We are a group of Christians that adhere to the simple organisational structure given by GOD for HIS Church. For as the Gospel spread in the first century, we find Christians assembling together in congregations in various localities. Each local church was autonomous, that is, self governing under its own elders (Acts14:23)

-By Sunday Ayandare

Praise GOD


Children of GOD are under a solemn charge to give account of their faith. Peter puts it this way: "But sanctify the Lord GOD in your hearts and be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet.3:15). To the Colossians, Paul said: Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that ye may know how to answer every man" (Col.4:6).

Today, many have become disenchanted, not only with religious forms which originated in Europe in the Middle Ages, but also with the indigenous ones in Nigeria within the last century (1900s). To several people, these are irrelevant and meaningless. We hear of the displeasure of many people with denominational structure and their pronouncement in the mass media, especially radio and television. Because of this aspect of modern day religion, some have decided that if this is what Christianity represents, they do not want it! However, we are of the considered view that they have so decided because they are not sufficiently acquainted with the Scriptures to be able to distinguish between the relevant Gospel of Christ and what men have added to religion since, and which are not relevant to serving GOD.

On the other hand, there are people who upon first visit to the services of the Churches of Christ are rather amazed that there are no instruments of music or choirs. It is also amazing to others that the Lord's Supper is observed every Sunday and that the preacher is not addressed as 'Reverend' or 'Pastor' or 'General Overseer', and that no tithe is collected but that Christians are only exhorted to give willingly and cheerfully as they have been prospered on every first day of the week.

If some of these things have troubled you and you have been wondering why these things are so, or you are yearning for a return to the simple uncomplicated religion of Christ, or wondering why churches are so different, then with all humility and fear of GOD, we give these answers:

We are a group of people who do not lay claim to sinless perfection (1Jhn.1:8-10). Rather, we believe we should give diligence to make our calling and election sure (2Pet. 1:10; Phil. 2:12; 1Cor. 10:12; 1Pet.4:17-18). We believe and teach that the Bible is the revelation of the will of GOD, and that any man in any pulpit should speak as the oracles of GOD (1Pet. 4:11). That the Old Testament was given to predict the coming of Christ, the Savior of mankind and to govern the jews until Christ came (Gen. 49:10; Isa. 53; Zech. 6:13; Gal. 3:19; 23-24). And now that Christ has come, we are no longer under the old testament (Gal. 3:25; Acts.13:38-39; Heb.7:11-14; 10;9)

We believe no man has the right to change the pattern GOD has given for HIS Church (Heb. 8:5; Gen. 6:14; 21-22; Exo. 25: 8-9; 40:16). Sadly, however, we notice that there is no single pattern about the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament which has not been changed by religious bodies. This is something that is causing us to weep as we are fearful for their salvation. Christ says, 'why call ye me Lord, Lord and do not the things which I say?'(Lk.6:46). Moreover, He declares, 'Not everyone 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..'(Matt.7:21-23).

We are a group that do not recognize any other person as the head of the church other than Jesus Christ (Eph.1:22-23; Col. 1:15-18). He is the builder of the church (Matt. 16:18).

He is also the foundation (Psa.127:1; Matt. 15:13-14; 1Cor.3:11). But every human denomination has its head, sometimes called the 'Spiritual head', or its 'founder',or 'General Overseer'.

We are a people whose only appeal and message is the Gospel of Christ. Like the early disciples of Christ, our appeal is not social or recreational. We offer the Gospel of Christ to a troubled world for it is GOD'S Power to save (Rom.1:16). Any other appeal is beneath us 'For after that in the wisdom of GOD, the world by wisdom knew not GOD, it pleased GOD by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe' (1Cor. 1:21). And by the way "for what is a man profiteth, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?' (Matt.16:26). The Gospel is full and complete (2Tim. 3:16-17). It is once for all delivered to the saints (Jude:3). It leaves no room for addition or subtraction (Gal.1:6-9; 1Cor. 4:6; 2Jhn.9-11; Rev. 22:18-19).

We are a group who worship according to the New Testament pattern in 'Spirit and in Truth' (Jhn.4:23-24). Following the pattern of worship of the early Christians, our worship of GOD is something to participate in, not something to watch. On the first day of the week which is Sunday, we gather around the Lord's table to partake of the Lord's Supper and hear preaching (Acts.20:7; 1Cor. 11:23-29). In this sacred observance, there is no class distinction. Unlike what obtains in human denominations, there is no 'confirmation' or 'right hand of fellowship' (Acts. 2:42). The elements of the Lord's Supper are unleavened bread and fruit of the vine which are symbols of Christ's body and blood (Matt. 26:26-29). There is no room for the doctrine of 'transubstantiation'. The preaching that is done is directly from the word of GOD, not from any catechism or manual or from a book written by men (1Pet.4:11). We share our mutual responsibilities by sharing our prosperity and contributions are made on no other day than the first day of the week, Sunday (1Cor. 16:12). Incidentally, no hierachy could tax the children of GOD or tell them how much to give. We give as we individually have purposed in our hearts (2Cor.9:6-7). No room for tithing, 'Seed of faith', 'harvest' or other various money-raising schemes devised by men. We do not solicit for contributions from non-members; neither do we attempt to raise funds by other methods not mentioned in the scriptures. We sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments (Eph.5:19; Col.3:16). It might interest you to know that it was not until 600 years after the close of the New Testament that instrumental music was first introduced by men into Christian worship. Thus, musical instruments were not part of the original pattern of Christianity. We all pray with various ones leading (1Cor.14:15-16; 23:26-33). In all of these, every Christian is necessarily involved for each person is a priest (1Pet.2:5-9; Rev.1:5-6). No one can perform his service or worship for him. Women, however are under divine injunction to be under submission in public worship (1Cor.14:34-35; 1Tim.2;11-15)

We are a group of Christians that adhere to the simple organisational structure given by GOD for HIS Church. For as the Gospel spread in the first century, we find Christians assembling together in congregations in various localities. Each local church was autonomous, that is, self governing under its own elders (Acts14:23) and no one else on earth. Elders or Presbyters in the New Testament times were synonymously called overseers, superintendents or Bishops, Pastors or Shepherds (Acts.20:17; 28; Tit. 1:5,7). Under the oversight of these elders were Deacons who served as special servants of the church (Phil.1:1). The New Testament is very clear that each organization then had a plurality of these officers, not a plurality of churches under the supervision of one Bishop as it is found in denominations of men today (Acts.14:23; 20:17; Phil.1:1; 1Pet.5;1-3). Moreover, these Bishops (a plurality in every local church) could not make laws or be masters. They were given the responsibility of lending and caring for the congregation as shepherds would a flock (Acts.20:17, 28:1, 1Pet.5:1-3).

Unlike the denominations of men with their headquarters in various cities like Rome, London, Lagos, Imeko, Ibadan or Ilesa; the only headquarters we know as members of the Church of Christ is Heaven, where our head, Jesus Christ is (Eph.1:22-23).

This is the simple organizational pattern we find in the New Testament and this is how faithful churches of Christ are organized today. As you might have noticed, we do not call our preacher 'pastor' unless he has been appointed to serve with other qualified men as one of the elders of the congregation. In that case, he would be 'a' pastor not 'the' pastor. Our preachers do not wear glorified titles like 'Doctor', 'Reverend' or 'Father' because Christ has commanded us, 'be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ and all ye are brethren....call no man father upon the earth for no one is your FATHER which is in Heaven (Matt. 23:8-10). Faithful churches of Christ do not have women elders, women deacons or lady evangelists because the pattern GOD has given does 'not permit a woman to teach or usurp authority over the man' (1Tim.2:11-12)

We are a people with a plea; let us return to the New Testament pattern of doing things. Let us be what the early Christians were and simply Christians (Acts.11:26; 26:28; 1Pet.4:16). The Christians in the New Testament wore no sectarian names. Their religion was not sensual or materialistic. They sought to impress GOD with the only thing that has ever impressed HIM, which is contrite obedience (1Sam.15:22). Let us do away with sectarian names and creeds, knowing they foster divisions (1Cor.1:10-13; 3:1-9; Phil.3:16). We desire the simplicity of what Christ authored. What is important is that a group of such people meet within minutes of where you live. They are located at 44 Laditoun street, Iju station, Lagos. They worship and serve GOD in the same way the early Christians did. Christ is their only creed and the Scriptures is their only guide. They are not members of any denomination. They are simply a congregation or church of Christ. They would like to share Christ with you and the entire world.

You too can be a Christian and serve GOD without belonging to any denomination of man, bound by no denominational laws or obligations. To be a Christian, upon hearing GOD'S Word, you must believe (Rom.10:10. Heb.11:6; Mark.16:16). You must repent and turn away from sin (Acts.2:38; 3:19). You must confess Christ as the Son of GOD (Rom.10;9-10). Then be baptized in water for the remission of your sins (Acts.2:38; 8:36-38; 22:16; 1Pet.3:20-21)

If this appeals to you, please call
08035770892: 08125106834:
08154381115: 08025665232

Or visit Church of Christ at

44, Laditoun street, behind Shina Peter's house, Iju station, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos.

Email: ijucoc@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 11251, Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria.

Well composed with scriptural references.
Thank you!

techgen:
Well composed with scriptural references.
Thank you!

Glory to GOD