Church of Christ at Colonial Heights

What religion?

The New Testament is the word of Christ. It reveals the religion of Christ.

Hebrews 9:15-17 "And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance."

By studying it we become aware that among the followers of Christ, no denominational organization existed whatever. In fact, Paul the apostle warned the Christians at Corinth about the danger of division.

I Corinthinians 1:10-13 "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"

We see people hearing the gospel and in faith obeying the conditions of God's grace. That is, they turned to God and were baptized in order to be forgiven of their sins.

Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Being thus saved, God added them to the church.

Acts 2:36-37 "praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

As the gospel spread, we find them assembling together in congregations in various localities. Each congregation was under its own elders and no one else on earth held authority over these congregations.

Acts 14:23 "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."

These elders could not make laws of themselves. Instead, they were given the responsbility of tending and caring for the congregation as shepherds would a flock.

Acts 20:17,28 "From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church ...Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood"

The only heaquarters those disciples knew was heaven, where their head, Jesus Christ, was and is.

Ephesians 1:22-23 "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

Since Christ has all authority, what does His word teach us about what worship we should offer to God?

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