It is implied that the church can be identified! Identity of the church Braggs Church of Christ Mt. 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” It is implied that the church can be identified! Church

The Identity Of The Church

Introduction --- The Church of Christ Is not a denomination Was not founded by man Is not a part of any religious organization founded by man

Introduction --- The Church of Christ It came from the mind of God Was established in the city of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ

1. The Foundation Of The Church Is Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 3:11 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” A building is only as strong as it’s foundation and the same is true of the church!

1. The Foundation Of The Church Is Jesus Christ If a church is built upon a man or human creed, it will fall Only Jesus Christ has a right to build a church – for he is alone is “the Christ, the Son of the living God”

2. The Belief Or Creed Of The Church Is based upon the truth that Jesus is the Christ Mt. 16:16 “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Mt. 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3. The Name/Designations Of The Church We use only the designations found in the New Testament Acts 11:26 “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch”

Rom. 16:16 …..The churches of Christ salute you.

3. The Name/Designations Of The Church Mt. 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

3. The Name/Designations Of The Church The name ‘church of Christ” simply means that the church belongs to Christ

4. The Worship Of The Church Of Christ Is plainly taught in the N.T. Jn. 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

4. The Worship Of The Church Of Christ Christians worship on Sunday – the first day of the week Acts 20:7 “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,…”

1 Cor. 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

4. The Worship Of The Church Of Christ The acts of worship which God commands are: Singing Preaching Praying Giving The Lord’s Supper

5. The Music Of The Church The music of the church is singing – this is the only kind of music which is authorized by God in his word for the worship of his church

Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Eph. 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

5. The Music Of The Church Singing is commanded of all Christians and not just a select few Choirs, quartets, solos, etc. are not mentioned in the N.T. No authority for mechanical instruments of music

6. The Finances Of The Church Come From Free-will Offerings Members of the church are to give to God as God has prospered them

1 Cor. 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

2 Cor. 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

6. The Finances Of The Church Come From Free-will Offerings These funds are to be used to carry out the work of the church Evangelism, edification and benevolent works Other means of raising money are not authorized

7. The Membership Of The Lord’s Church Made up of all who hear the gospel of Christ, believe in Jesus Christ, repent of all their past sins, confess that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and are baptized in water for the remission of sins

7. The Membership Of The Lord’s Church Rom. 10:17 Jn. 8:24 Acts 17:30-31 Acts 8:37 Rom. 10:9-10 Acts 2:38 Rom. 6:4

7. The Membership Of The Lord’s Church Members who remain faithful unto death will receive the crown of life Rev. 2:10 “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Gal. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

8. The Bible Speaks Of Only One Church Eph. 4:4 “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling”

Col. 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

8. The Bible Speaks Of Only One Church Christ has promised to save his church at the last day Eph. 5:23 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

8. The Bible Speaks Of Only One Church No salvation is promised to those out of Christ!

2 Th. 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Conclusion Why not become a member of the church of Christ today that the hope of eternal life may be yours

Conclusion Made up of all who hear the gospel of Christ, believe in Jesus Christ, repent of all their past sins, confess that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and are baptized in water for the remission of sins

References The church of Christ, by Rod Rutherford, as reprinted from the Firm Foundation, March 26, 1985.