The New Testament Church

05/31/2026

In a world filled with countless religious organizations, it is important to ask a simple question, “What are the identifying marks of the church we read about in the New Testament?” Rather than relying on tradition, popularity, or human opinion, we should examine the Scriptures to see what distinguished the Lord's church in the first century. This article will look at six such distinguishing marks.

First, the New Testament church recognized Jesus Christ as its only head. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:22 that God "...hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” No earthly headquarters, council, or individual exercised authority over the church.

Second, the New Testament church was known by biblical names that honored Christ and described its relationship to Him. Expressions such as "the church of God" (1 Corinthians 1:2) and "the churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16) are found in Scripture.

Third, the New Testament church followed the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42). Its teachings were rooted in divine revelation rather than human creeds or denominational manuals.

Fourth, its worship was simple and scriptural. Christians assembled on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7), pray together (Acts 2:42), sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19), give of their means (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and hear the Word of God preached (Acts 20:7).

Fifth, the New Testament church taught the biblical plan of salvation. People heard the gospel, believed in Christ, repented of their sins, confessed their faith, and were baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10).

Finally, the New Testament church emphasized unity. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one (John 17:20-21), and Paul urged Christians to speak the same thing and avoid divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10).

The church described in the New Testament is not a mystery. Its characteristics are clearly revealed in Scripture. The challenge for every generation is not to improve upon God's design, but to follow it faithfully.

05/30/2026

05/24/2026

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Each year at this time Americans pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. Flags are placed at gravesites, moments of silence are observed, and families gather to honor the memory of loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day is more than the beginning of summer. It is a time of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection upon the cost of freedom.

The Bible often calls upon God’s people to remember. Throughout Scripture, memorials were established so future generations would not forget what had been done for them. In the New Testament, Christians are given a memorial as well. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. As He gave the bread to His disciples, He said in Luke 22:19, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” When He gave the fruit of the vine in verse 20 He said, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”

For Christians the first day of every week becomes a memorial day. Acts 20:7 says, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them...” Each Lord’s Day, Christians gather around the Lord’s table to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We remember His broken body, His shed blood, and the tremendous price paid for our salvation.

There is a fitting parallel between Memorial Day and the Lord’s Supper. One remembers those who died so we might enjoy freedom in this nation. The other remembers the One who died so we might have freedom from sin and the hope of eternal life.

Tomorrow, let's give thanks for those who sacrificed for our country. But today, let's remember the greater sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary. Every first day of the week is an opportunity to remember the Savior who gave His life for us

05/19/2026

Wow! We have been overwhelmed by the number of registrations over the past few days. More than 2,400 Christians have already signed up for Sevierville PTP—that’s over 300 ahead of where we were at this point last year. Branson registrations are up by hundreds as well.

It is shaping up to be an incredible year at PTP, and we would love for you to be part of it!

So, we have decided to extend the Early Bird deadline for Sevierville through Tuesday, May 26. This gives you more time to register, invite your congregation, and encourage others to come with you.

If we have missed your call, email, or question, please reach back out to us. We want to help however we can! Send us a message or give us a call at 877.338.3397.

Register today and invite your friends! https://polishingthepulpit.com/register/

05/18/2026

Use this link to get information about this upcoming event. https://linktr.ee/scatteredabroadnetwork

05/17/2026

Last week's article spoke of the importance of being “Christians only.” This one will examine some other thoughts which helped shape the restoration movement of the early 1800s.

At the heart of the restoration movement was a simple desire to return to the New Testament pattern for the church. Rather than following denominational creeds, human traditions, or church councils, these believers sought to “speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent.” Their goal was not to create a new church, but to restore the church to the pattern found in the New Testament.

One major emphasis was the authority of Scripture. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Since Scripture completely equips the child of God, human doctrines should never be placed above, or even alongside God’s word. Jesus warned in Matthew 15:9 against worship that was based upon “the commandments of men.”

Another important principle was unity based upon truth. In John 17:20-21, Jesus prayed that His followers “all may be one.” In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul urged Christians to be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” True unity can only exist when believers submit to the teachings of Christ.

The restoration movement also stressed the importance of following the biblical plan of salvation. When people in the New Testament asked what to do to be saved, the apostles taught faith in Christ, repentance, confession, and baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Mark 16:16). These teachings were accepted without alteration or addition.

Finally, those seeking to restore the New Testament church emphasized wearing biblical names and honoring Christ as the only head of the church. Romans 16:16 speaks of “the churches of Christ,” and Colossians 1:18 declares that Christ is “the head of the body, the church.”

The plea of restoration was simple and remains worthwhile today: let us return to the Bible and follow Christ alone.

05/10/2026

During the American Restoration Movement of the early 1800's one of the often proclaimed statements was: “We do not claim to be the only Christians, we claim to be Christians only.” That phrase was not intended to sound arrogant or exclusive. Rather, it expressed a desire to follow the simple Christianity found in the New Testament without attaching human labels, creeds, or denominational distinctions.

In Acts 11:26, the Bible teaches that followers of Jesus were called “Christians.” In the New Testament, believers were not divided into denominations with differing names and doctrines. The goal of Christians should be to restore that same simple identity today.

This does not mean members of churches of Christ believe they are the only sincere people seeking God. There are undoubtedly many honest, devoted believers in various religious groups. God alone knows every heart. However, sincerity by itself is not the standard for truth. Jesus said in John 17:17, “Thy word is truth.” Therefore, Christians should continually examine their beliefs and practices by the teachings of Scripture.

The plea to be “Christians only” is really a plea to return to the Bible as the sole authority in religion. Instead of asking, “What does my denomination teach?” the question becomes, “What does the New Testament teach?” Instead of wearing names created by men, the desire is to honor Christ alone. Instead of following traditions developed over centuries, the effort is to follow the pattern given by the apostles.

In 1 Corinthians 1, the apostle Paul rebuked division in Corinth when people identified themselves with different religious leaders. Christ did not die to create competing denominations. He died to save people and add them to His church.

Being “Christians only” means striving to set aside human barriers and simply belong to Christ. It is not a claim of superiority, but a commitment to seek unity through obedience to the Word of God and devotion to the Lord who purchased the church with His own blood.