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