Some Common Expressions Explained

“New Testament Church” There is no OT church. What about Acts 7:38? The church was future from Jesus’ days (Mt. 16:18) We want to be what Jesus said he would build (Mt. 15:13)

“New Testament Church” The “seed” principle (Lk. 8:11; 1 Pet. 1;23) and the “pattern” principle (1 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13) make this possible There are beliefs and practices for all Christians of all time (1 Cor. 4:17)

“Partake in a (un)worthy manner” This does not have reference to our own personal worthiness (adjective) This is reference to the manner (adverb) in which we eat and drink (verb); unworthily; that is, not discerning the body and the blood ( Cor. 11:27-29)

“Lord’s Table” This is not the location where the L.S. is placed; the place where the L.S. is served does not matter This is taken from 1 Cor. 10:21 and is another way of speaking of the L.S. (1 Cor. 11:20)

“Lord’s Money” The Lord does not take the money and keep it This expression means that we do not own or have power over the money anymore (Acts 5:1-4) The “Lord’s money” is used for the “Lord’s work” (1 Cor. 15:58; 16:10)

“In Jesus’ Name, Amen” This phrase does not merely signal when the prayer is over This expression refers to Jesus’ authority/permission (Jn. 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-26) “Amen” at the end of a prayer means “so be it”; “truly” (1 Cor. 14:16)

“Church of Christ” This is not meant to identify us as another denomination: “I was raised Church of Christ” This is one (Rom. 16:16) of many descriptions of Christians in the first century; local churches belonging to Christ

“Organization of the Church” This does not mean that the church is a business organization The local church only is “organized” referring to the role of elders and deacons in carrying out the local work (Phil. 1:1)

“Church Autonomy” This does not mean the church does its own thing; “auto (self) nomy (nomos = law)” means self-ruling The local church only is “autonomous” referring to the rule of elders over one particular local church (Ac 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2)

“Subject to the Invitation” This is not a “subject” (noun) in the sense of a topic The “subject” (an adverb meaning likely, prone) is the person who likely needs to obey the gospel; the invitation is the invitation to be saved (Acts 2:40)

Other Expressions “Worship in spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:23-24) “Authority for all we do” (Col. 3:17) “Plan of salvation” (Acts 3:37; 16:30; 22:10)

Common Expressions If you don’t know, ask Make sure your language matches NT teaching Don’t simply “go through the motions” and use expressions without true understanding

Common Expressions Don’t use phrases that brethren are used to, but in a different way (NT church, autonomy, authority, etc.)