What Does The Bible Say?

Questions — What should I look for when trying to locate a church that will help my family grow spiritually?

Answer — Look for the Lord’s church defined in the Bible.

We first need to define what we mean by the term “church”. The Bible definition of the word “church” is used in Matthew 16:18“I say thee that you are Peter and upon this rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it…” In Colossians 1:18 we read: “and He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church…” Jesus has only one church and He is the head of it. In Ephesians 4:4 we read: “there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope…” So according to these passages there is one body (the Lord’s church), One head (Jesus) and one church (which is His body). This is what the bible teaches. Jesus purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The same blood that purchased our pardon also purchased the Lord’s church. So, if we want to be pleasing to God we will search for His church.

The above comments from the Bible stand in direct distinction to what some people use as a guide when choosing from one of many denominations. If a denomination is not walking according to God’s pattern for His church (set forth in Ephesians), then they are not the Lord’s church. The Lord’s church is not man-made nor does it operate according to the rules of men. To please God, one must be added to His church by faith and obedience to His rules (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:10:1; Mark 16:16; and Rev 2:10). The Lord’s local congregations of Christians do not practice anything but what God authorizes in His word. You will not find mechanical instruments of music (but you will find vocal a Capella singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). You will find the Lord’s supper observed every first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 COR. 9). You will find scriptural preaching and teaching and public praying (Acts 2:42-47). You will not find the Lord’s church engaging in entertainment or anything akin to the social gospel approach of how to draw a crowd (1 Cor. 11:22). The Lord’s church is not built on the ideas and inventions of men. The Lord’s church follows the blueprint Christ has given it. It emphasizes spiritual things over earthly things.

Come visit with us at the Maple St. Church of Christ and we believe you will find the Lord’s church of the New Testament times. Send questions and comments to What Does the Bible Say c/o Maple St. Church of Christ P.O. Box 3086, Liberty, Texas 77575.