Faith & Reason Nexus

• Founder:
  • Christ
    • Matthew 16:18: “On this rock I will build my church.”
• Where:
  • Jerusalem
    • Acts 2:5-47: The church was established in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
• When:
  • A.D. 30
    • The church began in the first century, around A.D. 30.
• Head:
  • Christ
    • Acts 2: Jesus is the head of the church.
    • Ephesians 1:22: God placed all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.
• Organization:
  • Elders
    • Philippians 1:1: Paul addresses the elders, deacons, and saints.
    • Titus 1:5, 1 Peter 5:1-3, Acts 20:28: Elders are appointed to oversee the church.
    • 1 Timothy 3:1-7: Qualifications for elders.
  • Deacons
    • Acts 6:1-6, 1 Timothy 3:8-13: The need for deacons to serve the church.
  • Members
    • Acts 2:41-47: Those who accepted the gospel were added to the church.
    • Colossians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 1:2: Christians are members of the church.
• Name:
  • Church of God
    • 1 Corinthians 1:2, Acts 20:28: The church belongs to God.
  • The Body of Christ
    • Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:23: The church is Christ’s body.
  • Bride of Christ
    • Revelation 21:9: The church is presented as the bride.
  • Disciples
    • Matthew 16:18: The church is made up of disciples of Christ.
    • Acts 11:26: Disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
  • Churches of Christ
    • Romans 16:16, Romans 7:4: Churches belonging to Christ.
• Members:
  • Saints
    • Luke 8:21, Galatians 6:1: Saints are God’s holy people.
  • Brethren
    • Acts 8:37: Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ.
  • Children of God
    • Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:9: Christians are children of God.
  • Christians
    • Acts 11:26: The followers of Christ are called Christians.
• Authority:
  • All Power
    • Matthew 28:19-20: Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth.
    • Romans 1:16, Hebrews 4:12: The gospel has the power to save.
  • Rule of Faith & Practice
    • The Word of God
      • 1 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3: The Scriptures are the authority for faith and practice.
  • Church Government
    • Seed of Kingdom
      • Matthew 13:3, Luke 8:11: The word of God is the seed of the kingdom.
  • Sword of the Spirit
    • Ephesians 6:17: The word of God is the sword of the Spirit.
• Worship:
  • Sing
    • Ephesians 5:19: Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
  • Pray
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:17: Pray without ceasing.
  • Teach
    • Acts 20:7: Teach and proclaim the word of God.
  • Lord’s Supper
    • Acts 20:7: Break bread on the first day of the week.
  • Contribution
    • 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: Set aside a collection for the church.
• Mission:
  • Save Souls
    • Ephesians 3:10, John 6:45, 1 Timothy 4:16: The church’s mission is to preach the gospel and save souls.
  • Be Faithful
    • Galatians 1:6-8, Matthew 15:9, 2 John 9: Be faithful to God’s word and truth.
  • Warning
    • 2 Corinthians 11:3, Revelation 22:18-19: Warn against false teaching and adding to or taking away from the Scriptures.

These principles outline the structure, purpose, and mission of the New Testament Church as established by Christ.