From the Elder's Pen "The Church" 11/24/02 Past/Future Articles

The Church of Christ dates back to the days of the New Testament (Rom. 16:16).  It was founded by Christ on the day of Pentecost, A. D. 33 (Acts 2), just fifty days after His ascension back to Heaven.

The church is composed of called out believers who obeyed the Gospel of Christ separating themselves from the world.  The mission of the church is to save the lost through preaching the Gospel.  It is governed by Jesus Christ with elders in every congregation to oversee that particular flock.  It’s headquarters are in Heaven and receives all instructions and directions in religious matters from God’s written word, The Bible.

When one reads the second chapter of Acts, we read about three thousand people who heard the Gospel for the first time.  They learned that Christ was the son of God, and that God demanded of them to repent and be baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).  Then they that gladly received His word were baptized, and the same day about three thousand souls were added to the saved.  The Bible says in Acts 2:47, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”  Please notice that those who should be saved were added to the church.  Surely this means one must be in the church to be saved.  Has Christ promised to save anyone outside His church?  The answer is “No.”  In order for the Lord to save us, we must be in His church.

The church work may be categorized in these areas:  “Evangelism” (spreading the Gospel), “Ministration” (helping the poor and needy), and “Edification” (building up and strengthening the church).

Are you doing your part as a member of this divine institution, THE CHURCH?