The case of once faithful brethren who have moved away from the faith, it is good they have changed their name. The emphasis of the church is on saving the souls of men. We have a commission from God to take the gospel into all the known world (Mark 16:15). We know that men cannot be saved unless they obey the truth given by God (I Peter 1:21). Jesus came to do the will of the Father. In so doing He affirmed that it is those who are sick that are in need of the great Physician. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Across most of our country for years people knew who the Lord’s people were. Saving souls was the theme and teaching the truth to reach that goal was evident in most places.
Over the years groups began to want numbers and acceptance by the religious world around them. They compromised truth by allowing denominational preachers to occupy their pulpits. They began using materials such as film, writings and so forth thinking that the religious world had the answers. Everything from marriage, finance, exercise, dieting, and how to pray began to be taught over and over by those of the religious world. Brethren who began to expose their congregations to such, planted the seeds of acceptance, not of the church but of the world. Biblical language such as churches of Christ began to be an embarrassment and needed to go (Romans 16:16). Public assemblies on Sunday night and Wednesday gave way to smaller groups within the homes.
Paul sent Timothy to Corinth to remind them of what he taught. Paul taught the same thing in every church (I Corinthians 4:17). Today as you travel on business or vacation, you need to take time in advance and find out about where to worship. You may walk into some building and find a mechanical instrument of music. You may find at the table only one cup to drink of the Lord’s supper with. I am saddened that some have lost faith in Biblical language and or doctrine. I am sorry to see them turn and become like all the other denominations out there. I am happy that they have changed the name in order for all to know that they are no longer the Lord’s people.