“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16.18, NKJV).¹

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¹I once heard a preacher ask, “If you had to write a ten-page paper about the church you are a member of, could you use only the Bible or would you have to use outside sources?”

The truth is, many churches would have to use outside sources because many of their doctrines, beliefs, practices, and even their names cannot be found within the pages of the Bible.

Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build My church…" (Matthew 16.18). This is the church that began in Acts chapter two in Jerusalem. Following the baptism of the first converts to Christ, Luke records, "…And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2.41-47). Further, scripture refers to the church, the saved, as His body (Colossians 1.18). Since there is only one body (Eph. 4.4), there is only one church. Scripture mentions no other.

In the New Testament, groups of believers who lived in the same area joined their efforts and resources to form local congregations, also called "churches" (Galatians 1.2). The apostle Paul called these groups "churches of Christ" in Romans 16.16.

Jesus established the church, not men. It is His. Therefore, it wears His name.* He is the purchaser (Acts 20.28), founder (Matthew 16.18), head (Eph. 1.22-23; Eph. 5.23) and Savior of His body (Ephesians 5.23). Since churches in the New Testament are called churches of Christ, and since we strive to be nothing more than a New Testament church, at Franklin Drive we call ourselves after the pattern of the scriptures (2 Tim. 1.13), the church of Christ.

We are confident that we can be a church that you can read about in the Bible. We are simply a local group of Christians (Acts 11.26), seeking to serve God based on the teachings revealed in His word. We are not affiliated with any denomination or cult, but are an independent body of Christians acknowledging Christ as the only head of the church (Eph. 1.22-23; Eph. 5.23). BG

If you want to learn more about the church you can read about in the Bible, message us on Facebook, e-mail Bryan Garlock, or text 903.308.4905.

*Questions for you to consider:

• If we cannot read about denominations (baptist, methodist, catholic, lutheran, etc.) in Scripture, why do they exist?
• Why not call ourselves after our Savior? As individuals, Christians, and as a local church, the church of Christ?
• If you're a member of a church you cannot read about in Scripture, why do you support it?
• If you had to write a ten-page paper about the church you are a member of, could you use only the Bible or would you have to use outside sources?

​We pray you'll consider these questions. We would love to hear your answers. Contact us today!

“The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” (John 12.48, ESV)¹

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¹We must have standards for all we do in life. Standard is defined: “as a level of quality, achievement, etc., that is considered acceptable or desirable; ideas about morally correct and acceptable behavior; something that is very good and that is used to make judgments about the quality of other things" (Merriam-Webster). Thus, without standards we would and could not agree on anything and disunity and chaos would follow. For example, the employee policy hanging on the wall at work is the standard by which all employees must measure themselves. If an employee is found lacking in a particular area, his or her employer has the necessary tools to either help the employee improve or if the employee continues to spiral down, terminate them. Therefore, we understand the policy to keep the employee working effectively and efficiently.

Another standard worth mentioning is the handy dandy tape measure. Without it our buildings would be crooked and unstable and our furniture would be uncomfortable to look at and sit on! This is because we would never agree to the length of a piece of wood. One builder might say the length is 10 inches, while another argues the length is 14 inches. Thus, to eliminate disunity and chaos, these builders would have to adopt a standard by which they measure each piece of wood.

In the religious world, the Bible is our standard. With it we measure our faith (2 Cor. 13.5; James 1.25), our maturity in Christ (2 Tim. 3.16-17; 2 Peter 1.3) and our eternal outcome will be measured by our faithfulness (Rev. 2.10). Since God’s word will be the judge, that is, our standard, it would do us well to heed and obey the words of Christ in all things (Col. 3.17). BG

Are you interested in learning more about God's word? Message us on Facebook, e-mail us, or text 903.308.4905.

“The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Proverbs 8.13, ESV)¹

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¹Since fearing God includes knowing His will (Prov. 1.7), then to know God is to understand that He hates evil. Therefore, to fear and respect God requires me to hate evil. In our text, this includes pride, arrogance, the way of evil and perverted speech.

Do we hate the things God hates? Specifically, do we hate profanity, gossip, slander, false accusations, and lies? These are all things done with the tongue and cause our speech to be perverted!

We can help you overcome perverse speech and to talk in the same way our Lord and Savior showed us! Reach out to us today by messaging us on Facebook, e-mailing us, or texting us at 903.308.4905.

-Bryan Garlock

Judges 13:2-21; 2 Peter 2:10-11; Jude 8-9; Zech. 3:1-2¹

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¹Angels are greater in might and power than we are, yet in the accounts above, we can learn a valuable lesson from their actions.

Even though we are people created by God, and then as Christians, a people for God’s own possession, we frequently make an unnatural separation between ourselves and our God.  We put off our “selves” to put on Christ, yet that old man continues to creep back into our lives and make decisions and take actions that are not from our Savior.

This is where the angels above provide an example for us to follow.

Samson’s father wanted to pay respect and honor to the heavenly messenger who foretold his son’s birth.  The angel knew his place.  He knew his position.  He knew he was simply a servant and messenger of God and refused such an offer.  He redirected Samson’s father to the only One worthy of honor, Jehovah God.

Peter’s warnings about false teachers who carelessly revile is contracted to angels who, though mightier and more powerful, do not bring a reviling judgment before the Lord.

And even Michael, the archangel, in his dispute with the Devil would only state, “The Lord rebuke thee!”

We too are subject to God and only servants and messengers of our Heavenly Father and our Savior.  We must be careful not to separate and exalt ourselves and assume too much power or authority.  When someone wished to honor us, is it not God who rightly deserves the glory?  Is it not He who is the source of all our successes and accomplishments?  Is it not proper to redirect that honor to Him?

When we are filled with “righteous indignation”, do we revile against others?  Do we take it upon ourselves to make a personal rebuke?  Our do we, like Michael, in matters that clearly belong in His realm, defer the condemnation to the true judge?

Let us remember who we are.  Let us keep our proper place.  Let us remember we are simply men, servants of the Almighty God, and insure the One who is our judge is given everything that is properly His.

We want to study with you! Message us on Facebook, e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

The above was written by one of our members, Bill Brittenham.

“Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalm 119.104, ESV)¹

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¹Are you struggling to overcome sin in your life? The Bible tells us many ways we can put a stop to sin. One way is by learning to hate it! In fact, as evident in our text, it is through God’s word that we learn to hate every false way.

We encourage all to read their bibles and internalize the scriptures. Let them dwell in your heart. Learn from Christ how to hate the sin in your life. Only then can you truly overcome sin.

We want to help you! E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905 for more info!