| About the Church of Christ |
| The New Testament Church |
| Jesus promised to build his church (Matthew 16:18). His promise was fulfilled when the church came into existence on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Peter commanded the multitude assembled on that day; "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Those who gladly received his word were baptized (Acts 2:41), and three thousand were added to the church (Acts 2:47). Of what denomination did those three thousand become members? Our contention is that they joined no denomination. Indeed, denominationalism such as we know in today's world did not even exist then. They simply obeyed the gospel and were added by the Lord to his church. They wore no sectarian name, adopted no denominational creed, and belonged to no ecclesiastical hierachy. They were simply children of God, members of the church, and later came to be called Christians (Acts 11:26). Churches of Christ plead for a return to that same church with that same simplicity. We do not claim to be a denomination. We find no denominations in New Testament times, but we do find the church purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Our goal is to be that church - nothing more, nothing less - just basic New Testament Christians as people were in the first century. We teach the same plan of salvation - faith, repentance, confession, and baptism for the remission of sins. We practice the same worship - teaching, giving, observing the Lord's Supper, praying, and singing praises to God (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 5:19). We follow the same congregational organization - elders, deacons, saints (Philippians 1:1), without offices and positions unknown to the original Christians. If you want to be just what people were in the New Testament, then we urge you to investigate churches of Christ. We strive to speak where the Bible speaks and to remain silent where the Bible is silent. - - The Spiritual Sword |