The answer to this question could be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ depending on what one has in mind. This lesson will examine three things: the church of Christ, a church of Christ, and “Church of Christ.” The Church of Christ This is simply the church that belongs to Christ — He would build it (Matthew 16:18), [...]

Text: Acts 6:1-7 Why the Widows? Earlier the poor in general were helped (Acts 4:32-35) — here the widows specifically were served (Acts 6:1), implying ongoing care that was provided them The church was to provide ongoing care & support to certain widows (1 Timothy 5:3,9-10) Why not other widows? … They had others to [...]

Text: Philemon 1-2 What Exactly is a House Church? Generally smaller (approximately 15-25 members) Typically meet in someone’s house But there is more to the house church movement than the size & location of a congregation’s assembly Two different kinds of house churches — one is connected to a larger church, the other is independent [...]

Text: Matthew 16:18 I Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16) He is our Savior (2 Timothy 1:10), King (John 18:36-37), and is Deity (John 1:1) This is important because Jesus’ identity would be the foundation of His church (Matthew 16:18) Will Indicates a future time when His plan would [...]

Text: Romans 16:16 Note: This is not intended to endorse every congregation that wears the name “church of Christ.” For the purpose of this outline, the “churches of Christ” are those who are faithfully following the New Testament pattern. Not Based on Our Name Many churches of Christ do not follow the NT pattern (Revelation [...]

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:16-34 Churches of God (v. 16) Similar to Paul’s mention of the “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) Can we do anything we want as long as the congregation agrees to it? … No — we’re still accountable to God/Christ Required to act by His authority (Colossians 3:17) This is why sound churches [...]

Text: Isaiah 2:2-4 Mountain – government, authority (Daniel 2:44; John 18:36-37; Matthew 28:18) House – the church (1 Timothy 3:15), linked to the kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19) Nations – Gentiles, kingdom open to all (Acts 2:37-39; Ephesians 2:13-16) Come – individual responsibility to follow Christ (Joshua 24:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10) Teach – we must know God’s [...]

Text: Ephesians 5:23 The Husband is Head of the Wife (Ephesians 5:22-24) – The church is subject to Christ, receives instruction/guidance from Him The Wife is a Help Meet (Genesis 2:18) – The church must humbly and selflessly work to help advance the cause of Christ Domestic Responsibilities of the Wife (Titus 2:5) – The [...]

The Lord’s Church Never Went Away (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 16:18) What Was Restored? Basically, a willingness to put Christ first Give up prior beliefs and practices (1 Thessalonians 1:9) Sacrifice relationships (Matthew 10:345-37) Accept the NT as our sole authority (2 Timothy 1:13) Restore NT practices – work, worship, organization of the church Ongoing Process of Restoration - [...]

Jesus Built One Church – Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23 Universal Church & Local Church Universal church – all the saved (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23) Local church – Christians (members of the universal church) coming together in local groups (Hebrews 10:25) Some Degree of Uniformity among Local Churches – 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Corinthians 4:17 What [...]