THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

By Nana Yaw Aidoo

The church of Christ originated in the mind of God (Eph.1:4; 3:8-11) and existed in the promises, types and prophecies of the Old Testament till it was actualized in Jerusalem around 30 A.D. The inspired historian affirmed that the church of Christ existed 2000 years ago. When sinners heard the gospel, believed it, repented of their sins, confessed their faith in Jesus Christ and were baptized unto the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; 16:30-34; 18:8), they were described as "added to the church" (Acts 2:47).

The church of Christ came together "on the first day of the week," to break bread (Acts 20:7 cf.1 Cor.10:16; 11:20-30), give of their means (1 Cor.16:2 cf.1:2; 4:17), pray (1 Thess.5:17) study God's word (Heb.5:12-14) and sing (Eph.5:19; Col.3:16). There were no mechanical instruments of music, choirs, solos, singing groups, skits, hand clapping and women preachers or teachers (1 Tim.2:11-14) in the worship of the church of Christ.

The church of Christ was organized with Christ as the Head (Col.1:18) and Chief Shepherd (1 Pet.2:25; 5:4), and men serving as elders, being subordinate shepherds (Acts 20:28). There were elders in every church (Acts 14:23; Php.1:1) overseeing the work of the churches in which they were members and only the churches in which they were members (1 Pet.5:1-4). Deacons and preachers served under the oversight of the elders in the church of Christ.

The churches or congregations were one and united by a common faith or message (1 Cor.1:10; Php.3:16; Jude 3). There was no earthly headquarters or a national secretariat and the congregations were responsible to no hierarchy. They formed no para-church organizations to do the work of the church but letting the church do its work, Christ received "glory in the church" (Eph.3:21) and not in a man-made organization.

The church of Christ was non-denominational, being neither Catholic nor Protestant. The members were one body (1 Cor.11:20) and were called nothing but Christians only (Acts 11:26). The apostles of Christ were all memebers of the church of Christ.

The church of Christ exists today and you can also be added to it. The seed of the kingdom or church, which is the word of God (Luke 8:11) when sown in the hearts of men 2000 years ago, and obeyed by these men, constituted them members of the church of Christ. If we would do today what they did, and believe the gospel, repent of our sins, make the great confession of faith and allow ourselves to be baptized unto the remission of our sins, we would be nothing but people who are members of the church of Christ.

Why not visit a church of Christ near you for further studies in God's word?

...the churches of Christ salute you (Rom.16:16).