The Church of Christ? …and on this rock I will build my church… Matthew 16:18

Names are important. Isaiah 62:2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the LORD will name. Acts 11:26 …And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Church of Christ - The church that belongs to Christ Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Romans 16:16 …The churches of Christ greet you.

Church of Christ - The church that belongs to Christ Acts 2:47 …And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Ephesians 1:22-23 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

“Church of Christ” on the sign doesn’t make it so. Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

“Church of Christ” on the sign doesn’t make it so. A church of Christ must follow the pattern. Terms of entrance Organization Work Worship

The Church of Christ denomination They have the name right. They have the terms of entrance right.

Don’t follow the pattern for organization Christ as head with all authority (Matt. 28:18). Elders shepherding the flock of God AMONG THEM. o 1 Peter 5:1-2 - The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly

Don’t follow the pattern for organization Acts 20:28 - Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 14:23 - So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Deacons serving under the elders. Acts 6:1-6, cf. Philippians 1:1

Don’t follow the pattern for organization Perversion – The Sponsoring Church One congregation taking money from numerous congregations to fund preachers in other places. Often take “oversight” of the mission work. o Make determinations for the congregations who are served by the preachers they support.

The Sponsoring Church Why I Left the Denominational Church of Christ by Wayne Goforth Preaching on Navajo reservation in Arizona Sponsoring church elders directing the work from Tennessee The Navajo congregation was longer established than the one in Tennessee. Even decided they needed a new building Usurped the authority of the elders among that flock.

The Pattern 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. Philippians 4:15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. Paul took money directly from congregations to continue his work!

Don’t follow the pattern for the work of the church Edification Ephesians 4:11-16 Assembling to exhort one another Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Don’t follow the pattern for the work of the church Edification Teaching the word 1 Peter 2:1-2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Cf. Acts 20:32

Don’t follow the pattern for the work of the church Perversion – The Social Gospel Kitchens, gymnasiums, fellowship halls, church softball teams and leagues, church camps paid for with the Lord’s money Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

What about a kitchen? We have authority to meet. (Heb. 10:25) The logical conclusion to be drawn is that we need a place to meet. Pews, water fountains, restrooms – expedients to fulfill the command to meet. 1 Corinthians 11:20-22

Don’t follow the pattern for the work of the church Limited benevolence Acts 2:44f - Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. Romans 15: Corinthians 16:1-4

Don’t follow the pattern for the work of the church Benevolence limited to saints, but not even all saints are eligible. 1 Timothy 5:3-16 v. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

Don’t follow the pattern for the work of the church Perversion – Unlimited Benevolence Soup kitchens Food banks Thrift shops Orphanages Nursing homes Hospitals

Don’t follow the pattern for the work of the church Perversion – Unlimited Benevolence Try to use James 1:27 - Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Look at the context – read 1:21-27 Try to use Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. What about the context? Read v. 1-10

Don’t follow the pattern for the work of the church Perversion – Unlimited Benevolence Whatever the individual can do, the church can do because the church is made up of individuals. 1 Corinthians 7:3 - Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. Acts 5:1-4