THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

by Kevin Rutherford

If I can prove to you that the church of Christ follows the pattern set forth by God in the New Testament, then I have proven to you that the church of Christ is the one you can read about in your New Testament. Let me present the evidence to you.

My first piece of evidence is the worship of the church of Christ. The church of Christ worships as God commanded in the New Testament.

1. In spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

2. Upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

3. With male leadership in worship (I Timothy 2:8ff).

4. With five acts of worship.

a. Singing (Ephesians 5:19).

b. Praying (Acts 2:42).

c. Giving (I Corinthians 16:1, 2).

d. Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:23-26).

e. Preaching (Acts 20:7).

My second item of evidence is the organization of the church of Christ. The church of Christ is organized according to the New Testament.

1. Christ is the head (Colossians 1:18).

2. Elders oversee local congregations (Acts 20:28).

3. Deacons serve the elders (I Timothy 3:8-13).

4. Evangelists preach the gospel (Ephesians 4:11).

5. Teachers teach (Ephesians 4:11).

A third article of evidence which shows the church of Christ is the church of the New Testament is the standard it uses as its guide. The New Testament is to guide the New Testament church.

1. All Scriptures are inspired of God (II Timothy 3:16, 17).

2. All Scriptures have been completely revealed (John 16:13).

3. Any so-called “revelation” from God which contradicts what was

written in the first century is not Scripture (I Corinthians 14:37).

4. The Old Law has been nailed to the cross and the New is now in effect

(Hebrews 9:15-17).

5. Additions, subtractions, and changes to the New Testament result in

condemnation (Galatians 1:6-9).

An additional piece of evidence that shows the church of Christ is the church of the New Testament is the plan of salvation which is taught by the church of Christ. The church of Christ teaches the plan of salvation taught in the Scriptures.

1. One must hear the Gospel in order to be saved (Romans 10:14-17).

2. One must believe the Gospel (Mark 16:16).

3. One must repent of sin (Acts 2:38).

4. One must confess the name of Christ (Romans 10:9, 10).

5. One must be baptized (Acts 22:16).

I have just given you a picture of the pattern for the New Testament church as given in the New Testament. Much more time and detail could be given to each point but this overview should suffice for now. The church of Christ follows the pattern given in the New Testament and is therefore the New Testament church.

“The churches of Christ greet you.”

Romans 16:16