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Danville Enlightener VOL. VIII, No. 49
Connection Pointe“Serve at Connection Pointe” is the title of a tract I picked up recently. Connection Point is the name of the mega-church in Brownsburg once called the Brownsburg Christian Church. When the new building (complex) was built they began using the name Connection Point because, as they say, their focus is: “Connecting People to Jesus and Each Other.” This is a somewhat catchy phrase, and I guess it is becoming trendy for churches to have a logo and a catchy slogan that helps “sell” them to the public. Connection Pointe is marketed well. Inside the tract there are listed several ways one can be connected including feeding the homeless, caring for children, preparing and serving coffee (they have a coffee shop in their atrium), and becoming a fitness trainer or a coach. Upon reading the tract my interest was aroused to know more so I checked out their website. As I perused the site I couldn’t help but think about a frequently heard saying that many think is true, and that is, “The only difference between churches of Christ and Christian Churches is the instrument of music.” Anyone remotely familiar with recent religious history knows that there was a major division among churches of Christ in the mid 1800’s that involved the instrument of music. Early in the 1800’s instrumental music in worship assemblies were virtually unknown. But in 1860 Lewis L. Pinkerton of Midway, Kentucky introduced an instrument of music (Melodeon) into the worship services of a church of Christ. This began a division that was to eventuate in the beginning of what has come to be known as The Christian Church. What started with a total disregard for biblical authority (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) The issue has never been about simply an instrument of music. It has always been about respecting the authority of the Scriptures. Those who abandon the Bible have absolutely nothing that can stop them from doing whatever they wish to do. Consider baptism! Connection Pointe rejects the necessity of baptism for salvation. Their statement of belief sounds like any other major denomination. For example, they say, “Once you have acknowledged that Jesus Christ is Lord, baptism by immersion is the tangible way of showing that you trust Him alone for your salvation. It is not only a symbol that you are committed to Christ, but it also represents the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And, “As soon as you believe in Christ, we encourage you to schedule your baptism.” Did you notice their claim? They say baptism is a symbol showing that one is saved, and that one is merely encouraged to be baptized. Peter commanded baptism in Acts 10:48 and he said it SAVES in 1 Pet 3:21. On their website Connection Pointe advertises four different periods and styles of worship. On Saturdays they offer what is called Casual Worship. It is described as “an informal and relaxed environment with live music and congregational songs that will engage every person in meaningful worship, regardless of their style preference. Communion is offered weekly to those who wish to participate.” Does Acts 20:7 NOT appear in their Bible? Sunday at 8:15 AM they have Classic Blend Worship. This “worship” is described as “designed for those who come from a traditional background and is great for those who enjoy a little less volume and energy. You'll enjoy a mix of classic and contemporary elements, a fresh blend of choir, orchestra, and traditional hymns in an intimate worship experience. Communion is offered weekly to those who wish to participate. Dress and atmosphere is casual.” Sunday at 9:30 AM they have what is called Contemporary Worship. They advertise this Contemporary worship this way. “If you prefer a come-as-you-are atmosphere, this worship service is just for you! The Contemporary worship experience is a unique medley of upbeat praise music and a down-to-earth message. This service incorporates the captivating presence of a full orchestra and choir. Worship elements are designed to focus on the heart, mind, and soul - a great choice for those who prefer a ‘middle of the road’ musical style.” Sundays at 11:00 AM they offer Modern Worship. This is how this “period of praise” is advertised. “This service combines the same sermon message as our other services with dramatic lighting and the fresh, resonating sound of guitars, percussion, and vocals. You will be engaged by multimedia and creative messages relevant to today’s issues.” There can be no straightforward assessment of the facts that would allow for anyone to conclude there is only one difference between churches of Christ and churches like Connection Point. This should be enough to inform any honest Bible reader that Connection Pointe is not in any way, shape, manner or form similar to the church we can read about in the New Testament. I am sure there are many good and honorable people who are either members at Connection Pointe or who visit there who have no understanding of what the Bible says about the church, worship, or salvation. This is indeed tragic, because in the words of Jesus these are the blind being led by the blind (Matt 15:14). Both, however, will fall into the ditch! Churches of Christ today need to focus on getting the message of unblemished Christianity out so that those who are deceived may learn the truth. Churches need never to emulate these harbingers of error by creating an atmosphere of casualness, designing logos and catchphrases which have as their sole design a marketing appeal to the non-religious; sort of a church without commitment. We must never view the demand for |