Know Your Bible Course

As the Jerusalem church is a model to be followed in worship, so it is also in its display of unity: "Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32). Such harmony was not a mere accident, but rather an answer to Christ's prayer that all His disciples might "be one" (John 17:21-23).

It was never Christ's intention that there should be many churches. Indeed, the New Testament recognizes only ONE. "I will build my church," Jesus said. Years later, as the church spread all over the world, Paul could write the Ephesians and exhort them to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" because there is only "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:3-6). In the same vein, Paul told the Corinthians that there is "but one body" (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, 20).

Possibly the closest we can come to finding denominationalism in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 where religious division is scathingly rebuked. To the parties within the Corinthian church, Paul asks, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" As the answer to all these questions is clearly negative, it must follow that: 1) Christ's disciples ought not to be divided. 2) Christ's disciples ought not to wear men's names. 3) Christ's disciples ought not to follow men (even great ones like Paul or Peter). If people would keep these things in mind, there could be no divisions, no denominations!

The amazing unity of the early church came about because "they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine," whereas the creeds and doctrines of human council always produce strife and division. God's word provides the basis for true fellowship: "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Simply stated, the New Testament government was congregational in form. Each congregation was independent of all others in rule, yet closely tied together by fellowship. This may be learned by observing that church officers were appointed in every congregation: "So when they had appointed elders in every church [. . .]" (Acts 14:23). "And appoint elders in every city" (Titus 1:5). The New Testament elder is also called a "bishop." The qualifications for this office are set forth in Titus 1:5-9. Their work is discussed in 1 Peter 5:1-4 where Peter talks of three distinct responsibilities: 1) feeding the flock of God, 2) taking the oversight, 3) being an example.

The modern denominational practice is to place one bishop over many churches, but in the New Testament order, it is many bishops (elders) over one church (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5, Philippians 1:1). Since the New Testament does not speak of higher officers, such as "archbishop," "cardinal," or "Pope," we must conclude that the elders were the only rulers, and the extent of their rule was only over a local group: "the flock of God which is among you" (1 Peter 5:2).

When we speak of the mission of the church, we mean its purpose for existing, and the work it is to do. The Bible tells us that Christ died to purchase the church (Acts 20:28); therefore, it must have a most valuable purpose in existing. It does! The work of the church is spiritual, designed both to minister to man and to glorify God. In 1 Timothy 3:15, we are told that the church is the "pillar and ground of truth." As such, the church must teach the Word of God in two directions, both without and within. Lost and dying sinners must have the Gospel preached to them, Christians must be further taught and edified. The church is God's exclusive organization in accomplishing this task (1 Timothy 3:15, Ephesians 4:15, 16).

As a third work of the church, we must mention that Christians helped one another in times of need. We have already seen how the Jerusalem Christians shared with their needy brethren (Acts chapters 2 and 4). We are further told that Christians in far off places sent relief to needy brethren elsewhere (Acts 11:27-30). In 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 divine instructions are given showing how these funds were to be raised.

Some would like to make the mission of the church purely "social." These believe that the church exists as a center to provide companionship, entertainment, and fun. Others see the church as a kind of "glorified" Red Cross, designed to meet the material needs of the world. All such efforts are doomed to failure. They fade into insignificance when we compare them to the true and glorious mission of the church. Paul said, "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).

We have studied the church as it is revealed in Scripture and as it existed 2,000 years ago. Does that church exist today? We do not mean some denomination that is somewhat like it, but the exact church of Christ? We are glad to say: "YES." Notice first of all that the Bible tells us Christ's church was to continue throughout all ages (Ephesians 3:21). Secondly, we have a description of the church of Christ in the Bible. All those today desiring to pattern themselves after it may do so. In fact, this is just the way you can identify the true church today: study the Bible, noting all the characteristics of the church. You will want to consider its NAME, DOCTRINE, ORGANIZATION, UNITY, MISSION, WORSHIP. Then, seek out the church that fits the Bible pattern. Don't be satisfied with anything less. There are probably New Testament Christians meeting in your area, and you should want to be worshipping and working with them. We will be glad to assist you in locating the church of Christ nearest you.

If you are interested in becoming simply a Christian, we want to assist you. Won't you write us today, letting us know your desire?

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