•7:58 PM
“The church is a body of baptized believers, called out from the world, over which Christ reigns as head, and which the Holy Spirit directs by means of the Word of Truth”
– Guy N. Woods
The church includes all who have accepted the invitation of Christ to leave sinful ways ad follow Him (Acts 2:47).
In the Bible “church” did not refer to a meetinghouse. A meetinghouse (or church building) is the place where a church meets. “Church” refers to people. A church may meet in a house (Romans 16:5).
- How and When did it Begin?
Plans for the church were first made in heaven, for the church is a part of God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:10).
Jesus announced, during His personal ministry, He would build it (Matthew 16:18). He prepared for it by announcing its coming and the conditions of membership. The church He promised is the same as the kingdom of God that had been anticipated from Old Testament times (Daniel 2:44). Jesus is King over the kingdom and Head over the church. The same acts of obedience that put the sinner into the kingdom (John 3:5), put him into the church (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Christians are citizens of the kingdom and members of the church.
- Why would one want to be a member of it?
One cannot be saved and remain out of it any more than one can be saved and remain out of the family of God. If one says he is not a member of the church Jesus built he either isn’t saved or doesn’t understand. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). To be in Christ is to be in His body which is the church (Ephesians 1:22, 23).
- How does one get into the church?
First, one must be saved. The Lord then adds him to it (Acts 2:47). There are no saved (forgiven) people out of the church Jesus built, nor are there alien sinners in the church He built. The line between the world and the church is distinct. On one side are the lost. On the other are the saved. The dividing line is obedience. Before one obeys the gospel he is out of it. After obedience he is in it.
What are these conditions?
Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17) Believe the gospel (Mark 1:15) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5) Confess Christ (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:10) Be immersed (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21)- What is the work of the church?
The church is to support the teaching of God’s word (1 Corinthians 9:14), to edify (Ephesians 4:11, 12), and relieve the afflicted (Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:9). Individual members are to live the Christian life, honor God, teach His word, support themselves as much as possible, and help others who have need. They are to pay their debts and be law-abiding citizens. They are to live pure lives, to be truthful and honest, and they are to honor Christ.
- The worship of the church.
Christians are to assemble regularly (Hebrews 10:25). When assembled they are to:
Sing praises (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19) Pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-3) Teach, or listen to teaching (Acts 20:7) Partake of the Lord’s Supper, on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 11:23-27) Contribute financially, on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1,2)- Who is head of the church?
According to the Bible Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18). There is no evidence Jesus ever appointed anyone on earth to represent Him personally. The keys of Matthew 16:19 represent the gospel which is used by everyone to obtain the forgiveness of sins. Every lost man must obey the same unchangeable gospel (Galatians 1:8, 9).
- The destiny of the church.
It is to continue till the end of time (Matthew 16:18), then it is to be delivered up to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24). Faithful Christians will enter heaven (Matthew 25:24). When this happens the church/kingdom will realize the last great promise of God—to be with Him forever.
- The non-denominational view.
The Bible does not present the New Testament church as a body made up of all denominations, nor as a single denomination. The church of Christ existed before a denominational arrangement developed. Centuries after the church began, different doctrines were taught that had no Bible support and division occurred. Then the denominational system developed with different names, creeds and churches. A non-denominational view looks back over these to the first century, when there was only one church.
Members of the church of Christ seek to duplicate the non-denominational church of the first century. They take the Bible as their supreme guide. They reject doctrines and practices that were introduced after the close of the New Testament. They seek to be Christians only. They believe this is the one and only way to unite all who are seeking to follow Christ. No one has to give up anything taught in the Bible to become a member. Everyone must be ready to give up everything not taught in the Bible.
- If you are interested in being a Christian only, seek out the church of Christ and see if these things are so. You have everything to gain. You are welcome to attend and listen. You have the opportunity to ask questions following the service, in privacy if you wish. Expect a Bible answer given courteously and with respect. Your eternal destiny may well depend on your decision.
