The Right Path

The Truth About Faith The Gospel of Salvation

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate.

The Gospel of Salvation from God our Father through His Beloved Son our Lord

Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

A Precious Gift

A Walk of Faith

Our God and Father, His beloved Son our Savior Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit have offered us a wonderful gift of salvation through faith for all those who believe. They offer redemption of our souls through the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to be forgiven for our sins (Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38, Galatians 3:10-14, Colossians 1:10-14, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 9:11-24, Hebrews 13:20-21), and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), and to be given a newness of life (Romans 6:3-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:17-27, Colossians 3:1-17), and an appeal to God for a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21), and a new start so we can be the people that God wants us to be through His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (Romans 13:1-14, Titus 2:1-15, Titus 3:1-8,14, 1 Peter 2:9-17 , 2 Peter 1:1-11 NASB).

Psalms 40:16
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!”

Our Lord Jesus Christ paid for this precious gift with His life and blood on the cross, this precious gift of salvation that our Lord paid for with His life and blood gives us peace with God in this life and the eternal life to come (Matthew 25:31-46, John 3:16, John 16:33, Acts 10:36, Romans 2:6-7, Romans 5:1-11, Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:7, Colossians 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Hebrews 13:20-21).

God’s salvation the gospel (Good News) proclaimed is the power of God for salvation about His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1-15, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:10-11, John 3:16-17, John 10:25-30 NASB, Romans 1:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Hebrews 1:1-13, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 1 John 1:1-10, Revelation 12:10-11).

God sent His beloved Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. God’s Son our Lord Jesus Christ paid the price for all our sins so that we will receive forgiveness if we believe and trust in His beloved Son (Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, John 3:1-12, John 3:16, John 3:27-36, John 6:68-69, John 11:25-27, John 20:30-31 NASB, Acts 3:17-23, Romans 3:21-26, Ephesians 1:3-10, Hebrews 1:1-4, 1 John 5:9-12).

The way you are to express your belief and trust in His beloved Son is that you are to repent of your sins, confess Jesus is the Christ the Son of Living God and be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 13:1-5, Luke 24:47, John 8:24, John 11:25-27, John 20:30-31 NASB, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, Acts 22:16), and learn and obey the commandments and the teachings that our Lord Jesus Christ has given us (Matthew 7:24-27, Matthew 11:28-30 KJV, Matthew 28:20, Luke 20:21, John 7:16), and His Apostles teachings (Acts 1:1-2, Acts 2:42, Romans 1:1-6), and the Hebrews writer (Hebrews 1:1-4), and the Lord’s brothers James and Jude (Matthew 13:55 NASB, 1 Corinthians 9:5, James 1:1, Jude 1:1), and the former teachings and examples of the Old Testament revealed to us by the men of God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit as written in the inspired word of God (Romans 4:1-5:1 NASB, Romans 15:4 KJV, 1 Corinthians 10:1-14 NASB, 2 Timothy 3:16 NASB, Hebrews 6:10-19, 2 Peter 1:19-21). and live a life being faithful and obedient until death (Matthew 16:26, Luke 8:15, Luke 21:19, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:18-25, Hebrews 10:35-39, Hebrews 12:1-17 ASV, James 1:3-4, James 5:10-11, 1 Peter 2:19-25, 1 Peter 3:14-17 KJV, Revelation 2:10-11, Revelation 3:10-11).

Strong’s Concordance is being used through-out the pages on this site to show the meaning of the Aramaic, Hebrew and or Greek word used, sometimes the meanings are different from Aramaic, Hebrew and or Greek translated to English. Each Strong’s concordance number has also been added for reference.

* To Believe is a to believe, entrust

Strong's Concordance

Greek: pisteuó: to believe, entrust (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G4100 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: πιστεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: pisteuó
Phonetic Spelling: (pist-yoo'-o)
Definition: to believe, entrust
Usage: I believe, have faith in, trust in; pass: I am entrusted with.

HELPS Word-studies

4100 pisteúō (from 4102 /pístis, "faith," derived from 3982 /peíthō, "persuade, be persuaded") – believe (affirm, have confidence); used of persuading oneself (= human believing) and with the sacred significance of being persuaded by the Lord (= faith-believing). Only the context indicates whether 4100 /pisteúō ("believe") is self-serving (without sacred meaning), or the believing that leads to/proceeds from God's inbirthing of faith.

* To Repent is a change of mind and a change of actions. “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out”.

Strong's Concordance

Greek: mmetanoeó: to change one's mind or purpose (Greek added)
Strong’s Number: G3340 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: μετανοέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: metanoeó
Phonetic Spelling: (met-an-o-eh'-o)
Definition: to change one's mind or purpose
Usage: I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.

HELPS Word-studies

3340 metanoéō (from 3326 /metá, "changed after being with" and 3539 /noiéō, "think") – properly, "think differently after," "after a change of mind"; to repent (literally, "think differently afterwards").

* To Confess that you make is your belief that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God.

Strong's Concordance

Greek: homologeó: to speak the same, to agree (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G3670 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: ὁμολογέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: homologeó

Phonetic Spelling: (hom-ol-og-eh'-o)
Definition: to speak the same, to agree
Usage: (a) I promise, agree, (b) I confess, (c) I publicly declare, (d) a Hebraism, I praise, celebrate.

HELPS Word-studies

3670 homologéō (from 3674 /homoú, "together" and 3004 /légō, "speak to a conclusion") – properly, to voice the same conclusion, i.e. agree ("confess"); to profess (confess) because in full agreement; to align with (endorse).

[3670 /homologéō ("confess") means to speak the same thing, i.e. "assent, agree with, confess, declare, admit" (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 120).]

* To be Baptized (fully immersed in water)

Strong's Concordance

Greek: baptizó: to dip, sink (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G907 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: βαπτίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: baptizó
Phonetic Spelling: (bap-tid'-zo)
Definition: to dip, sink
Usage: lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

HELPS Word-studies

907 baptízō – properly, "submerge" (Souter); hence, baptize, to immerse (literally, "dip under"). 907 (baptízō) implies submersion ("immersion"), in contrast to 472 /antéxomai ("sprinkle").

To start a new life having your sins washed away and an appeal to God for a good conscience (John 3:1-7, Romans 6:4, Romans 7:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 4:23-24, Colossians 3:9-10, 1 Peter 3:21) can only be measured by how important your life is to God the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit.

God showed His loved for us by being born in their image, and have been given a soul that lasts for eternity (Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 16:26, Romans 5:8-10, Ephesians 2:4-9, Colossians 1:26-27, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, Hebrews 4:12-13, 1 Peter 2:11, 1 John 4:7-9)

God showed His love for us by sending His Son our Lord Jesus Christ to die on the cross for all mankind so that we should not perish and be condemned to everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9, Hebrews 10:26-31, Jude 1:5-7 NASB), but provide a way to eternal life (Matthew 25:46, Mark 16:15-16, John 3:16-17, John 10:27-30) into the heavenly kingdom (Daniel 7:14, Daniel 7:27, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Hebrews 9:18-29, 2 Peter 1:1-11).

To begin this new journey in life to an eternal life of love, joy and peace you must have faith (Acts 3:16, Acts 6:7, Acts 20:21, Acts 26:18, Romans 1:5, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 12:3 NASB, 1 Corinthians 2:5, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Ephesians 2:11-22, Hebrews 11:1, James 1:3, 1 John 5:4). And you must hear or read the word of God about the gospel of His beloved Son Jesus Christ, (Matthew 7:24, John 1:12-13, Acts 3:16, Acts 16:14-15 ASV, Romans 1:16-17 NASB, Romans 10:17 NASB, Galatians 3:2, 1 John 5:13, Jude 1:3).

This is the beginning of the Truth about Faith you must hear or read the gospel.

Strong's Concordance

Greek: alétheia: truth (Greek added)

Strongs’s Number: G225 (Strong’s number added)

Original Word: ἀλήθεια, ας, ἡ

Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: alétheia
Phonetic Spelling: (al-ay'-thi-a)
Definition: truth
Usage: truth, but not merely truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness.

HELPS Word-studies

225 alḗtheia (from 227 /alēthḗs, "true to fact") – properly, truth (true to fact), reality.

[In ancient Greek culture, 225 (alḗtheia) was synonymous for "reality" as the opposite of illusion, i.e. fact.]

Strong's Concordance

Greek: pisteuó: to believe, entrust (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G4100 (Strong's number added)

HELPS Word-studies

Strong's Concordance

Greek: euaggelion: good news (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G2098 (Strong’s number added)

Original Word: εὐαγγέλιον, ου, τό
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: euaggelion
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on)
Definition: good news
Usage: the good news of the coming of the Messiah, the gospel; the gen. after it expresses sometimes the giver (God), sometimes the subject (the Messiah, etc.), sometimes the human transmitter (an apostle).

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 2098 euaggélion – the Gospel – literally, "God's good news." See 2097 (euangelizō). The Gospel (2098 /euaggélion) includes the entire Bible, i.e. it is not limited to how a person

becomes a Christian.

Romans 10:17 NASB

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of (Christ or God).

Romans 12:3 NASB

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

Strong's Concordance

Greek: charis: grace, kindness (Greek added)

Strong’s number: G5485 (Strong’ number added)

Original Word: χάρις, ιτος, ἡ

Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine

Transliteration: charis

Phonetic Spelling: (khar'-ece)

Definition: grace, kindness

Usage: (a) grace, as a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ, (b) favor, (c) gratitude, thanks, (d) a favor, kindness.

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 5485 xáris (another feminine noun from xar-, "favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards to share benefit") – properly, grace. 5485 (xáris) is preeminently used of the Lord's favor – freely extended to give Himself away to people (because He is "always leaning toward them").

To be a child of God does not mean to listen to man, but to read and listen to God's inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16 NASB) about the life and work of His beloved Son (Matthew 13:37-38, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 1:1-4, John 14.15, Acts 1:1-4, Romans 10:17), and His Apostles teachings (Acts 1:1-2, Acts 2:42, Romans 1:1-6), and the Hebrews writer (Hebrews 1:1-4), and the Lord’s brothers James and Jude ((Matthew 13:55 NASB, 1 Corinthians 9:5, James 1:1, Jude 1:1), and the former teachings and examples of the Old Testament revealed by the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15, Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21 NASB).

These scriptural verses and passages are just but some of the messages in the scriptures that people within the darkness of this world that cause divisions (Romans 16:17, Titus 3:8-10, Jude 1:19 NASB), and certain men who have crept in privately who are ungodly men, who turn the God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:3-4 NASB, 2 Timothy 3:1-7 NASB), some preach another gospel that is contrary to the gospel that was given us (Galatians 1:6-9), and those who try to take an opportunity to be regarded as apostles or disguise themselves as apostles of Christ for such men are false prophets and deceitful workers, and even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:2-14 NASB, Ephesians 4:14, Revelation 2:2), some distort and corrupt with their false beliefs and a different doctrine of Christ (1 Timothy 6:3-5), there are deceitful and blind guides (Matthew 15:13-14, Colossians 2:8), self-made religions (Colossians 2:18-23, 1 Timothy 4:1-3), deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1 NASB), traditions and doctrines and commandments of men (Matthew 15:7-9 , false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3-7, 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Peter 2:1-3), and false christs and false prophets (Matthew 7:15, Matthew 24:11, Matthew 24:24, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1), distorting and corrupting the hearts and minds of men, women, and children.

These are some of the distorted beliefs that you may be familiar with, these are all answered on the False Teachings page and False Teachings 2 page on this site:

The questions of faith, salvation, and eternal life are all answered in the Holy Bible. These are just but some of the scriptural passages and verses they give us the direction to follow so that we can be with the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit in eternal life to come (Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 16:24-27, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 10:25-27, Romans 2:1-11, Romans 5:12-21, Romans 6:1-23, Galatians 5:18-25, Ephesians 4:17-31, Colossians 2:8-14, Philippians 3:17-21, Philippians 4.6, 1 Timothy 4:6-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-11, Titus 2:11-14, Titus 3:4-7, 2 Peter 1:3-13, 2 Peter 3:11-14).

These next several scriptural verses and passages are just but some of the messages in the scriptures that we need to understand (Matthew 7:24-29 NASB, Luke 21:34-36 KJV, 2 Corinthians 5:1-19 KJV, Ephesians 4:17-32 ASV, Ephesians 5:1-33 ASV, Ephesians 6:10-18 ASV, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Hebrews 10:35-39, Hebrews 12:18-29, Hebrews 13:1-9 NASB, James 1:19-20 KJV, Jude 1:20-23).

This web site follows the inspired word of God with the hope that you will become a child of God, a Christian, a disciple of the Lord Jesus. The first several pages on this web site will try to bring out the meanings of seven ones that have been revealed to us in Ephesians 4:1-6

The seven ones are as follows:

One Body
One Spirit
One Hope
One Lord
One Faith
One Baptism
One God and Father

One Body

Churches of Christ

Many churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) are independent congregations having no connection with any religious organization, whether protestant, catholic, orthodox, Pentecostal, Calvinistic, new age, or anything else. Rather, their members are happy to be simply Christians, following the New Testament and learning from the Old Testament, Gods’ Holy word.

There were churches of Christ long before any of today's confusing array of denominations and sects existed. This is the twenty-first century, and such denominational churches or false religions still exist in great numbers around the world.

The body, the church, Church of Christ, in Christ, are, the called out from this world and to God, the outcome being the faithful baptized believers in Christ (the church). This calling is to all people to believe.

Strong's Concordance

Greek: sóma: a body (Greek added)

Strongs’s Number: G4983 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: σῶμα, ατος, τό

Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter

Transliteration: sóma

Phonetic Spelling: (so'-mah)

Definition: a body

Usage: body, flesh; the body of the Church.

HELPS Word-studies

4983 sṓma – the physical body. 4983 (sṓma) is also used figuratively of the mystical Body of Christ (= the Church, the one people of God)

1 Corinthians 12:12-14
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

1 Corinthians 12:27
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

The Lord's church, Church of Christ, is the body of faithful baptized believers in Christ that have been called out of the world to represent the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ as priests on earth (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10, Revelation 20:6) serving our Lord Christ Jesus waiting to be called home to enter the heavenly kingdom of Christ and God.

* In Revelation 20:6, A Thousand years represents “the reign of Christians with Christ will be a perpetual phenomenon throughout the whole Christian age.” Cited from Coffman commentaries Revelation Chapter 20 (verse 6)

Strong's Concordance

Greek: ekklésia: an assembly, a (religious) congregation (Greek added)

Strong’s Number G1577 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: ἐκκλησία, ας, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: ekklésia
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-klay-see'-ah)
Definition: an assembly, a (religious) congregation
Usage: an assembly, congregation, church; the Church, the whole body of Christian believers.

HELPS Word-studies

1577 ekklēsía (from 1537 /ek, "out from and to" and 2564 /kaléō, "to call") – properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church (the mystical body of Christ) – i.e. the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom. [The English word "church" comes from the Greek word kyriakos, "belonging to the Lord" (kyrios). 1577 /ekklēsía ("church") is the root of the terms "ecclesiology" and "ecclesiastical."]

Strong's Concordance

Greek: ek or ex: from, from out of (Greek added)

Strong’s Number G1537 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: ἐκ, ἐξ
Part of Speech: Preposition
Transliteration: ek or ex
Phonetic Spelling: (ek)
Definition: from, from out of
Usage: from out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards.

HELPS Word-studies

1537 ek (a preposition, written eks before a vowel) – properly, "out from and to" (the outcome); out from within. 1537 /ek ("out of") is one of the most under-translated (and therefore mis-translated) Greek propositions – often being confined to the meaning "by." 1537 (ek) has a two-layered meaning ("out from and to") which makes it out-come oriented (out of the depths of the source and extending to its impact on the object).

Strong's Concordance

Greek: kaleó: to call (Greek added)

Strong’s Number G2564 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: καλέω

Part of Speech: Verb

Transliteration: kaleó

Phonetic Spelling:(kal-eh'-o)

Definition: to call

Usage: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name.

These are just but some of the scriptural passages and verses that reveal the truth behind the inspired word of God of the meaning of “one body”, and that body, the church, Church of Christ, in Christ, the body of all the faithful baptized believers through-out the world in Christ known simply as Christian's, growing into a holy temple of the Lord and being built together as a dwelling place of God by the Spirit (Romans 12:4-21, 1 Corinthians 10:17, 1 Corinthians 12:12-25, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 4:4, Ephesians 5:23 NASB, Colossians 1:18,2:19 NASB, Colossians 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:15 NASB, 1 Peter 2:5).

Ephesians 4:1-6
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

What an amazing and loving God we have (1 Chronicles 16:34-35, Psalms 100:1-5, Psalms 106:1-3, John 3:16, Acts 17:24-31, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 2 Peter 3:9) that created and provided all that we could ever need (Genesis 1:1-31, Matthew 6:25-34, John 1:1-12. Acts 14:17, Acts 2:38, Acts 17:24-31, Galatians 5:22-23, James 1:5, James 1:17, 1 John 1:9).

Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us the way (John 14.6) to God our Father with a newness of life (Romans 6:1-5) and salvation (Titus 2:11) to bring us home to the new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1) to be with God our Father, His Son our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, myriads of angels (Hebrews 12:18-24, Revelation 5:11-14), and all those who believed and were obedient to God (Revelation 21:2-5). These promises are for those who believe (Mark 16:15-16, John 3:16, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 8:12, Acts 11:17) and are obedient to the word of God (Acts 2:38-42, Acts 6:7, Acts 14:22, Acts 16:15, Acts 26:18, Romans 1:5, Romans 2:6-11, Romans 6:16-17).

These are just but some of the scriptural passages and verses that reveal the need for us to be merciful (Matthew 5:7, Matthew 6:12,14-15, Matthew 18.33, Matthew 23:23, Luke 6:27-36, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:16), and to understand how to receive the gift of mercy (Luke 1:50, Acts 2:38-44, Romans 9:16, 2 Corinthians 4:1, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Titus 3:3-5), and grace (John 1:14-17, Romans 3:21-24, Romans 5:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, 2 Corinthians 4:13-15, Ephesians 1:7). that God our Father has offered to us by believing and trusting in His beloved Son who is the Christ the Son of the Living God and was crucified and raised from the dead for the forgiveness of or sins and to redeem us back to God (Matthew 16:16, Luke 2:25-38, Luke 2:38,21:28, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:42, Romans 3:21-24, Romans 8:23, Galatians 4:4-7, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 4:30, Colossians 1:14, Titus 2:11-14).

The greatest written words in this writer’s opinion given to mankind are found within the Holy Bible in this scriptural verse (John 3:16),

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

We need to read and grow in the word daily (Job 22:22, Job 32:8-9, Psalms 119:105, Proverbs 2:6-7, Hosea 6:6, Matthew 4:4, John 15:1-11, Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, Colossians 3:8-10, Hebrews 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NASB, James 1:21, 1 Peter 2:2 NASB, 2 Peter 1:19-21 NASB) so that we can learn to understand how to walk in a manner that is worthy of our calling (Matthew 10:37-39, Ephesians 4:1-2, Philippians 1:27-28, Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 3:1-6, 1 Peter 1:14-21) that our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to walk and to hold unto the gift of eternal salvation that has been offered to us (Acts 4:10-12, Romans 1:16, Romans 11:11, Philippians 2:12-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:10, 1 Peter 2:2-12, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 2 Peter 3:9-14) and not to be discouraged or lose heart (Luke 18:1, 2 Corinthians 4:1-7, Galatians 6:9 NASB, Ephesians 3:11-19, Colossians 3:21).

These are just but some of the scriptural references to who we need to worship daily, by prayer, praise, reading and studying: God the Father (John 20:17, Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 15:24), God the Son (John 1:1-2, Colossians 2:9-12 KJV, Hebrews 1:1-14), and God the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1, Acts 5:3-4, Acts 10:38, Ephesians 4:30, Jude 1:20), in spirit (in utmost sincerity, reverence, understanding and fervently from the heart and as directed by the word of God) and in truth, as the bible commands it (Joshua 24:14 NASB, Psalms 145:18-20, Matthew 4:4, John 3:1-7, John 4:23-24, John 14:17,17:17, 1 Corinthians 5:8 NASB, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 NASB, Ephesians 1:13-14 NASB, Philippians 3:3, 1 Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 10:22, Hebrews 12:28).

Strong's Concordance

Greek: proskuneó: to do reverence to (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G4352 (Strong's number added)

Original Word:προσκυνέω

Part of Speech:Verb

Transliteration: proskuneó

Phonetic Spelling:(pros-koo-neh'-o)

Definition: to do reverence to

Usage: I go down on my knees to, do obeisance to, worship.

HELPS Word-studies

G4352 proskynéō (from G4314 /prós, "towards" and kyneo, "to kiss") – properly, to kiss the ground when prostrating before a superior; to worship, ready "to fall down/prostrate oneself to adore on one's knees" (DNTT); to "do obeisance" (BAGD).

["The basic meaning of G4352(proskynéō), in the opinion of most scholars, is to kiss. . . . On Egyptian reliefs worshipers are represented with outstretched hand throwing a kiss to (pros-) the deity" (DNTT, 2, 875,876).

G4352(proskyneō) has been (metaphorically) described as "the kissing-ground" between believers (the Bride) and Christ (the heavenly Bridegroom). While this is true, G4352 (proskynéō) suggests the willingness to make all necessary physical gestures of obeisance.]

These are just some of the scriptural verses and passages that are given to us to support the following statements.

The early Christians had a daily religion (Acts 5:42). (Cited La Vista Church of Christ “Daily Religion”)

Our Lord requires us to follow him daily (Mark 8:34-35, Luke 9:23, John 12:25-26, Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 2:6, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:23-24).

We need to give ourselves daily in service (Proverbs 3:2-7 NASB, Romans 12:1 NASB, Galatians 6:9, Ephesians 6:5-9, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:23-24, Hebrews 3:12-14 NASB, Hebrews 13:15).

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught daily (Matthew 26:55, Mark 14:48-49, Luke 21:37, John 8:2).

We need to try to teach and encourage each other daily (Matthew 12:30, Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 3:2 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 NASB, Titus 2:1-15, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB, Hebrews 3:12-14 NASB, Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB, Hebrews 12:3-5 NASB).

On all occasions our Lord Jesus Christ prayed (Matthew 14:23 NASB, Matthew 26:36, Mark 6:45-46, Luke 6:12, Luke 9:28, John 14:26, John 17:20 ASV).

We need to be devoted to prayer daily without losing heart (Psalms 55:16-17, Proverbs 8:33-35, Daniel 6:10, Luke 18:1, Luke 21:36, Acts 6:4, Acts 10:1-4, Romans 8:26-28, Romans 12:12 NASB, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NASB, 1 Peter 4:7).

We need to read daily (Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:130, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 6:3, John 5:39, Romans 15:4, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 NASB 2 Corinthians 1:13,3:2, Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 4:12, James 1:19-22, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 Peter 2:2-5, Revelation 1:3).

The churches were established daily and grew daily (Acts 2:41, Acts 2:46-47, Acts 16:5, 1 Corinthians 15:31, Ephesians 4:16-17).

We are born in their image and they are our creator (Genesis 1:26-27, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Isaiah 40:28, Romans 1:25, 1 Corinthians 15:49, Colossians 3:10).

We need to honor and show reverence to them (Psalms 2:1-12 NASB, Psalms 34:22, Romans 14:6, Ephesians 5:15-30 NASB, Hebrews 5:7, Hebrews 11:7, Hebrews 12:1, Hebrews 12:28).

They are holy as we must be holy as they command it (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:14-16).

Whatever we do, we need to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 5:22-30 NASB, Colossians 1:27-28 ASV, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:23. 1 Timothy 6:6-16, Titus 2:2-15, 1 Peter 4:11-19 NASB, 2 Peter 3:14-18 ).

They offer us refuge for our soul: (Psalms 2:12 NASB, Psalms 5:11, Psalms 18:2, Psalms 34:22, Psalms 46:1, Psalms 62:8, Acts 14:21-22, Hebrews 6:18).

They offer us eternal life (Matthew 16:16-21, Matthew 25:46, John 3:36, John 5:22-24, John 11:25-26, John 20:31, Romans 2:6-11, Romans 6:23, 1 Timothy 6:12, 1 John 5:10-13).

We need to grow in the word, (Matthew 11:25-30, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 6:10-17, Philippians 4:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:14-20 KJV, Hebrews 5:12-13, 2 Peter 3:14-18, 1 John 2:14-16, the faith (Romans 12:3 NASB, 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 NASB, 1 John 5:1-5, Acts 14:22, Romans 4:13-5:5, Ephesians 3:14-21, Colossians 2:1-15, James 1:2-12, Jude 1:20-26, Revelation 14:12-13), the grace (John 1:14-17, Romans 3:21-24, Romans 5:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, 2 Corinthians 4:13-15, Ephesians 1:7), the love (Matthew 5:11-12, Matthew 10:34-39, Romans 8:31-39, 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 NASB, Ephesians 3:14-21, 1 John 3:13-24, Jude 1:20-23), the Spirit (Romans 8:26-30, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 1:20-23) and seek a peaceful and quiet life godly and honestly in every way (1 Timothy 2:1-6 KJV).

As we grow we seek the blessings of understanding, insight and wisdom of His inspired words that come from studying the bible and through prayer (John 14:6, John 14:13-14, John 15:7, Acts 1:14, Romans 12:12, 1 Corinthians 7:5, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 1:3-11, Colossians 4:2, 1 Timothy 2:1-5 KJV, 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV, 1 Timothy 4:1-5 NASB, James 1:17-24, James 3:13-18, 1 Peter 4:7, 2 Peter 1:3-11).

As we live this world we also need to follow the words that our Lord Jesus has given to us; to deny self, take up our cross daily and follow him (Luke 9:23) to please God (Matthew 6:1-4, John 8:28-29, Acts 5:32, Romans 8:6-11, Galatians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 7:32, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 2 Corinthians 5:9-15, Colossians 3:23, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:12,

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, 1 Timothy 2:1-6 KJV, Hebrews 11:6, Hebrews 12:14), and not to be part of this world (Matthew 18:7, Mark 4:19, Ephesians 2:2, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17, 1 John 3:13, Revelation 3:10), but to be salt and a light in the world (Proverbs 4:18, Matthew 5:13-16, Mark 9:50, Luke 14:34-35, John 8:12, John 12:35-36, John 15:4-8, Ephesians 5:6-13), and to be able to bear fruit (Matthew 3:8,10, Matthew 7:19, Matthew 12:33, Matthew 13:23, Matthew 21:38-43, Luke 8:15, John 15:1-11, Romans 7:4-6, Romans 14:17-19, Galatians 5:22-23) along with the patience in well-doing, glory, honor and immortality (Romans 2:6-10) that comes from being faithful baptized believers (Mark 16:15-16).

All good things in this life come from above, from the Father of Lights (James 1:17). We need to pray and ask God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit to help us so we can grow as we walk by faith through this life as did all the saints (Luke 13:23-24, Acts 24:14-16, Romans 15:4-6, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Hebrews 11:1-40, Hebrews 12:1-29, Hebrews 13:1-21, Philippines 4:19, 2 Peter 1:1-11 NASB, 1 John 5:1-5, Jude 1:3, Revelation 14:12).

Thanks be to God for these wonderful gifts (John 3:16, John 14:23, Acts 2:36-47, Acts 11:17-18, Romans 3:21-26, Roman's 5:15-21, Romans 6:19-23, Romans 10:14-17, Romans 11:29-32, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 2:1-10, Ephesians 4:7-8, James 1:17, 1 Peter 4:10-11).

Christian faith is not left just for Sunday. It is the foundation for every relationship and all the events of everyday life. We believe our faith should make a profound impact on our lives, including our marriages, families, jobs, resources, and decisions. (Cited from the Edmond Church of Christ).

The Lord's Church

In the inspired word of God, in the first century several of the faithful baptized believers in the body, the church, Church of Christ, worshiped God from their houses as noted in (ngdom of our Lord Jesus Christ as priests (Romans 15:14-16, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:4-6, Revelation 5:10, Revelation 20:6) and servants on earth serving each other, and our God and Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 4:10, Matthew 6:24, John 12:25-26, Romans 7:4-6, Romans 8:1-11, Romans 12:9-12, Galatians 1:10, Colossians 1:9-10, Colossians 3:22-24 ASV, 1 Timothy 4:6, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 4:7-11) waiting to be called home to enter into the heavenly kingdom of Christ and God (Matthew 24:29-31, Matthew 25:34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, Philippians 1:22-24, Philippians 3:13-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 2 Peter 1:1-15, Revelation 11:15-17).

We come together in unity (John 17:22-23, Acts 1:14, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 4:1-3, Ephesians 4:11-13, Philippians 2:1-5 NASB, Colossians 3:12-15) to worship God on the Lord’s day in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24, Acts 20:7, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 3:3), by singing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:14), praying (Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, 1 Timothy 2:1-5 KJV), partaking in the Lord's supper (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 10.16, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34) and to learn of God's inspired word (Acts 2:42, Philippians 1:9-10, Colossians 3:16, Titus 2:11-14, 2 Peter 1:1-11) and fellowship with each other (Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, 2 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Philippians 2:1-5 NASB, 1 John 1:1-10), sharing from our prosperity and for the ministry of the Gospel, to aid missionaries, to aid communities visited by calamity or disaster, and to aid the brothers and sisters in the body and those outside the body in need (Proverbs 3:27, Matthew 25:31-40, Acts 2:42, Romans 12:13, Romans 15:16, 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 8:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Galatians 6:6-10, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 13:16, James 2:14-18, 1 John 3:17-18), and to strengthen others and be strengthened, to encourage and be encouraged, and to invite others to become part of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-14) the church, Church of Christ, in Christ (Romans 16:16).

We come together to honor our Lord Christ Jesus and partake in the “Lord's supper” that was instituted by our Lord Christ Jesus for the remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:23-25), and celebration of His death, burial, and resurrection (John 19:20-20:18, 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, 1 Peter 1:3

We are proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). We are proclaiming redemption by God as we recall the sacrifice of our Lord and the covenant initiated to us by our Lord. We are not only sorrowful because of what our sins have done to Christ, but we are celebrating our standing with God because of Christ’s sacrifice. We are proclaiming to one another and to the outsiders that we are children of God, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

The bread represents the shame, the humiliation, and the suffering that Christ endured by coming in the form of a man and allowing His creation to put Him to death.

The fruit of the vine is for remembrance of the new covenant of His blood that He shed for us to redeem us, for the forgiveness of our sins, to ransom us from our futile ways.

Cited from West Pam Beach Church of Christ “The Purpose of The Lord’s Supper"

These are the truths surrounding the Lord's supper they are given to us in the inspired written word of God, (Matthew 26:26-32, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:18-20, Romans 3:21-26, Romans 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34, Ephesians 1:1-8, Ephesians 2:13-22 NASB,1 Timothy 2:5-6, Hebrews 9:11-24).

There is an invitation to visitors and listeners to be part of the body, the church, Church of Christ, in Christ, to begin a walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4, Romans 7:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 4:17-24, Colossians 3:5-11) being faithful until death (Matthew 16:26, Luke 8:15, Luke 21:19, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:18-25, Hebrews 10:35-39, Hebrews 12:1-17 ASV, James 1:3-4, James 5:10-11, 1 Peter 2:19-25, 1 Peter 3:14-17 KJV, Revelation 2:10-11, Revelation 3:10-11).

There is also an invitation for any brother or sister in Christ that needs encouragement, prayers, or help with coming back to the Lord (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-22, Mark 11:25, Acts 14:22, Acts 15:30-31, 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, Galatians 6:1-2, Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15).

The day of celebration that has been given to us as written in the New Testament consists of one day that is celebrated fifty-two times a year known as the Lords Day, the First Day of the Week, Sunday (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-16 NASB, Luke 24:1-26, John 20:1-20, Acts 2:42-44, Acts 20:7, Romans 12:1-13, Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 11:17-31, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:1-12, Galatians1:8-9, Hebrews 10:&24-25, Revelation 1:10).

We also need to be of sound and sober mind striving to live a life closer to the honor and glory that is part of the body, the church, Church of Christ, in Christ, for the sake of our prayers along with keeping fervent in our love for one another (Romans 2:1-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, Ephesians 5:15-21, Colossians 3:1-24, 1Peter 4:7-9).

In Luke 9:23 our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to deny-self, take up our cross daily and follow him.

In Matthew 5:13 our Lord Jesus Christ has given us guidance about being the salt of the earth.

In Matthew 5:14-16 we are to become the light of our Lord Jesus Christ to others.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV we are to strive to lead a peaceful and quite life, godly and honestly in every way.

In 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NASB we are to pursue righteous, godliness, faith, love and perseverance and gentleness, to fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life of which you were called.

In Titus 2:11-15 NASB we are instructed to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.

The words of our Lord Jesus Christ tell us whatever you wish others to do to you, also do to them (Matthew 7:12), whatever you do in word or deed do it the name of Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17), whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23-24).

We are to be obedient to rulers and authorities (Romans 13:1-4, Titus 3:1 NASB, 1 Peter 2:13) to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle (patient), to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men (Titus 3:2 NASB).

We are to "honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the emperor" (1 Peter 2:17).

We are to "strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord and see it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (Hebrews 12:14-15), love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44), and you shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, all thy soul, all thy mind and all thy strength and love thy neighbor as thyself (Matthew 22:37-40).

Our Lord Jesus Christ tell us if you keep His commandments you will abide in His love and His joy will be yours and God our Father will love you (John 14:21, John 14:23, John 15:10-14). The love of our Lord Jesus Christ comes from keeping His word and the love of the God our Father comes from loving His Son and doing all that he asks.

Our Lord Jesus Christ as he is the radiance of the Glory of God and exact imprint of His nature and upholds the universe with the word of His power (Hebrews 1:1-14).

Within our hearts we are to make Christ the Lord as Holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15 KJV).

The meekness is one of the fruits of the spirit that we all need to bear so as we share our faith in Christ (Galatians 5:22-23 ASV) we need to be humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6), and we need to conduct ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity as we try to persuade others to become Christians (Ephesians 5:15-16, Colossians 4:5), we need to pray that that our speech is always with grace, as though seasoned with salt so that we will know how to respond to each person (Colossians 4:6), and strive to always trying to have a good conscience, so that when we are slandered, those who revile our good behavior in Christ may be put to shame (1 Peter 3:16).

In the inspired word of God, in the first century several of the faithful baptized believers in the body, the church, Church of Christ, worshiped God from their houses as noted in (Romans 16:3-5, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 1:2), seeing this as an example that allows us to do the same if there is no healthy Church of Christ or a mission from a Church of Christ near you. Do not let anyone tell you anything different or discourage you in anyway.

The Lord's church is called the "Church of Christ" (Romans 16:16) with either a name in front or behind like “Collinsville Church of Christ" or "Church of Christ of Collinsville."

There are many Churches of Christ around the world but like all things there have been some who have turned aside from the bible and the gospel of truth and have become an unhealthy body of Christ with adding women preachers (1 Corinthians 14:33-35, 1 Timothy 2:12-14), musical instruments, bands, a church choir (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9-11, 1 Corinthians 14:15,26, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, Hebrews 13:15, James 5:13, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:3), doctrines, and or traditions and or commandments from men and not from the inspired word of God (Matthew 15:9, Romans 16:17, Ephesians 4:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Timothy 1:3,8-10, Titus 1:5-9, Titus 2:1-10) these are all unhealthy Churches of Christ and you should avoid them.

In these self-made religions that gather in these city, or community churches, chapels, worship centers, synagogues, mosques, temples, spiritual centers, or monasteries and denominational churches that are named as Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Seventh Day Adventists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah Witnesses, the Mormons, Anabaptist Christian, Mennonites, etc.…they do not worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24), and for God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 1:35, John 1:1-5, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 2:22) to accept our worship we must worship them in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

It wasn’t until the disciples were in Antioch that they were first called Christians (Acts 11:26), and to become a Christian you need to hear the gospel (Romans 10:14-17 NASB, Colossians 1:3-5), and believe in the gospel (Mark 16:15-16, John 20:30-31 NASB, Acts 8:12), repent of your sins (Luke 13:1-5, Acts 3:17-23), confess Jesus is the Christ the Son of the God (Matthew 16:16, Matthew 26:63-64, Acts 10:34-43, Romans 10:8-10, 1 Corinthians 6:11), be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:36-38), and be obedient and faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10-11, Revelation 3:10-13).

The name of the men and women that are the faithful baptized believers in Christ are simply called Christians.

Today there are all these self-made religions (Colossians 2:20-23) which many have woman preachers (1 Corinthians 14:33-35, 1 Timothy 2:12-14), and many use musical instruments, church choirs and bands (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9-11, 1 Corinthians 14:15,26, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, Hebrews 13:15, James 5:13, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:3). Many have distorted the truth on the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28, Acts 2:38, Acts 5:29-32, Acts 13:38-39, Ephesians 1:13-14, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 John 1:1-10) and they do not honor the memorial from our Lord on the Lord’s supper to be observed (Matthew 23:8-9, Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7-11, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). They preach contrary to the gospel that was given us in the inspired word of God (Romans 16:17-18, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, Galatians 5:19-24, Jude 1:17-21), and they are to be accursed (Galatians 1:6-12).

Strong's Concordance

Greek: anathema: that which is laid up, i.e. a votive offering (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G331 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: ἀνάθεμα, ατος, τό

Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: anathema

Phonetic Spelling: (an-ath'-em-ah)
Definition: that which is laid up, a votive offering
Usage: a votive offering, a thing devoted to God; a curse, the thing cursed.

HELPS Word-studies

331 anáthema (from 303 /aná, "up" concluding a process, which intensifies 5087 /títhēmi, "to place") – properly, place up, referring to something pledged (given up) to destruction; a divine curse/ban ("accursed"); an "oath-curse."

[331 (anáthema) is the root of the English word, "anathema."]

These are just but a few of the scriptural verses and passages that address the head of the body, the church, Church of Christ (Genesis 3:15, Matthew 16:18, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Corinthians 15:25-27, Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 4:4,15-16, Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:24, Colossians 2:10, 2:19, Hebrews 2:1-10).

The following article was cited from the Northwest Church of Christ titled “Christ & His Church” addressing the Church of Christ, the body, divisions, and salvation.

Jesus promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18). It began on Pentecost after His resurrection in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 2). When the gospel of Christ was preached the people asked, “What shall we do?” (v. 37).

The apostle Peter told them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (v. 38). “Then those who gladly received His word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them… And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (vv. 41, 47).

Whenever and wherever that same gospel is preached, and people respond in that same way God adds them to that same church. Jesus never wanted the church to be divided into different denominations. He prayed that His disciples be one (John 17:20-23). He purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). It belongs to Him.

The apostle Paul vigorously condemned division in the church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). He reminded us that Christ is not divided, that Paul was not crucified for us, and that we were not baptized into the name of Paul. It is by Christ’s sacrifice and by His name that we are saved and added to His church (not that of some mere human). And Paul also taught that Jesus is the head of the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23), that there is one body (4:4), that Jesus is the Savior of the body (5:23), and that He loved the church and gave Himself for her (v. 25).

Salvation is found in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:10) and all the saved are in His church (Acts 2:47). When we are baptized into Christ for salvation (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12) we are baptized into His church (1 Corinthians 12:13).

The gospel of Christ calls all people out of sin and the world, with its false religions and man-made denominations, and into Christ and His church (Acts 2:39; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

Do you belong to Christ and His church? Does the church mean as much to you as it does to Christ? (Cited from the Northwest Church of Christ titled “Christ & His Church”)

In the Lord’s Church, we follow the commandments from the Lord as written in the inspired word of God and to be a child of God means to read and listen to God's inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16 NASB) about and from His beloved Son (Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 13:37-38, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 1:1-4, John 14.15, Acts 1:1-4, Romans 10:17), and His Apostles teachings about and from His beloved Son (Acts 1:1-2, Acts 2:42, Romans 1:1-6), and the Hebrews writer about His beloved Son (Hebrews 1:1-4), and the teachings from the Lord’s brothers James and Jude (1 Corinthians 9:5, James 1:1, Jude 1:1), and the former teachings and examples of the Old Testament revealed by the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15, Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21 NASB).

In the Lord’s Church, we follow the commandments and the qualifications given to us to establish the elders (Acts 11:29-30, Acts 14:23, Acts 15:2, Acts 15:4, Acts 15:6, Acts 20:17-18, 1 Peter 5:1-7), the overseers (Acts 20:28, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9), shepherds (Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 5:1-7), deacons (Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8-13), preachers (Acts 17:18, Galatians 1:6-12, 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11), teachers (Matthew 10:24-25, Matthew 23:8-10, Luke 6:40, 1 Timothy 1:3-7, 1 Timothy 2:7, 1 Timothy 6:2-5, 2 Timothy 1:11, James 3:1-12) , and evangelists (Acts 21:8, Ephesians 4:11, 2 Timothy 4:1-5 ) in the Churches of Christ from the inspired word of God.

Strong's Concordance

Greek: episkopos: a superintendent, an overseer (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G1985 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: ἐπίσκοπος, ου, ὁ

Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine

Transliteration:episkopos

Phonetic Spelling:(ep-is'-kop-os)

Definition: a superintendent, an overseer

Usage: (used as an official title in civil life), overseer, supervisor, ruler, especially used with reference to the supervising function exercised by an elder or presbyter of a church or congregation.

HELPS Word-studies

1985 epískopos (a masculine noun, derived from 1909/epí, "on/fitting contact," which intensifies 4649 /skopós, "look intently," like at an end-marker concluding a race) – properly, an overseer; a man called by God to literally "keep an eye on" His flock (the Church, the body of Christ), i.e. to provide personalized (first hand) care and protection (note the epi, "on").

"Though in some contexts 1985 (epískopos) has been regarded traditionally as a position of authority, in reality the focus is upon the responsibility for caring for others" (L & N, 1, 35.40).

Strong's Concordance

Greek: presbuteros: elder (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G4245 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: πρεσβύτερος, α, ον
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: presbuteros
Phonetic Spelling: (pres-boo'-ter-os)
Definition: elder
Usage: elder, usually used as subst.; an elder, a member of the Sanhedrin, an elder of a Christian assembly.

HELPS Word-studies

4245 presbýteros – properly, a mature man having seasoned judgment (experience); an elder.

The NT specifies elders are men. (The feminine singular, presbytera, never occurs in the Bible.)

[The feminine plural, presbyteras, occurs in 1 Tim 5:2. It refers to aged women, i.e. not women with an official church office or title.]

Strong's Concordance

Greek: diakonos: a servant, minister (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G1249 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: διάκονος, οῦ, ὁ, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun, Masculine

Transliteration: diakonos
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ak'-on-os)
Definition: a servant, minister
Usage: a waiter, servant; then of any one who performs any service, an administrator.

HELPS Word-studies

1249 diákonos (from 1223 /diá, "thoroughly" and konis, "dust") – properly, "thoroughly raise up dust by moving in a hurry, and so to minister" (WP, 1, 162); ministry (sacred service).

1249 /diákonos ("ministry") in the NT usually refers to the Lord inspiring His servants to carry out His plan for His people – i.e. as His "minister" (like a deacon serving Him in a local church).

[A. T. Robertson, "1249 (diákonos) properly means 'to kick up dust,' as one running an errand." 1249 (diákonos) is the root of the English terms, "diaconate, deacon."

This root (diakon-) is "probably connected with the verb diōkō, 'to hasten after, pursue' (perhaps originally said of a runner)" (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 147).]

Strong's Concordance

Greek: kérussó: to be a herald, proclaim (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G2784 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: κηρύσσω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kérussó
Phonetic Spelling: (kay-roos'-so)
Definition: to be a herald, proclaim
Usage: I proclaim, herald, preach.

HELPS Word-studies

2784 kērýssō – properly, to herald (proclaim); to preach (announce) a message publicly and with conviction (persuasion).

2784 /kērýssō ("to herald") refers to preaching the Gospel as the authoritative (binding) word of God, bringing eternal accountability to all who hear it.

[2784 (kērýssō) is "preaching by a herald sent from God" (BAGD, "declaration," TDNT, 3:703). To "gospelize" (2097 /euaggelízō) stresses the victory of God's Gospel-message in the totality of His "good news."]

Strong's Concordance

Greek: didaskalos: an instructor (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G1320 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: διδάσκαλος, ου, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: didaskalos
Phonetic Spelling: (did-as'-kal-os)
Definition: an instructor
Usage: a teacher, master.

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 1320 didáskalos (a masculine noun derived from 1321 /didáskō, "to teach") – a teacher, an instructor acknowledged for their mastery in their field of learning; in Scripture, a Bible teacher, competent in theology. See 1319 (didaskalia).

Strong's Concordance

Greek: euaggelistés: an evangelist, a bringer of good news (Greek added)

Strong’s Number: G2099 (Strong's number added)

Original Word: εὐαγγελιστής, οῦ, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: euaggelistés
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace')
Definition: an evangelist, a bringer of good news
Usage: an evangelist, a missionary, bearer of good tidings.

HELPS Word-studies

2099 euaggelistḗs (from 2097 /euaggelízō, "evangelize") – properly, an "evangelist" (L & N, 1, 53.76); someone with a vocational calling from God to announce the good news of the Gospel (see Eph 4:11).

Every Christian is called to share the Gospel, but 2099 /euaggelistḗs ("an evangelist") does so as a vocation, which includes preaching the full message of Christ's salvation (the whole Gospel). See 2097 /euangelizō ("gospelizing").

Conclusion

There is much for us to learn and to understand as we seek to grow closer to God the Father, Jesus our Lord, and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit. Our faith and love will be tested, and we need to realize that the suffering that we go through in our lives are tests to determine where we go either to heaven or to h*** when we leave here. This was also part of the Old Testament examples written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (1 Corinthians 10:1-12), and for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).

To God be the Glory

There are Churches of Christ that offer virtual online bible study, mail in bible study, bible study classes, worship service and support. There are many bible study courses that are offered through Churches of Christ and associated resources online. See "Resourceful Links page" for a list of a few of them.

To help you locate a Church of our Lord either here in US and or Worldwide

This web site is based on the word of truth given us from the New and Old Testaments. Since you never stop growing in the word, I will revise the web site and try share my growth in the faith hopefully without any grammatical and scriptural errors.

Life is precious, don't throw your life here and the eternal life

to come away.

Here is one of the Lord's Churches of Christ in America that you can virtually connect with on the Lord’s Day service and Wednesday night bible study service. This Church of Christ is also listed on the Resourceful Links page and Announcement page on this web site.

Lord’s Day Worship Service and Bible Studies

Northwest Church of Christ

Sunday

9:00 AM Central Standard Time Bible class
10:00 AM Central Standard Time - Worship services

Wednesday Morning Blessing

10:00 AM Central Standard Time

Wednesday

7:00 PM Central Standard Time - Bible class

For all biblical statements always exam the scriptures (Acts 17:11) to see if they are true.

Acts 17:11

11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

If you find any error’s, please contact me through the contact web page so I can address and correct them and when the changes do occur in any of the pages, the page is revised and dated on the file download page with that individual page name and date. example: “The Right Path One Body 0722 (pdf)” represents July 22 this page has been revised and corrected.

This page has Matthew 7:13-14 and Mathew 7:21 added on the pdf above and below the first photo that represents the narrow gate.

Note carefully: No teaching anywhere on this web site is intended or should ever be construed to justify or to in any way incite or encourage personal vengeance or physical violence against any person.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®)

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