Roanoke Valley Church Of Christ

I'm sorry to say, but there are some serious problems with the International Church of Christ Churches, of which Roanoke Valley is listed as a member of this church. Get ready for brainwashing -- err, indoctrination -- if you want to join the International Church of Criticism -- err, I meant International Church of Christ (ICOC). With all seriousness, there are some serious issues with this "non-denomination". Here they are:
1) While the ICOC does teach the Bible, they have some peculiar, or false interpretations of scripture mixed in. Are all the teachings false? No. But there is enough false or extra-Biblical teachings mixed in that is a problem.
2) They claim that only those who go to the ICOC are saved, and if you go to any other denomination you are going to Hell.
3) They deny the gifts and works of the Holy Spirit. The discipling ministry is a substitute for the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Instead of letting the Holy Spirit guide and convict, disciplers point out the faults of other members (according to their opinion) and beat them over the head with Bible verses. Yes -- of course it's always easier to see someone else's faults and not your own! It works every time.
4) They hold the position that to be saved, you must repent of EVERY sin before you are baptized. There is no understanding of SANCTIFICATION and GRACE, a working of the Holy Spirit to purify believers as they walk with God. After you repent of EVERY sin, only then can you be baptized. And if OOPS! you sin again, then your salvation is at doubt. I became aware that members were being baptized several times because they doubted their salvation. What kind of fruit is this?
5) They do not believe people pray in tongues, and demonize Christians in other denominations that do. They have actually taught when other Christians (not belonging to ICOC) pray in tongues, it is of the devil. Ummm -- isn't this dangerously close to blaspheming the Holy Spirit?
6) If you don't conform to THEIR narrow (and often wrong) view of Scripture, they kick you out of the church. Now this can actually be a blessing to some. BUT, they have so thoroughly brainwashed some of these poor souls, that many either completely turn away from God, or commit suicide after this treatment. The defining word here is "spiritual abuse". When you examine the results (fruit) of this ministry, this is a serious casualty. The other problem with this view, is that the leaders have placed themselves between the parishioners and God -- this is a practice the Lord detests. We are all sinners, and Jesus died for our sins and offered us all access to the throne when we come to Him as we are! Jesus cleans us up! It's a continual process, and the Holy Spirit should convict us -- not a leader beating us over the head with the Bible and cherry-picked verses.
7) They deny the GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Ever heard of Christians praying and laying hands on one another for healing? According to the ICOC, the gift of healing died with the apostles. That is not true! God still heals miraculously today -- broken bones, deaf ears, blindness, lame, etc.! Youtube is full of documentaries like this! And God heals animals too! Check out Andrew Wommack's website, or The Last Reformation. These Christians pray in tongues too! Wooooah! It's a lot more fun and uplifting to pray for others and see them healed, vs. getting judged and hit over the head with a Bible from the ICOC.
8) The International Church of Christ is so legalistic, they essentially deny both the grace and unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

If you proceed anyways, you've been warned! If you read your Bible (King James is more accurate), it does NOT say that only members of the International Church of Christ go to heaven. This position is preposterous -- logically it would mean that the millions or billions of people since the church of Acts until the establishment of the ICOC all went to Hell. This (ICOC) is another kind of gospel that portrays God and Jesus to be jerks, when they are not! The Lord has GREAT mercy!