Why I am a member of the Church of Christ

The outside world view Church often capitalized Church never capitalized in 4 versions Vines’ definition: See assembly –

congregation

Vine -- Assembly

ASSEMBLY: 1. ekklesia NT:1577, from ek, "out of," and klesis, "a calling" (kaleo, "to call"), was used among the Greeks of a body of citizens "gathered" to discuss the affairs of state, Acts 19:39. In the Sept. it is used to designate the "gathering" of Israel, summoned for any definite purpose, or a "gathering" regarded as representative of the whole nation. In Acts 7:38 it is used of Israel; in 19:32, 41, of a riotous mob.

Vine -- Assembly

It has two applications to companies of Christians,

(a) to the whole company of the redeemed throughout the present era, the company of which Christ said, "I will build My Church (church)," Matt 16:18, and which is further described as "the Church (church) which is His Body," Eph 1:22; 5:23,

(b) in the singular number (e. g., Matt 18:17, RV marg., "congregation"), to a company consisting of professed believers, ….

Can this “church” save me?(Company of professed believers)

Salvation is my/your goal Salvation thru the gospel (not church)

Mark 16:15-16, Rom 1:16 Origin of the “gospel” John 14:26, Rom 1:17,

Rom 10:17, 2Tim 3:16 (not church) Made known by the church. Eph 3:8-10 Preaching +Belief +Baptism = Salvation

Gospel =

John 14:26 “all things” Acts 20:27 “whole counsel” 2 Tim 3:16 “all scripture profitable…

Doctrine Reproof Correction Instruction

Makes one Complete to every good work

Acts 2

Peter’s Sermon = Death-Burial-Resurrection

Acts 2:46-47 “added to the church” Voted in by church? Any human other than believer involved? Lord’s judgment?

Preach + Believe + Baptism = Salvation = “Added to”

Paul

Added to the church? Made an effort to join Jerusalem disciples.

Acts 9:26 How would he / we recognize the

disciples? Book of Mormon? Church discipline or manual? By practice Col 3:17

(Remember that “name” narrows the search but is not conclusive) Matt 7:21-23, Rev 2:1-3:22

Do they:(this company of professed believers)

Wear a name from the first century? Acts 20:28, 1 Cor 11:16, Rom 16:16, Heb 12:23

Have Jesus as their only head and law giver? Eph 5:22-24 Jude 3

Assemble orderly for the purpose of provoking? Heb 10:24-25

Eph 4:11-16 have the biblical : Structure A,P, E, P, T and D, (Acts 6:1-7).

For equipping the saints for the work and edifying? For provocation and edification assemble to:

Observe the Lord’s supper and give on the first day Acts 20:7 1Cor 16:1-3

Preach, sing spiritual songs, pray Work together causing growth? Eph 4:16

Conclusion

I am a member of the church of Christ because I want to be saved. But I am only a member if the Lord has added

me. The conditions for being added are

Hearing + Belief + Baptism I only remain a member if I remain

faithful. Rev 2:10 Keep the faith that comes by hearing.