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Introduction

Our aim is to unite all believers in Christ. It would be great if all believers were working together in serving God. Our plea is for all people to look to the Bible as our sole authority in religion. This study assumes that you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and the final authority for what we do and teach.

The church of Christ is not a denomination. It has no earthly headquarters, nor are any district, state or national meetings held to decide what is taught or believed. We have no creed but the Bible. Religious divisions have resulted not by what the Bible teaches, but by what men teach in either adding or taking away from God's word.

God's word assures us that we can have eternal life in Heaven through Jesus Christ. The following study simply looks at Bible passages and poses questions for you to consider. Although the order of passages does skip around through the New Testament, there is no intent to take Scriptures out of context or to pervert them. All Scriptures are cited so that you may study their context in your own Bible if you desire. God bless you in your study.

Mark 7:7 (KJV) Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:13 (KJV) Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered and many such like things do ye.

What happens when we follow the commandments or traditions of men?

1 Timothy 4:1-4 (KJV) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (2) Speaking Lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (3) Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (4) For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

What happens when people give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) ALL scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (17) That the man of God my be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

What is the Scripture profitable for?

Colossians 2:14 (KJV) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Since the handwriting of ordinances refers to the old Testament, when was it taken out of the way?

Galatians 3:24 (KJV) Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians 3:25 (KJV) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Since we are saved or justified now by faith, are we under the old law?

Hebrews 8:6 (KJV) But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 8:7 (KJV) For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

Are we today under a better and new covenant with better promises than the old covenant?

Hebrews 9:15-17 (KJV) And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (16) For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. (17) For a testament [is] of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

When does a will or testament come into force?

So we are under what Testament today?

Romans 3:23 (KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

How many of us have sinned?

I John 3:4 (KJV) Whosoever comitteth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

What is sin?

What does transgress mean? (To transgress means to 'move across" or go beyond that which God wants.)

Romans 5:8-10 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shalt be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his Life.

Because God loved us, what happened for us?

John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

What is the only way we can come to God the Father?

Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Who will go to Heaven?

Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto Life, and few there be that find it.

What is the way to destruction like?

What is the way to eternal life like?

John 14:15 (KJV) If ye Love me, keep my commandments.

If we really love the Lord, what will we do?

John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting Life.

What does this verse say we must do to have eternal life?

John 8:24 (KJV) I said therefore unto you, that ye shalt die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins.

If we don't believe in Jesus what will happen?

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) But without faith impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It is impossible to please God without what?

Luke 13:3 (KJV) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

This verse says we will perish or be lost unless we do what? (Repent means a change of heart or mind which leads to a change of life.)

Acts 17:30 (KJV) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

This verse tells us God commands all people everywhere to do what?

2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

What does godly sorrow work in us? (We will never change or repent until we truly feel sorrow for our sins.)

Matthew 10:32-33 (KJV) Whosoever therefore shalt confess me before men, him wilt I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (33) But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

What do these verses say we must do if we want the Lord to acknowledge us before God?

Romans 10:10 (KJV) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousnss; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

These verses teach that, in addition to belief, we must do what to be saved?

Acts 8:37 (KJV) And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

What did the Eunuch confess?

Acts 8:35-39 (KJV) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. (36) And as they went on way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? (37) And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (38) And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. (39) Arid when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

When Philip preached Jesus, the Eunuch wanted to do what?

Mark 16:15-16 (KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

According to these verses, what two things must we do before we are saved?

Acts 2:37-41 (KJV) Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? (38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shalt receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. (40) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. (41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were [unto them] about three thousand souls.

What were these people told to do to have remission (forgiveness) of sins?

What did it mean when they were told to save themselves?

Romans 6:3-6 (KJV) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the Likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the Likeness] of [his] resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

What is baptism compared to in this passage?

How do we bury people?

I Peter 3:21 (KJV) The Like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

What does this verse say saves us?

Acts 22:16 (KJV) And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling an the name of the Lord.

When we are baptized what happens to our sins?

Why would you delay being baptized?

Acts 2:47 (KJV) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

What happens to those who are saved?

Do they "join" the church?

Are they voted in?

John 17:11 (KJV) And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they my be one, as we [are].

How does Jesus want us to be as He and God are?

I Corinthians 1:10-13 (KJV) Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye All speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (11) For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. (12) Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. (13) Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Is God pleased with religious division?

Why?

1 Corinthians 3:3-6 (KJV) For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among YOU envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye riot carnal, and walk as men? (4) For white one saith, I am of Paul; arid another, I [am] of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (5) Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (6) I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

What do strife and division show about people? (Carnal means fleshly, worldly, or evil.)

Colossians 1:18 (KJV) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:24 (KJV) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

What is the church called in these two verses?

Ephesians 4:4 (KJV) [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

Ephesians 4:5 (KJV) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

How many bodies or churches are there?

Matthew 16:16 (KJV) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Matthew 16:18 (KJV) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hell Shall not prevail against it.

How many churches did Jesus build?

Upon what did He build His church?

Ephesians 5:23 (KJV) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Who is the Head of the Church?

Philippians 1:1 (KJV) Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

What two kinds of offices did churches have in the first century? (Bishop, means overseer; deacons were special servants working under the bishops. The Bible teaches that bishop, overseer and pastor all refer to the same office.)

Romans 16:16 (KJV) Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

What does this verse use as a term for groups of God's people?

Is a name important?

Acts 11:26 (KJV) And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

What were the disciples called for the first time in Antioch?

Should we use only terms found in Scripture to describe God's people?

Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:26 (KJV) For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Should we make the assembling or gathering of the church an important part of our life?

John 4:23 (KJV) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

John 4:24 (KJV) God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.

How must we worship? (in Spirit means with the heart or spirit involved.)

But what is truth? (See next verse)

John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

What is truth?

Matthew 26:26-29 (KJV) And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (27) And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; (28) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (29) But I say unto you, I wilt not dri6k henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

What were the two parts of the Lord's supper?

Would it be right to add other things?

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (KJV) For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the night in which he was betrayed took bread: (24) And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. (25) After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. (26) For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.

What is the purpose of the Lord's Supper?

Acts 20:7 (KJV) And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Why did the church assemble on the first day of the week? (Breaking broad means the Lord's Supper.)

What else did Paul do?

1 Corinthians 16:1 (KJV) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV) Upon the first [day] of the week Let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

When should the church members give?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) Pray without ceasing.

Should the Christian be consistent in prayer?

Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

What kind of music should Christians use to worship God?

Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Did you know that vocal music as named here is the only music authorized or approved for Christian worship in the Now Testament?

Revelation 22:18 (KJV) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Revelation 22:19 (KJV) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of Life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

Should we add to or take away from what the scriptures say?

Galatians 1:6-9 (KJV) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another- but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, Let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, Let him be accursed.

Can we preach or teach a doctrine not found in the New Testament?

Romans 12:1 (KJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a Living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Romans 12:2 (KJV) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

What are we asked to present to God?

How are we to deal with the world?

Titus 2:11-14 (KJV) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (l4) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

How are we to live as Christians?

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Why are we to study?

Revelation 2:10 (KJV) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shalt cast of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of Life.

How long must we be faithful to receive salvation?

James 4:17 (KJV) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

If we know to do good and don't do it, what is it?

John 14:15 (KJV) If ye love me, keep my commandments.

What will we do if we truly love God?