The One Church

Did Jesus build one church, or does the Bible authorize people to “join the church of their choice”? In this episode, we examine what Jesus and His apostles taught about the New Testament church, Christian unity, and denominational division. Ronnie Scherffius and David Johnson, instructors at the Texas School of Preaching, begin with Jesus’ statement in Matthew 16:18: “I will build My church.” The possessive expression “My church” identifies both ownership and authority—the church belongs to Christ. This study considers: • Why the church belongs to Christ • Why “church of Christ” describes the church belonging to Christ rather than a denominational organization • How the New Testament identifies the church as the body of Christ • Why “one body” means one church • Why Paul condemned division and the wearing of human religious names • Why the branches in John 15 are individual disciples, not denominations • What Jesus meant by “one fold and one shepherd” • How Jews and Gentiles were reconciled to God in one body • Why every religious plant not planted by God will be rooted up • How to identify the church revealed in the New Testament The question is not simply, “Which church do I prefer?” The question is, “Which church is described in the word of God?” SCRIPTURES DISCUSSED: Matthew 16:13–18 Matthew 15:13 Matthew 13 Acts 2:38–47 Acts 20:28 Romans 11 1 Corinthians 1:9–13 1 Corinthians 12:12–20 Ephesians 1:22–23 Ephesians 2:12–16 Ephesians 4:1–6 Ephesians 5:23 Titus 2:11–12 John 10:14–16 John 15:1–8 1 Peter 2:9 Questions, comments, or suggested Bible topics may be sent to: [email protected] Subscribe to the Biblical Christianity Podcast for additional studies from the Scriptures, and share this episode with someone who is searching for the New Testament church. #BiblicalChristianity #OneChurch #ChurchOfChrist