The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16

The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16 No Denomina tion

Church / “ Church / “ekklesia” × The Lord’s church has another unique characteristic among modern religions. × It is a “group of people called out of one relationship / location into another relationship/location.” × But this could indicate MANY THINGS. × The Lord’s church, though, is “called out” of the world and into Christ, the Lord and Messiah.

God’s People × All religions claim to be God’s people, but only Christians (“in Christ”) are God’s people. × Furthermore, they are God’s people in spite of any physical state. The living AND dead, past, present, or future who are IN CHRIST are God’s people, THE CHURCH. × This is a key foundation in understanding that the Lord’s church is not a denomination.

Matthew 16:18 × Notice, EXACTLY, what Jesus says: “…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” × How many churches did Jesus build? One. Here is the difficulty with most modern religious bodies. × Here is what we must focus on, as God’s people, so we do not fail in what God intended through the Lord, and for what Jesus died!

Denominations Are… × Units. Just as one dollar, is a unit of five dollars and 5 dollars is a unit of 10 dollars, 20 dollars, etc. × Denominations are a COLLECTION of churches IN ASSOCIATION with one another. This is NOT what we find anywhere in the Bible. × What we do find in the Bible is that PEOPLE, individually and saved, as a whole, make up the unit of the Lord’s church, God’s people.

False Concepts × “The church” = Catholic, Baptist, Adventist, Methodist, etc. × Baptists, Methodists, etc. = alliances and cooperation between physically located churches. × The church of Christ = all the individual congregations of Christians working together. × John 15:1-6…who are the “branches?” Jesus is clear! It is not congregations!

Apostolic Illustration × 1 Corinthians 12: The church is not about a location, it is not about an alliance or association between physical congregations, it is about individuals in a saved condition, conformed to the similitude of Jesus, the Christ and Lord. × It is “the spirits of just men made perfect” (Hebrews 12:22-24). It is a spiritual organization saved by the grace of God, the Lord, Christ.

The Assembly × The Scriptures teach us that this church has a tendency upon the earth and a mission. × The tendency? To band together locally (1 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:2; Revelation 1:11). × The mission? To proclaim the gospel to the lost and to support one another’s needs (1 Peter 3:15 / Romans 12:13).

The Assembly × The Scriptures also teach us that these associations in a local, physical church are important to us for the strengthening of our individual faith (Hebrews 10:22-25 / 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Such is a command of God. × The power, mission, and hope of the local assembly is so great, that we find NOTHING working beyond it by God’s authority!

Beyond The Assembly… × There is no authority in the Scriptures for the church to work as a COLLECTIVE or for congregations to do so either. × Congregations are to practice full autonomy (exemplified in 1 Peter 5:1-2). × Therefore, congregations acting in fellowship together in evangelism, edification, or benevolence is not a Scriptural method, it is a human method.

Christians Beware × Please consider some final thoughts on the matter. × Too often, we excuse our own actions, using our independence as license. × We claim “no foul” when support for works beyond or replacing the work of the local church are organized and supported individually, as a separate, collective action.

Christians Beware × In the history of the Lord’s church, there have been times of our own departures from these principles. × Congregations have banded together in the name of “great / greater works” and organized missionary societies, sponsoring churches, orphan / elderly homes, schools, colleges, day cares, and the like…departures from God’s will.

Christians Beware × We also need to remind ourselves that colleges, and other institutions can become our gods and pull us to mindsets closer and closer to denominationalism. × Do the “best” elders / preachers come from Florida College or other so called “Christian schools?” Do brethren become “better” Christians based on their affiliation and participation in these? Christians Beware.

Join and Thrive In Faith Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11: Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11: Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17: Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17: Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10

The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16