Slideshow image

            When one considers the identity of the Lord’s church there are various factors involved. First, there is the identity of the church of Christ in the New Testament. Jesus and the apostles taught clearly regarding what should be the identity of the church. Second, there is the perceived identity in a community, and that will depend upon the communities’ perspective of religion in general, their denomination or religious group, and who members of the church have represented the Lord in that community.
            The predominance of a religion or denomination is not equal in every community or state. Differing denominations will be the dominant religion from place to place. The dominant religion in a Central Arkansas community may be the “Baptist” denomination and even more specifically the “Missionary Baptist” denomination. There are things that they do and beliefs that they have that are similar to the church of Christ and so their perspective may be that the two are closely related and almost equal. However, in the Chicago area or the Northeast United States the dominant religion in many places is the “Catholic Church” with thousands of members in a single location, very large “Cathedrals” and a powerful influence in the local politics. A local church of Christ congregation would be considered insignificant from their perspective because of the simplicity of how things are done and the few people that assemble for worship in a small building or even rented facility. The perspectives will vary from place to place depending on which religious group is dominant in the community, such as the “Mormon Church”, “Methodist Church”, Community Bible Church”, “Faith Church”, “Assembly of God Church”, etc. Each one has their peculiar doctrine that separates it from other denominations and the Lord’s church, and quite often that doctrine becomes their perspective of the church of Christ.
            Other factors can enter the equation too such as individual Christian’s actions and interactions in the community, and people in the community knowing that one is a member of the local church of Christ. A member of the church that is dishonest, immoral, uses foul language, is arrogant and prideful, and treats others rudely can bring about a negative perspective toward the whole congregation of the church of Christ in a community, simply because of the actions and attitude of one. However, what are some biblical identities that the church of Christ should have?
            One, the church of Christ needs to be known for Bible truth. Jesus said to his disciples, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32), “I am the way, the truth and the live…” (John 14:6), and “Sanctify them in your truth, your word is truth” (John 17:17). The biblical perspective of the church of Christ can be nothing less than truth, and if it is, it is no longer the Lord’s church.       
            Two, the church of Christ needs to be known as caring for others. Caring and concerned for their spiritual needs as well as physical. Jesus said, “God into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (person)” (Mark 16:15). The Lord’s church that was in Jerusalem “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The biblical perspective of the church of Christ can be nothing less than concern for the lost and other needs that one might have.
            Three, the church of Christ needs to be known for love. There is to be a demonstrated love for the word of God. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). There is to be a demonstrated love among members of the church. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  There is to be demonstrated a love for those that walk in their own way. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, love your enemies…” (Matthew 5:44). May the church that Jesus established be known by these biblical perspectives throughout the centuries.