If you are a member of the church of Christ, how do you respond when people ask you, “Why?” Do you eagerly and confidently give them a good answer to their question? Or, do nervously not know what to say? Peter says that every disciple has a responsibility to defend their faith (1 Peter 3:15). This responsibility includes being equipped to answer questions about the Lord’s church.

The importance of understanding our terms:

  • Since words can have various meanings, when talking with people about the church of Christ, we need to begin by defining our terms. We need to make sure that we are all using the word “church” in the same way.
  • While our culture tends to use the word to describe denominations, man-made religions, and meeting facilities, the Bible uses the word “church” to refer to the people of God (Hebrews 12:23).
  • The church is made of the saved and redeemed (Acts 2:47).
  • The church belongs to Christ. It is the church of Christ because He established and purchased it with His blood (Matthew 16:13-18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Acts 20:28).
  • The Scriptures only speak of one universal body of the saved (Ephesians 1:23; 4:4).
  • Those who are members of the church of Christ belong to Christ!

Bad reasons to be a member of the church of Christ:

  • We are trying to please members of our family (Matthew 10:37-38). Jesus must always come first!
  • The name “church of Christ” is on the sign outside the building (Titus 2:1).
  • We like the preacher (Galatians 1:6-9).
  • There are friendly people in the church. Friendly people can never replace the truth (John 8:32).
  • We want our social needs meant (John 6:26, 66).

Good reasons to be a member of the church of Christ:

  • You heard the truth about Jesus (Acts 2:36).
  • You believed and wanted to be saved (Acts 2:37).
  • You learned the need to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).
  • You learned that the promised gift of salvation was for you (Acts 2:39).
  • You were baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:41).
  • You were added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:47).

Why does this matter?

  • Right now, there is a spoken understanding about this issue.
  • Spoken understandings can eventually become unspoken understandings.
  • Unspoken understandings can eventually become unspoken misunderstandings.
  • Unspoken misunderstandings become spoken misunderstandings.

Conclusion:

Are you a member of the church that belongs to Christ?