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The church! A Scriptural Name!

Acts 4:10-12

Introduction

1. When we teach concerning the church, we must realize that we must teach people its correct designation.
2. Can we as human beings call the church by any name we would like. Ill. Would you place a sign on your building, "This is not a church of Christ?"
3. If we hope to build all things according to the pattern that God has given in the NT, we must be called a name designated by God and found on the pages of the NT. What name has God given His Church?

1. Why the Names of men are wrong?
   1. Divisive in character:
      1. Denominational names are given to show a peculiar party or belief.
         1. Baptist - exalts an ordinance
         2. Methodist - peculiar church government
         3. Lutheran - promotes man
         4. Christian Church - promotes and honors the followers
      2. Each of these names diverts honor belonging only the Christ! text
   2. Condemned in the New Testament - I Cor. 1:10-15
   3. Acts as a stumbling block to sinners by promoting confusion, creates the impression that God is pleased with many churches and that all things are right as long as it is done in the name of Christianity.
2. A Scriptural name of the church!
   1. Name by which the church was called in the New Testament.
      1. Christ called the church, My church - Matt. 16:18; My Kingdom - Lk. 22:30
      2. The apostle Paul called the church:
         1. The church - Col. 1:18 Eph. 1:22
         2. The church of God - Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2
         3. churches of Christ - singular church of Christ - Romans 16:16
         4. The house of God - I Tim. 3:15
            1. household of God - Eph. 2:19
         5. The kingdom of God - Acts 28:23
            1. The kingdom of His dear Son - Col. 1:13
         6. The body of Christ - Eph. 1:22,23 Col. 1:18
      3. Any name other than those mentioned is the NT is not acceptable to God. I Peter 4:11
      4. These names are descriptive in nature, they are possessive
   2. Names applied to individual members
      1. Christians - Acts 11:26
      2. Saints - Phil. 4:21
      3. Disciples - Acts 16:1
3. Why should these name be worn?
   1. These names were given by divine authority. Isaiah 62:2
   2. The church is Goofs family, therefore should wear His name. I Tim. 3:15; Eph. 3:14,15
   3. The church is the bride of Christ and should wear His name. 2 Cor. 11:2
   4. It is the only name in which unity can exist.
      1. Among man-made names, the plea that one name is as good as another is true
      2. But there is no name as great and powerful as the name of Christ. Eph. 1:20,21; Phil 2:9,11
   5. It is the only name in which men can be saved. Acts 4:12
   6. To the name of Jesus every knee must bow. Phil. 2:9-11

Conclusion

1. It is true, the name on the door or sign does not make a group the New Testament church, but one who wishes to please the Lord must not wear names unknown to the Word of God, or belong to a church whose name cannot be found the Bible.
2. Are you a Christian?