WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

		A lack of respect for Bible authority is one more reason.  
	Here is how it progresses.  A church gives its leader authority 
	to make a few changes: which part of the Bible they will keep 
	and which part they will change, or ignore.  The next group 
	(or generation) wants to change or ignore a little more.  
	The divisions come when men can't agree on how much compromise 
	is acceptable.

		One thing forgotten in this process is that no compromise 
	of God's Word is acceptable.  "…there are some who trouble you 
	and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we, or 
	an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what 
	we have preached to you, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:6-10
	
		At the Colonial church of Christ, we do not want to be anything 
	but what is acceptable to God Romans 12:1-2.  We believe the Bible 
	to be our only authority for faith and practice II Timothy 3:16-17.  
	We have no creeds, councils, or board of directors making doctrinal 
	decisions for us.  We are not a denomination, meaning we have not 
	divided from anyone.  We humbly want to follow the Bible pattern for 
	what a church should be, without compromise.  Paul said "Hold fast 
	the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and 
	love which are in Christ Jesus." II Timothy 1:13
	
		Farmers know that if you leave the gate open wide enough for one 
	cow to get out, there is nothing to stop the whole herd from getting out.  
	Opening the door of religious compromise is no different.  The only 
	solution is to shut the gate.
	
	If you would like to study the Bible, look us up on the web at:
          www.colonialchurchofchrist.com  or call Lee at 221-8553.