Article - The Cowboy Church (part 1)
"Preachers tell corny jokes. Worshipers whoop, holler and clap. The bands jam with banjos, mandolins, guitars, drums and sometimes even a worn washboard….The sermons usually last just a few minutes so as not to make the audience restless" (http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/18/nation/na-cowboy18). You will not find these things in the New Testament church, but you will find them in the Cowboy Church.
Not only does the Cowboy Church fail to resemble Christ’s church, but their doctrine and practices are completely contrary to the doctrine of Christ and must be exposed (John 8:31; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 John 1:9-11; Ephesians 5:11). Here are a few contrasting points: (1) The Cowboy Church was founded about 40 years ago in the southern part of the United States; whereas, the church of Christ was founded by Jesus in the first century A.D. in Jerusalem (Acts 1:12; 2:1, 47; 20:28); (2) In order for a group of “Christians” to be a Cowboy Church, they must wear the name “Cowboy Church” and abide by a manmade constitution, such as, the American Cowboy Church Constitution and By-Laws (www.americanfcc.org); whereas, the Lord adds those who have been saved to the church of Christ, the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Colossians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The church of Christ abides by the one and only standard, namely, the Bible (Philippians 3:16; Romans 10:17). True New Testament Christians in various locations make up “the churches of Christ” based on New Testament authority given to them by Jesus (Matthew 16:18; 28:18; Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17); (3) Most Cowboy Churches recognize the Baptist Faith and Message (1963); whereas, the church of Christ only recognizes the doctrine contained in the New Testament and contends earnestly for the faith (Galatians 1:6-10; Jude 1:3).
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