Know The Truth – Identifying The Lord’s Church
The following characteristics determine Christ’s blood-bought church:
It is the church that worships God in spirit and truth. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24. It is the church that searches the Scriptures. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39; Cf. Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15.
It is the church that preaches the Word of God. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2.
It is the church that partakes of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week (Sunday). “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” Acts 20:7; Cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; 16:1-2.
It is the church that sings psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in the heart to God without using man-made instruments. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16.
It is the church where Christ is the only head. “And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church.” Ephesians 1:22. “And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the
preeminence.” Colossians 1:18.
It is the church where the Lord adds them to the church. “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. Colossians 1:13.
It is the church where men serve as elders, deacons, and preachers. 1 Timothy 3:1-10;Titus 1:5-11; 1 Peter 5:1-3; 1 Timothy 2:8-12.
It is the church that prays to God the Father through the name of the Lord Jesus. “And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.” John 16:23
It is the church that gives as God has prospered. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:2.
It is the church where the preachers do not wear special garments or religious titles. Matthew 23:5-11; 20:25-28. Only the name of God is referred to as “reverend.” “He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever: Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9.
It is the church that teaches what the Bible says about “What must I do to be saved?” Hear the Word of God—Acts 2:37; Romans 10:17; Believe that Jesus is the Christ—Acts 18:8; Repent of your sins—Acts 17:30; Confess that Jesus is the Christ—Acts 8:37; and be immersed for the remission of your sins—Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-6.