“Let us all worship together.”

This was the heading I noticed in a weekend edition of a newspaper.  Under this heading were 198 separate listings for churches in a small-town area in West Virginia.  Doesn’t that strike you as being a bit odd?  How can we all worship together if there are 198 different places in such a small area — places where the worship is very different from place to place, doctrines that are taught in one building would not be tolerated in the one down the street, the “plan of salvation” varies from preacher to preacher, and the source of authority is not the same in each place?

I am convinced that the sentiment, “Let us all worship together” is a good one.  I am also convinced that the existence of so many churches and religions makes it impossible for us to all worship together.

This leads me to invite you to think about the title of this lesson:

Let’s notice each one of the words in the title.

“Which?”:  This implies that there is more than one church in existence today.  As a matter of fact, there are more than 2000 different religious groups in the United States alone!  And the number grows almost daily.  Add to this the religious organizations around the world, and you have utter chaos.

“Church”:  This is a word that refers to a group of people called out for a particular purpose.  The Greek word, “ekklesia” (ek-lay-see’-uh), refers to the “called out people of God” almost every time it is used in the New Testament.

“Did”:  This is a verb in the past tense.  It reminds us that the action of establishing His church is something that Jesus has already accomplished.  It is done, and doesn’t need to be done again.

“Jesus”:  This is the name of the One Who is the Builder of the church.  Frankly, I am not interested in any religion that was not begun by Jesus!  It is the goal of this series to help everyone who studies it to reach the same conclusion!

“Establish”:  To “begin,” “build,” “maintain,” “strengthen.”  Is it possible that there is ANY religious body that Jesus did not begin?  If your answer is “Yes”—then is it also possible that there are MANY religious bodies that He did not begin?

Again, our question is “Which church did Jesus establish?”  Please consider it in light of the following two scriptures.  First, we note Matthew 15:13, spoken by Jesus to a group of “clergymen” whose hearts were closed: “But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.”  A careful reading of Matthew 15 will show you that Jesus was teaching that all religions that were not planted by God will be destroyed by God.  Second, in the next chapter (Matthew 16:18,19), Jesus was speaking to His apostles (whose hearts were open on the subject):  “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.  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Now let’s see how these passages help us to understand our initial question, “Which church did Jesus establish?”

1. Jesus did say that He was going to establish His church (singular).  He did
    not say that He would establish His churches (plural), nor did He say
    anything about establishing denominations.

2. He also said the He was going to establish it—not some man, woman, or
    group of people.

3. He made it clear that anything not planted by His heavenly Father would
    be rooted up.

With all of this in mind, don’t you see how wise it is for you and me to look for the church which Jesus established?  Don’t you see how foolish it would be for you or me to be a part of something that God is going to root up?

I am convinced that the church that Jesus established is identified so clearly in the New Testament that we can find it if we will compare the Biblical description with the churches of our day.

I am also convinced that there is nothing more urgent than that we begin this search immediately.  So, let’s identify His church by studying five broad categories that contain twenty-six characteristics of the church of Christ.

There are at least five of these “upward” characteristics, indicating the heavenly origin of the church and the ongoing involvement of the heavenly hosts in the success of the church across the years.

First, the church has God the Father as its Planner.  Ephesians 3:10,11 says, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  God is thus the planner of the one church which is the means by which He shows forth His wisdom.  He perfectly planned how to bring the church into existence, He perfectly planned all of the essential characteristics of the church, He perfectly planned for the work and mission of the church in this world, and He perfectly planned that the church would have its earthly ending at the return of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:21-28).  Every one of the false religions in this world comes up short in every one of these areas, for it is not possible, under any circumstances, for human beings to design (much less implement) a plan that can meet any of the spiritual needs of any person anywhere!

Second, the church has Jesus Christ the Son as its Head, Mediator, King, Sacrifice, High Priest, etc.  The Bible is literally filled with names and titles of Jesus.  All of them emphasize the roles that He has in the plan of God.  As we recognize the needs we have, and as we read the pages of the Bible, we see His characteristics as the ones that match our needs, particularly when it comes to obtaining the remission of sins and gaining entrance into the church He purchased with His blood.  Note some of His names and titles in the following passages: John 3:16; 20:30,31; Ephesians 1:22,23; 1 Timothy 2:5; 6:14-16; John 1:29; Hebrews 4:14-16.

Third, the church has the Holy Spirit as its Revealer and Confirmer.  Jesus promised that He would send this “Comforter” to the apostles and those upon whom the apostles laid their hands.  That mission was accomplished, and this aspect of the work of the Holy Spirit ceased, just as certain aspects of the work of the Father and the Son ceased when no longer necessary (Mark 16:17-20; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13; Hebrews 2:1-4; Acts 8:14-17).  The Holy Spirit now works through His sword, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Fourth, the church has faithful angels as its ministering servants (Hebrews 1:4-14).  Although we do not know a great deal about the work of angels, it is a great comfort to know that they have always been willing to work for and fight on behalf of the people of God.

Fifth, the church has heaven as its eternal reward (Romans 8:16,17).  The reward for the faithful is not the earthly millennium concocted by power-hungry clergymen!  It is an eternal home of the soul created by God and prepared by Jesus for all of the redeemed of the ages (John 14:1-3)!  Millions of people have been deceived by Satan through many schemes of denominationalism and world religions to focus their attention on this earthly existence as the basis of their “hope.”  But there is only one hope (Ephesians 4:4-6), and it is a heavenly hope (1 Peter 1:3-9).  Therefore, we are taught to set our minds on this one thing (Colossians 3:1-4; Philippians 3: 9-14).  The Bible doctrine of heaven is a major New Testament theme, regulating the plans, goals, expectations, and hope of the church that Jesus established.

All five of these “upward characteristics” are clearly revealed in the Bible, and need to be understood as we develop our understanding of the items that compose the truth about the one true church of Christ.

There are at least nine of these “inward” characteristics, making it possible for you and me to identify the people of God in contrast with the many counterfeits that deceive precious souls.  As we list these points and give appropriate Bible references, let us note how clear the Bible is on the importance of each item.

First, it has the redeemed as “members” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27); “saints” (Romans 1:7); “soldiers” (2 Timothy 2:3); “brethren” (1 Corinthians 15:58); “disciples” (Acts 11:26); “Christians” (Acts 11:26), etc.  In other words, the people who make up the church of Christ identify themselves with words and names given in the New Testament, not by names invented by uninspired human beings.

Second, it engages in worship that is in spirit and truth as its thankful praise to God (John 4:23,24; Hebrews 13:15).  There are five items of worship in the New Testament pattern for worship on the first day of the week.  They are: singing (Ephesians 5:19); praying (1 Timothy 2); giving (1 Corinthians 16:1,2); preaching (2 Timothy 4:2); and the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7-11).  There is nothing in the New Testament that gives us the authority to change any of these things, to eliminate any of them, or to add other acts of worship to them.

Third, it has edification of the body in love as its internal mission (Ephesians 4:7-16).  This has to do with the strengthening of the church from within by engaging in the works that God has given to the local church.  These works are designed to provide spiritual exercise for the congregation that results in every person’s growth and a corresponding strengthening of the whole body.

Fourth, it has brotherly love as its internal bond.  Jesus emphasized the significance of this commandment in John 13:34,35; “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (NKJV).  In 1 John 4:7-21, the apostle gives a list of things that are designed to promote the power of brotherly love, ending with the powerful statement that it is a command.

Fifth, it has requirements for its members.  For example, the New Testament requires certain attitudes, the right example, proper relationships, commitment, a godly walk in Christ, and that we follow the New Testament pattern in all things (Colossians 3:17).  These things are taught all through the New Testament, sometimes in extended lessons such as the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29).  Examples of people who lived up to these standards are also common (Acts 2:42-47).

Sixth, it has absolute unchanging moral standards for the risen life of its members.  Colossians 3:1-17 is a good discussion of this point, but it is another common theme of the New Testament (Galatians 5:19-23; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Ephesians 5:1-17).

Seventh, it has qualified leadership in each congregation either in reality or as a goal to be met as soon as possible (elders and deacons; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5).  The early church appointed a plurality of elders (two or more) in every city (Acts 14:23).  Deacons were also appointed (Philippians 1:1).

Eighth, it has a God-approved pattern for problem solving (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3; etc.).  The scriptures cover all kinds of problems, including personal problems, moral issues, doctrinal points, and the need to have pure motives in all circumstances (Galatians 6:1,2).

Ninth, it has a sense of urgency as its motivation in all things.  This sense of urgency relates to the value of souls, the brevity of life, and the vanity of earthly things (James 4:13-17).  This can be seen throughout the book of Acts and in such militant passages as Ephesians 4:17-6:24.  One result of this attitude was that the gospel spread rapidly across the Roman Empire in only about 30 years (Acts 1:8-28:31).

All nine of these “inward” characteristics are clearly revealed in the Bible, and need to be understood as identifying marks of the Lord’s one and only church.

There are at least five of these “downward” characteristics which provide an indestructible foundation for the church which Jesus built.

First, it has prophecy as its support.  The Old Testament, coupled with the preaching of John the immerser and Jesus the Christ, provides us with hundreds of passages to lay a solid foundation in fulfilled prophecy.  2 Peter 1:19-21 says, “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (NKJV).

Second, it has true doctrine to uphold the unity for which Jesus prayed and died (John 17:20,21; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:1-6).  The statements in these scriptures help us to sum up our goal of unity as follows:

1. Such unity as exists between the Father and the Son.

2. Such unity that is based on following the written word.

3. Such unity as existed in the early church.

4. Such unity as in an outgrowth of the obedience of faith.

Third, it has a perfect Book as its source of spiritual nourishment (2 Timothy 3:14-17; John 12:44-50; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16).  This book, the Bible, has all of the information that anyone needs to have in order to live in such a way as to please God throughout life, and to arrive safely at the judgment bar of God.

Fourth, it has prayer as its power to “move mountains” (1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-8).  In addition to being a major avenue of ascribing praise and thanksgiving to God through His Son, prayer is a means of requesting the providence of God to work in the world on behalf of His cause and in the lives of His people.

Fifth, it has Jesus as its Living Builder and Foundation (Matthew 16:18,19; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 15:1-4).  In light of the multitudes of religions that exist today, and the fact that all of them have a foundation, this point is extremely critical—we simply must be certain of the foundation before we begin building!  Jesus is the only right foundation!  Any religion that is not built on Him is built on the sand, and is doomed to fail (Matthew 7:24-27).

All five of these items are frequently mentioned in the Holy Bible, and deserve the same attention today as when they were revealed as characteristics of the only church that exists with the approval of God.

There are at least three of these “all-ward” characteristics, serving as rallying points and urging the church of Christ on to more victories for Jesus.

First, it has the footprints of Jesus as its path (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, 1 Peter 2:21-25).  The life of Christ is one of the most needed, and rewarding, studies we can do.  His life demonstrates that man can please God through obedience.  It also is a life that can be imitated without fear of failure.  Following His path always works!

Second, it has the heavenly host “cheering it on.”  This includes the faithful patriarchs, the faithful from the Mosaic age, the faithful who have died since the cross, the faithful heavenly beings, and the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Hebrews 11, 12;  Revelation 4,5).

Third, it has the love of God to offer to every soul on earth.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  Since God is no respecter of persons, it is necessary for the church to tell every person on earth about His love (Acts 10:34,35).

All three of these characteristics are brought to our attention regularly in the word of God, and are essential items in the list of characteristics that help to identify the one church that pleases God.
 
 

There are at least four of these “outward” characteristics, providing the light that this sin darkened world needs.

First, it has the “Great Commission” as its mission in the world (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16: 14-20; Luke 24: 44-53; John 20: 19-23; Acts 1:1-11).  The church of Christ has the obligation to take the entire gospel to every person in every nation during every generation until the Lord returns.

Second, it has “this present evil world” as its battleground (Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 6:10-20).  The people of God must never forget how powerful and large the armies of Satan are.  Individual Christians and entire congregations can be overcome by the enemy, so constant vigilance is necessary (1 Peter 5:8).

Third, it has terms of entrance that are the same for all.  No one can be added to the church which Jesus built apart from compliance with all of the terms of entrance.  They are—

1. Sinners must hear the word of God (Acts 2:22; Romans 10:17; Matthew
    13).

2. Sinners must believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24; Acts 16:31).

3. Sinners must repent of all sin (Acts 3:19; 17:30,31).

4. Sinners must confess their faith in Christ (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9,10).

5. Sinners must be immersed for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

Fourth, it has benevolence as its way of “doing good” for one another and all men (Acts 10:38; Galatians 6:10).

All four of these points are essential to an accurate understanding of the role that the church has in the plan of God.

We have now briefly listed twenty-six characteristics of the church that Jesus built.  Could it be that there is any one of them that is not important?

Jesus’ coming to earth was, in part, to build one church (it is also called the body, kingdom, army, vineyard, family, temple, etc.).  He did accomplish that mission!

Won’t you continue studying?  Won’t you let the Bible identify the church He built for you?  Won’t you become a member of His church?  Won’t you help to make it possible for us to worship together scripturally by following the Lord Jesus Christ?

By the way, have you ever wondered where Jesus would worship if He were in your town next week?