Let us gather our hearts and minds around the fundamental truth that the New Testament is the sole source for our understanding and practice in the Church of Christ. This truth resonates deeply within us, for it is through the New Testament that we come to know the divine nature and purpose of the Church, which was established by none other than our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we have learned, the Church of Christ is not a product of human invention or afterthought. Rather, it is the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose, manifested through Jesus Christ. This Church, which began on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, was birthed from a divine plan, prophesied in the scriptures, and brought to fruition through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We must understand that the Church of Christ stands unique and distinct from denominational constructs that have arisen over the centuries. These man-made institutions, though they may bear the name of Christ, often deviate from the scriptural blueprint laid out in the New Testament. They are products of human interpretation and tradition, which, perhaps well-intentioned, do not align with the Church established by Christ and His apostles.
Our allegiance, therefore, must be to Christ alone, the head of the Church. It is in His teachings, His sacrifice, and His resurrection that we find the foundation of our faith and practice. As members of His body, we are called to adhere to the New Testament as our sole authority in matters of doctrine, worship, and church governance.
This commitment to scriptural fidelity extends to all aspects of our congregational life. From our worship, which must be in spirit and truth as Jesus taught, to our organizational structure, which aligns with the New Testament pattern of elders, deacons, and members working together in unity. In all things, we strive to reflect the early Church, which was guided directly by the apostles under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern religious landscape, let us hold fast to the truth of the New Testament. Let us be wary of teachings and practices that deviate from this divine blueprint, no matter how popular or widely accepted they may be. Our loyalty is to Christ and His word; in this unwavering commitment, we find the true essence of the Church of Christ.
Let us, therefore, be diligent in our study of the scriptures, constant in prayer, and faithful in our adherence to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. In doing so, we honor the Lord, uphold His eternal purpose, and ensure that we, as His Church, remain a beacon of truth and light in a world in need of salvation.
May God bless us with wisdom, understanding, and the courage to stand firm in our faith as we continue to serve Him in the beauty of holiness and truth. Amen.
Discussion Questions and Answers
1. Give the founder and approximate date of foundation of the church of Christ (Matt. 16:16, Acts 2).
• Jesus founded his church on the first Pentecost after his crucifixion.
2. What is the relationship of the church to the kingdom (Matt. 16:18, Daniel 2:36-45, Acts 2:29-33, Col. 1:13)?
• The church is the kingdom of God from prophecy into which all saints are now conveyed and the throne of which Jesus now holds.
3. What are the three ways in which Bible authority can be established (Lesson Two)?
• Bible authority can be established through direct command, approved example, or necessary inference.
4. Should the silence of the scriptures on some matter (e.g. using milk in the Lord’s Supper) be considered authority to act as one pleases? How should the silence of the scriptures be treated?
• The silence of the scriptures is not authority to act but is a warning not to act.
5. What does the New Testament say concerning division and sectarianism (1 Cor. 1:10)?
• The Bible calls on us to be unified and condemns the division of the church into sects based on human followings.
6. What should disciples of Christ be called? How should the church of Christ be designated?
• Disciples should be called Christians, saints, brethren, or disciples. The church is of Christ or of God.
7. Define the concept of congregation autonomy as seen in the New Testament.
• Each congregation was self-ruling, and no other congregation or outside eldership could intervene or interfere in the scriptural execution of its work.
8. Does the church of Christ have any apostles or prophets?
• Yes, the twelve apostles and various prophets in the New Testament. The apostolic offices were not filled in the scriptures when holders died, save for Judas. Prophets ceased when prophecy ceased in the first century.
9. What are other terms for “elder.”
• Pastor, bishop, overseer, presbyter.
10. What are the three facets of the work of the church?
• Evangelism to the lost, edification of the saved, and benevolence toward needy saints.
11. Which of these includes authority for social gospel concepts like church-sponsored recreation and meals (1 Cor. 11:34) and benevolent programs for needy outsiders (Acts 11:27-30)?
• There is none.
12. What does the Bible say about “faith only” (James 2:24)?
• A man is justified by works and not by faith only.
13. List and summarize some passages that teach the necessity of immersion to salvation.
• Mark 16:16: He who believes and is baptized will be saved.
• Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
• Romans 6:3-4: One is baptized into Christ and becomes reborn.
• I Peter 3:21: Baptism now saves us.
14. List the five acts of authorized worship when the church is assembled and give authority to each.
• Singing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16), Prayer (1 Tim. 2:8), Preaching (Acts 20:7), Communion (1 Cor. 11:23-34) and Giving (1 Cor. 16:1-4).
15. What proper use of the Old Testament should we make today (Rom. 15:4, 1 Cor. 10:1-11)?
• It should instruct us through examples.
16. Why should we not use the Old Testament to derive authority or find binding law (Eph. 2:14-15)?
• The old law was taken away.
17. What is the Holy Spirit’s masterpiece (Eph. 6:17)?
• The word of God, his sword.
18. How does the Holy Spirit influence behavior and conversion today (2 Peter 1:21, John 16:5-15)?
• Through the medium of his word.
19. How does the church provide its members with proactive discipline? What is corrective discipline?
• Proactive discipline is through its teaching program (feeding the flock); corrective discipline is through reproof, withdrawal, and marking.
20. Why cannot women teach or take authority over men in the church?
• The Holy Spirit condemned it.
21. Why is it wrong for elders to assume oversight of more than one church (1 Peter 5:2)?
• Only one flock can be among them.
22. Does Romans 14 demand that we maintain fellowship with those who teach and practice error regarding divorce and remarriage?
• No, because the passage is limited by context to matters that are pure and clean and good.