1. UN-DENOMINATING CHRISTIANITY Names and Identifications

2. BIBLE THINGS BY BIBLE NAMES As believers in Jesus we are a people in need of identification. What should we call ourselves?As believers in Jesus we are a people in need of identification. What should we call ourselves? How were first century believers named? What was their collective name? What, exactly, is the church of Christ? Denominational name? Or spiritual identification?

3. ALSO: WHO IS IN CHRIST’S CHURCH? It is obvious that the church is not like a club that can be joined or left according to whims and fancies.It is obvious that the church is not like a club that can be joined or left according to whims and fancies. It is also obvious that we have ABSOLUTELY NO SAY in who is and who is not added. Only God can make that decision.It is also obvious that we have ABSOLUTELY NO SAY in who is and who is not added. Only God can make that decision.

4. WHAT WERE THE FIRST BELIEVERS CALLED? Disciples = Acts 6:1 – “Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews…”Disciples = Acts 6:1 – “Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews…” MATHETES = Learners, pupils, disciples Used more than 240 times in the gospels and Acts.

5. Saints = Romans 1:7 – “…to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:18 – “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints….”

6. Brethren = Colossians 1:2 – “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”Brethren = Colossians 1:2 – “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” Priests = Revelation 1:6 -- “…and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father – to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”Priests = Revelation 1:6 -- “…and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father – to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

7. Believers = 1 Thessalonians 1:7 – “…so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia….” Christians = Acts 11:26 – “…And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Called Christians by friends? Or Enemies? Not for certain.

8. CHRISTIAN BECAME POPULAR Only used three times in NT.Only used three times in NT. Acts 26:28 – “…you will persuade me to become a Christian.” (Agrippa)Acts 26:28 – “…you will persuade me to become a Christian.” (Agrippa) 1 Peter 4:16 – “…but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”1 Peter 4:16 – “…but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”

9. WHAT ARE COLLECTIVE CHRISTIANS CALLED? Descriptive terms rather than a formal name KINGDOM – Colossians 1:13 – “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son….” Household Of The Faith – Galatians 6:10 – “…let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

10. The Faith – 2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” Body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” The Way – Acts 19:9 – “But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples….”

11. THE CHURCH This is the MOST used designation for those who are in Christ.This is the MOST used designation for those who are in Christ. EKKLESIA – The Called OutEKKLESIA – The Called Out As such it is not a name, but rather a designation of who we believe ourselves to be. We are those called out for the cause of Jesus Christ.As such it is not a name, but rather a designation of who we believe ourselves to be. We are those called out for the cause of Jesus Christ.

12. Acts 8:3 – “But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.” Acts 11:26 – “…And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

13. NOT A NAME BUT A DESIGNATION 1 Cor. 11:22 – “What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing?” Acts 20:28 – “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God….” So used about 8 times

14. CHURCH OF CHRIST Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” Only time that phrase appears in NT. Other combinations: body of Christ cause of Christ church of the Lord

15. THE “NAME” ON THE BUILDING? Church of Christ is not a denominating name. It is a designation of who we believe we belong to. We could just as easily be called simply “the church” or “the Way” or “the church of God” or “the church of the Lord.” Each of these are scriptural designations.

16. WHEN DOES A NAME BECOME DENOMINATIONAL? When it is used to separate us from others based upon that name. When it is the focus of our faith, rather than Christ. church of Christ should only ever be a designation of who we belong to, not our name.

17. SO WHO BELONGS TO THIS CHURCH? Only the following people: Acts 2:46-47: Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Are you one of them?