2. INTRODUCTION When religious people hear the term “church of Christ”, it means something very different than the use of the phrase in Romans 16:16. Brethren can be ignorant on the matter as well, and contribute to sectarianism. In reality, there is no proper name that God ever gave the church. There are many common names/designations given in Scripture.

3. DESIGNATIONS FOR GOD’S CHURCH Churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) Church of God (1 Corinthians 1:2) Kingdom of God (Acts 8:12) House of God (1 Timothy 3:15) Church of the Living God (1 Timothy 3:15) Kingdom of God’s Dear Son (Colossians 1:13) etc.

4. West Side church of Christ Designation of our congregation Associated with no denomination/ fellowship other than that of Christ Notice the “little ‘c’”. Not a proper name! Preposition “of” denotes ownership. Our congregation, located on the West Side of Fort Worth, belongs to Christ!

5. WHAT ABOUT ANOTHER DESCRIPTION? Church of God (1 Corinthians 1:2), “To the church of God which is at Corinth…” – Very scriptural. We must not allow others to appropriate the language of scripture! – Why not common designation used? Simply that it is not the most expedient term! – Some wrongly say that the name church of Christ is no longer expedient!

6. Make sure you never use the name “church of Christ” in a sectarian way. Use the question, “What is the name of your church?” as an opportunity to teach God has given His people only one proper name! (cf. Acts 11:26 )