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Identifying the Lord's Body--the church of Christ

The true marks of identification of the Lord's church are given in the Bible, the only pattern we follow. Below is a brief listing of some of these true marks:

1. Christ established His one church. [Jesus said,] "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it," (Matthew 16:18).

2. The church that Jesus built had its beginning in Jerusalem in the year A.D. 33 on the day of Pentecost. Just before He ascended back to His Father, Jesus made this prophecy to His followers: "Then He [Jesus] opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high,'" (Luke 24:45-49). After Jesus ascended to His Father, the Scriptures say, "Then they [Jesus' followers] returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city," (Acts 1:12). Only a few days later on the day of Pentecost and in the city of Jerusalem, Jesus' prophecy came to pass: "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven," (Acts 2: 1 and 5). Peter then preached the first Gospel sermon to these men of every nation. "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say,'" (Acts 2:14). About 3,000 believers responded to Peter's message of the Gospel on that occasion and were baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Thus, the church of Christ had its beginning, "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved," (Acts 2:47b, KJV).

3. Christ is the head of His body, the church, and the body wears His name. The one true church established by Christ wears only the Name of Christ. "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings," (Romans 16:16).

   The church is the body of Christ. "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it," (1 Corinthians 12:27).

   The body of Christ is the church, which He built. "And God placed all things under His [Christ's] feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills everything in every way," (Ephesians 1:22-23). "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church," (Colossians 1:24).

   Christ is the head of His body, the church. "And He [Christ] is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy," (Colossians 1:18).

   The members of the church of Christ are called Christians. "Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch," (Acts 11:25-26). "Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?'" (Acts 26:28). "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that Name," (1 Peter 4:16). It is only by and in the Name of Christ that we can be saved. "It is by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified but Whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved," (Acts 4:10b-12).

   Christians are the members of Christ's one body, the church. "There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--" (Ephesians 4:4). See also Colossians 1:18 above.

   If there is one body and that body is the church, then there is but one church--the church that Jesus established and for which He gave Himself up as an offering. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless," (Ephesians 5:25-27).

   Christians are members of God's household, which is the church. "...if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the Truth," (1 Timothy 3:15).

   While the church of Christ had its beginning in the city of Jerusalem, soon it spread into other areas where congregations of the Lord's body were established. "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord," (Acts 9:31). The same is true today. There are many congregations of the church of Christ--Christ's body--around the world, and each individual child of God who comprises these local congregations is a member of His one body, the church.

4. How does one become a member of the body of Christ, the church?

   By hearing the Word, which is Christ. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and Truth," (John 1:1, 2, 14). "How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of Whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Romans 10:14). "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ," (Romans 10:17).

   By an obedient faith--believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He is the Word--the Way, the Truth and the Life leading to salvation, and obeying that Truth. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him," (Hebrews 11:6). "I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus," (Acts 20:21). "Through Him and for His Name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith," (Romans 1:5). "For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith,'" (Romans 1:17). "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the One Who justifies those who have faith in Jesus," (Romans 3:22-26). "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God," (Romans 5:1-2). "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ," (Romans 10:17). "But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe," (Galatians 3:22). "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). "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--" (Ephesians 2:8). "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith," (Philippians 3:7-9). "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see," (Hebrews 11:1). "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead," (James 2:17). "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls," (1 Peter 1:8-9). "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God," (1 John 5:1-5).

   By repenting of our past lives of sin--to feel deep sorrow and have a change of mind and heart that leads to a change of life. "‘The time has come,' He [Jesus] said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the Good News!'" (Mark 1:15). [Jesus said,] "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," (Luke 5:32). [Jesus said,] "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish," (Luke 13:3). [Jesus said,] "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent," (Luke 15:7). "He [Jesus] told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,'" (Luke 24:46-47). "Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,'" (Acts 2:38). "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," (Acts 3:19). "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent," (Acts 17:30). "I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus," (Acts 20:21). "First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds," (Acts 26:20). "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death," (2 Corinthians 7:10). "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance," (2 Peter 3:9).

   By confession of one's faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. "That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved," (Romans 10:9-10). "Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else," (2 Corinthians 9:13). "...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," (Philippians 2:11). "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, Who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, Who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession," (1 Timothy 6:12-13). "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest Whom we confess," (Hebrews 3:1). "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess His Name," (Hebrews 3:15).

   By baptism for the forgiveness of sins. The word "baptism" is NOT a translation of the original Greek word. It is, in fact, a transliteration of its original Greek word--the exact original Greek word was carried over and written in the English alphabet. There is no room for mistaking its meaning. The word in the original Greek language is baptizo, which is from bapto, meaning "to dip, to immerse, to submerge and then emerge (come back up out of that in which one was submerged, immersed, dipped)." This baptism is an immersion--a covering over--and a rising from the watery grave to a new life in Christ. Jesus Himself commanded this baptism for the forgiveness of sins. "Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,'" (Matthew 28:18-20). (AND, being baptized in--into--the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit indicates that the baptized person is closely bound to, or becomes the property of, the Ones into whose name he was baptized. In essence, he becomes united with, becomes one with, the Ones with which he shared a death, burial and resurrection. The baptized person is in Them, and They are in him. Read John 20:17-26.) Jesus states that the act of belief demands the action of baptism: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned," (Mark 16:16). Carrying out the command of Jesus, "Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call,'" (Acts 2:38-39). The following are examples of obedience by believers of the Gospel to Christ's command of baptism for the forgiveness of sins: "Those who accepted his [Peter's] message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day," (Acts 2:41). "But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News of the kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women," (Acts 8:12). "The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?' Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the Gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea," (Acts 8:34-40). "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, Who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized," (Acts 9:17-18). "The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.' Then they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized," (Acts 16:29-33). "Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized," (Acts 18:8). "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His Name," (Acts 22:16). The following Scriptures clearly explain the significance of baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We are baptized INTO Christ--into His death, dying to and burying the old person of sin. We are then raised from death to live a new life to the glory of God. "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin," (Romans 6:1-7). This baptism commanded by Christ puts us into His one body--the church. "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink," (1 Corinthians 12:13). "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. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," (Galatians 3: 26-28). "There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all," (Ephesians 4:4-6). This baptism commanded by Christ gives us fullness in Christ, and by Christ we put off our sinful nature. "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, Who is the head over every power and authority. In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, Who raised Him from the dead," (Colossians 2:9-12). "...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ," (1 Peter 3:21). By obedience to these commands, one is said to be born into the church, the body of Christ, or the kingdom. Jesus characterizes baptism as being "born again"--a spiritual birth. This is what He means when He speaks of being "born again" in the following Scripture: "In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the Truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' ‘How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!' Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the Truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit,'" (John 3:3-5). Once one is saved, then he/she is added to the church, the body of Christ, by the Lord Himself. "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved," (Acts 2:47b, KJV).

5. The worship of the Lord's church: The pattern of New Testament worship is as simple and beautiful as it is reverent and glorious in its spiritual significance. Our worship is not to please or gratify ourselves. For our worship to be Scriptural, it must be done as God directs us in His Word. We must do His Will in order for the worship we offer to God to be pleasing to Him. "We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does His Will," (John 9:31). If we are not "the godly man who does His Will," then our worship is vain--empty--and unacceptable to God. "‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men,'" (Matthew 15:8-9). The worshiper has to be in the body of Christ--the church that He established, participating in the acts of worship that the Lord has commanded through His Word, and with the right people (those added to the church by the Lord Himself because of their obedient faith in Him), for his/her worship to be acceptable to God.

   God's worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in Truth. [Jesus said,] "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and Truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in Truth," (John 4:23-24).

   God's children--members of the Lord's body, the church--assemble on the first day of the week to worship. "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight," (Acts 20:7). (As you will read later the "breaking of bread" has reference to an act of worship which commemorates the death of Jesus Christ. This was, and still is, to be observed on Sunday--the Lord's Day--the first day of the week.)

   Worship, according to New Testament pattern and commands, includes these actions:

   We are to sing. When a congregation of the Lord's people blend their voices in the singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God, they praise God, teach one another, and edify and encourage one another to be faithful to the Lord. The only acceptable music desired and commanded by God as worship in the New Testament is vocal; that is, a cappella. The term a cappella means "without instrumental accompaniment". The music which God demands as His due is not music that is intended to be pleasing, entertaining or "inspirational" to the worshiper. The music desired and commanded by God is played upon the instrument of the heart and not upon man-made instruments of music. It must be pleasing to God, the One to Whom we offer worship from our heart in spirit and in Truth. "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ," (Ephesians 5:19-20). "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God," (Colossians 3:16). To add the playing of instrumental music to God's commands to "sing" is to add to God's Word and thus stand condemned. "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book," (Revelation 22:18-19). By adding what is pleasing to and desired by man--instrumental music, we render our worship vain. "They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men," (Matthew 15:9). We must not go beyond the things that are written. "Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.' Then you will not take pride in one man over against another," (1 Corinthians 4:6). We must obey the divine authority of God, and He desires and commands that we sing--a vocal offering to Him from our hearts, offering this form of worship in spirit and in Truth.

   We are to pray. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer," (Acts 2:42). Prayers must be in spirit and Truth. "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind," (1 Corinthians 14:14-15).

   We are to devote ourselves to a consideration of God's Word. This includes readings from the Scriptures and the preaching of a Gospel message. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..." (Acts 2:42a). "Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight," (Acts 20:7b). Without a constant consideration of God's Word through the reading of the Scriptures and the preaching of God's message during our worship of God (and through extensive Bible study outside of the regular worship times), there is no message sent--no way for God's Word to be brought to light, no message to be heard, no cause for faith to be initiated in the non-believer, no maturing of our own faith, no ability to handle the Word correctly, no way to be built up spiritually, no way to effectively teach others, no way for knowledge and depth of insight to increase, no ability to grow in grace and knowledge and no connection with the Vine--Jesus Christ--in which we must bear fruit. Consider these Scriptures: "How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!'" (Romans 10:14-15). "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ," (Romans 10:17). "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth," (2 Timothy 2:15). "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching," (1 Timothy 4:13). "...and at His appointed season He brought His Word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior," (Titus 1:3). This preaching of the Gospel message exhorts, encourages, admonishes and instructs us so that we may be better prepared to teach others, and mature in our own faith. "But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing," (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). "It was He Who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ," (Ephesians 4:11-13). "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God," (Philippians 1:9-11). "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God," (Colossians 1:10). "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen," (2 Peter 3:18).

   We are to partake of the Lord's supper every first day of the week to always keep alive and fresh in our minds Christ's suffering and death on the cross. We should never forget the price paid so that we might have forgiveness of sins. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men," (1 Corinthians 7:23). Jesus Himself instituted this memorial supper. "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins,'" (Matthew 26:26-28). [Paul said,] "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself," (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). By the example of the early church, we understand that the frequency of partaking of the Lord's Supper is EACH first day of the week. "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight," (Acts 20:7). The phrase "to break bread" in this Scripture is a reference to the Lord's Supper.

   We are to give of our means. "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made," (1 Corinthians 16:2). "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver," (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

6. The doctrine of the Lord's church is based on the Bible only. There are no books or creeds or opinions and traditions of men in the church. The Bible is accepted without addition, subtraction, or substitution. The church respects both the authority and silence of the Scriptures. We speak where the Bible speaks, and we are silent where the Bible is silent. [Paul said,] "I want you to know, brothers, that the Gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man," (Galatians 1:11-16). "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book," (Revelation 22:18-19).

7. The organization of the Lord's church, and how this congregation of the Lord's people is presently organized:

   The organization of the church must be according to God's plan. Christ is the head of His body, the church. "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior," (Ephesians 5:23). There is but one church--one body with Christ as its head. "There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called--" (Ephesians 4:4). "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy," (Colossians 1:18).

   Each congregation of the Lord's body is autonomous; that is, independent and self-governing--according to God's commands and pattern as put forth in the New Testament. Each congregation is to have its own elders (also called in the Scriptures overseers/bishops, shepherds/pastors and presbyters/elders) and deacons (a deacon being one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master; a servant, attendant, minister). Elders and deacons are not the same nor are they equal. Elders oversee and shepherd the flock. The deacons, at the direction of the elders, perform works of service for the flock. There are specific qualifications for both of these offices of the Lord's body--His church. Paul instructed the evangelists Timothy and Titus in this regard:

   "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the Truth," (1 Timothy 3:1-15).

   "The reason I left you [Titus] in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it," (Titus 1:5-9).

   The Lord's body--His church--does not have any earthly head or headquarters, and neither is it a part of any national or international man-made organization.

   In the New Testament book of Acts, we see that Paul traveled extensively, preaching the Word of God. As believers were baptized, congregations of the Lord's body were established in various cities and regions. Paul, in later travels (missionary journeys), then went back to these congregations to appoint elders. He was, thus, allowing time for these congregations to mature in the knowledge and application of the Word of God. Also, this gave time for individual men to grow, develop and mature so that the qualifications required to become an elder were manifest in their lives by their example--qualities that would show forth in their daily living and in the caring concern given to members of the flock. It was only after this growth, development and maturity that Paul found it appropriate to appoint elders in these congregations. (Deacons would have been appointed AFTER qualified elders were appointed.) "They [Paul and Barnabas] preached the Good News in that city [Derbe] and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in Whom they had put their trust," (Acts 14:21-23).

   The Northeast church of Christ is Scripturally organized, having qualified elders and deacons.

8. The mission of the church of Christ--His body--is three-fold:

   We are to preach the Gospel. This includes teaching others about the Good News of Jesus Christ, baptizing those who become believers that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and teaching them the commands of Christ more thoroughly. "He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned,'" (Mark 16:15-16). "Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,'" (Matthew 28:18-20). "And Saul was there, giving approval to his [Stephen's] death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went," (Acts 8:1-4).

   We are to help those in need. [Jesus said,] "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?' The King will reply, ‘I tell you the Truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.' Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite Me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.' They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help You?' He will reply, ‘I tell you the Truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.' Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life," (Matthew 25:31-46). "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the Word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers," (Galatians 6:1-10). "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead," (James 2:14-26).

   As members of the Lord's one body--the church--we are to edify each other. Again, this is a continual process. (Edify/edification: to promote spiritual growth; to build up. The word is used in the sense of promoting the spiritual growth and the development of character of each believer by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress is the result of patient labor.) "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification," (Romans 14:19). "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness," (Colossians 2:6-7). "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first," (Hebrews 3:12-14). "...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the Truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work," (Hebrews 4:12-16). "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching," (Hebrews 10:23-25). "Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen," (2 Peter 3:17-18).

9. As God's children--members of the Lord's body--we are to keep our eye on the goal, run the course and complete the race. That is, we are to remain faithful and active in the Lord's service (and thus, in glorifying God) as long as we live.

   The process of Christian growth--maturity--is continual. "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen," (2 Peter 3:18).

   We, as God's children, cannot love the world. "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him," (1 John 2:15). "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God," (James 4:4).

   We strive to produce the fruits of the Spirit as branches living in the True Vine. [Jesus said,] "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My Words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples," (John 15:5-8). "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit," (Galatians 5:22-25).

   We must keep our eye on the goal--our promised crown of life--and ever strive to reach that goal. "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize," (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing," (2 Timothy 4:6-8). "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him," (James 1:12).

   We know that only those who remain faithful will receive the promised crown of life. "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death," (Revelation 2:10-11).

This, then, is a brief statement of who we are as the church which Jesus established, and to which He Himself adds obedient believers. For a much more detailed study of what the church of Christ is and why we are members of His body, we encourage you to link to lengthier study called Why I Am A Member Of The Church Of Christ, prepared by Bill Cantrell, Minister of the East Huntsville church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama, USA. (This site is also listed on our Links Page.) This is an excellent series of 26 in-depth Bible-based lessons on who we are--the Lord's church--and what we believe and stand for. The lessons are complete with Bible passages inserted from the King James Version of the Bible. These lessons cannot help but strengthen those already in the body of Christ, and will lead those outside of the body of Christ to a full understanding of the riches of becoming a member of the body, Christ's beloved bride--His church. We pray that you will open your Bible, your heart and your mind to breathe in the inspired Word of God. To God be the glory!