The important element in preaching is the message of God. Paul wrote to the Romans, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16 NAS). The same apostle wrote to the Corinthians, “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not {come to} know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor 1:21 NAS). Then Paul also said, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor 4:7 NAS). Man is a means through which the message comes, but the message itself is the absolutely essential element in preaching because it is from God. » Continue reading “How Important Is Preaching In Worship?”

The Bible reveals the nature and will of God to man and one of the great themes is worship. Although the Word of God tells us whom to worship, it never commands us simply to worship. But, does it really matter how we worship God?

In speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well Jesus stated the principles of proper worship to God when He said: » Continue reading “Does It Really Matter How We Worship God?”

The church of the New Testament assembled on the first day of the week (Sunday) to worship as Luke records, “And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul {began} talking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7 NAS). The Lord’s church met for worship on Sundays for some very special reasons.

First, churches met on Sunday because some very important events happened on that day: » Continue reading “Why Did New Testament Churches Worship On Sunday?”

When Jesus promised, “I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18), He intended to make very important changes in the way people worshiped God. He established a new temple in which a new priesthood served. The assemblies, ceremonies, and offerings of the Israelite heritage ceased. Even the age-long argument between Jews and Samaritans as to the proper place of worship became irrelevant because both were now wrong (John 4:20-24).

In the place of perpetual animal sacrifices, the Messiah offered His blood once for all time (Heb. 10:12). In this act of laying down His life for the sins of the world He laid the foundation for a new temple—a structure composed not of lifeless stones, as in the old Temple, but of living souls. » Continue reading “How Did The Church Of The New Testament Worship?”

The local churches of the New Testament were independent and autonomous, i.e., self-governing. They were not dependent upon a hierarchy, a denominational headquarters, or a “mother” church. Each church was responsible for its own leadership, its own business, its own discipline, and its own affairs.

When Paul and Barnabas visited the newly established churches of their first missionary journey, they appointed elders for them in every church. “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23 NAS). When Paul called for the elders of the church in Ephesus (Acts 20:17), he urged them to “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has » Continue reading “How Is The New Testament Church Governed?”

In prophesying of the establishment of the church, Isaiah said, “Now it will come about that in the last days, the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it” (Isa 2:2 NAS). The last statement in this verse indicates two very important things about membership in the church. First, citizenship in the kingdom would be available to all races and nationalities. This would be in obvious contrast to the exclusively nationalistic religion of the Jews of the Old Testament. Second, the statement implies that citizenship in the kingdom of God, which is the church (Matt. 16:13-18; Col. 1:13), would be greatly desired.

The very next verse in the second chapter of Isaiah reads: » Continue reading “How Does One Enter The Church?”

Common expressions heard today are: “One does not have to be a member of the church to be saved; the church doesn’t save anyone; one can be a Christian and not be a member of any church.” We must examine the Scriptures to see if these expressions are true.

The Bible clearly teaches that the Lord saves. “And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matt 1:21 NAS). However, the question is, where does the Lord save—in the church or out of it?

God has always placed certain restrictions or requirements that exclude all » Continue reading “Is Church Membership Essential To Salvation?”

In fulfillment of God’s eternal plan (Eph. 3:10-11) the church was born. Jesus fulfilled His promise to build the church (Matt. 16:18) on the first day of Pentecost after His resurrection. From Acts chapter two on the church that Jesus built almost becomes the center of focus. Churches belonging to the Lord began to spring up in city after city throughout the Roman Empire. How was this church designated in the Scriptures?

A careful reading of the New Testament will reveal designations that can be divided into three groups. These designations were used with real meaning, expressing function, ownership, and relationship. These designations were given by divine direction and fulfill a divine purpose. Let’s take note of them. » Continue reading “Does God Care How The Church Is Designated?”

Christian unity is not achieved by accident. It is achieved with diligence, purpose and commitment. The inspired apostle declared, “Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3 NAS).

Often the question is asked, “How can unity of God’s people be obtained and secured?” The Bible is the answer. Never has God’s word caused division! People are not divided over what the Bible teaches. They are divided by what the Bible does not teach; or by ignoring, or violating what the Bible does teach.

There is a way for unity; a way so right that it cannot be wrong; that is God’s word and God’s way. This way that cannot be wrong is found in Ephesians. » Continue reading “Does God Have A Plan For Unity Among All Believers?”

Can we today be identical to the New Testament church in all essential matters? This question is often asked when we point out that the church of Christ is identical to the church of the New Testament. It must be remembered that restoration is at the very heart and soul of God’s work in human history.

Man has the tendency to drift away from our Creator (Rom. 1:18-32). While this was spoken of the Gentiles, Paul continues in the second chapter of Romans to show that the Jews likewise had drifted away from God and then concluded that none is exempt because “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23 KJV). Solomon wrote, “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who {continually} does good and who never sins” (Eccl 7:20 NAS). Solomon continued by saying, » Continue reading “Can The New Testament Church Be Restored Today?”