These lessons are from the East Huntsville Alabama
Church of Christ
by Bill Cantrell
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Lesson 1
WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH
OF CHRIST
By Bill Cantrell
1. "Salute one another with a holy kiss, the churches of
Christ salute you."
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
(KJV)
2. What is the church of Christ and why are you a member of
it? Suppose these questions were asked you, what would your answer be?
3. There are a variety of false notions in the world and in
the church concerning the church of Christ.
4. In our series of studies we will focus our attention on
"Why I am A Member of the Church of Christ". The first two lessons by way of
introducing these series of lessons will be (1) What the church of Christ is not and (2)
What the church of Christ is.
5. The purpose of our study is (1) To clear up any
misunderstanding about the church of Christ, (2) To encourage people to become members of
it and (3) To instill a deeper appreciation for and to provide a biblical basis for being
a member of the church of Christ.
6. In this lesson consider with me what the church of Christ
is not.
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A. Frequently you will hear someone comment "that sure is
a beautiful church or that sure is a big church," referring to the building.
B. The church of Christ is not a material structure.
C. The basis for the conclusion:
1. The body and the church are the same.
Eph 1:22-23 22 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. (KJV)
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is
the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the
preeminence. (KJV)
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up
that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which
is the church: (KJV)
 | The body is declared to be the members:
|
1Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and
all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
(KJV)
1Cor 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
(KJV)
1Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in
particular. (KJV)
Rom 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one
body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one
body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV)
| Since it is the case that members are the body and since it
is the case that the body is the church, it is therefore the case that the members are the
church.
|
2. The saved are added to the church.
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV)
| Since saved people cannot be added to a material structure,
the church cannot be a material structure (Building).
|
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were
baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
(KJV)
| The being added unto them in verse 41 is parallel to being
added to the church in verse 47.
|
3. The church is to make known the manifold wisdom of God not
possible by a material building.
Eph 3:9-11 9 And to make all men see what is
the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,
who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the
principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold
wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our
Lord: (KJV)
4. Christ loves and died for the church not a material
building.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved
the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV)
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A. The church of Christ is not a club designed to fill the
social need of people but the spiritual.
B. It came into this world with specific mission, and the
world will end with it having the same mission.
C. The purpose of the church is tri-fold.
1. The primary work of the church is to evangelize.
Matt 28:19-20 19 Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,
lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV)
Mark 16:14-16 14 Afterward he appeared unto the
eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart,
because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said
unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
(KJV)
Luke 24:46-47 46 And said unto them, Thus it is
written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (KJV)
Acts 8:1-4 1 And Saul was consenting unto his
death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at
Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and
Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and
made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church,
entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
(KJV)
Eph 3:9-11 9 And to make all men see what is the
fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the
principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold
wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our
Lord: (KJV)
2. Another function of the church is to edify (Build
up).
Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good
to edification. (KJV)
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make
for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (KJV)
1Thess 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify
one another, even as also ye do. (KJV)
Eph 4:12-29 12 For the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we
all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to
deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of
every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This
I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles
walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated
from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of
their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto
lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so
learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as
the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation
the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the
spirit of your mind;24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man
truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry,
and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the
devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good
to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (KJV)
3. Another work of the church is providing relief for the
needy.
Acts 2:44-45 44 And all that believed were
together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and
parted them to all men, as every man had need. (KJV)
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the
Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep
himself unspotted from the world. (KJV)
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto
all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (KJV)
2Cor 8:1-5 1 Moreover, brethren, we do you
to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a
great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto
the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond
their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would
receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And
this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us
by the will of God. (KJV)
Rom 15:25-26 25 But now I go unto Jerusalem
to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a
certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. (KJV)
D. While the members of the church may get together for social
activities it must be remembered it is not the work of the church.
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A. The church of Christ is not something where people come
together to be entertained. An attempt(it seems) is being made to restructure the church,
placing emphasis upon plays, puppet shows, concerts and etc.
B. The church of Christ has a serious and clearly designated
mission (see point two) and it must not shift it's focus to the left or the right.
C. It is fine for Christians to enjoy good, wholesome
recreation together, but it is not the churches responsibility to provide it.
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A. The word denomination is defined as "A particular
religious sect or body, with a specific name, organization, etc." The word
"SECT" means "A path, way, method, party, faction." Doctrine sect
"A religious denomination esp. A small group that has broken away from an established
church" (Webster's New World Dictionary).
B. Contrast between the church of Christ and denominalism.
1. The church of the New Testament is of Divine origin.
Isa 2:1-4 1 The word that Isaiah the son of
Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last
days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the
mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of
the LORD, to the house ofthe God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will
walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from
Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they
shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation
shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
(KJV)
Matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and
upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
(KJV)
Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of
heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left
to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume allthese kingdoms, and it shall
stand for ever. (KJV)
| Denominations are man-made without Divine origin.
|
2. The church of the New Testament will endure forever.
Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of
heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left
to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall
stand forever. (KJV)
Heb 12:28-29 28 Wherefore we
receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
(KJV)
| Denominations will be rooted up.
|
Matt 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my
heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. (KJV)
3. The church of the New Testament is designated by bible
names.
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The
churches of Christ salute you. (KJV)
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the
flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,
which he hath purchased with his own blood. (KJV)
1Cor 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them
that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place
call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (KJV)
| Denominations are named after men.
|
4. The church of the New Testament has its origin in the first
century.
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV)
| Denominations had their beginning from the seventh century
on.
|
5. The church of the New Testament has a heavenly
headquarters.
Eph 1:22-23 22 And hath put all things
under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his
body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV)
1Peter 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand
of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (KJV)
| Denominations have their earthly headquarters.
|
6. The New Testament church has the bible as its only rule of
faith.
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles'
doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV)
1Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of
God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in
all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever
and ever. Amen. (KJV)
Gal 1:6-9 6 I marvel that ye are so
soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel
of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto
you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before,
so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have
received, let him be accursed. (KJV)
Rev 22:18-19 18 For
I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man
shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this
book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy,
God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from
the things which are written in this book. (KJV)
Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of
the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye
should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
(KJV)
| Denominations have their creeds, manuals, disciplines and
catechisms.
|
7. The saved are added to the New Testament church.
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV)
| People join human denominations.
|
8. The New Testament church is essential to salvation.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as
Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (KJV)
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the
flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,
which he hath purchased with his own blood. (KJV)
| People can be saved and never be a member of a denomination.
|
9. The Apostles were members of the New Testament church.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were
baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
(KJV)
| No Apostle was ever a member of a denomination.
|
10. Jerusalem was the birth place of the New Testament church.
Isa 2:1-4 1 The word that Isaiah
the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the
last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the
mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of
the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will
walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from
Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they
shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation
shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
(KJV)
Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That
there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen
the kingdom of God come with power. (KJV)
Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it
behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: (KJV)
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost
is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (KJV)
Acts 2:1-4 1 And when the day of
Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly
there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,
and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)
| Denominations have various places of beginning.
|
11. A person enters the New Testament church by believing,
repenting, confessing, and being baptized.
Acts 2:36-47 36 Therefore
let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye
have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in
their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what
shall we do? 38 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. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are
afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words
did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then
they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto
them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles'
doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon
every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed
were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and
parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one
accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with
gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV)
Acts 8:26-40 26 And the angel of
the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth
down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a
man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who
had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was
returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said
unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him,
and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31
And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he
would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He
was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he
not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare
his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip,
and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other
man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto
him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said,
If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe
that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and
they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip,
that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found
at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
(KJV)
| People become members of denominations by human laws of
induction.
|
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A. The Lord built only one church.
Eph 1:22-23 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and
gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness
of him that filleth all in all. (KJV)
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are
called in one hope of your calling; (KJV)
1Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one
body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made
to drink into one Spirit. (KJV)
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A. The church of Christ existed in the first century.
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The
churches of Christ salute you. (KJV)
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV)
| Long before Campbell was born.
|
B. Jesus built the church of Christ you read about in the New
Testament.
Matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and
upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
(KJV)
| Not Alexander Campbell.
|
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1. These are things the church of Christ are not. They should
be placed firmly in our minds.
2. Once we realize what it is not, we are then ready to
discover what it is.
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