jjagladmemberchurch

I firmly believe, that the church of Christ as revealed in the New Testament is in existence today and one can be a member of it. The Lord himself promised to build it as recorded in Matthew 16:17-19. In verse 18, these words are recorded, "And I say also unto thee, That thou are Peter and upon this rock I will build by church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." That promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost following the ascension of our Lord (Acts 1). Thus, we read of the beginning of the church in the city of Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2. The church (kingdom) prior to Acts 2 was always spoken of as being in the future. Beginning in Acts 2 and following, the church was always spoken of as being in existence. So, Acts 2 is the key chapter in the establishment of the church.

The church of our Lord has been restored today. If not, as some proclaim, how can I be a member of it today? One can know today whether he is a member of the New Testament church by looking at the pattern, identifying marks as presented in the New Testament.

1. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because you can read about it in the Bible (Romans 16:16; Matthew 16:18; I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:4-5; Ephesians 5:23-27; Acts 2:37-47).

2. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because Christ is the head. "And he is the head of the body, the church" (Colossians 1:18). "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23).

3. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because it was purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25).

4. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because that means I am in the kingdom of Christ. To be in the church is to be in the kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19). "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14).

5. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because it is the bride of Christ (Romans 7:1-4). "Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:24-25).

6. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because it was purposed and planned by God. "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Ephesians 3:10-11).

7. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because it is not a denomination nor a group of denominations but simply the body and bride of Christ; the family, house, flock, temple, vineyard of God and the kingdom of Heaven (Col. 1:18; Gal. 3:26-28; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 20:28; Eph. 2:20-22; Matt. 20:1-16; 16:18-19).

8. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because the rule of faith and practice is only the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; Colossians 3:17).

9. I am glad to be a member of the church of Christ because it is composed of all the saved. In Acts 2 we have recorded Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost. When the people heard it, they were convicted of sins, and asked Peter and the other apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). This they did according to Acts 2:41. Now notice the words as recorded in Acts 2:47, "Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." The saved are in the church because that's where the Lord placed them. We don't join the church but are added to it by the Lord when we obey His Word. Is the church important? Yes! Must one be a member of the church? Yes! Can one be saved and not be a member of the church? No! Paul declared in Ephesians 5:23 that Christ is not only the head of the church but, also the savior of the body. Therefore, we should want to be a member of that which Christ has promised to save, his body, which is the church (Col. 1:18).

If we obey the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21) by believing in Christ (John 8:24); by repenting of sins (Luke 13:3); by confessing Christ (Matthew 10:32-33); and by being baptized (Acts 2:38) we will be added to the church of Christ.