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Why Consider the Church of Christ?

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Romans 16:16

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Sunday, January 5, 2020 am   

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.

I.    What do we mean by church of Christ?

1. 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).
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. So how do we determine whether a church is part of God’s pattern? Let us notice a few things we might consider.

II.    What are some qualities I should look for?

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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?
   • WE must have faith – based upon hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17, 9-10, Mark 16:16, etc.)
   • 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!
   • 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).
   • 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.”
   • 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?