had happened. I have since learned to always question everything according to the one true interpretation through diligent study, prayer and meditation on the scriptures. That is were I am placing my trust from now on, not on another person or a group of persons. The seed of truth is the word of God which is the Bible. The good news is that now we feel so much freedom we didn't have before. We meet in our home on Sundays for small group bible study, prayers,singing and communion. We all share a closer bond with Christ now because of all that has happened. I still will fellowship with Christians of the church of Christ but we will be extremely careful about placing membership with just any church of Christ from now on. I hope you can find people who share your passion for truth and build you up in faith and strength. I think your story really opened my eyes also and hopefully will draw your followers into a closer relationship with Christ. God bless you and thanks.
That sounds like the same experience I had with the "Church of Christ that I visited. One thing that they teach is that before you become born again, you have to clean up your life and get your life right first. That is not true and scriptural, when God says come as you are. God will take you just as you are, God doesn't care how far out there you are. Once you become saved and accept Jesus Christ, then he will help you get you life right, and get on the right track.
to become a member of the Church Christ one must “Repent” from all His sin. Without repentance there is no forgiveness of sin. I hope you understanding the true meaning of repentance.
Bryan Sims I go to a church of Christ and have never heard that one has to clean up your life first. Jesus is the one who does the cleaning up. Have you heard that song.......Come as you are???? By the way how would you teach one to become a Christian?
The church is His body they used to meet in the opening or their houses
This is what I told one coc in my country this coc is a cult
@@jersonmanjares2036 Maybe I was wrong to say COC is a cult but it shows some characteristics like a cult. I have a friend who is a member of the COC and says all other churches are going to HELL only COC are saved, I found this to be false because the members in that church masturbated, used charms and judged others with prejudice yet they insist they are the only ones bound for heaven - I wonder which heaven that is?!
Cult meaning: a system of religious (veneration) and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object. He believes that the Apostolic ministry was specific for the Jews alone, but that is Not true because it only ends when men reach the fullness of Christ and the grace is now on the gentiles Ephesians 4:13-15. He also said playing any musical instrument is worldly yet the whole bible talks about musical instruments from David to Revelation of Heaven.
You shun musical instruments but use cars, computers and phones made by non-believers that is hypocritical don’t you think? These and many other things he said don’t add up with scripture and led me to conclude its like a cult I may be wrong because I think some COC members are truly saved - its also more of a Latino congregation
@@mulengamukuka6288, im wrong mule, sorry, COC is really a cult...all of them are saying they are bible base doctrine but the truth, theres nothing truth about it, its very unforgivable that they use the bible..and do not followed them at all...liars.
@@jersonmanjares2036 Churches of Christ only use the word of God and have no creed books or manuals, etc. Why do you call coC a cult and also liars? We teach the truth on how to be saved and it doesn't include the sinner's prayer and asking Jesus into your heart which is nowhere taught in the New Testament. We all need to study the word of God and check out everything with the word of God to see if it is so and we cannot go by how we feel as to whether we are saved. The word of God must be preached (taught and heard) or it must be read by the individual; John 6:45, Acts 8:30-31, Acts 22:10, Romans 10:14 and Romans 10:17 which says So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. God's word must be believed with all of your heart and mind; Matthew 16:15-16, John 8:24, 8:36-37. One must believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and was resurrected from the grave; I Corinthians 15:1-4. The believer who seeks salvation by the grace of God through the blood of Christ must repent; Luke 13:3, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; Acts 2:38. Every believer who believes the gospel of Jesus Christ is commanded by God to confess that Jesus is the Son of God; Acts 8:37. Next the believer must submit to the passive act of being baptized (immersed in water) for the remission of sins; Acts 2:38. Baptism is passive in that an individual has to submit themselves into another's hands for the process to be performed. Note that baptism is NOT a work of man which merits salvation but an operation of God; Colossians 2:12. Please read Acts 8:35-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. In baptism sins are washed away; Acts 22:16. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus told Peter he would build His church. Note in Acts 2:41 that those who gladly received His word were baptized and about three thousand souls were added. Acts 2:47 says what they were added to: Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Here we see the church is made up of the saved and the saved make up the church. There are so many denominations teaching so many different ways to be saved and they cannot all be right. All I have given is scripture and you call coC a cult and people who go there "liars"; but the churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) teach all the above scriptures. I pray that someday you will obey the gospel and have your sins washed away and after your baptism be added by the Lord to his church.
@@mulengamukuka6288 We don't believe everyone else is going to Hell just because they don't go to our "church". We aren't in the place of God to judge people's hearts and who is going to heaven or Hell. Like what was already mentioned, God adds those who are saved Acts 2:47 to His church. So yes, only those of Christ's church will be saved but that's up to God who is apart of His church and who isn't.
What are your views on how to be saved now that you have gone apostate? There is NO SCRIPTURAL WAY for all the different creeds and man made reuqirements in the denominational world to allow all men everywhere to be saved. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Ephesians 4:4-6. That is NOT something we can decided is important or not... 2 Timothy 3 (the whole chapter)... Matthew 15:7-9... For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
II Peter 2:18-22 NKJV... I pray that you change your heart and return to the truth... you have risked everything for your own glory... This video is sickening and maddening... how many people you are leading astray!
Nicole Wynne I know exactly what Amber is saying because I’ve been involved in a legalistic church in the past. I know exactly what she means by binding things that aren’t meant to be bound, or forcing an interpretation of scripture onto someone who may not have the same interpretation of it (ie: speaking in tongues to be saved vs not speaking in tongues but still having different gifts of the Holy Spirit) she has not left the truth nor has she stopped believing in Jesus Christ her Saviour. God has revealed to her where her path of life needs to go and she’s following it. Thank you Amber for speaking out and showing us an example of your faith in Christ. We are all called to follow him and him only.
Nicole Wynne This video upsets me very much also; Satan is trying really hard to discredit the Lord's church; that is why we must all speak up for the truth and also we need to keep praying that Amber and her husband will one day return like the prodigal son did. God bless.
@@lindahutchens8612 "Yeah"; keep telling yourself that when someone tells the truth about the sick, twisted, vile, pseudo-Christian Campbellite cults, 'its Say Tan uh tacking duh true church'..... 😏😉😜
Amber I have enjoyed the 2 videos I have watched of yours. It is a blessing seeing people come out of the garbage of religion and rest in the grace of Jesus as Savior. My only concern..I was startled when u described 2 sins that we couldn’t get into heaven for..if u are truly saved by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross, the atonement for all of our sins..his death, burial and resurrection then u know it is finished. Paid in full. God’s standards are perfection. All fall short of the glory of God. We sin daily whether in thought, word, or deed. Even a quick thought of fear is a sin to God. Christ paid our debt in full. The Holy Spirit comes to us after we are saved and guides us on our walk of discipleship and we know when we sin because we grieve the Holy Spirit. We grow in our discipleship of Christ..whatever you are referring to must be in regards to a message to the unsaved. Ephesians 2:8-9....saying that a sin could keep us out of heaven once saved is basically saying that what Jesus did for us was not enough..it shifts it over to our works. Our works are to be done for the unbeliever to that they see Christ in us. I think u are wonderful. I too spent my life in Christian religions that held doctrines of man and church higher than Christ himself. I think u are wonderful. My prayer is that u have not found your way into a church that twists doctrine yet again. Pray, read God’s word and the Holy Spirit will discern all things for u. Love in Christ.
Which two commandments are those?
Amber,
You have touched on something that is incredibly relevant in churches of Christ. I am glad you didn’t go straight into a specific doctrine because that’s not where it starts. The question really is how do we approach the Bible. As you probably know there has been division after division within the church since the church formed. Paul delt with a lot of it in his letters and John in Revelation. Today in churches of Christ with internal division it all comes down to the question you have outlined here. How do we take the Bible and understand and apply it.
So here is my offer, if you or your husband is willing to have a public discussion or private discussion I would like too. I am connected in the mainstream churches of Christ so that if you truly believe what you understand now needs to reach those in the church of Christ then I can make that a possibility. If you are interested reply back to this message with a way of getting in contact.