The Lord's Church - Delta church of Christ

FACTS ABOUT THE CHURCH

• The church of Christ is not a denomination, nor is it a group of denominations. It is the ekklesia of Jesus; called out by the gospel; redeemed by His blood; enrolled in heaven; and is composed of those who have been brought out of darkness and translated into his kingdom (Matthew 16:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 12:23; Colossians 1:13).

• The church of Christ is not an afterthought, a by-product, or a non-essential entity. It is the promised kingdom of prophecy; the Lord's house for these last days; and the body of Christ of which He is Savior (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:2-3; Ephesians 5:23).

• The church was in the eternal purpose of God; it is the fulfillment of scores of prophecies; and is the fulness of Him that filleth all in all (Ephesians 3:10-12; Joel 2:28-32; Micah 4:1-2; Daniel 7:13-14; Ephesians 1:20-23).

• Christ built it, Christ saved it, Christ is the foundation of it, Christ purchased it, Christ is the head of it, and Christ will some day deliver it up to God in heaven (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:25; I Corinthians 3:11; Acts 20:28; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 15:24).

• The church is composed of those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb; those who have been purchased with that blood; those for whom He died; those of whom He is the Savior. And all the saved are in it (Revelation 1:5; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Acts 29:28; Ephesians 5:25-27; 5:23; Acts 2:41-47).

• It is the church that was established in Jerusalem; was built in Jerusalem and had its beginning in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-3; Zechariah 1:16; Luke 24:44; Acts 2:1-47).

• It is the kingdom that was "at hand" in the days of John the Baptist; and during Christ's personal ministry on earth (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17; 10:7; 16:18-28; Mark 9:1; Luke 10:1-9). It is the kingdom that was set up on the first Pentecost after the resurrection and ascension of Christ to heaven. It was set up in Jerusalem, in Acts 2, and is spoken of as being on earth ever since (Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 1:9).

• It is the bride of Christ; the kingdom of Christ; the fold of Christ; the body of Christ; the house of Christ; the church of Christ (Revelation 21:9; Colossians 1:13; John 10; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Hebrews 3:6; Romans 16:16).

• The church is the pillar and ground of the truth; it is the expression of the manifold wisdom of God; and it is set up to glorify God throughout all ages, world without end (1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 3:10-12).

• The church of Christ is not one of the three religious groups that came out of the restoration movement. It was in existence during the "restoration movement". And it has been in existence on earth ever since it was set up in the first century. It was designed to "stand forever". And it is destined to be on earth throughout all ages (Daniel 2:44; Ephesians 3:21). Some of the restoration people were our brethren, but some were denominationalists.

• Since Christ died for the church, and since we are admonished to put God and the kingdom first, it is difficult for me to manifest patience toward those who minimize the blood-bought body of Christ or who speak lightly of it. Those who made light of the kingdom in Matthew 22:1-7 were destroyed; and Christ thinks no less of His bride now than he did in the first century. Brethren, be careful and never be guilty of corrupting the church, or low-rating the church, or de-emphasizing the church, or of talking about "church-anity". Don't make light of the kingdom!

— Written by Guthrie D. Dean.