What Is the Church of Christ?

This question is a question that I wish more people would ask. There just simply are not enough seeking the answers to that question. When you read the New Testament you will find that there is no mention of many of the "Churches" that we see today. There is no mention of creeds and "different views". There is a Church that is spoken of with Christ as the founder and head of that Church. I am going to answer the question posed in this tract in three parts. First we will look at the name, then the authority, and finally how to identify the Church of the New Testament.

You will find that most of the Church of Christ has that name because it is Biblical. In Paul's inspired letter to the Church at Rome he mentioned this terminology. (Romans 16:16) "Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you." It is also obvious that it should be the name Christ since he mentioned that he would build HIS Church (note: singular). (Matthew 16:18) "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The Church is also called the "body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12). We all can recognize that the body is the Church. (Ephesians 1:22-23) "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." With the words "body" and "Church" meaning the same thing they could be used interchangeably. The name is the name because it is obviously Biblical.

One thing to consider when looking at the Church of Christ and comparing it with the denominations of the world is by what authority do these "Churches" exist (?). The Bible speaks of one (singular) Church. Ephesians the fourth chapter and the fourth verse speaks of "ONE" body. We can recognize as we did above and also in other passages that the body is the Church. (Colossians 1:18) "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." We know that God did not authorize many bodies but only one. God disapproves of the wearing of names and division which both of those are what makes up a denomination (I Corinthians 1:10-13). The simple fact is that Christ shed his blood to purchase only one Church (Acts 20:28). The fact is that only those that obey the Gospel make up that ONE Church (I Corinthians 12:12-13 and Galatians 3:27). Christ is the head and sole authority in the Church of Christ (Ephesians 5:23).

The question in many minds today is how to identify the Church of the New Testament. Well we must recognize first and foremost that the true New Testament Church will be a group of people that seek authority from God alone. They will be a group of people that acquire and provide a book, chapter, and verse for all that they do in worship and manner of teaching. They will be against adding to God's word (Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19). The true Church will not seek the approval of man (Galatians 1:10). One sign that has been used for years is the instrument in the worship. The true Church realizes that this is wrong. They will only sing vocally (Ephesians 5:19), as that is what is authorized in the New Testament. The New Testament Church will meet on the first day of the week and have a service that is God authorized (Matthew 15:7-9).

The worship will consist of prayer (Acts 2:42), singing (Matthew 26:30), the Lord's Supper, preaching (Acts 20:7), and contribution (I Corinthians 16:1-2). All of this will take place on the first day of the week {Sunday} (Acts 20:7). The New Testament Church will be a group of people that will defend God's word (Jude 3). They will do this for the love of the souls of men, by speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The Church of Christ will be a group of people that recognize the Bible as the only authority (II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Peter 1:3). The Church of Christ will teach Bible conversion the way it occurred in the New Testament (Acts 2:22-47, Acts 8:4-13, Acts 8:26-39, Acts 9:1-20, Acts 10:1-11:18, Acts 16:13-15, Acts 16:23-34, and Acts 18:8). The fact that we must hear (Romans 10:17, believe (Mark 16:15-16), repent of our sins (Acts 2:38), confess Christ (Matthew 10:32-33), and be baptized (Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-5, and I Corinthians 12:12-13). Christ shed his blood that we might have the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28). You can take advantage of his sacrifice for you or you can deny him, the choice is each and everyone's to make.

If you have read this tract and you are seeking to find the New Testament Church, look no further. We are it! Examine us with the Bible and you will find that we speak where the Bible speaks and we are silent where the Bible is silent! Ask us today about Salvation and the way to eternal life. Ask us for book, chapter, and verse.

(Acts 22:16) "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

When we consider how many souls are lost due to pure ignorance of the Gospel, we can recognize why tracts such as this one must be published. The "Identifying Marks" of the Church are not being taught as often as they should be. Folks need to realize that Salvation is ONLY in the body of Christ, his Church. Restoring the New Testament Church takes preaching on it! Please consider these things and have a study with the person whom gave you this material.

If this material offends you, please consider what Paul wrote by inspiration to the Churches of Galatia. Galatians 4:16 "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"

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