The Church Of Christ (part 1)

by Irvin Barnes


In Prophecy, In Promise, In Fact!
The Establishment of the Church of Christ
Jesus made a definite promise in Matthew 16:18, when he said, “Upon this rock I will build my church.”

Jesus clearly affirmed that the church would be His. It would belong to Christ. This statement, by itself, is sufficient to eliminate man-made churches which wear names of human origin. Since the church which Jesus promised to build was going to belong to him, it should wear his name. Please see Acts 4:12.

Did Jesus ever build His church? If so, when and where did it begin? Is it still in existence today?

Several expressions are used in the scriptures to refer to the church. Each term or expression describes a characteristic of the church and therefore helps us understand the nature of this wonderful institution.

First:the word “church” means the called out. In reference to the church it means the called out of the world.

In Bible times town criers would stand in the streets at some conspicuous place and report news events. The crier would call out to the townspeople to come and hear some late breaking news event. Those who gathered to hear him speak were said to be the “called out.”

The church is composed of those who have answered the call of the gospel. 2 Thessalonians 2:14, “to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (all verses NKJV)

The gospel is “the power of God to salvation,” Romans 1:16, “the gospel of your salvation,” Ephesians 1:13 and the thing “by which also you are saved,” 1 Corinthians 15:2.

In order to be saved by the gospel it is essential to hear the gospel, Romans 10:17, to believe the gospel, Hebrews 11:6, to repent of past sins, 2 Peter 3:9, to confess with the mouth the name of the Lord Jesus, Romans 10:9-10, and to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16 and 1 Peter 3:21.

Jesus said in Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved;”. Acts 2:47, declares, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

It is, therefore, in this manner that sinners are called out of the world by the gospel and added to the church. This is the way “the called out” or the church came to exist and the way it continues to exist in the world today. The church is truly “the called out of this world.”

Second:the church is sometimes called the kingdom. The church locally, in a congregational sense, does not constitute the kingdom of Christ in the universal sense. The church in the universal sense, however, is the same thing as the kingdom of Christ. It is in this sense that the church is made up of all that have been saved from the day of Pentecost to the present and all who may be saved from now until Jesus comes again.

The church is called the kingdom to show it is a monarchy ruled by Jesus alone as the head or king over His kingdom.

In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus promised to build His church, then in the very next verse He promised the apostles the keys to the kingdom. It is incompatible that Jesus promised to build the church and then in the very next breath said, “Here is the keys to an altogether different institution.”

Jesus is truly the head over His church. Ephesians 5:23-25, “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”

Is Christ the head of the religious institution of which you are a member? Most professed Christians would automatically answer, "yes!" But have you, would you, go to the historical records of your church and see where and by whom the religion was founded and who is currently the general overseer or head?

Does your church have a ruling board, a general superintendent, an elected president or a convention head? If so, can you truthfully say, Jesus is the head?

Please do not become upset with me or with the word of God. Please answer for yourself in an honest and unbiased manner. If your church is tapped into a universal headquarters, can you really say Jesus is the head of the organization? The Bible no where mentions the idea that the church would be divided into districts, synods or conventions.

Third:the church is also called the family of God. Ephesians 3:15, “Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” This denotes fellowship in a family relationship between members of the church as brothers and sisters in Christ as children of God.

Fourth:the church is called the body of Christ. Colossians 1:18, “And He is the head of the body, the church:” Ephesians 1:22-23, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Fifth:the church is called the house of God. 1 Timothy 3:15, “but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

The Church In Prophecy
Prophets of God foretold of the establishment of the church centuries before Jesus said, “I will build my church.”

Isaiah 2:2-3, “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

The word church does not occur in this passage. The term “house of the God of Jacob” however, is used. We have learned already the house of God is the church, 1 Timothy 3:15. So, this is definitely a prophecy about the church.

Three points stand out in this prophecy:

1. All nations shall flow into the house of God.
2. It shall come to pass in the last days.
3. The law and the word of the Lord would go forth from Jerusalem.

WHAT was going to happen? The Lord’s house was going to be established.

WHEN was it to be established? In the last days.

WHERE was all this to take place? The word was scheduled to go forth from Jerusalem.

WHO? was to be involved? All nations would flow unto the Lord’s house.

Daniel 2:44, says, “In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.” Since the kingdom and the church is the same institution, this too is a prophecy concerning the establishment of the church.

The Church In Promise
Two promises were made by Jesus in Matthew 16:16-19.

1. “I will build My church.”
2. “Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

It will come out later in this study that the apostles were present at the establishment of the church in the city of Jerusalem so they began binding and loosing the law or the word of the Lord as Jesus had promised.

The promise of “binding and loosing” was unique to the apostles. This promise does not apply to any “Tom, Dick or Harry,” who might go out claiming a latter day revelation. Numerous are the preachers in our day who claim God is giving them new revelation, often the message they bring is contrary to what is already revealed in the scriptures! These preachers claim the right to bind these new ideas on the world.

Such claims have resulted in new religions, old religions with a new twist---neither of which can be found in the Bible. We must put our confidence only in what can be found in the scriptures. If you wish to “try” a preacher to determine if what he preaches is the truth or not, then ask him to show his teaching to you from the Bible.

Fulfillment of the Prophecies and Promises
Two accounts, Luke 24:44-52 and Acts 1:2-12, are given of a conversation between Jesus and the apostles. During this visit, the coming kingdom was discussed. The time frame in which this conversation took place is important. Jesus had been crucified, buried and resurrected. After His resurrection yet before His ascension He was seen of the apostles and spoke with them of things pertaining to the kingdom of God, Acts 1:3.

Please open your Bible to Luke 24:44-50. Note the similarity between what Jesus told the apostles and the prophecy of Isaiah.

Isaiah: word of the Lord to go forth from Jerusalem. Jesus: repentance and remission of sins to be preached beginning in Jerusalem.

Isaiah: all nations would flow to the house of God. Jesus: preaching was to be done to all nations.

To save space the passage will not here be quoted, so please open your Bible to Acts 1:2-10 and note the following points:

1. Jesus was with the apostles.

2. Jesus talked with the apostles of the coming kingdom.

3. Jesus told the 12 apostles not to depart from Jerusalem. Why Jerusalem? Because this was where the prophet had said the law and the word of the Lord was to have its beginning.

4. Jesus told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Ghost which would bring them power.

5. Jesus told the 12 that they would be witnesses unto Him in all nations.

6. Jesus ascended and the apostles went to Jerusalem to wait for the promise to be fulfilled.

The Church Becomes a Reality
Please continue on in your open Bible to Acts chapter 2. Please remember the points of prophecy and promise listed below. Beside each point is a scripture reference from Acts 2, which shows the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the coming of the church.

1. All nations shall flow unto it: Acts 2:5 and 7-12.

2. Shall come to pass in the last days: Acts 2:16-17.

3. Would begin and go forth from Jerusalem. Acts 2:5.

4. Power would come with the spirit. Acts 2:1-4.

A portion of the people out of every nation were present, representatively fulfilling the “all nations” of Isaiah 2:2-4. The last days began on Pentecost. This all took place in Jerusalem.

The questions: who, when and where, are satisfied or answered by what happened in Jerusalem on Pentecost day.

Who? All nations. When? In the last days.Where? At Jerusalem.What? The church had its beginning, Acts 2:47.

Many of those who heard Him were pricked in their hearts at the preaching of the apostle Peter and cried out saying, “what shall we do?” How did Peter reply? Did he say, “Hold up your hands and repeat the name of Jesus over and over.”? Did he tell them, “All you need to do is to believe.”? Did he command them to “pray through”? He told them none of these things. He told them what Jesus told him to tell them! Jesus had said that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name beginning at Jerusalem.

Therefore, Peter told them to “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”, Acts 2:38.

“They that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:41. Reading on to Acts 2:47, the Bible says, “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” Some translations say, “such as were being saved.”

The word church with reference to the church of Christ is used in the existing sense for the first time in Acts 2:47. All other references to the New Testament church up until this time in the Bible is stated in the future tense, such as, “I will build,” or “the Lord’s house shall be established,” etc.

Therefore one must conclude that the church which Jesus promised to build became an actual, factual, existing institution on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus. The Church of Christ began in Jerusalem in about the thirty-third year of the first century.

Bible Study QuizPlease circle “T” if the statement is true. Circle “F" if the statement is false.

T F 1. Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my churches.”

T F 2. Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church.”

T F 3. Names in religion are totally unimportant for example, it really makes no difference what name Christ’s church is called. Acts 4:12.

T F 4. The church is called “the body of Christ”. Colossians 1:18.

T F 5. There is “one Lord, one faith and many bodies.” Ephesians 4:4-5.

T F 6. The church is not the body of Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23.

T F 7. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, and one Lord. Ephesians 4:4-6

T F 8. When Jesus said, “and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:" He was promising the power of special revelation by the spirit to the apostles only.

T F 9. When Jesus said, "and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:” he was promising the power of special revelation by the spirit to Joseph Smith, Ellen White, Charles Taze Russell, Mary Baker Eddy, the Pope of Rome, Oral Roberts, Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart.

T F 10. The Church of Christ had its beginning in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection and was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus as its chief cornerstone.

T F 11. Jesus Christ is the head of the church and since He is seated at the right hand of God in heaven it is accurate to say the church has no earthly headquarters.

T F 12. The headquarters of the church is in Springfield, Missouri.

T F 13. Since Jesus is the head of the church and since the church is guided by the scriptures only, there is no need of a general superintendent or convention president.

T F 14. The Bible says nothing about the church being divided into denominations, synods, districts or diocese.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor Read more!

The Church of Christ (part 2)

The Bible Only The church is made up of people who want to follow the Bible only. Since no denominational names are found in the Bible, no denominational names are worn. No creeds are necessary to set forth doctrines to be believed because the Bible contains all that the Christian is to believe.

Authority of Christ Each member accepts Christ as Lord and respects His authority. Jesus said, “And why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say” (Luke 6:46). To add to, or take away from, the simple instruction of Jesus is to fail to honor Him as Lord. No conferences, synods, councils, nor earthly headquarters exist because Christ has not authorized these.

Obedient Faith Each member understands that the faith that is pleasing to God is a faith that trusts God to the extent of obeying Him. It is through faith that we are God’s sons. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27). Baptism, as an expression of obedient faith, puts one into the proper relationship with Christ.

Baptism is Necessary Jesus said, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Care is given to obey His teaching by immersing those who believe in order that they receive the forgiveness of sins. The apostles, by authority of Christ said, “... repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38).

In Christ All who are in fellowship with Christ are members of His universal body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12; Colossians 1:18). The universal church is a spiritual entity. It has no physical organization. Wherever members extend fellowship to each other in worship and work, a local fellowship, or assembly, is found. Every Christian should want to be a part of such an organization.

We read in the Bible of churches in Rome, Corinth, Jerusalem, and in other places. These were not different kinds of churches. They were local fellowships, or assemblies, of Christians.

Worship You may see a sign in your community identifying a place of assembly for Christians. On the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) the Lord’s Super is commemorated (1 Corinthians 11:24-26), God is praised in song (Colossians 3:16), prayer is offered (1 Timothy 2:1-2), each member has an opportunity to give monetarily as they have decided (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and God’s Word is the basis for all teaching (Acts 2:42).

Every First DayIn keeping with the effort to follow the Bible carefully, the Lord’s Supper is observed as a memorial each Sunday. The early Christians met every first day of the week ( 1 Corinthians 16:2). They came together to keep this memorial on the Lord’s day (Acts 20:7).

Vocal Music With the desire not to add to the Lord’s instructions, no musical instruments are used in worship. Christians were instructed to sing, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

Bible Study Emphasized Periods of Bible study are scheduled at various times during the week. Study of the inspired Scriptures is of great importance because it is through the knowledge of God’s message that faith comes. “So faith comes by hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Christians should grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). A cordial welcome awaits you at any of these gatherings.[Also see the link for "Structured Bible Study Methods"]

Our Hope We look forward to the coming of Christ. We want to be found faithful in Him when we stand before Christ in Judgment. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who are faithful have this promise, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3)

Our PrayerIt is our prayer that you will choose to follow the Bible only. Will you accept Jesus as Lord and through obedient faith? You, along with others who obey Him, will be the CHURCH OF CHRIST.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please e-mail me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or call 253-396-0290. Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.
Read more!

Who Are The Churches Of Christ, And What Do They Believe?

What is the distinctive plea of the church of Christ? It is primarily a plea for religious unity based upon the Bible. In a divided religious world it is believed that the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God-fearing people of the land can unite. This is an appeal to go back to the Bible. It is a plea to speak where the Bible speak and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. It further emphasizes that in everything religious there must be a "Thus saith the Lord" for all that is done. The objective is religious unity of all believers in Christ. The plea is for unity of all believers in Christ, just as one of the last prayer's of Christ (John 17:17- 23), and as the Apostle Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13. The basis is the New Testament. The method is the restoration of New Testament Christianity and of unity of believers in Christ.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS The Church's Beginning

All institutions have a beginning. The establishment of any institution possesses certain characteristics, which in themselves set that institution apart from all others. By reviewing the beginning characteristics of the church, as we find in the scriptures, then we can compare these with institutions that make the claim of being the Lord's. Remember, if the beginning characteristics of the church you belong to match that of the church found within the scriptures, then this is the first step in establishing the scriptural Church of our Lord.

The first characteristic is that the church belongs to the Lord. It is the Lord's Church, not someone else's. It belongs to Christ. Far too many religious institutions (churches) claim to follow Christ, but wear another's name, or follow another's ideas. We distinguish such institutions by their names. By way of example only, we know that the Lutherans follow the teachings of Martin Luther; the Baptist have their name by the manner or mode of baptism; the Methodist by their method of teaching; and we could continue this example on and on. The point is that these institutions think more of another name or title than they do the name of the Lord. If the church belongs to the Lord, then it should bear His name, not another's.

Christ said that He would "build His church," not the church of someone else. Notice His own words: "upon this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). This fact is established by the words of the apostle Paul in writing to the Roman's: "The churches of Christ salute you." (Romans 16:16) This characteristic is distinctive with the Lord's church, and it sets it apart from all those who bear the name of other men or ideas. If any institution, claiming to belong to the Lord's, fails to wear His name, then they are unworthy to call upon the very name that they fail to be called by.

The beginning of the Lord's church also sets it apart from all the others. There exist a set pattern for the establishment of the Lord's church. In our Lord's first statements about the establishment of the church we find the first clue to this pattern.

"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. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:18-19).

Here the Lord equates the church with the kingdom. Granted, the word church and kingdom do not mean the same thing, yet the Lord's words makes them refer to the same people or institution. In brief, the Lord is saying that whenever the church is established, so too the kingdom.

The next clue is found in Mark 9:1
"Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power."

Some who heard the Lord that day would be witnesses of the establishment of the kingdom. Also, the kingdom, when established, would be established with power. This power is the next clue, for in Luke 24:49 the Lord says:
"Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

The promise mentioned here is that of the Holy Spirit found in John 14-16. This Holy Spirit would be the power that would accompany the establishment of the kingdom, and it would come in the city of Jerusalem where the apostles would be assembled.

The final clue is found in the first four verses of Acts chapter two.
Acts 2:1-4 "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Here we have the day of Pentecost; the apostles assembled together; the Spirit coming with power. At the close of this chapter we find the following: "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved," Acts 2:47.

The things had come together and the church was established just as the Lord had said. The following chart puts these clues together.

Church -- Kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19)
Kingdom -- Power (Mark 9:1 the Holy Spirit)
Power -- Jerusalem (Luke 24:49)
Jerusalem -- Power Came (Acts 2:1-4)
Church Established
Kingdom Brought Forth

Taking all of this information together we can set forth some of the chief characteristics about the establishment of the Lord's church. Compare these with the church that you belong to, and see if it is the Lord's.

The year was 33 AD when the church was established. It was on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of the Lord, which was about the month of June, or the end of the grain harvest. It was on the first day of the week, or what we call Sunday. It was at 9 a.m. - the meaning of the third hour of the day. There were 3,000 who were added to the church that day (Acts 2:41)

There can only be one institution that can claim all of this for its beginning -- the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. All other institutions have different beginnings with different characteristics. Thus, they cannot belong to the Lord.

Friend, as you read these characteristics, search the scriptures and compare them with the beginnings of the church you belong to. If you love the Lord and the church that He purchased with His own blood, then seek that which the Lord built and not man.

The Historical background of the Restoration Movement in Modern times.
One of the earliest documented advocates of the return to New Testament Christianity, as a means of achieving unity of all believers in Christ, was James O'Kelly of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1793 he withdrew from the Baltimore conference of his church and called upon others to join him in taking the Bible as the only creed. His influence was largely felt in Virginia and North Carolina where history records that some seven thousand communicants followed his leadership toward a return to primitive New Testament Christianity.

There were also several others who came to the same conclusion independently at approximately the same period of time. In 1802 a similar movement among the Baptists in New England was led by Abner Jones and Elias Smith. They were concerned about "denominational names and creeds" and decided to wear only the name Christian, taking Bible as their only guide.

In 1804, in the western frontier state of Kentucky, Barton W. Stone and several other Presbyterian preachers took similar action declaring that they would take the Bible as the "only sure guide to heaven." Thomas Campbell, and his illustrious son, Alexander Campbell, took similar steps in the year 1809 in what is now the state of West Virginia. They contended that nothing should be bound upon Christians as a matter of doctrine which is not as old as the New Testament.

Although these four movements were completely independent in their beginnings eventually they became one strong restoration movement because of their common purpose and plea. These men did not advocate the starting of a new church, but rather a return to Christ's church as described in the Bible. Members of the church of Christ do not conceive of themselves as a new church started near the beginning of the 19th century. Rather, the whole movement is designed to reproduce in contemporary times the church originally established on Pentecost, A.D. 30. The strength of the appeal lies in the restoration of Christ's original church.

How many churches of Christ are there?
The most recent dependable estimate lists more than 15,000 individual churches of Christ. The "Christian Herald," a general religious publication which presents statistics concerning all the churches, estimates that the total membership of the churches of Christ is now 2,000,000. There are more than 7000 men who preach publicly. Membership of the church is heaviest in the southern states of the United States, particularly Tennessee and Texas, though congregations exist in each of the fifty states and in more than eighty foreign countries. Missionary expansion has been most extensive since the second World War in Europe, Asia and Africa. More than 450 full time workers are supported in foreign countries. The churches of Christ now have five times as many members as were reported in the U.S. Religious Census of 1936.

How are the churches organizationally connected?
Following the plan of organization found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are autonomous (self-governing). Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are the chief ties which bind them together. There is no central headquarters of the church and no organization superior to the elders of each local congregation. There are no conventions, annual meetings, or official publications. The "tie that binds" is a common loyalty to the principles of the restoration of New Testament Christianity.

How are the churches of Christ governed?
In each congregation, which has existed long enough to become fully organized, there is a plurality of elders or presbyters who serve as the governing body. These men are selected by the local congregations on the basis of qualifications set down in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the elders are deacons, teachers, preachers, evangelists or ministers. The latter do not have the authority equal to or superior to the elders. The elders are shepherds or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament, which is a kind of constitution. There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of the local church.

What does the church of Christ believe about the Bible?
The original autographs of the sixty six books which make up the Bible are considered to have been divinely inspired, by which it is meant that they are infallible and authoritative. Reference to the scriptures is made in settling every religious question. A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the final word. The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is the Bible.

Do members of the churches of Christ believe in the virgin birth?
Yes. The statement in Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ. New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25, are accepted at face value as declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is accepted as the only begotten Son of God, uniting in his person perfect divinity and perfect manhood.

Does the church of Christ believe in predestination?
Only in the sense that God predestines the righteous to be eternally saved and the unrighteous to be eternally lost. The statement of the apostle Peter, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness is acceptable unto him"(Acts 10:34-35) is taken as an evidence that God did not predestine individuals to be eternally saved or lost, but that each man determines his own destiny.

Why does the church of Christ baptize only by immersion?
The word baptize comes from the Greek word "baptizo" and literally means, "to dip, to immerse, to plunge." In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion is practiced because it was the practice of the church in apostolic times (ie. Acts . Still further, only immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he speaks of it as a burial and resurrection.

Is infant baptism practiced?
No. Only those who have reached the "age of accountability" are accepted for baptisms. It is pointed out that the examples given in the New Testament are always of those who have heard the gospel preached and have believed it. Faith must always precede baptism, so only those old enough to understand and believe the gospel are considered fit subjects for baptism.

Do ministers (or Preachers) of the church hear confession? No. Ministers or evangelists of the church have no special prerogatives. They do not wear the title of Reverend or Father, but are addressed simply by the term Brother as are all other men of the church. Along with elders and others they do counsel and advise those seeking help.

Are prayers addressed to the saints?
No. God the Father is considered the only one to whom the prayers may be addressed. It is further understood that Christ stands in a mediatorial position between God and man (Hebrews 7:25). All prayers are therefore offered through Christ, or in the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).

How often is the Lord's supper eaten?
It is expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each Lord's day. A central part of the worship is the eating of the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7). Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly appointment as binding.

What kind of music is used in the worship?
As a result of the distinctive plea of the church - a return to New Testament Faith and practice - acapella singing is the only music used in the worship. This singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music, conforms to the music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries thereafter (1 Corinthians 14:15; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; James 5:13). It is felt that there is no authority for engaging in acts of worship not found in the New Testament. This principle eliminates the use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other similar elements.

Does the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell?
Yes. The statement of Christ in Matthew 25, and elsewhere, are taken at face value. It is believed that after death each man must come before God in judgment and that he will be judged according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgment is pronounced he will spend eternity either in heaven or hell.

Does the church of Christ believe in purgatory?
No. The absence of any reference in the scriptures to the temporary place of punishment from which the soul will eventually be released into heaven prevents the acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory.

By what means does the church secure financial support?
Each first day of the week the members of the church "lay by in store as they have been prospered" (1 Corinthians 16:2). The amount of any individual gift is generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord. This free-will offering is the only call which the church makes. NO assessments or other levies are made. No money-making activities, such as bazaars or suppers, are engaged in.

Does the church of Christ have a creed?
No. At least, there is no creed in the usual sense of the word. The belief of the church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is no other manual or discipline to which the members of the church of Christ give their allegiance. The Bible is considered as the only infallible guide to heaven.

How does one become a member of the church of Christ?
In the salvation of man's soul there are 2 necessary parts: God's part and man's part. God's part is the big part, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not of works, that no man should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God's part in salvation.

Though God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has announced. Man's part can clearly set forth in the following steps:

Hear the Gospel: "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"(Romans 10:14).
Believe: "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).
Repent of past sins: "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent."(Acts 17:30).
Confess Jesus as Lord: "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).
Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."(Acts 2:38).

Upon acting in obedience to these requirements prescribed by the Bible, Christ adds the New Christian to His body, the church (Acts 2:47).
Continue living a Christian life unto death:. "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:5).

AN OPEN INVITATION Now that you are aware of a church in the 21st century which is built according to the blue prints of Christ's original church, why not become a member of it ? In becoming a member of it, you will be called upon to do nothing which you cannot read in the New Testament. You will then live and worship just as the apostle-guided Christians of the first century did. Not only is this return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all believers in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as we go back to the Bible, back to Christ and His church!

If you need to locate a church of Christ congregation nearest to you, or have questions please contact me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell) and I will be more than glad to help you find it. No one from the church will call without your consent. Please come by and visit.
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Must I Go To Church In Order To Be Saved?

Irvin Barnes
Preface
"Creek bank, golf course,” worship seems to be gaining in popularity. Several factors have contributed to the notion that a Christian can sing a song or say a Prayer while fishing, hiking, or playing golf and this will satisfy the obligation of worship.

Improper regard for the scriptures contributes largely to this idea. With some, it is almost as if the Bible would have to say, “Go to church every Sunday or you will be condemned,” before they feel an obligation to attend worship regularly. One scripture, one Bible based principle, for church attendance should be enough to convince the sincere seeker of God that they should go to church. This publication offers 14 Bible reasons why Christians must attend the worship services of the church.

Some spend a portion of their time on Sunday listening to radio or television preachers. This becomes their church service. Many of these same people donate money to keep their favorite preacher on the air. This seems to strengthen their attachment to the program. Reaching the lost through television and radio in no way violates scripture. However, watching TV or listening to the radio is no substitute for assembling with a local body of Christians.

Others stay at home and engage in a period of personal Bible study and prayer. There’s no harm in personal Bible study and prayer whether it be in a fishing boat, on the golf course, at home or while one is surrounded by nature in a remote forest area. Such activity should be a part of the life of every Christian. However, again, this does not satisfy the teaching of the Bible regarding a Christian’s obligation to meet with other Christians on a regular basis in a worship assembly.

The one excuse most often given is, “I don’t have the time. I am just to busy to attend church on a regular basis.” I know of a family that farms 1,000 acres of land. They take care of 1500 hogs and several hundred head of cattle. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to get any more pressed for time than is this family. Yet, they never miss a church service and often as not they are the first to reach the meeting house so they can welcome visitors and prepare the building for the assembly. Everyone is allotted the same 24 hours each day. How we choose to use the time God has given us is a personal decision and obligation. If we set our priorities according to the scriptures we will find time for worship.

“Must I go to church in order to be saved?” Please read the following pages carefully. In view of the scriptures cited, decide for yourself.

1) I must go to church in order to obey the command to assemble with other Christians.

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).

“Not forsaking” is the same thing as saying, “Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.” Thayer defines assembling (page 244) as, “a gathering together in one place.” Forsake means, “to abandon, desert, to leave in straits,” (ibid page 166).

The command is simple. The passage is easy to understand. Please notice the word “ourselves.’ Even though the Hebrew writer was writing from a distant place, he included himself in the command, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Each Christian is taught to feel an individual responsibility to seek out a local assembly and join it on a regular basis for worship. This must have been the habit of the writer since he included himself in the command.

The frequency with which Christians are to assemble is not found in this verse. This is taught in other places in the scriptures. However, some how, some place, at some time each Christian is to assemble with other Christians. Christians must go to church in order to obey Hebrews 10:25.

2) I must go to church in order to follow the example of the early church.

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow,” (Acts 20:7).

This passage standing alone is sufficient to bind a weekly assembly upon every Christian. No other passage is necessary to prove that Christians must meet each first day of the week to break bread. However, the passage need not stand alone for several other passages hack up the weekly assembly concept.

Hebrews 10:25 commands an assembling of Christians. Acts 2:42 explains how the early Christians “continued steadfastly” in doctrine, fellowship, prayers and communion. Continuing steadfastly indicates a regular and systematic worship habit. Fellowship with others and communion demands that Christians must have met together to accomplish the activities mentioned. One cannot fellowship “himself’ nor can one commune by himself. The breaking of bread is called the communion of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Communion means joint participation. Therefore, the early Christians came together for the apostles doctrine, fellowship, communion and prayers on a “steadfast” basis.

“Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people,” (Acts 11:25-26).

It is not here indicated that the church began an assembly at an appointed time and then stayed in session 24 hours a day for an entire year. It is rather implied that the church at Antioch met regularly, systematically, habitually both before and after Barnabas and Paul met with them. Paul and Barnabas apparently stayed at Antioch for a year and met with the church on a regular basis. According to the example of Acts 20:7, the church must have met at least once each week on the first day of the week to break bread.

3) I must go to church in order to commune with others according to the commands of Christ and the apostle Paul.

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s supper he took bread and broke it and commanded his disciples to “Do this” in remembrance of Me. In like manner He took the cup of blessing and commanded “This do in remembrance of Me,” (1 Corinthians. 11:24-25). Jesus implied that the Lord’s supper would be observed in the kingdom when he said, “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom,’ Matthew 26:29.

Paul commands, “Keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you,” 1 Corinthians 11:2. He then explains in verse 17-20, how that the Corinthian church should have been coming together to eat the Lord’s supper, however, they had so polluted it by turning it into a carnal feast that what they were doing could not be called the Lord’s supper. The Christians at Corinth were, however, coming together. Paul must have instructed them to do so when he established the church at Corinth (Acts 18:11-18). Begining in verse 23 of 1 Corinthians 11, he rehearses again the pattern for the Lord’s supper and therefore necessarily implies that God’s people should be coming together to eat the Lord’s supper as delivered in this place.

Some, who profess to he Christians have never participated in the Lord’s supper at all. Therefore, they have not observed what Jesus commanded and what Paul delivered to the church. Others may participate in the Lord’s supper once a year or twice in a year, yet the Bible plainly shows that Christians are expected the eat the Lord’s supper each first day of the week as already noted.

4) I must go to church in order for the church to exist in the organizational sense.

Baptized believers residing in a certain town or village do not constitute the church in a local sense. It is necessary for them to come together in an assembly for worship before it can be said that the church actually exists in any given community.

As referenced already Paul and Barnabas “assembled themselves with the church” at Antioch. The assembly of local believers is also set forth in the following passages:

“If therefore the whole church be come together into one place”
(1 Corinthians 14:23)

“Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also” (1 Corinthians 14:19)

“For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel...” (James 2:2).

All three of these passages prove that there is such a thing as a church assembly depicted in the new testament scriptures. The presence of each local member is essential for the very existence of such an assembly.

Without the attendance of its members the local church cannot exist. Some church members doubt that the church needs them. They feel as if they would not be missed if they fail to assemble for worship. How important is it? It is important for it is essential. Christians are failing to comply with the commands and examples of the scripture when they fail to assemble.

However, look at it this way. Your presence in the assembly is actually essential for the very existence of the church in a local sense. Suppose every member of the congregation were to decide his presence is unnecessary. If one person can miss worship for any trivial reason then it is okay for every one to miss. God does not bind on one person something that he does not bind on all. So, if every member of a local congregation decided their presence was not needed then no one would assemble and the church would cease to exist! The presence of every Christian in every service is vital to the very existence of the local church.

5) I must go to church in order to obey the command to exhort others in song.

“Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.”(Hebrews 2:l2).

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19)

“Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16).

“Speaking to yourselves, in the midst of the church and admonishing one another,” necessarily imply that the singing commanded is to be performed in an assembly of the church and that every Christian is obligated to participate. In order to obey the command to admonish others in song, Christians must assemble.

This also explains why the singing in the churches of Christ is congregational. Everyone is encouraged to sing. No one is taught or encouraged to come to church to listen to or be entertained by professionals. Rather, everyone is encouraged to participate in the singing in order to fulfill the commands written to the church to teach and admonish one another by singing. Those who refuse to go to church are. in violation of these commands by reason of simple neglect.

OTHER PRINCIPLES

6) I must go to church in order to seek first the kingdom of God. When Christians miss church to play golf, visit, work, etc., it can hardly be said that the kingdom of God comes first in their lives.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).

7) I must go to church in order to make the best possible use of the time that God has granted. Of all the activities that one might be engaged in how can it be said that time spent in scriptural worship is wasted?!

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

8) I must go to church in order to be ready unto every good work.

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1).

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

9) I must go to church for spiritual nourishment lest I should grow weak and fall into temptation.

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”
(1 Corinthians 10:12).

10) I must go to church in order to be strong in the Lord.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

11) I must go to church in order to follow the instruction of Jesus to deny self. Thinking from a carnal stand point, every Christian would likely find some use of the time, talent and expenses for carnal benefit that is normally spent in faithful church attendance. However the true Christian realizes that it is worthy sacrifice to deny self of carnal things in order benefit Spiritually.

“And when he had called the people unto Him with his disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34)

12) I must go to church in order to let my light shine for Christ.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16).

13) I must go to church as a means of drawing nigh unto God.

“... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The LORD will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:22-31).

14) I must go to church to show my love for God.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and His commandments am not grievous” (1 John 5:3).


Conclusion
Some go to church to take a walk.
Some go there to Laugh and talk.
Some go there to meet a friend.
Some go there their time to spend.
Some go there to meet each other.
Some go there a fault to cover.
Some go there for observation.
Some go there for speculation.
Some go there to doze and nod.
The wise go there to worship God.

Here is a Bible Study about the Assembly of the Church

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor. Read more!