Why Am I a Member of the Church of Christ?

The Foundation of My Faith

When I am asked why I am a member of the Church of Christ, my answer begins with the fact that it is the church that Jesus Himself came to establish. He lived a perfect life, offered Himself as the only perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, and shed His blood to purchase His church. On the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, His church came into existence exactly as He promised in Matthew 16:18. The apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, spread the gospel and taught the pattern of worship, doctrine, and Christian living. Today, nearly two thousand years later, the inspired writings of these men remain in the Bible, giving us a complete and perfect record of the Lord’s will.

The Name and Identity of the Church

The Bible teaches that the first congregations of the Lord’s church were called “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). This is not a man-made name, but a designation of ownership — it is Christ’s church. Members of the Lord’s church wear no man-made names, because Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). We call ourselves Christians, belonging only to Him. The Bible is our sole source of authority for all that we believe, teach, and practice (Colossians 3:17). We are bound to Christ’s commands, not the traditions or opinions of men.

The Authority of Scripture

God’s Word is perfect and complete. Every word is inspired by Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is the only standard by which our beliefs, worship, and conduct are measured. Jesus declared that all authority had been given to Him (Matthew 28:18-20), and He commanded us to teach all nations to observe all that He commanded. His words will judge us in the last day (John 12:48). No other source — tradition, opinion, or human creed — can be placed on equal footing with Scripture. If a doctrine cannot be found in the Bible, it has no authority in the Lord’s church.

The Responsibility of Every Congregation

While the Bible teaches that there is only one church (Ephesians 4:4), it also teaches that each congregation is self-governing and directly accountable to Christ. Simply attending a congregation with the right name does not guarantee salvation. Every congregation must faithfully teach and practice the truth. Every Christian is personally responsible for knowing and obeying God’s Word (Philippians 2:12). We must be vigilant against false doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9) and avoid the commandments of men (Matthew 15:8-9).

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

The Lord requires that we study and handle His Word accurately (2 Timothy 2:15). No interpretation can contradict another passage of Scripture, for God is not the author of confusion. When we study the Scriptures, we must take all of God’s counsel into account (Acts 20:27). Salvation is not based on belief alone (James 2:24-26), but upon obedient faith that responds to the full plan of God: belief (John 8:24), repentance (Luke 13:3), confession (Romans 10:9-10), baptism (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16), and a faithful life unto death (Revelation 2:10).

The Seriousness of Obedience

Jesus warned that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21-23). He said the way to life is narrow, and few will find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ do not have God (2 John 9-11). These warnings demand that we remain steadfast in the truth, refusing to fellowship error, and striving to walk in the light as He is in the light.

The Hope of the Faithful

I am a member of the Lord’s church because it is the very church Jesus built, the same church purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28). I believe and practice only what He has commanded in His Word. I trust His promise that if I remain faithful, I will hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Why Am I a Member of the Church of Christ? Sermon Outline:

• Introduction

  • Question often asked: Why be a member of the Church of Christ?

  • Not a matter of personal preference, but of biblical authority.

  • Jesus built only one church (Matthew 16:18).

• I. The Church That Jesus Established

  • Prophesied in the Old Testament (Isaiah 2:2-3).

  • Established on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47).

  • Purchased with Christ’s blood (Acts 20:28).

• II. The Name and Ownership

  • Called “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16).

  • Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23).

  • Members are called Christians (Acts 11:26).

• III. The Authority of God’s Word

  • All Scripture inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

  • All authority belongs to Christ (Matthew 28:18).

  • His Word is final and will judge us (John 12:48).

• IV. Personal and Congregational Responsibility

  • Each congregation autonomous (Philippians 1:1).

  • Guard against false doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9).

  • Worship and doctrine must be according to Scripture (Matthew 15:8-9).

• V. Rightly Dividing the Word

  • Study diligently (2 Timothy 2:15).

  • No contradiction in Scripture (Acts 20:27).

  • Full plan of salvation: belief, repentance, confession, baptism, faithfulness.

• VI. Warnings and Promises

  • Not all religious people will be saved (Matthew 7:21-23).

  • Narrow way leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

  • Abiding in Christ’s doctrine brings fellowship with God (2 John 9-11).

  • Promise of eternal joy to the faithful (Matthew 25:21).

Call to Action

The question of why we are members of the Church of Christ is ultimately a question of authority, truth, and salvation. Christ established only one church, purchased with His blood, and gave us the Bible as the complete guide to knowing, serving, and worshiping Him. Each of us must take personal responsibility for our salvation, study the Scriptures daily, and ensure that we are worshiping and living exactly as God has commanded. This requires courage, humility, and a deep love for the truth. Today, if you are not yet a member of Christ’s church, the invitation is open to obey His gospel and begin a life of faithful service in His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• The Church of Christ is the one church established by Jesus (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47).

• The Bible is the sole authority for all teaching, worship, and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Each congregation and each Christian is responsible for maintaining truth (Philippians 2:12; Galatians 1:6-9).

• Salvation requires obedient faith: belief, repentance, confession, baptism, and faithfulness (John 8:24; Acts 2:38; Revelation 2:10).

• We must abide in the doctrine of Christ to have fellowship with God (2 John 9-11).

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 16:18 – Jesus promises to build His church.

• Acts 2:1-47 – Establishment of the church on Pentecost.

• Acts 20:28 – The church purchased with Christ’s blood.

• Romans 16:16 – “Churches of Christ” designation.

• Ephesians 1:22-23 – Christ as head of the church.

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture inspired and complete.

• Matthew 28:18-20 – Christ’s authority and the Great Commission.

• John 12:48 – We will be judged by Christ’s words.

• Galatians 1:6-9 – Warning against false gospels.

• Matthew 15:8-9 – Condemnation of man-made worship.

• Philippians 2:12 – Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

• 2 Timothy 2:15 – Rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

• James 2:24-26 – Faith without works is dead.

• Matthew 7:21-23 – Not all who say “Lord” will be saved.

• 2 John 9-11 – Do not fellowship those who reject Christ’s doctrine.

• Matthew 25:21 – Reward of the faithful servant.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO