Identifying the Church of the New Testament
It is essential that we are able to identify the church of the New Testament, the one God planned, the one Jesus purchased with His blood, and the one that teaches the truth.
Can that church be found today? With a plethora and plurality of churches on every street corner, how do we know we are at the one we read about in the New Testament?
Typically, many believe it does not matter which church we belong to, so long as it pleases their spirit. Is that a valid premise to operate upon?
Let’s answer the questions, What is the church of the Bible?; can I be a member of it?
Jesus established one church, Matthew 16.18 tells us, “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.”
Later, Jesus would proclaim in Mark 9.1, “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.”
When did this one church that Jesus said He would build come about and originate? When did it come with power?
Acts 2.1-4 answers those questions, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Peter, the leading spokesman at the time, who had been given the keys to the kingdom, preached a gospel sermon emphasizing the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior and concluded with, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, Acts 2.38”.
Those same individuals immersed on that date, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
What About Organization?
This church that Jesus built has identifying marks and features. How is it organized? Christ is the head of the church, Colossians 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”. This same church has men known as Elders and Deacons who supervise the expediency elements of the local congregation, Acts 20.17, 28; 1 Timothy 3.1ff; Titus 1.5ff)
What About Worship?
Our worship is simple, focused on expressing our adoration for God, and conforms to His will as communicated in scripture. We meet every first day of the week to commemorate, through the Lord’s Supper, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for our sins (Acts 20:7). We sing praises to God a cappella (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), just as was done by the church for hundreds of years after its establishment on this earth. We openly study and teach God’s word (2 Timothy 4:2). We pray for God’s guidance, wisdom, protection, forgiveness and blessings (1 Timothy 2:1; James 1:5; 5:13, 16). We give back to God from the financial blessings with which He has blessed us (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Does a Name Matter?
The early disciples were called Christians, Acts 11.26. Other names for disciples who profess allegiance to Christ were “churches of Christ”, Romans 1.16; “churches of God”, 1 Corinthians 1.2; “body of Christ”, Ephesians 1.22-23; “Bride of Christ”, Revelation 21.9; “church of the Living God”, 1 Timothy 3.15; “City of the Living God”, Hebrews 12.23 and “Household of God”, Ephesians 2.19, to name a few. Many congregations use the appellation “Church of Christ” for simplicity and convenience. There is not an exclusive name for the church of the New Testament.
So, yes by examining the New Testament Scriptures you can find the church of the New Testament.