In this series of articles, we have seen when and where the New Testament church began.  It started in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  The time was around A.D. 30.  We have seen how one becomes a member of this church that Christ built.  One must obey the gospel of Christ by hearing the Word of God (John 6:44-45), believing in Christ (Mark 16:16), repenting of sins (Acts 3:19), confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21).  When these steps are taken, one is added to the church (Acts 2:47).

We have also considered the difference between the universal church, which is made up of all the saved who have obeyed the gospel, and the local church, composed of Christians who have agreed to work together in a specific geographic area like Ephesians, Colossae, Troas, etc.  A big difference between the universal church and local churches is that there is only one universal church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:4), but many local churches (Romans 16:16).

Another important truth that we have emphasized in this series of articles is that local churches in the Bible were made up of elders, deacons, and saints.  The elders have the oversight of the local church (Acts 20:28), and in the New Testament, every church that had elders or pastors, had a plurality of them, and each eldership only had the oversight of the local church of which they were members (1 Peter 5:1-2).

One more thing to remember about the New Testament church in the⇒ local sense is that God gave it a specific work to do.  The work is primarily spiritual, consisting of evangelism and edification.  A third aspect of the churches’ work is benevolence, and while it has to do with the physical, being mostly financial in nature, it is restricted to the people of God, making it a spiritual work.  This, of course, does not mean that Christians should not be concerned about the needy outside of the church.  As Christians, we are to be benevolent to everyone just as Jesus taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-34), but the church is to use the Lord’s money and resources to relieve brethren (Acts 2:41-46; 4:32-35; 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9).

Now, what do all these things teach us about denominationalism?  Denominational churches do not resemble the New Testament church in work, organization, name, or doctrine.  Why would you want to be a part of something so foreign to the New Testament?  Why would you align yourselves with teachings and practices that you cannot read about in the Bible?  The truth is you have an option.  There are faithful churches of Christ in your area that wear only the name of Christ and teach only His doctrine.  They are churches that are composed of elders, deacons, and saints who avoid the clergy/laity distinction you find in denominational churches.

While it cannot be said that any church today can trace its existence back to the first century in one unbroken line, it can be said that faithful churches are following the same doctrine, practicing the same acts of worship, and teaching the same gospel that was taught by first-century Christians.  We have the same seed from which the church in the first-century sprang, and seed always produces after its kind.  The Word that started the first century church is the same Word that produces faithful churches today, churches that are parallel to the one you read of in the Bible.  You should be a part of such a church.

Yes, you can find a denominational church that is larger, more popular and that engages in fun activities (most of which are unauthorized by the New Testament).  But, if you want to escape denominationalism, and become a part of a non-denominational church, I encourage you to find a local church of Christ near you and check them out.  Remember, each church is autonomous.  Some churches of Christ are not following the scriptures as they should.  It is your responsibility to find a church that is following the Bible and that can produce book, chapter and verse for all that they do. When you are looking for a church, be mindful of these red flags.

⇒It teaches the wrong plan of salvation (sinner’s prayer, infant baptism, no baptism, etc.).

⇒ It wears a name that glorifies man rather than Christ.

⇒It has either one pastor or a senior pastor.

⇒ It has changed the Lord’s day from Sunday to Saturday.

⇒  It does unauthorized work (fun & games, recreation, entertainment, etc.).

⇒  It worships differently than the New Testament church (uses musical instruments, tithes, does not observe the Lord’s supper weekly, etc.).

The New Testament church is identifiable, but in a world filled with man-made churches, it is up to each individual to find and become a member of that church.