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: Acts 14:27 Background of Paul & Barnabas’ Report to Antioch Antioch sent them on their way (Acts 13:3) They had just returned from their preaching trip (Acts 14:26) They gathered the church, not just the elders or a few individuals (Acts 14:27) Benefits of Preaching Reports Preachers are kept accountable — ensuring they are [...]

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: Acts 9:18-26 He Took Food and was Strengthened (v. 19) Had been fasting & praying (v. 9,11) — sign of godly sorrow After baptism, his fast ended (v. 19) — Why? … his sins were forgiven in baptism (Acts 22:16) Important — this came after baptism, not after prayer He Began to Proclaim Jesus [...]

The Assembly is a Privilege — privilege because of the opportunity to worship God, and to be sought after by God (John 4:23) The Assembly is a Blessing — place to receive encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25) and teaching (Acts 2:42; 20:7) The Assembly is an Opportunity — to meet with brethren, to escape the influence of [...]

Text: Matthew 4:23 The Announcement Jesus came preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23) This had been planned for a long time (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:2-4) The Kingdom at Hand The establishment of the kingdom was close (Matthew 3:2; 4:17) If we are still waiting for the kingdom, as some claim, then was Jesus [...]