How Can I Identify the New Testament Church? (1 & 2)

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How Can I Identify the New Testament Church? (1 & 2)

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Ephesians 3:10-11


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Preacher’s note: This lesson was presented in 2 parts on consecutive Sundays.  However, the primary content of both lessons is contained in this recording and notes.  Thank you for your understanding.

In our Bible class studies about discipleship, we have begun a study of how we are part of the body of Christ, the “support system” God in His eternal wisdom has provided for us as we live in a world that stands contrary to God and His will.  The truth is, if we desire heaven we need each other.  Heaven is not as a place for mavericks (a person who acts independently of others).  The “body of Christ” is His church (Ephesians 1:22-23) – locally, it is a group of the saved who join together to do work God has given us.

In America alone there are hundreds of different denominations and churches professing to be the one true church.  Because of conflicting teaching and organization, they CANNOT all be correct.  1 Corinthians 14:33 – God is not the author of confusion.  Ephesians 3:10-11 – the church reveals the manifold wisdom of God and that it was a part of God’s eternal purpose.  This includes both the church in its universal sense (the body of all who are saved) and in its local sense (a group of the saved who join themselves together in a given locale to do work God has given us to do collectively).

The church we read about in the New Testament was established in the first century.  THAT church hasn’t changed.  And whether we are talking about the church universal or the design and organization of a local church – we need to acknowledge that it is God’s pattern.

But there is a problem.  With so many different churches, HOW can we know if a local church is right?  The answer is to look to the pattern established in God’s word and find a congregation that is striving to follow that pattern.  Look to the New Testament and examine what churches did (Acts) and instruction given to churches (the epistles).  Ask questions and look for various characteristics that show its focus – are they based upon what the Bible teaches, or are they the innovations of men?  If we do this, we will begin to eliminate churches that are NOT following God’s word completely.  And in time, we will find one that IS His true church.

In this lesson we are going to look at some questions you can ask to help you determine if a church is pleasing to God.

  1. Is Christ its only source of authority?
    1. Matthew 28:18-20 – “All authority has been given to Me, in heaven and on earth…”
    2. Ephesians 1:22-23 – He is head of the church, and it is His body. As head of the church, He governs what we are and what we do.
    3. Colossians 3:17 – whatever you do in word or deed, do all with His authority. The New Testament church recognizes and respects the authority of scriptures.
    4. While many churches profess that Christ is their ultimate authority, when you examine what they do, how they worship, who they accept into fellowship and what they teach it becomes clear that they are appealing to the wisdom of men above God’s established pattern.
  2. What does her name say about her identity?
    1. Names identify who we are. We understand that with our own names.  We can mention someone by name, and others who know them know what you are talking about.
    2. Romans 16:16 – we ARE the church of Christ. Paul here is describing congregations that belong to Christ.  Why do we call ourselves the “church of Christ”?  Because we are!  Philippians 2:9-11
    3. Other designations – church of God – 1 Corinthians 1:2, 10:32
      1 Thessalonians 1:1 – church of the Thessalonians (one of many local designations). Note 1 Thessalonians 2:14 – imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus.
    4. Since a name is an identifier, when congregations use unscriptural names – they are identifying as something different than what the Bible says. Denominational names by definition are admitting doctrinal division and identifying themselves with something other than belonging to Christ.  Consider churches named after men (Lutheran), or doctrines (Baptist), or organizational structure (Catholic – meaning universal, Methodist – emphasizing method, Episcopalian – relating to bishops, Presbyterian – governed by elders, etc.)
    5. How are its members identified? Christians – Acts 11:26. This was a divine calling.
      In scripture, we are also designated as brethren, saints, disciples, children (of God), etc. Again, each of these is descriptive of relationship.  When someone describes themselves by inserting their denominational title – they are going beyond what is written.
    6. NOTE: A name by itself does NOT make a church true to God’s word. There are other factors to consider.
  3. How is membership considered?
    1. Most will admit that the church in its universal sense is the body of all who are saved. BUT what relationship does a local church have to the universal church?  Answer: The NT church should only accept into its membership those whom it believes to be saved.  We use human judgment and can make flawed decisions, BUT we should try and respect God’s word as to how one is saved.
    2. We must obey the gospel!
      1. Romans 10:17 – we need to hear that word
      2. Mark 16:16, John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10 – believe (not just believe in, but actually believe what God’s word says)
      3. Acts 2:38, 3:19, Luke 13:3 – repent of our sins
      4. Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37 – confess Jesus as the son of God, and Lord
      5. Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:20-21, etc. – be immersed for the remission of your sins.
    3. Live faithful – Revelation 2:10, 14:13, Hebrews 10:25-29, etc. Christians are those trying to live according to God’s pattern.
    4. Christians are called upon to join a local church – cf. Acts 9:26-27 – as Paul sought to join the brethren in Jerusalem. The word “join” means to attach oneself to, to begin an association with (L&N 34.22), etc.  NOTE: In our current classes we are discussing whether or not identifying with a local church is essential.  It is my belief, except for temporal circumstances, God WANTS one to be identified with a local church.
  4. Is the church scripturally organized?
    1. Local churches are autonomous and independent. A study of the New Testament will show that congregations were self-governing (autonomous) and independent (not subject to the control of other congregations OR some hierarchical structure) of each other.  Each congregation existed as if it were the only one on earth – Acts 9:31, 16:4-5; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – Paul gave instructions directly to each congregation; see also 4:17.
      In the Bible you do not find earthly headquarters or congregations surrendering their autonomy in work or organization to another congregation or institution.
      You do find cooperation, but it is always done while maintain this autonomy (i.e. their cooperation was concurrent – more than one assisting in a work – 1 Cor. 16:1-2 – several congregations helped needy brethren in Jerusalem, several churches supported Paul – 2 Corinthians 11:8, etc.; but not collective – pooling resources into a single treasury overseen by a congregation).
    2. Elders, deacons and saints – Philippians 1:1.
      Elders were appointed based upon a high standard (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).  Their authority was limited to their local work – Acts 14:23 – in every church; 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2.
      Deacons were appointed, based upon qualifications and designed to serve – 1 Timothy 3:8-13, etc.
      Then there are the saints – the members of a local body
    3. A study of many denominations show other bodies that govern their beliefs and practices.
      1. Catholicism subscribes to the dictates of Vatican – the Pope, “college of Cardinals”, etc.
      2. Jehovah’s Witness congregations answer to the “Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses” from the Watchtower Society that gives direct instructions on beliefs and even what to teach
      3. Mormon’s have a hierarchy that overseen by a president (and prophet) and 2 senior “apostles”, next is a board of 12 “apostles” who serve under the president; Below this is “the seventy” – are groups who assist the 12 in building up the church throughout the world, plus many more
      4. The Episcopal church is governed by “The General convention” which has 2 houses (The “House of Bishops” and “House of Deputies” – set up similar to our congress).  They meet every 3 years and have authority to amend the “Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church”.  In the interim, there is an executive counsel of elected officials (by all members)
      5. The Methodist church (UMC) states that it has no central headquarters, but the denomination is governed by the “Council of Bishops”, the “General conference” is the highest legislative body that sets policy and can revise their creed books, “The Judicial Council” makes judgments of compliance to the laws of the Methodist church.
      6. While Baptist congregations are organized independently and autonomously (self-governing), many (if not most) join themselves to “conventions” which organize together to do certain works collectively.
      7. My point in this: Many denominations establish bodies that legislate BEYOND the boundaries of scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6, 14:33 – not the author of confusion, etc.).
  5. What does she see as her work?
    1. God has given the church specific works to do. Many denominations and independent churches, in the name of doing good, are engaged in all different types of works and activities.  Many are focused on solving social needs, political and social activism, entertainment, and “catering to the whole man”.
    2. But God’s work for the church is specified and limited.
      1. Evangelism and teaching – churches (congregations) helped in spreading the word of God – 1 Thessalonians 1:8 – from you, the word of God has spread… Acts 13:2-3 – the church helped to send Paul and Barnabas to preach elsewhere.  Churches supported preachers in preaching the gospel 2 Corinthians 11:8, Philippians 4:15-16
      2. Edification – building up the members individually. Ephesians 4:11-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 14:26
      3. Benevolence – the church can help its needy saints – 1 Timothy 5:16. Also we read of congregations helping brethren in other places – Acts 11:27-30, and locally – Acts 6:1-6
      4. Worship – sometimes grouped together with edification (because true worship edifies), one purpose for the church is to worship God.
  6. Is her Worship based upon God’s pattern?
    1. We are to worship in spirit and in truth – John 4:24, Acts 2:42, etc. And a study of worship in scripture finds that God has ALWAYS been very specific about how He wants to be worshipped.
    2. There are 5 acts of worship that God has designated and with each of them we specific instructions and boundaries to be respected. We are to sing praises to God (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19), offer prayers to Him (Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 14:15), study His word (Acts 2:42, as declared to Timothy and Titus, etc.), and on Sundays we partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) and give (1 Corinthians 16:2)
    3. A good way to identify a church as untrue is to look at its focus in worship – is it about entertaining the audience, attracting larger crowds, appealing to emotions OR is it about praising God according to the pattern He has prescribed.
  7. What does she expect from her members?
    1. Faithfulness – God wants us to be dependable both to Him and to one another.
    2. Every part does its share – Ephesians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, etc. A stable congregation is dependent on its members being engaged and participating according to their ability.
    3. Purity – Christians are to strive to live pure lives and it will be a reflection of the Lord’s church.
      A true church will demand purity of life in its members – and deal with ungodliness.
      1 Corinthians 5:6-8 – leaven will destroy the character of the church.
    4. The true church will teach the truth on godly living – Romans 12:1-2 – calling for transformed lives. Matthew 6:33-34, etc.
    5. Unity – continually scriptures call for us to strive for unity – Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:10, etc.

These are some things one should consider as he/she is looking for a congregation that God accepts.  Any church that sets aside these qualities cannot be the church of Christ (not a name, but description).  If you desire to go to heaven, do not look for “the church of your choice”.  Instead, look for a church that Christ would choose.  Join her and be an active worker therein.

We are striving to be THE church of Christ within our community.  Can we improve?  Absolutely!  But our goal is to respect God’s pattern in all that we do.  And we welcome questions and further examination about these things.  Our goal is to be pleasing to our Lord and to represent Him properly in all that we do.  When it comes to the church, what is YOUR goal?  Think about it!

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