Introduction

  • Romans 16:16 – These were groups “of Christ.”
  • I Corinthians 1:2

Jesus was the authority

  • Acts 11:20-26
  • Romans 6:3 – People were baptized into Christ – not into a church or a denomination.
  • Christians are primarily loyal to Christ – not to their local church.
  • I Corinthians 5:1-2 – Local churches can make mistakes!
  • II John 1:9 – We must abide in Christ’s teaching.
  • John 12:48

Sin was dealt with

  • II Thessalonians 1:1; 3:6, 14-15 – Keep away from unruly brethren.
  • Galatians 1:2; 6:1-2 – Try to restore a brother that is caught up in sin.
  • Acts 20:17, 28-32
  • I Timothy 1:3
  • II Timothy 4:1-5

The church was a spiritual team

  • Philippians 1:1, 27; 4:15-16

  • We can read about New Testament local churches:

    • Getting organized with elders and deacons (Philippians 1:1)

    • Praying in a crisis (Acts 12:5)

    • Taking up collections of money (I Corinthians 16:1-2)

    • Sending money to gospel preachers (Philippians 4:16)

    • Trying to get a brother in sin to repent (Matthew 18:17)

    • Providing for its needy members (Acts 6:1)

    • Coming together to worship (I Corinthians 14)

There was lots of teaching and study

  • Jerusalem: Acts 2:41-42; 4:2; 5:21, 28, 42; 6:7
  • Antioch: Acts 11:20, 26; 13:1; 15:35
  • Acts 17:11

Members were simply Christians

  • “Christian” – I Peter 4:16; Acts 11:26; 26:28
  • “Saints” – Acts 26:10
  • “Brethren” – Hebrews 3:1