Chilhowie Christian Church

What is a "Christian Church?"

A Christian church is a nondenominational, independent, protestant church. In the 1800's "Christian" churches were formed in a time of interdenominational friction. These new churches were based on the teaching of Jesus, as taken directly from the New Testament, independent of any denominational doctrine. Today, at Christian Churches across the country, unity among all Christians continues as the dominant theme.

The pattern for the true Church may be seen in the New Testament.

Founder: Christ, Matthew 16:18; "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

Regardless of how great the person, no man has founded Christ's church.

Origin: Jerusalem, A.D. 33. Acts 2: 1, 47; "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Any religious group with a different origin cannot be the church of Christ.

Head: Christ. Colossians 1:18; "And He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy."

No man nor group of men can be the head of the church belonging to Christ.

Members: Each submitted to the will of the Lord and then was added to the Church. Acts 2:41-47; "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

They were referred to individually as saints. Acts 9:13; "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem."

Disciples, Acts 6:1; "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing." Brothers, Acts 6:3; "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.

Christians, Acts. 11:26; "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch".

Collectively as the church, Philippians 3:6; "as for the zeal, persecuting the church". The body of Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:27; "Now you are the body of Christ," The church of God, I Corinthians 1:2; "To the church of God in Corinth"

Worship: The members assembled weekly on the Lord's Day for: the Lord's Supper, Acts 20:7; "On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread." Giving, I Corinthians 16:1, 2; "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income."

Prayer, Acts 2:42; "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Singing, I Corinthians 14:15 "I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."

Preaching, Acts 20:7 "Paul spoke to the people."

How may I become a member of the church (the body of Christ)?

• Hear the Gospel – Romans 10:17; James 1:23 "Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ."


• Believe in Christ – Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12 "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved."


• Repent of sins – Acts 2:38; 17:30 "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."


• Confess Christ – Romans 10:10; Matthew 16:16 "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."


• Be Baptized – Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21 "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."


• Continue steadfastly – Acts 2:42; Romans 6:4; Revelation 22:14 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer."