The church of Christ was established in 33AD.
It was prophesied to begin in Jerusalem (cf. Isaiah 2:1-3), and so it was on the day of
Pentecost in Acts 2 that we can read of the establishment of the church in Jerusalem. It was
also prophesied, when it would be founded. Isaiah 2:1-3 tells us it would be in the "last
days." When we read in Acts 2, we find this statement:
"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your
daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall
dream dreams:" (Acts 2:16-18).
Did you catch the phrase, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel?" This
phrase explains that it was happening right there and then, in Jerusalem, and in the last
days. This was written about 2000 years ago. That is when the last days began. That is
when the church was to begin. That is also where the church was to begin. And it all
happened just the way it was supposed to happen, where it was supposed to happen, and
when it was supposed to happen.
The church is not something that was started by a man in the 18th century, in some other
part of the world. It was founded by Jesus, in the right time, A.D. 33 (Acts 2), and in the
right place, Jerusalem, (Acts 2). The church of Christ.
Since it was built by Jesus (cf. Matthew 16:18), it is subject to His requirements. You
might think of it this way: If you owned a business, you would decide the type of business
it would be. If it would be open on the weekends. If it would be a store, gas station, auto
repair, heating and cooling, whatever you choose. You would control all of the particulars.
This is the same for Christ's church. He decides the particulars. After all, He purchased it
with His own blood (cf. Acts 20:28).
He decided that all are welcome. He decided it would be open 24/7. He decided it would
serve every one regardless of their economic position. In fact, the main stipulation He has
is, we must be honest, have a honest heart. You see, when one has a honest heart he will do
that which is right. He will recognize certain truths that cannot be circumvented. This will
lead him to the truth of freedom (cf. John 8:32). He can learn the truth, be obedient to it,
and God will add him to the church of Christ (cf. Acts 2:47). This is how it was done in the
first century, making the first Christians, and this is how it is to be done today with the
exact same results, the making of Christians.
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible also teaches that their is only one church (cf.
Ephesians 4:4-6; 1Corinthians 12:13; etc.). We can read of this church in the New
Testament (cf. Eph. 3:3, 4). We can read how one becomes a member of this institution.
We can read when the members are to meet. We can read what would take place in these
meetings. We can read that no one is to add to, take from, nor alter these instructions in any
way. So, when we begin to understand these basic principles, we can plainly see, if there
are any alterations, God would not accept it.
We are a people that believes in proving everything we do in faith or practice by the
scripture. If it cannot be proven by the scripture, then we cannot accept, nor participate in
it. We realize that this is a bold claim to make. I would, however, encourage any one who
does not believe this claim to put us to the test.
We are open to any and all types of discussion, public, private, email, phone, etc. As a
matter of fact, we know this openness to discuss things is a good for everyone involved. If
we are mistaken about something, we will repent and change immediately, but and if, we
are correct, we should be able to expect the same from those who challenge our view. You
see, there are no losers if all parties are willing to be honest. Every time, there will be a
benefit resulting from an honest approach to the Word of God.
If we are wrong, we change; if those who oppose us are wrong, they change. The end result
is, no one ends up in the wrong. We get it right either way. Remember what Jesus said in
John 8:32: "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." If we are wrong
we are not free, but if we are truthfully correct, we can be made free.
We recognize that all religions cannot be on the road to Heaven. Neither Hindus, Buddhist,
Moslems, nor False Teachers of Christianity can be on the road to heaven. Why? Because
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me"
(John 14:6).
Even all those that believe in Christ will not be on the road to heaven. Why? Again, Jesus
said, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven:
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).
The Bible absolutely teaches there is one church (Eph. 4:4-6). We will stand with the Bible
every time. We put scripture in it's proper context, and make proper application of it. We
are ready, willing, and able, to defend the doctrine of Christ (2John 9). We are very
distinctive, and believe that there must be clear lines drawn on issues, backed solely by the
Bible. We know that there is a standard of authority in which we must obey from the heart,
the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25), the Bible.
steve@jamesstcoc.com
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