The church of Christ as revealed in the New Testament is in existence today and one can be a member. The Lord himself promised to build it as recorded in Matthew 16:17-19. That promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost following the ascension of our Lord (Acts 1). We read of the beginning of the church in the city of Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2. Acts 2 is a key passage in learning about the establishment of the church.

The church of our Lord has been restored today. If not, as some proclaim, how can I be a member today? One can know today whether he is a member of the New Testament church by looking at the pattern, identifying marks as presented in the New Testament.

The church of our Lord is the greatest institution that one can be a member of today. The importance and greatness of the church can be seen in her...

PLANNED COMPLETENESS From the divine side the church is perfect, whole and lacking nothing. It cannot be improved upon. It will endure and last, for it was (1)Purposed by God (Ephesians 3:10-11); (2)Prophesied by God's prophets (Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:44); (3)Promised by God's Son (Matthew 16:18-19) and (4)Purchased by the blood of God's Son (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:23-26).

PERFECT COMMANDER Christ is the head of the church. As we obey his word, we are being led by Him. He will never lead us down the wrong path (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:15).

POWERFUL COMMUNICATION That which the church is to communicate to others is the Word of God, the most powerful message of all (Rom. 1:16-17; James 1:21; I Peter 4:11; II Timothy 3:15-4:4).

PRIMARY CHARGE The primary charge, commission of the church is the salvation of souls through the spreading of the word, serving and strengthening others (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 6:2, 10; Romans 14:19).

PLEASANT COMPANIONSHIP What a fellowship we have in Jesus Christ. To have fellowship with God and those who are godly is truly a great blessing (I John 1:6-7).

If we obey the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21) by believing in Christ (John 8:24); by repenting of sins (Luke 13:3); by confessing Christ (Matthew 10:32-33); and by being baptized (Acts 2:38) we will be added to the church of Christ.

By Jerry W. Joseph