“Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
Ephesians 1.23
The theme of the letter is the magnificent universal church. This is Paul’s first mention of the word and he ties it to Christ and his fullness.
The first chapter is all about prayer and praise for God’s work, which is focused in uniting people in the church. Am I united to Christ and to his people? This is central to his will.
“I was glad because they said to me, ‘We will go to the Lord’s temple.’”
Psalm 122.1
The writer knew the value of being in God’s presence together with the people of God. To be inside, v. 2, where God has built his abode, v. 3, to pray and praise together, vv. 4-9, is a great joy.
God is in the midst of his family, the church. We gather together to praise God and pray for one another. Does this give me joy? Do I assemble with high hopes?
BIBLE FACTS ABOUT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
1. It was established by Christ (Matthew 16:18).
2. It was purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28).
3. It was the culmination of God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:8-12). Continue reading
“But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2.22
In order to refrain from untoward desires, Timothy must “give positive attention” (Phillips) to the virtues of Christ. This is done together with the saints.
Sin may be avoided and righteousness obtained as a part of God’s worshiping family. Seek every opportunity to be with Christ’s disciples.
We enjoyed our trip to visit our daughter and her family in Ridgeland, MS this past week. On our way home we stopped at The Dinner Bell restaurant in Waynesboro, MS, to have lunch. Let me say it wasn’t a disappointment.
I asked the waitress near the end of our visit, “Is there a church of Christ here?” She looked around and I could tell she didn’t know. She did the next best thing, she asked a man seated right behind me. “Yes,” he replied firmly as if she certainly should know. He continued, “It is right up here on highway 45.” I didn’t ask any further questions but found the conversation very interesting. Continue reading
AM I A MEMBER OF A DENOMINATION?
(Note: This week’s essay is pursuant to a sermon I preached this past Sunday morning, June 3, at the Mitchellville (TN) Church of Christ on the question, “Why Do You Say That The Church Of Christ Is Not A Denomination?”) Continue reading
A BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF THE CHURCH
(Note: The following was posted on my FB page on May 10. With a few emendations, I send it out as this week’s edition of “Hugh’s News & Views.”)
When a person says he (or she) left the church of Christ (which they often will think/speak/write in terms of “Church of Christ”) to join the Baptist Church or the Catholic Church or the Episcopal Church or whatever the denomination might be so that they and their spouse “would be members of the same church” (or for some other “reason”), I immediately know that they do not have a biblical concept of the church of Christ, nor are they and I “on the same page” when speaking of the church of Christ. They have one concept in mind, and I have an entirely different concept in mind. (Note: Contrary to the thinking of some, “Church of Christ” is not “the fellowship’s name,” as the editor of one publication recently asserted. In reality, the church of the New Testament does not have an official, exclusive, patented “name,” but, instead, it is identified by a number of descriptors of which “church of Christ” is but one). Continue reading
Definition of terms is always appropriate, especially here:
Stop and Think: How will you help others to understand that church is not a destination?
— Dave DeVries (@davedv) April 29, 2018
Church not a destination? Depends on your definition of church.
If the church is God’s present manifestation of his kingdom, absolutely that’s my destination.
“But when they believed Philip as he was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they began to be baptized, both men and women.”
Acts 8.12
Philip preached to Samaritans. The gospel began to reach more and more people. The proper response to the gospel is faith and baptism. All are welcome in God’s kingdom, men and women.
The gospel about God’s kingdom includes the truth about its present manifestation, the church. “… a proper understanding of the church is required to be saved in the church (Acts 8:12), …” (Webster 2018, 21).
The United Methodist Church is celebrating 50 years of its birth with the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968. An article published today interviewed witnesses who recalled the birth of the new denomination.
The article’s title reminds one of Jesus’ words in Mark 9.1: “I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” The original witnesses to the new manifestation of God’s kingdom, in the church, have long passed away. Continue reading
“Now, brothers and sisters, you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints.”
1 Corinthians 16.15
Though they were the first converts in Achaia, Stephanus and his family did not consider it a position of honor, but an opportunity to serve. They did all they could for God’s people (CEV). They “spent all their time” doing so (NIRV). Such devotion means sacrifice of time, energy, and funds.
In what ways do you devote yourself to the serve of God’s family? Why is this a priority in the church?
Faith and footwork for the Lord,
Contented smiles to take the News,
Fervent prayers for family growth,
For added workers in the field.
A tropical sun to try the wavering,
Jeers and rocks from passersby,
A song of joy from Jesus’ sowers,
With seeds of hope for heaven’s folk.
Amazed disciples mind their brethren,
Fraternal love to teach and learn
The gifts of life, the gates of glory —
Here reigns our God, the rousing Father.
“Choose your own church.” “Dress as you please.” “Be entertained in worship services.” These are the appeals made to people who do not want to change. For Moses to approach Him, God said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5 NKJV). Reverential attitudes are reflected by our approach. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16 NKJV); and “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47 NKJV). Jesus adds to His church those who obey His will for salvation. Church worship should “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5 NKJV). Who chose your church?
This is Johnny Polk, with “Words of Wisdom” brought to you by the Oneida church of Christ.
By Johnny O. Trail
Women are an important part of the body of Christ. Indeed, many efforts that are attempted in the Lord’s church would fail miserably if godly women were not dedicated to supporting the work of the church.
God, through His word, selects people to serve in various ways in the body of Christ. The word of God is prohibitive in regards to the works of an elder and a deacon inasmuch as it outlines the requirements that one seeking such a work must satisfy to serve in such a capacity. If one is not qualified, he should not serve. All workers in the Lord’s church must seek authority for their actions and words whether male or female, elder or otherwise.
These things being said, God loves all people equally—men and women. John 3.16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Galatians 3.27-28 says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” God does not love an elder any more than He loves a preacher. Nor does He love a man more than a woman. Simply stated, there is a distinction in the works they are authorized to be a part of in the church (Ephesians 4.11). Continue reading
By Douglas M. Williams, Sr.
As shown in the above verses and others the church is often referred to as “the church.” Since it was the only one that existed, it was not always necessary to identify the church in any other way. Of course, the church belonged to Christ as He promised to build it, and He bought it with His blood (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28). Then at Romans 16:16 it is identified as the church of Christ.
The word is from the Greek language, and the English spelling is ‘ekklesia.’ It means, “Called out.” So those who are called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), from the world by their obedience to the gospel of Christ, are those people who make up the church. They are sanctified or set apart as written in the article last week.
Please notice that the church is singular as the spiritual body of Christ. Jesus said He would build one church (Matthew 16:18), and at John 10:16 He said, “there will be one flock and one shepherd.” Jesus is the shepherd and the church is the flock (Acts 20:28).
Among the seven things that Paul mentions of which there was only one, was the church or spiritual body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). The one body is the church as stated in Ephesians 1:22-23.
“The churches of Christ greet you” (Romans 16:16).