Sunday, January 5,
2020 am
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?
It is no secret that we are living in a religiously divided world.
By that I mean there are multitudes of different beliefs about
God, Salvation and His word.
Even among professed believers of Jesus there is vast diversity
in beliefs, often contradictory.
While there are some who dismiss or diminish doctrinal division,
we ought to be seeking the truth.
But with so much difference in beliefs, how can you determine who
is right and who is not?
Here at Rose Avenue, we believe that we are teaching the truth and that
it matters. With that in mind, I would like to spend a few minutes
considering why this matters and then notice a few reasons why you
should consider the church of Christ.
a.
It identifies who we
are.
It is not intended to be a title, but a description.
Ephesians 1:22-23 – Christ is the head and the church is His body.
Romans 16:16 – churches of Christ salute you; this is typical of the
descriptions of the church – “church of God at Corinth” (1 Corinthians
1:2), “church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23), or simply at “the
church” and at times identified with where that group meets (e.g. 1
Thessalonians 1:1- the church of the Thessalonians, or Romans 16:5
speaks of the church that was meeting in the house of Aquila and
Priscilla).
b.
There is only ONE
true church
– when the Bible addresses the church of Christ, we find that there is
only 1. Matthew 16:18 – “My
church”. Again Ephesians
1:22-23, “His body” is singular.
It is generally agreed that Jesus intended to only establish one
church – His. However, what
we have now in among churches professing belief in Christ Jesus is NOT
what He intended. John
17:20-21, Jesus prayed “that they all be one…”.
Because of denominational division, names have become more than simply
identifying ourselves with Christ, but rather a designation that
distinguishes one group from another based upon doctrinal beliefs.
This is NOT what God intended (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10, 4:17).
c.
There are local
churches –
there are several times the Bible refers to “churches” in the plural –
Galatians 1:2, Revelation 1:4, Acts 15:41 – Paul and Silas strengthened
the churches of Syria and Cilicia. Acts 14:23 speaks of appointing
elders in “every church” – here it is singular, but clearly “every”
indicates there was a multiple.
In EACH of these it is clear there were many congregations (referred to
as churches). This is NOT
the equivalent of denominationalism today – for there was a unity of
belief (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:17).
And a study of God’s word shows He wants you to find a local church that
is doing His will.
d.
It does matter who we
are –
Understanding the Biblical teaching of unity helps us understand that it
DOES matter who we are and what we believe.
Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus emphasized mere belief in Him was not
enough. We need to do the
will of the Father. Luke
6:46, on another occasion, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not
do the things which I say?”
Furthermore, we are reminded that the church was a part of God’s plans
from the beginning (Ephesians 3:10-11).
If it was part of His plan, we must not think that we can improve
upon His plan. Much of the
religious division in our midst is not over what God’s word says, but
what man WANTS instead of God’s will – cf. Romans 10:1-3, as an example
– Paul grieved over the Jews who sought to establish their own
righteousness rather than
submitting to God. I
contend there is much of that today.
e.
So how do we
determine whether a church is part of God’s pattern?
Let us notice a few things we
might consider.
a.
Is the Bible our only
source of authority?
There is only 1 way to true unity – we must all appeal to the same
standard. Again 1
Corinthians 1:10 -speak the same thing.
One reason there is so much religious division is because too many are
appealing to different and manmade sources.
Paul expressed concern about this in Galatians 1:6-9.
1 Corinthians 4:6 – Paul noted we are not to think beyond what is
written.
Another factor in this is to understand that we only follow the New
Testament. We must
understand that we are no longer under the Old Law.
It was nailed to the cross – Colossians 2:14. Paul explains that
in Romans and Galatians.
The book of Hebrews shows how what Christ offers is better than the Old
Law emphasizing that it had been fulfilled.
Hebrews 8:13 notes that in promising a new covenant (a prophecy
from Jeremiah 31:31-34), the first (the Old Law) has been made obsolete.
It is important we understand this so that we use the Old Testament
properly (cf. Romans 15:4).
The church belonging to Christ will seek Biblical authority for
everything she does (Colossians 3:17).
b.
Are we following His
pattern?
When we determine that we will follow the New Testament.
We then look for the pattern
that God has established.
When it comes to the place where God meets with His people, we always
find a pattern. Both the
tabernacle and temple had patterns.
Instructions for the tabernacle were given directly from God
(Exodus 25:9, 40, 26:30). The
church is likely part of what God had in mind when He did that (Hebrews
8”:4-6, 9:11, etc). 1 Peter
2:4-5, 9-10 – we are a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer
spiritual sacrifices.
If we have a pattern for the church, we need to follow that in all that
we do. We respect His
boundaries? (1 Corinthians 4:6).
We find In scripture instructions and/or examples of the organizational
structure of a congregation (local churches – autonomous and
independent) with no earthly headquarters and no denominational
structure. Elders (and
deacons) were limited in their authority to the local work (Acts 20:17,
28; 1 Peter 5:1-3, Acts 14:23 where elders were appointed in every
church, etc.)
We also find instructions and example concerning their worship and work.
Let us strive to follow His pattern in all we do.
c.
Who do we seek to
please in worship?
An example of God’s pattern that help us determine whether or not a
congregation belongs to Christ is how they worship God.
Worship has always been specified by God.
He demands that we worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John
4:24).
From the beginning, God has given instructions.
Even with Cain and Abel offering sacrifices in Genesis 4, though
the timing is not given, it is obvious they had instructions because God
accept Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s (Genesis 4:3-5).
Idolatry, regardless of intentions has always been condemned.
Leviticus 10:1-4 – Nadab and Abihu were burned to death for
offering “profane fire”.
In the New Testament, our worship is outlined and it is simple:
- Congregational singing – Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19, 1
Corinthians 14:15 (clearly in the assembly).
We find it was exclusively singing (without instruments, which
were not introduced into worship services until centuries later, and
when they were they caused division among God’s people.
- Giving on the first day of the week – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (cf. 2
Corinthians 9:6-7). It was
a collection from the saints, not fundraisers, etc.
- Partaking of the Lord’s supper.
Acts 20:7 gives us the only example of when they partook – the
first day of the week. Some
debate how often, but according to this text, it is implied it was done
regularly – as often as there was a first day of the week.
We observe this memorial every week.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and context indicates the elements – bread
(unleavened because that is what Jesus used as part of the Passover
(Matthew 26:26-28, cf. Exodus 12:18-20), and fruit of the vine (grape
juice). Paul in 1
Corinthians 11 is clear this is not a common meal, or PART of a common
meal, though it seems to have been abused by these brethren.
- We also preach and pray throughout – 1 Corinthians 14:15, and
knowledge throughout.
That’s all we find they did when they came together.
It was not about entertaining the crowd, or appealing to the
desires of men. It was
about worshipping God, and when done properly, we edify (build up
spiritually) each other.
d.
What work has God
given His church to do?
The work of the church in Biblical times was simple.
They supported the preaching the gospel – both
locally and abroad.
Whatever was done, was done while maintaining their autonomy as local
congregations. We could
engage in a study that shows how churches supported preachers without
going thought some central organization (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:8,
Philippians 4:15-16, etc.).
They relieved their needy both locally and abroad, but it
was limited benevolence – designed for needy saints ONLY.
Benevolence was NEVER used as an evangelistic tool to reach the
community. We find this in
Romans 15:25-28, 2 Corinthians 8-9, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, Acts 11:27-30,
etc.)
NOTE: This does not dismiss individual responsibility to remember the
poor whenever they are able to do so (cf. James 1:27, Galatians 6:10,
etc.).
They edified the saints spiritually – built them up in the
word (cf. Ephesians 4:11-16, etc.
This edification was not about “fun and games”.
Again, individual Christians can and should be involved in such
things regularly, both with each other and others.
But the work of the church is limited.
e.
God’s plan of
salvation
– finally, let’s consider how one becomes a Christian.
There is much misunderstanding about how one becomes a child of
God, and oft times false accusations are levied against those who
disagree.
LET it be understood, there is only ONE plan of salvation – John 14:6 –
Jesus is the way. We only
come to the Father through Him.
So how is that?
i.
WE must have faith –
based upon hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17, 9-10, Mark 16:16, etc.)
ii.
We must repent –
obeying the gospel involves changing your life.
You are putting to death the man of sin.
Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of life.
Acts 2:38 they were told to repent and be baptized.
Luke 13:3 & 5, Jesus also emphasized it!
iii.
We must confess Jesus
– as Lord
and Christ – Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37* (questioned by some as to
whether this belongs in the text).
Regardless, we know we must confess Him!
Matthew 10:32 (though this involves more than a one time act).
iv.
We need to be
baptized -immersed
in water for the remission of our sins.
Romans 6:3-4 – it puts us in contact with the death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus where His blood was shed;
Galatians 3:27 tells us that when we are baptized into Christ, we put on
Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism saves us – based upon faith.
Acts 22:16 – Paul recounting His conversion – in the act of baptism you
“wash away your sins” and you “call on the name of the Lord.”
v.
Remain faithful –
becoming a Christian is just the beginning.
After that we are to remain faithful to Him.
Our service ought to be ought love and not mere compulsion.
But understand we are expected to remain faithful – 1 Corinthians
9:27 – even Paul had to work at this “lest I be disqualified”.
Numerous passages warn against returning to the world (2 Peter
2:20-22, Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-31, 38, Luke 9:62, and a host of other
passages.
A church that teaches a different plan of salvation is teaching “a
different gospel” (Galatians 6:6-9).
It is important that we understand this.
These are a few things we ought to consider when we think about
the church. I ask you to
consider the “church of Christ” – not some denominational name, but a
church that follows God’s word and patter in all things.
That is what we are trying to do.
If you have any questions, let us sit down and reason together
about these things. WE
believe this is important and souls are at stake.
What about you? Are
you a part of the Lord’s church?