In churches of Christ, members seek to have a biblical name. Isaiah prophesied that God’s people would be known by a new name (Isaiah 62:2). That name was first used in Acts 11:26 where disciples of Jesus were called Christians. This term is used to identify God’s people – people "of Christ." Did you know this is the only name in the New Testament for the people of God? Peter spoke of it in 1 Peter 4:14-16 and specified that Christians are to glorify God in this name. When we wear this name the emphasis is on Christ – not some religious organization formed by man. The same is true when referring to Christians as a collective group. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for wearing names of men. Verse 12 reads, Each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul", and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." When we wear names of men – we open the door to religious division! The pattern in the Scriptures tell us God’s people have been identified by several names. Churches of Christ is found in Romans 16:16. Paul speaks of the body of Christ in Ephesians 1:22-23, and Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God in Matthew 16:18-19. Members of churches of Christ make sure to wear no other name but Christ’s. Names are important since they identify you and state your religious focus. Why would we want to wear anything but Christ’s name?

Churches of Christ are organized like churches were in the first century. In Revelation 2-3, seven individual congregations are addressed by Jesus. Since He is Head over the church, these congregations answered to no one but Him. The same is true with this congregation because in the scriptures, there is no higher organization than the local church. Churches of Christ reject the hierarchy that makes up many present day denominations because there is no proof in Scripture that God would be pleased with such an arrangement. Remember, the way of doing things religiously has been handed down once and for all. (Jude 3)

Churches of Christ teach God’s plan of salvation. When we obey God, He adds us to the church. (Acts 2:47) Hebrews 5:8-9 teaches us of the necessity of obeying God. When we obey God, we take advantage of His grace! Since we follow the pattern found within the Scriptures it is important to observe how first century Christians were saved. We find people believing in the power of Jesus to save them from their sins. (John 8:24) We see the need for repentance from sin because all have been commanded to do so. (Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3) Salvation also involves confession by telling others about our belief in Him and making a commitment to take Jesus with us throughout life. (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-39) Finally, the biblical pattern tells us baptism is required to wash away sin. See Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; and 1 Peter 3:21.

There are 21^st century Christians practicing 1^st century Christianity today! Members of churches of Christ are people who are doing their very best to conform to the pattern found within the pages of God’s word. When you’re looking for a church – look for a church that is truly bible-based! Hold up our practices to the Bible and then act on your responsibility to find God’s kind of people. We would love to see you become a part of Christ’s church – the church of Christ.