THE ORIGINAL CHURCH
To Duplicate Today The Original Church of Christ
It
Must
Have....
1. THE ORIGINAL FOUNDER/DATE AND PLACE
That would be Jesus Christ; in 33 AD following His Death, Burial, Resurrection,
Ascension and Glorification in Heaven; the Place is the city of Jerusalem
(Mt. 16:18; Acts chaper 2).
2. THE ORIGINAL MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
That would be by exercising faith in Jesus as
the chosen Messiah and Saviour of the world:
Repentance of our sins, Confession of our faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son,
and water Baptism by immesion "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:36-38).
3. THE ORIGINAL WORSHIP
This will consist of the weekly observance
of the Lord's Supper, Giving to the Lord's work, Singing from our hearts,
Praying
to the Lord and Sharing (preaching/teaching/ hearing) the Word of God (Acts
2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Col 3:17)
4. THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURE/ORDER
The local church is to be autonomous
and independent; with appointed overseers, special servants and teachers (Acts
14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1-2; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 4:6). The original church had no universal
government or head on earth.
5. THE ORIGINAL NAMES
Bible
names such as "The churches of Christ..."
(Rom. 16:16). Names that glorify God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (Mt.
16:18; 1 Cor. 1:2).
6. THE ORIGINAL WORK
That of evangelism, edification and special
benevolence (Eph. 4:12; Mt. 28:19-20; 1 Tim. 5:16).
Spreading the gospel, encouraging those who are saved by the gospel and helping
Christians
in special situations of need.
7. THE ORIGINAL LIFE-STYLE
AND FAITHFULNESS
Wholesome and proper (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Tim. 4:12;
James 1:27; 1 Pet. 3:1-7; Rev. 2:10;1 Cor. 15:58).
8. THE ORIGINAL HOPE
The Christian's Hope through Christ is in going to Heaven
(Col 1:5,23)
THE ORIGINAL CHURCH AND THE BEST...THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF CHRIST