Church of Christ?

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I found this on the internet and was wondering if this is an independent view or synopsis of all Church of Christ views?

www.churchofchrist-tl.org/index.html

Articles of Faith and Practice
A publication of the Church of Christ, P.O. Box 472, Independence, Missouri 64051

We believe in God the Eternal Father, who only is Supreme; Creator of the universe; Ruler and Judge of all; unchangeable and without respect of persons. (Isa 45:15-21; Mal 3:6; Rev 20:11-13; Mi 8:19)

We believe in Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, the manifestation of God in flesh, who lived, suffered, and died for all mankind; whom we own as our only Leader, Witness and Commander. (John 5:19-24; Heb 1:1-14; Al 9:54-55; 3 Ne 4:44-49)

We believe in the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, which searcheth the deep things of God, brings to our minds things which are past, reveals things to come, and is the medium by which we receive the revelation of Jesus Christ. (John 14:15-18, 26, 15:26, 16:13; Mi 10:3-7)

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression, and that as a consequence of the atonement of Christ "all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all they that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, can not repent; and unto such, baptism availeth nothing." (Mi 8:25-26) (Rom 2:6, 12, 13; Mos 1:107; Mi 8:25-26)

We believe that through the atonement of Christ all men may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel; viz. : Faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ; Repentance and Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; Laying on of Hands for: (a) Ordination; (b) Blessing of Children; (c) Confirmation and the Gift of the Holy Ghost; (d) Healing of the Sick. (John 3:16-17; Hel 5:69-72, 6:1-2; 2 Ne 13:12-17; Mi 8:29; (a) Acts 13:1-3; Mi 3:1-3; (b) Mark 10:13-16; 3 Ne 8:20-27; (c) Acts 8:14-17; Mi 2:1-3; (d) Mark 16:17-18; Jas 5:14-16)

We believe in the literal second coming and millenial reign of Jesus Christ; in the resurrection of the Dead, and in Eternal Judgment; that men will be rewarded or punished according to the good or evil they may have done. (Mat 16:27; Rev 20 : 1-6, 12-15, 22: 12; 1 Ne 7:55-62; 2 Ne 12:87-99; A 19:66-69)

We believe in the powers and gifts of the everlasting Gospel; viz. : The word of wisdom; the word of knowledge; the gift of faith; the gift of healing; working of miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits; divers kinds of tongues; interpretation of tongues. (Acts 2:4-11; I Cor 12:1-11; Mi 10:8-14, 18)

We believe the fruit of the spirit to be love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. (Gal 5:22-23)

We believe that in the Bible is contained the word of God, that the Book of Mormon is an added witness for Christ, and that these contain the "fullness of the gospel." (BC 44:13) (Ezek 37:15-20; 1 Ne 3:157-166, 191-196;)

We believe in the principle of continuous revelation; that the canon of scripture is not full, that God inspires men in every age and among all people, and that He speaks when, where, and through whom He may choose. (Amos 3: 7; Acts 2: 17-18; 2 Pet 1 : 21 ; 1 Ne 1:82-83)

We believe that where there are six or more regularly baptized members, one of whom is an elder, there the Church exists with full power of church extension when acting in harmony with the law of God. (Acts 14:23; Outline Hist p. 35; Ref Bill #1, 1960)

We believe that a man must be called of God by revelation, and ordained by those having authority, to enable him to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof. (Luke 6:12-16; John 3:27; Acts 13:1-4; Rom 10:15; Heb 5:4)

We believe in the same church organization as existed in the time of Christ and His Apostles. The highest office in the church is that of an apostle, of whom there are twelve, who constitute special witnesses for Jesus Christ. They have the missionary supervision and the general watchcare of all of the churches. (1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Ne 3:115)

The primary function of the general church, of which each local church is a component part, is missionary and the building up and extension of the Kingdom of God in all the world. (Mat 24:14; Mark 16:15-18)

We believe that local churches should govern their own affairs, and that general church officials should not dominate or interfere therewith. On invitation such general officers may, with propriety, give counsel and assistance. Local congregations are subject to the Articles of Faith and Practice and must be governed thereby. (Ref Bill #2, 1935, par 3-8)

We believe the Church of Christ comprehends the true brotherhood of man where each esteems his brother as himself and wherein the divine command to "love your neighbor as yourself" is demonstrated by the prevalence of social equality. (Mat 22:36-40; Gal 5:14; 1 John 4:7-21; Mos 1:48-49; 3 Ne 12:11)

We believe that all men are stewards under God and answerable to Him not only for the distribution of accumulated wealth, but for the manner in which such wealth is secured. The primary purpose of stewardship is not the increase of church revenue or the mere contribution of money by those who have to those who have not, but to bring men to a realization of the common fatherhood of God, and the universal brotherhood of man in all the affairs and expressions of life, and to maintain such social adjustment that each may enjoy the bounty and gifts of God, and be free to exercise his talents and ability to enrich the life of all. (Luke 12:42-46; Rom 14:17-19; 1 Pet 4:10; Jb 2:22-24)

We believe that men should labor for their own support and that of their dependents. Ministers of the gospel are not absolved from this responsibility, but when chosen or appointed by the church to devote their entire time to missionary work, their families are to be provided for out of the general church funds. The admonition of Christ that the ministry should not provide purse or scrip for their journey, but go trusting in God and the people is applicable. (Mat 10:9-10; Luke 22:35-36; 1 Cor 9:16-18; 1 Pet 5:2-3; Mos 9:59-62)

We believe that the temporal affairs of the general church are to be administered by the general bishopric under the direction of the general conferences of the church and under the supervision of the Council of Twelve. The temporal affairs of the local churches shall be administered by local bishops under the supervision and direction of the local congregations. (Acts 6:2-6; Ref Bill #3, 1931)

We believe in the sanctity of marriage as established by the Lord in the beginning as being a union between one man and one woman. Any other type of relationship such as homosexuality, polygamy, multiplicity of marriages, common-law marriage and cohabiting are not sanctioned by God and are disharmonious with the plan for His creation. In case of a breach of this covenant by adultery (fornication), the innocent one may remarry. (Mark 10:6-9; Mat 5:31-32, 19: 3-9; 1 Cor. 7:10-11; 3 Nephi 5:80)

We are opposed to war. Men are not justified in taking up arms against their fellows except as a last resort in defense of their lives and to preserve their liberty. (Al 20:47-52)

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and in the restoration of the ten lost tribes. (Is 11:11-12; Jer 16:14-16, 31:10-12; Ezek 36:21-28; 3 Ne 10:1-7)

We believe a temple will be built in this generation, in Independence, Missouri, wherein Christ will reveal himself and endow his servants whom he chooses with power to preach the gospel in all the world to every kindred, tongue and people, that the promises of God to Israel may be fulfilled. (Mic 4:1-2; Mal 3:1-4; 3 Ne 10:4; Eth 6:8)

We believe that a New Jerusalem shall be built upon this land "unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph. . . " ". . . which city shall be built, beginning at the Temple Lot." (3 Ne 9:57-59, 10:1-4; Eth 6:6-8; Revelation to Joseph Smith given Sept, 22 & 23, 1832)

We believe that ministry and membership should abstain from the use of tobacco, intoxicating liquors and narcotics, and should not affiliate with any society which administers oaths or covenants in conflict with the law of God, or which interferes with their duties as free men and citizens. (1 Cor 3:16-17; Eth 3:86-98)

History of the Church of Christ
A publication of the Church of Christ, P.O. Box 472, Independence, Missouri 64051
We are a remnant of the original church established by Jesus Christ during His days on Earth and restored, April 6, 1830, by Joseph Smith and five others in Manchester, New York, as directed by God.

There are four things of special significance connected with the organization of the Church of Christ:

Translation of the Book of Mormon from ancient plates by Joseph Smith through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. This is an ancient record of the "American Indians", a "second" witness for Christ. The Bible is the "first" witness, and these two books ("sticks") were to be "one" in the Lord's hand. See Ezek. 37:19. This book was revealed through angelic visitation to Smith, but he was not permitted to obtain the records for three years, until he had truly realized that the real value was not in the gold plates, but in the record itself.
A recognition of the apostasy, or falling away, from the pure gospel of Christ and the ancient order of the New Testament Church. See 2 Thess. 2:1-4.
A "restoration" of that gospel and church order through angelic ministry according to Rev.14:6,7. Another angel came to Smith and told him he would be an instrument in God's hand for this purpose. This was in 1829, a year before the Church was organized, while he and Oliver Cowdery were in the translation process.
A "restoration" of priesthood or ministerial authority because of that ancient apostasy and by the grace of God. This was begun through Joseph Smith and others by the spirit of revelation (see Heb.5:4). The holy priesthood was imparted by the above angel upon him and Cowdery at that time, which did not include the power to bestow the Holy Ghost upon believers; this greater power was given later by the revelation of God, and under which authority the Church was organized on April 6, 1830. There is no other author- ity to represent the Kingdom of God on the earth in modern times, nor had there been in the churches for 1260 years prior to 1830 (the apostasy alluded to in Rev. 12).
Reluctantly, we admit there has been apostasy from the restored gospel faith, through the introduction of human doctrine and by divisions having occured.
Among the branches of this early church there were four which developed in Illinois during Joseph's life-time, viz., at Bloomington, Crow Creek, Half Moon Prairie and Eagle Creek; also one at Vermillion, Indiana.

Elder David Judy was ordained in 1831, Jedidiah Owen in 1832, Zebulon Adams in 1833. These with many others became identified with those branches, which, in 1863 amalgamated under the leadership of Elder Granville Hedrick. Hedrick was baptized and ordained by Elder Hervey Green in 1843, and was set apart as the presiding elder of the Crow Creek branch in April 1857.

In June following, John E. Page, one of the Twelve during Joseph's life-time, attended that conference held by these scattered groups, investigating their claims. He had become disaffected with the Church as it had been in Nauvoo, Illinois, even as had many others, including Emma Smith, the widow of Joseph Smith, and his eldest son, Joseph.

The reasons for this disaffection by Page and those branches (which became known as the Woodford County saints), were principally the doctrines of baptism for the dead, and polygamy.

In a conference held at Crow Creek (Hedrick's home) in Nov. 1862, Page united with that body. At the next conference in May 1863 he ordained Hedrick, Judy, Owen and Adna C. Haldeman to the office of Apostle; this made a total of five apostles.

It was proposed to ordain someone as president of the High Priesthood at a July 1863 conference, and Page nominated Hedrick. After a general agreement, Page, in company with the other apostles, ordained Hedrick to the office of the first Presidency over the high priesthood and the Church, "to be a prophet, seer, revelator and translator to the Church of Christ".

As we view it now, this was in keeping with an accepted error within the Church, introduced as early as 1832, without any revealment from God to do so, together with the ordained office of High Priest, which developed in 1831.

This body had accepted the 1835 edition of the Doctrine & Covenants together with the Bible then in use (King James authorized edition) and the Book of Mormon. It was the changed revelations in the D&C (as compared with the original Book of Commandments published in 1833) which made provision for these unscriptural offices, and in which this body concurred through ignorance until repudiated in the 1920s.

However, the doctrine of lineal descent in the presidency was rejected by Hedrick, et al, in their conferences held in 1857 - first with this group in Crow Creek, Illinois and later with those, such as W. W. Blair and others of the "New Organization" at Zarahemla, Wisconsin. Nevertheless, good mutual feelings existed, and as a result of these conferences, a conclusion was reached by some in the New Organization that Hedrick had united with that body; it was later recognized as an error.

Hedrick was given to know in revelation from God that a spirit of self-exaltation in Joseph Smith produced revelations(?) and introduced doctrines inconsistent with the word of God as found in the Bible and Book of Mormon. As a result, Hedrick declared Smith to be a "fallen prophet". It was later that this Church found the changes in the revelations providing for High Priests and a First Presidency of the High Priesthood.

The true spirit of revelation from God diminished and was supplanted by human imagination leading to such doctrinal deviation as previously mentioned, as well as: God once a man, exaltation of men as gods, Adam-God and eternal marriage. Because of such, the Church has, in later years, declared the Bible and Book of Mormon as our standard of faith, and only such latter day revelation as may harmonize therewith.

This body was isolated from developments at Nauvoo, and so were shielded from the doctrinal deviations which occured there, but when they heard in 1852 of the practice of by the body at Salt Lake City, they were alarmed. Therefore, in 1857 they published "A Declaration Of Independence And Separation" from them "or any such person or persons who teach or practice the doctrine of under any system whatever, or anything like unto it..."

Many saints had gathered to Independence, Missouri as the center place of Zion, or a "New Jerusalem", because of revelation through Joseph Smith, but were driven out in 1833; and later, in 1838, the whole body of the church was driven from the state of Missouri. On Aug. 3, 1831, Smith and others had dedicated a "spot" for the Lord's temple, placing a stone to mark the northeast corner.

Much of the reason for this intolerance was due to prejudice, the slavery issue and fear that the saints would dominate the political scene. However, Church members were not without fault, declaring that God had given them this land as an inheritance, and would drive out their enemies before them. However, according to a warning revelation to them, they did in fact "pollute my holy land" (given Sept. 22, 1832). As a result, and because some had taken up arms, contrary to previous revelation, many were "scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue" (Book of Commandments 64:30-32).

In 1864, a revelation through Hedrick directed this people to return to Independence and Jackson County, Missouri in 1867, to initiate a re-gathering of saints; that the Lord would prepare the way before them. In consideration that the Civil War was still in progress, that Independence became a battlefield, and that the saints had only been driven out of Independence 31 years before, they exercised much faith through their obedience. About 60 returned in the winter of 1867 by covered wagons, the first to do so of any "latter day saint" body. Their primary objective was to obtain the "spot" dedicated by Joseph Smith, and by 1877 they had purchased eight lots which included that spot.

In 1891, the RLDS Church sued this Church for the "temple lot". It resulted favorably toward that Church, but being appealed to a federal circuit court, the decision was overturned in favor of the Church of Christ. We have occupied it since as our world headquarters site.

For a number of years in the early 1900s there was a "working harmony agreement" engaged with the RLDS Church, but it was broken off when they became aware we favored the Book of Commandments over the Doctrine & Covenant, in respect to the same revelations. While renewed efforts have been made, there is no longer such communication on an institutional level.

In the 1920s, principally because of the doctrine of "supreme directional control" introduced by the presidency of the RLDS Church, many became spiritually depressed and found a haven in the Church of Christ.

In 1929 the Church undertook the building of the temple, and excavated the basement area. Some who had returned in 1867 were among those driven from Independence in 1833, and so they knew where the "spot" was located. In this excavation, the laborers turned up the stone placed by Joseph in marking the northeast corner of the temple, having thereupon an original inscription. About a month later, they turned up a second stone approximately 90 feet to the south, also inscribed, indicating the southeast corner. Revelation to at least three in the Church gave the length of the temple as twice the width. Work was halted because of the depression, and eventually the hole was filled.

In retrospect, we feel the spiritual status of the church in general was less than required for this holy project; but at least the spot is definitely fixed. We will wait for further revelation from God in this, with the continued gathering of the pure in heart.

The thought has developed that we are custodians of the Temple Lot. We feel, as an extension to this, that it is not simply a physical custody, but that the Church of Christ has a spiritual custody of the Kingdom of God, and that this is implied in the revelation which states: "...the city New Jerusalem shall be built, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple..."

For this purpose, and especially because of the fundamentally scriptural stance we have assumed, even by discarding innovations mentioned, the Lord saw fit to give us this custody. We hope and pray to yet qualify more fully as a nucleus for the gathering of the saints in the establishment of Zion. Additionally, as stated before: we are a remnant of the Church as it was in 1830, having the same name, the same doctrine, and the apostolic form of government as originally intended; and we have been neither disorganized nor reorganized

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The Book of Mormon
(From "What about the Book of Mormon?" by Apostle B. C. Flint)


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A publication of the Church of Christ, P.O. Box 472, Independence, Missouri 64051
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What is it?
Where did it come from?
What does it teach?
How did we get it?
Do we need it?
Is it a history, and if so, of whom?
Is it a Bible?
Will it supplant the Bible?
Is the Christian system complete without it?
In any work making the peculiar claims that the Book of Mormon does, the above questions will at once occur to the average mind, and it will be the purpose of this little treatise to give briefly and in as intelligible a manner as so limited space will permit, an answer to each of them.
In the first place, we wish to call attention to the very obvious fact that the scriptures, as accepted by all Christians, do not present the works of God as being done in an ordinary or commonplace manner. The reverse is always true. So when we encounter the strange or extraordinary in our analysis of this matter, it should be borne in mind that such should be expected and should also be regarded as being in favor of the Book of Mormon's claim to a divine origin, at least, when all other circumstances are present. In support of this we call attention to the “strange” manner in which Moses was called to be a leader of Israel: the burning bush. The drying up of the Red Sea for Israel to pass through was a "strange" thing. The unusual means by which God brought his own Son into the world was the "strangest" event in all history. Yet what Christian will be found willing to deny the fact?

Added to this, we find the works of God being called "strange" in the following text from Isa. 28:21, 22: "For the Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of Hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth."

By this we will discern that God not only intends to work in a "strange" way, but that also His displeasure will rest upon those who may mock concerning it. Let us bear these thoughts in mind as we proceed with our answers, and let us also check them against the scriptures to which we shall appeal for support. Therein will we find safety against possible deception.


1. What is the Book of Mormon?

Like the Bible it is a "book of books" by various authors—fifteen in all. It purports to be the sacred story of the ancient inhabitants of America, whom it claims were of the house of Israel and so heirs to the promise made to Abraham. It also tells of a people who came to America from the Tower of Babel when, as the Bible tells, God scattered the people from thence to all parts of the world (Gen. 11:8-9). It therefore covers a period of from nearly two thousand years before Christ to about four hundred years after Christ. That America was so inhabited in ancient times by enlightened peoples is now amply proven by archaeology. Just an extract in support of this:

"The lowering of the waters of a lake in Arizona exposed the ruins of a city thousands of years old, in which was an `apartment house' larger than any on Park Avenue in New York. In the Nevada desert is a buried city, six miles long, more ancient than the tomb of Tutankhamen. One of the most glorious of civilizations once flourished on our continent. Fifteen centuries ago the Maya Indians in Mexico and other parts of Central America reached a stage of culture which we might now envy.... Tradition has held variously that the cradle of the human race was in Egypt, in Asia, in Europe. But all these discoveries make us realize that America is a very old place, too." - Women's Home Companion, February 1933


2. Where did it come from?

According to the claims, at the time that the kingdom of Judah was being carried away captive to Babylon, 600 years before Christ, a family of the tribe of Manasseh, the son of Joseph who was sold in Egypt, was commanded of God to build a ship (I Nephi 5:70) that God might begin the building up of the "house of Joseph" upon the "land of Joseph" which is indicated as being a very choice land in Deut. 33:13-17; Gen. 49:22-26. Another text of scripture refers to this particular land as being: "A land shadowing with wings" Isa. 18:1-2. America and America alone fills out in detail all lands in scripture designated as "Joseph's land." Hence, we find the descendants of Joseph through Manasseh migrating to that land, according to the Book of Mormon story.

This family consisted of Lehi and his wife, Sarah, and four sons: Laman, Lemuel, Sam and Nephi (later, two other sons, Jacob and Joseph, were born to them). The four sons married the four daughters of Ishmael, another descendant of Manasseh, thus combining two families and the servant of Laban, still another descendant of Manasseh, and from whom they obtained the records of their forefathers clear back to the creation, which fact makes the Book of Mormon a complete record, and the writers of it possessed with an understanding of the history of mankind from the beginning. This family was custodian of the records, and continued the records from the time they left Jerusalem to the time that the records were hidden in a hill in New York state, where they were found in 1823.

In all of the above, the story of the book agrees with what was subsequently given to the world by scientific explorers without any intention of giving support to the book. In many instances these findings were by men who were direct enemies to the claims of the book, and also often without a knowledge of the book or an interest in its claims. According to Montesinos there were three distinct periods in the history of Peru. First was a period which began with the origin of civilization and lasted until the first or second century of the Christian era.... It was originated, he says, by a people led by four brothers who settled in the Valley of Cuzco and developed civilization in a very human way. The youngest of these brothers assumed supreme authority, and became the first of a long line of sovereigns.

The Book of Mormon tells us that because of the rebellion of the elder sons, that Nephi, the youngest of the four sons of Lehi, became the ruler, both during their travels and after they arrived in the land of promise, which is the new land of Joseph (America).

3. What does it teach?

In this we think the book had best speak for itself, so we quote:

"Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves, and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart: for such shall find rest to their souls. O remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God; yea, and cry unto God for all thy support ...." - Alma 17:66-68.
Again: "...Remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, which shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world." - Helaman 2:71.
By this we see its teaching is that belief on the Lord Jesus Christ, and acceptance of, and obedience to the gospel of Christ, is the only means of salvation. In all of its teaching it is in perfect accord with the Bible, especially the New Testament. In fine, it is an added witness from another branch of the House of Israel to the divinity of the Son of God, the Savior of the world. That it should be "ONE" with the Bible is manifest by the prophetic reference to both of these records as found in Ezekiel 37:15-20:

"The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."
Here we learn that the two branches of the House of Israel, Judah and Joseph, were to have separate records, "sticks" with writing on them, one for each branch. The Bible is eminently the "stick" of Judah, and the Book of Mormon is very evidently the "stick" of Joseph. No other record has arisen making such a claim. Ezekiel's prophecy has now been fulfilled, and the two sticks are now "ONE," and in every way, since they teach the same thing, and both serve as Christ's witnesses.

4. How did we get it?

Well, in a very "strange" way, if measured by modern ideas of God and His method of doing things, yet strictly in harmony with what we find in the Bible as being the way God works. The 29th chapter of Isaiah and the 14th verse tells us that God, Himself, is going to do a "marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid."

Verses 11 and 12 tell of a "book" that was to come forth, the words of which were to be delivered to a learned man, and he was to say he couldn't read it because it "is sealed." The book itself was to be delivered to an unlearned man and he was to say, "I am not learned." May not this "book" that was to come forth have been the "stick" or record of Joseph? Well, if it wasn't, where is the "stick"? The one referred to here in Isaiah was to come forth just prior to Jerusalem being restored after the long night of the dispersion of the Jews (Judah), because they crucified their Lord. This restoration began about 1852-53, so is now a thing of the past.

However, shortly before that, in 1820 to be exact, there was, living in the hill country of central New York state, a family of farmer folk by the name of Smith. Just plain Smith. Humble farmers and humble fishermen usually seem to be God's favorite material from which to select His ambassadors. So, in the spring of 1820, a young son of the family, only fifteen years of age, while reading his Bible chanced to read (or did God direct his mind?) the 5th verse of the 1st chapter of James, which gives the peculiar invitation when in doubt concerning what to do in order to please God, "to ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him."

The boy, believing this promise of scripture to be bona fide, and not merely inserted to "fill space," tells us that he, "lacking wisdom," went to the woods to pray and ask God for direction. Since the promise was explicit, that God would "give liberally" and "not upbraid," he was not expecting anything but an explicit answer. Nor was he disappointed. God himself and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him in a shaft of light such as the Apostle Paul describes as appearing to him. The boy inquired as to which church he should join, but was told to "join none of them, for they were all wrong, and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight."

Three years later, he was given to understand that the time for the complete restoration of the old Jerusalem gospel, and the setting up of the Church of Christ as it was in New Testament times, was at hand; and that if faithful, he should have a part in that work. While in earnest prayer in his room before retiring, he was visited by an angel from God who informed him that the time to begin his work had come, and that there was deposited, in a hill not far from his father's home, metal plates containing the records of the ancient inhabitants of America, and with them, Urim and Thummin, an instrument spoken of in Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8, Numbers 27:21, and Ezra 2:63, where its use is indicated as being that which made the high priest a seer.

The angel spoken of above is evidently the one mentioned in Revelation 14:6, where he was to bring back the "everlasting gospel," and in Zechariah 2:1-7, where he was to announce the restoration of Jerusalem, because both of these things were accomplished by the work of this young man Joseph Smith, announced as being the message he was to give to the world. He obtained the plates as directed, and with the Urim and Thummin was able to translate them into the English language. The result is the book known as the Book of Mormon. A strange story? Yes!

But remember, God says that He will do a "strange work." So this is a point in favor of the young Smith boy. And later, he and a "learned" man, a professor of languages in the city of New York, fulfilled more of Isaiah's prophecy. The "learned man" said he couldn't read a "sealed book," and the young man said he "wasn't learned" (Isaiah 29:11-12).

5. Do we need it?

This question should be superseded by the more appropriate one: Is it true? If true, there could be no question as to its need; especially, since it tells of Christ setting up his church in the same manner, and with the same gospel teaching as is found in the New Testament, upon the American continent, after his resurrection; and the further fact that in John 12:47-50 Jesus tells us that it is "his words" that are to judge us at the last day. That He would thus establish His work in Joseph's land is evidenced by His statement in John 10:16, that He had "other sheep" not of the fold in Jerusalem, but who should hear His voice (III Nephi 7:20). This must have referred to another branch of the house of Israel because He said He was "not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" - Matthew 15:24.

But hear the book itself: "And the angel spake unto me, saying, These last records which thou hast seen among the Gentiles shall establish the truth of the first, (The Bible, BCF) which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; And shall make known to all kindreds, tongues and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him or they cannot be saved." I Nephi 3:192-193.
The "need" then becomes apparent because certainly the coming forth of the "stick" of Joseph would provide still another witness that Jesus is the Christ. It would also provide it in fulfilling this need testified to by thousands who have put it to this test.

6. Is it a history, and if so, of whom?

Much has already been said in this article that answers this question, but we will add a few more items. First, the book of Ether (which is found near the close of the book, because the people mentioned therein were unknown until the people of Nephi, and their prophet Moroni, who compiled the record, came into possession of their history) is the record of the Jaredites, who came from the Tower of Babel at the time that God confounded the language of the people and scattered them into all the world, as already mentioned in this treatise. It tells of their progress as a nation, their wars, and finally their almost complete dissolution.

The bulk of the book is a history of the family, already mentioned, who came from Jerusalem 600 years before Christ. It tells of their national development, their wars, and their division into two distinct peoples, the Nephites, who were righteous and had a long line of prophets, and the Lamanites, who, because of their disobedience and rejection of God's laws and commandments, were cursed with a dark skin and became tribes of wandering warriors, and were almost continually warring against the Nephites.

The origin of the names of these people will readily be discerned from the names of the four sons of Lehi, who came from Jerusalem. Their history covers a period from 600 years before Christ until about 400 years after Christ, when the last survivor of the Nephites, Moroni, tells of his wanderings and fleeing for his life, which evidently closed after he had deposited the sacred records in the hill in New York.

This left only the wandering tribes of Lamanites, and they were later called Indians by Christopher Columbus and by the Spaniards, when the modern history of America had its beginning. The book also tells of Christ appearing to the Nephites, and establishing his church in exactly the same way as he did at Jerusalem. It also gives the history of another colony, who left Jerusalem eleven years after Nephi and his company left there. They were called the people of Zarahemla, but since they ultimately merged with the Nephites and were of the same blood, we will avoid further mention of them, because we are trying to be as brief as possible in this analysis.

We must support the above purported history, however, by what has been divulged by archaeology. First, with reference to there being two distinct civilizations planted directly the one upon the other, the Jaredite followed by the Nephite, we will call attention to a statement by J. D. Baldwin in his Ancient America, page 156, as follows:

"The evidence of reconstruction in some of the cities before they were destroyed has been pointed out by explorers...architectural characteristics so different from each other that it is as impossible to attribute them all to the same people as to believe they were all built at the same epoch."
Here is an extract from Desire Charnay's Ancient Cities of the New World, p.333:

"Here and there closed passages, walls rebuilt with materials other than those employed in the older construction, seem to indicate that the palace was occupied at two different periods."
Added to the above, we can say from our personal experience for a number of years as a missionary among the Indians, that their traditions are in perfect accord with the story of the book. ALL outstanding incidents mentioned in the Bible are found among them, i.e., the story of the creation; the story of the flood; the story of Moses; the story of Christ; etc. In short it does for the American Indian exactly what we must expect the “stick” of Joseph would do for him. And WE KNOW by experience with the Indian that once he is made to understand what it is we are bringing him, and reads it, he invariably accepts it as his lost record (a tradition which nearly all tribes carry). The American Indian recognizes the Book of Mormon story as being in keeping with the story of his forefathers, and he feels at home with it, whereas, even with Indians who have become Christianized, the Bible still tells a strange and unfamiliar story to them, except in so far as its story is ONE with theirs.

Just a closing thought in the answer to this question, that verifies the date of the coming of the company of Lehi to America. In the Popular Mechanics magazine for June, 1934, there appears a very fine article entitled, "The Last of the Explorers," where we read this interesting account of these ancient Americans:

"Expeditions sent from Washington recently uncovered stones with inscription unfolding stories of a people whose very existence was unknown before America was discovered ... Now, however, their history is being uncovered and the world is learning the tale of the Maya people of Central America, who were cultured and religious, with a learning of the arts and sciences far surpassing the peoples of Europe."
Then, following much of the same kind of statements, we read this:

"The mystery of the origin of this highly civilized race, who build pyramids and temples comparable to the greatest in Egypt, is one of the most baffling science has ever tried to solve. Some time between 1,000 B.C. and 200 B.C. their dates show that they reached Central America."
Well, the mean date between 1,000 B.C. and 200 B.C. is 600 B.C., and that fits exactly the story of the Book of Mormon.

7. Is it a Bible?

No, it is the "stick" or record of the house of Joseph, the same as the Bible is the "stick" or record of Judah. Each tells its own story of the branch of the House of Israel it represents. Each has its own place, and fills its own mission. Each witnesses to the truthfulness of the other, and are ONE in teaching. There is no indication in either that it is designed to supplant the other.

8. Will it supplant the Bible?

No, no more than the history of the British Empire could supplant the history of Japan. Both of these great nations have traditions that indicate a common origin in the family of Ephraim, yet both have been separated through the centuries, and so have made history of their own.

9. Is the Christian system
complete without it?

No. Emphatically, no! How could it be, if all we have said in this article is true? If Christ, the great Master of men, established his work on both continents in ages gone by, why is not the work done in one place of equal importance with the work done in the other? The Old Testament makes many promises to the House of Joseph. His seed and inheritance was to prevail with blessings above those of his progenitors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) (Gen. 49:26). Joseph was to have a "land," a "house," a "stick" (or record), yet the Old Testament is silent as to the fulfillment of these promises. It would take a record of Joseph to do that. Then, as we have shown Christ was to go to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," and that He told the church at Jerusalem that there were other sheep not of that fold who must "hear my voice," and then the Stick of Joseph comes along and tells us that Jesus, in his preaching to the Nephites, told them that they were among those "other sheep" whom He referred to when teaching in the land of Jerusalem (III Nephi 7:20).

Robert G. Ingersol, the great American skeptic, in criticizing the Bible, and particularly the apparent exclusive work of Christ, restricted to the few in Palestine (as he reasoned), is reported to have said: "Away with your one-horsed Christ." He couldn't say that to believers in the Book of Mormon, who know it to be the "Stick of Joseph." Added to that, critics of the book today are becoming non-plussed at the remarkable fulfillment of the prophecies contained in the book, as it relates to the history and destiny of the American nations. Today's developments along this line are truly amazing.

One closing thought concerning the moral teachings of the book may not be out of place, because prejudice has prevented many honest, intelligent people from examining the book for themselves, feeling that a book that has attracted so much opposition must of necessity teach something bad. This has been augmented by the practices of some who have claimed a belief in the book, yet have practiced polygamy. In other words: Does the Book of Mormon teach polygamy? Here we will again let it speak for itself:

"For behold, thus saith the Lord, This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures; for they seek to excuse themselves in committing sleeperdoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son. Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives, and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord. Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph. Wherefore, I, the Lord God, will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old. Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none: For I, the Lord God, delighteth in the chastity of women." - Jacob 2:32-36
This is the teaching of the book all the way through — clean and Godlike in all of its parts. No one can read and obey its teachings and not be a Christian in the highest sense of the word. There is absolutely only one way to continue to regard it as a fraud and an imposter, and that is to leave it strictly alone, because the honest heart and unbiased mind cannot come into complete contact with it and not believe it. We invite this test:

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; And if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost; and by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things."
- Moroni 10:4-5

[Thane]

What Church of Christ is this talking about? My wife used to attend a Church of Christ, and left if for some pretty valid reasons, but nothing like what is mentioned in here. Is this talking about a morman version of the church or what?

[Mike]

Same question I had! That is why I posted it. I put a link to the particular church. I didn't know if all Church of Christ believed the same as they did? I know as far as the Contemporary Church article I read, was way off from my Contemp. Church.
Maybe we can get some feed back?

God Bless, Mike

Ps....The link to article should have been at the top

[pitbull]

Who are the churches of Christ ?
and what do they believe in ?
by .. Batsell Barrett Baxter

What is the distinctive plea of the church of Christ ?
Historical background of the Restoration movement
How many churches of Christ are there ?
How are the churches organizationally connected ?
How are the churches of Christ governed ?
What does the church of Christ believe about the Bible ?
Do members of the churches of Christ believe in virgin birth ?
Does the church of Christ believe in predestination ?
Why does the church of Christ baptize only by immersion ?
Is infant baptism practiced ?
Do ministers of the church hear confession ?
Are prayers addressed to the saints ?
How often is the Lord's supper eaten ?
What kind of music is used in the worship ?
Does the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell ?
Does the church of Christ believe in purgatory ?
By what means does the church secure financial support ?
Does the church of Christ have a creed ?
How does one become a member of the church of Christ ?

What is the distinctive plea of the church of Christ ?

It is primarily a plea for religious unity based upon the Bible. In a divided religious world it is believed that the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God-fearing people of the land can unite. This is an appeal to go back to the Bible. It is a plea to speak where the Bible speak and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. It further empasizes that in everything religious there must be a "Thus saith the Lord" for all that is done. The objective is religious unity of all believers in Christ. The basis is the New Testament. The method is the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
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The Historical background of the Restoration Movement

One of the earliest advocates of the return to New Testament Christianity, as a means of achieving unity of all believers in Christ, was James O'Kelly of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1793 he withdrew from the Baltimore conference of his church and called upon others to join him in taking the Bible as the only creed. His influence was largely felt in Virginia and North Carolina where history records that some seven thousand communicants followed his leadership toward a return to primitive New Testament Christianity.
In 1802 a similar movement among the Baptists in New England was led by Abner Jones and Elias Smith. They were concerned about "denominational names and creeds" and decided to wear only the name Christian, taking Bible as their only guide. In 1804, in the western frontier state of Kentucky, Barton W. Stone and several other Presbyterian preachers took similar action declaring that they would take the Bible as the "only sure guide to heaven." Thomas Campbell, and his illustrious son, Alexander Campbell, took similar steps in the year 1809 in what is now the state of West Virginia. They contended that nothing should be bound upon Christians as a matter of doctrine which is not as old as the New Testament. Although these four movements were completely independent in their beginings eventually they became one strong restoration movement because of their common purpose and plea. These men did not advocate the starting of a new church, but rather a return to Christ's church as described in the Bible.
Members of the church of Christ do not conceive of themselves as a new church started near the begining of the 19th century. Rather, the whole movement is designed to reproduce in contemporary times the church originally established on Pentacost, A.D. 30. The strength of the appeal lies in the restoration of Christ's original church.
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How many churches of Christ are there ?

The most recent dependable estimate lists more than 15,000 individual churches of Christ. The "Christian Herald," a general religious publication which presents statistics concerning all the churches, estimates that the total membership of the churches of Christ is now 2,000,000. There are more than 7000 men who preach publicly. Membership of the church is heaviest in the southern states of the United States, particularly Tennessee and Texas, though congregations exist in each of the fifty states and in more than eighty foreign countries. Missionary expansion has been most extensive since the second World War in Europe, Asia and Africa. More than 450 full time workers are supported in foreign countries. The churches of Christ now have five times as many members as were reported in the U.S. Religious Census of 1936.
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How are the churches organizationally connected ?

Following the plan of organization found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are autonomous. Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are the chief ties which bind them together. There is no central headquarters of the church and no organization superior to the elders of each local congregation. Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in supporting the orphans and the aged, in preaching the gospel in new fields, and in other similar works.
Members of the church of Christ conduct forty colleges and secondary schools, as well as seventy-five orphanges and homes for the aged. There are approximately 40 magazines and other periodicals published by individual members of the church. A nationwide radio and television program, known as "The Herald of Truth" is sponsored by the Highland Avenue church in Abilene, Texas. Much of its annual budget of $1,200,000 is contributed on a free-will basis by other churches of Christ. The radio program is currently heard on more than 800 radio stations, while the television program is now appearing on more than 150 stations. Another extensive radio effort known as "World Radio" owns a network of 28 stations in Brazil alone, and is operating effectively in the United States and a number of other foreign countries, and is being produced in 14 languages. An extensive advertising program in leading national magazines began in November 1955.
There are no conventions, annual meetings, or official publications. The "tie that binds" is a common loyalty to the principles of the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
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How are the churches of Christ governed ?

In each congregation, which has existed long enough to become fully organized, there is a plurality of elders or presbyters who serve as the governing body. These men are selected by the local congregations on the basis of qualifications set down in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the elders are deacons, teachers, and evangelists or ministers. The latter do not have the authority equal to or superior to the elders. The elders are shepherds or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament, which is a kind of constitution. There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of the local church.
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What does the church of Christ believe about the Bible ?

The original autographs of the sixty six books which make up the Bible are considered to have been divinely inspired, by which it is meant that they are infallible and authoritative. Reference to the scriptures is made in settling every religious question. A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the final word. The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is the Bible.
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Do members of the churches of Christ believe in the virgin birth ?

Yes. The statement in Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ. New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25, are accepted at face value as declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is accepted as the only begotten Son of God, uniting in his person perfect divinity and perfect manhood.
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Does the church of Christ believe in predestination ?

Only in the sense tht God predestines the righteous to be eternally saved and the unrighteous to be eternally lost. The statement of the apostle Peter, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is acceptable unto him"(Acts 10:34-35.) is taken as an evidence that God did not predestine individuals to be eternally saved or lost, but that each man determines his own destiny.
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Why does the church of Christ baptize only by immersion ?

The word baptize comes from the Greek word "baptizo" and literally means, "to dip, to immerse, to plunge." In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion is practiced because it was the practice of the church in apostolic times. Still further, only immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he speaks of it as a burial and resurrection.
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Is infant baptism practiced ?

No. Only those who have reached the "age of accountability" are accepted for baptisms. It is pointed out that the examples given in the New Testament are always of those who have heard the gospel preached and have believed it. Faith must always precede baptism, so only those old enough to understand and believe the gospel are considered fit subjects for baptism.
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Do ministers of the church hear confession ?

No. Ministers or evangelists of the church have no special perogatives. They do not wear the title of Reverand or Father, but are addressed simply by the term Brother as are all other men of the church. Along with elders and others they do counsel and advise those seeking help.
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Are prayers addressed to the saints ?

No. God the Father is considered the only one to whom the prayers may be addressed. It is further understood that Christ stands in a mediatorial position between God and man (Hebrews 7:25). All prayers are therefore offered through Christ, or in the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).
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How often is the Lord's supper eaten ?

It is expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each Lord's day. A central part of the worship is the eating of the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7). Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly appointment as binding. In many instances, as in the case of illness, the Lord's supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending the worship.
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What kind of music is used in the worship ?

As a result of the distinctive plea of the church - a return to New Testament Faith and practice - acapella singing is the only music used in the worship. This singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music, conforms to the music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries thereafter (Ephesians 5:19). It is felt that there is no authority for engaging in acts of worship not found in the New Testament. This principle eliminates the use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other similar elements.
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Does the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell ?

Yes. The statement of Christ in Matthew 25, and elsewhere, are taken at face value. It is believed that after death each man must come before God in judgement and that he will be judged according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgement is pronounced he will spend eternity either in heaven or hell.
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Does the church of Christ believe in purgatory ?

No. The absence of any reference in the scriptures to the temporary place of punishment from which the soul will eventually be released into heaven prevents the acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory.
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By what means does the church secure financial support ?

Each first day of the week the members of the church "lay by in store as they have been prospered" (1 Corinthians 16:2). The amount of any individual gift is generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord. This free-will offering is the only call which the church makes. NO assessments or other levies are made. No money-making activities, such as bazaars or suppers, are engaged in. A total of approximately $200,000,000 is given on this basis each year.
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Does the church of Christ have a creed ?

No. At least, there is no creed in the usual sense of the word. The belief of the church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is no other manual or discipline to which the members of the church of Christ give their allegiance. The Bible is considered as the only infallible guide to heaven.
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How does one become a member of the church of Christ ?

In the salvation of man's soul there are 2 necessary parts: God's part and man's part. God's part is the big part, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not of works, that no man should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God's part in salvation.
Though God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has announced. Man's part can clearly set forth in the following steps:
• Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"(Romans 10:14).
• Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be wellpleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).
• Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent."(Acts 17:30).
• Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).
• Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."(Acts 2:38).
• Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

OPEN INVITATION

Now that you are aware of a church in the 20th century which is built according to the blue prints of Christ's original church, why not become a member of it ? In becoming a member of it, you will be called upon to do nothing which you cannot read in the New Testament. You will then live and worship just as the apostle-guided Christians of the first century did.
Not only is this return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all believers in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as we go back to the Bible, back to Christ and his church. !
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If you need to locate a church of Christ congregation nearest to you, please click here to send me an E-mail and I will be more than glad to help you find it. No one from the church will call without your consent. Please come by and visit.
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