Books

Answers in the Bible to Problems in the Church

By Jim Massey

Introduction

This study booklet on church problems is not a book of authority. It is not a catechism or creed. It has no official power behind it. It must not be used as a rule of faith and practice among churches of Christ. It has a human author.

Churches of Christ have no book of authority except the Bible. The Bible is the only book which is inspired of God, and which will thoroughly furnish the man of God unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16,17). Men’s commandments make worship vain (Matthew 15:9).

The following booklet, “Answers in the Bible to Problems in the Church,” is the study of common problems in the church. Its purpose is not to be a book of authority, but to point the reader to the Bible as God’s only source of authority. This booklet may be properly used only if its purpose is well understood.

Treat this booklet as you would treat its author if he were answering your Bible questions. Do not trust his words, but turn to your own Bible to see if these things are true (Acts 17:11). Do not believe every teacher, but prove the spirits whether they be of God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

Every Christian is commanded to study to show himself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). No teacher can do your personal study for you. A teacher can guide you in your study (Acts 8:30,31). But he can also misguide you if he is wrong (Matthew 15:14). You must examine for yourself every teacher and every teaching by the Word of God. Man’s words may err but God’s Word is safe and sure.