THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

 There are many churches in the world, all claiming allegiance to Christ. Yet, their differences in doctrine and practice are not only confusing, but also against Christ's prayer for unity among believers (John 17:20-21).

The Bible says there is "one body" (Ephesians 4:4). Since the "body" of Christ is the church" of Christ, we may rightly conclude that there is only one church which pleases God (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). The church built by Christ pleases Christ (Matthew 16:18). We can read of and learn about that church in the New Testament.

The "church" is not a building or an ecclesiastical organization, it is the "called out ones" - those who have been saved from their sins (read Acts 2:47).

God has not commanded man to "choose the church of his choice." God wants you to choose HIS church, the church we read about in the Bible.

Discover these Bible facts about the church and compare them with your church. If the comparison reveals differences, renounce the doctrines of men and obey only the commandments of God (Matthew 15:3, 6-9).

 
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

FOUNDER: Christ - Matthew 16:18
PLACE: Jerusalem - Luke 24:47; Acts 1:6-8; 2:37-42
TIME: Pentecost, about 33 A. D. - Acts 2
CREED: The word of God - Galatians 1:6-9

  • Sufficient, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

  • Complete, 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 3

  • Necessary, 2 John 9; Revelation 22:18-19

NAME (Acts 4:12):

  • Body, Eph. 1:22-23

  • Family, 1 Timothy 3:15

  • Temple, Ephesians 2:21

  • Kingdom, Colossians 1:13

  • Church of God, 1 Corinthians 1:2

  • Church of Christ, Romans 16:16

MEMBERS:

  • Christians, Acts 11:26

  • Saints, 1 Corinthians 1:2

  • Disciples, John 8:31

  • Brethren, Matthew 23:8

ADMISSION (Acts 2:47):

  • Hear, Romans 10:17

  • Believe, Mark 16:16

  • Repent, Acts 2:38

  • Confess Faith, Romans 10:19-10

  • Be Baptized, 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27

ORGANIZATION:

  • Christ - All authority, Matthew 28:18

  • Elders/Bishops/Pastors, 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:17, 28; 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

  • Deacons, 1 Timothy 3:8-13

  • Saints, Philippians 1:1

WORSHIP:

  • Prayer, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

  • The Lord's Supper - 1 Corinthians 1:18-20; Acts 20:7

  • Singing, Ephesians 5:19

  • Preaching, Acts 20:7

  • Giving, 1 Corinthians 16:2

MISSION (Ephesians 4:11-12):

  • Edification, Ephesians 4:16

  • Benevolence to needy Christians, Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30

  • Evangelism, 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:8