Things Practiced in the First Century Church

Sometimes questions about the nature of the Lord’s church arise, “What is the church of Christ?” “To what beliefs do churches of Christ hold?” and “What will I find when I worship with a church of Christ?” All such questions are real and valid. Answering them is likewise important. Because such questions exist, there necessitates a need to offers answers. Paul said, Do your best to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman, interpreting correctly the message of truth (2 Tim. 2:15 McCord). This is our Christian duty. The New Testament church, commonly called, “The church of Christ,”…

Q Worships in spirit and truth (Jn. 4:20-24).

Q Searches the Scriptures for sole authority in belief and practice (Acts 17:10).

Q Observes the Lord’s Supper every Sunday (Acts 20:6-7; 1 Cor. 11:18-30; 16:1-2).

Q Gives both the bread and the fruit of the vine to those who participate in communion (Mt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:14-20).

Q Worships by singing songs, hymns and spiritual songs, and without instrumental accompaniment (Eph. 5:18-19; Col. 3:16-17).

Q Exalts Christ as the only begotten Son of God and the head of the church and strives to emulate him in word and deed as a living pattern for our lives (Eph. 1:20-23; 1 Pet. 1:15-16).

Q Teaches that the Lord adds only the saved to his church and that there are no saved outside the church (Acts 2:36-38, 47).

Q Selects males to serve in leadership roles (1 Tim. 2:8-12; 1 Cor. 14:34-36). Besides preachers, this includes elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9) and deacons (1 Tim. 3:8-10, 12-13).

Q Does not teach the use of special titles such as Reverend, Pastor or Father or make provisions for special vestments to be worn by preachers, and that there is not division in the New Testament church between clergy and laity (Mt. 23:5-11; 20:25-28).

Q Accepts all believers who have been immersed for the remission of sins into fellowship regardless of religious, social or ethnic backgrounds (Rom. 6:17; Gal. 3:26-28).

This list is by no means exhaustive. Nor are the things aforementioned intended to be used as a creed. Peter said, in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience (1 Pet. 3:15-16a ESV).

It is the plea of each faithful congregation to follow the New Testament pattern from which we should never waiver. It is also our prayer that these answers serve as a guide for any sincere Bible student—both for the teacher of truth and the seeker of truth.

~David A. Paher

Adapted from a letter in Seek the Old Paths

Return to Preacher's Page

News & Notes Bible Page Home Links Guestbook Questions Page Calendar Preacher's Page