Where In The Bible Will I Find:

The Importance Of Speaking Where The Bible Speaks?

Generally the world does not think it matters whether we reverence God and His Word or not. Some have breathed in denominational atmosphere so long they find it hard not to sectarianize their speech. Today there are also some Christians who believe and speak in the same manner. These do not see the importance of speaking with Biblical language, and keeping our speech pure in the sight of God.

The Bible says we are to speak "the things which become sound doctrine" (Tit. 2:1). Also the inspired Peter writes, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11). When Paul wrote to his son in the Faith, he said, "Hold fast the form (pattern GC) of sound words" (II Tim. 1:13). From these passages we should understand that our words are important. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" and "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment" (Matt. 12:31-37. But it is not unusual to hear some say in reference to members of the church, "They are Church of Christ" when they should say "They are Christians, God's children" (Acts 11:26; 26:28; I Pet. 4:16).

“He is a Church of Christ preacher,” when they should say, "He is a preacher for the church of Christ." Some speak of "Church of Christ teaching" when they should speak of what the Bible teaches or Bible doctrine. We should not speak of "the authority of the church" but rather of the authority of Christ. Some say when they are teaching others, "I am teaching him OUR POSITION" instead of we are studying God's Word together. It's not unusual to hear some call preachers "Reverend" when the Bible teaches, “... holy and revered is his (God's GC) name” (Psa. 111:9).

Some, in wanting to pay respect to preachers, will call their preacher "Pastor", though he does not serve as one of the elders in the church (Eph. 4:11). All references in the Bible to a preacher or evangelist are in the singular; but all references to those who serve as elders are always plural (Acts 20:28; etc.). Some speak of "voting him or her into the church" or "electing elders," or "we are voting on a doctrine for our church," none of which are found in the Bible, and therefore are not holding the "form of sound (healthy GC) words” (II Tim. 1:13).

The Bible never speaks of "Joining the Church,” or "Joining the Church of your voice," "my Church,” “our Church” or “your Church.” When we speak "as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11), these divisive terms will disappear from everyone's use. Let us determine in our heart that we will speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent, do Bible things in Bible ways, and call Bible things by Bible names.

--Gary Colley