What Makes Churches of Christ Unique?
Jim Mullican

Several hundred different religious groups exist in the United States, and most of them would describe themselves as Christians. Yet the outside observer quickly notices that they differ greatly in their beliefs and practices. Some believe the Bible is inspired by God, white others believe it's a collection of legends and myths complied at a time much later than conservatives believe. Some have a distinct priesthood, while others believe in mutual edification - that is, each member takes a turn teaching and preaching. Some adhere to male leadership in the churches, while others have conformed to the "politically correct" position and placed women in leadership roles as elders, deacons,. preachers, and priests. Some support the legality of abortion while others oppose it vigorously. Some have worship services that look more like a rock music concert, while others use music written while the Roman Empire still survived. Some observe the Lord's Supper each Sunday, while others do it annually and still others observe it at any time during the week. Some sprinkle water on babies and call it baptism, while others insist baptism is total immersion and is reserved for those old enough to make their own decisions. Some have begun having "Sunday Worship" on Thursday night or Monday night to accommodate those who want to have the whole weekend free for their own pleasures. And, of course, there are some who still observe the Sabbath rather than worshipping on the first day of the week. The differences and distinctions could fill volumes, and do.
What Makes Churches of Christ Unique? (Continued from page one)

What makes churches of Christ unique? It's not the absence of musical instruments in our worship. Primitive Baptist, Greek Orthodox, and others also sing a Cappello. No' - the difference goes deeper than that. What makes the churches of Christ unique is our source of authority for what we believe and practice. Our authority has always been found in scripture, not in conferences, councils, conventions, or some human leader elected by popular vote. It doesn't matter if 99% of the people want something to be true. If scripture doesn't allow it, we must not allow it. Read Matthew 7:21-23, John 12:48, Acts 17:111 and, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. ❧

The Power of Nice

Herb Kelleher, the unorthodox but highly successful innovator behind Southwest Airlines, lived up to his reputation when he found his company in a slogan dispute. It seems that Southwest was using the phrase "Just Plane Smart" to describe its no-frills pricing only to discover that Stevens Aviation, an aviation sales and maintenance company, was already using "Plane Smart."

Instead of each side's lawyers unleashing the usual barrage of letters and litigation threats, Kelleher and his - counterpart, Kurt Herwald, came up with a unique solution. They would arm wrestle for the slogan.

They created a media event around the mock battle, charging admission and selling souvenirs. Rather than fight over rights or compensation for use of the line, all proceeds from the publicity event went to charity.

The dispute was settled. Kelleher, 61 lost to Herwald, 37, in what was obviously a setup by the two bosses. But, in another fixed outcome, both companies got to use the line. Their companies got press and television coverage beyond their wildest dreams. Plus they saved what Kelleher estimated to be as much as $500,000 in legal costs.

PM Fellowship Tonight
Members and visitors are invited to meet with us tonight after the PM worship service for a time of food and fellowship in the annex. We will be honoring our recent birthdays and anniversaries. Bring your favorite light dishes, finger foods and snacks.

Vacation Bible School
Anyone who would like to help out with VBS and have not done so already, should see Chad or Sabrina Tagtow. There are many jobs available.

Friday Fellowships
Starting the second Friday in May (May 12th) and each second Friday of the following months, there will be a fellowship here at the church building. This will be a time for playing games, etc. Details will follow as to times.

As we live day by day, are we seeking our own material pleasures and comforts, or are we seeking the things which are Christ's? Do we show more concern over this life than the one to come? We should seek to set our affections on things above, not on things of the earth. Jesus said that where the heart is, there will our treasure be also. Where is your heart? Consider your life.