I. The church was built by Jesus Christ
Matthew 16:18 : "And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it."
II. The church was founded in Jerusalem
As in Matthew 16:18 Christ said "upon this rock I will build my church". Beginning on the Day of Pentecost the church was referred to in the present tense instead of the past tense (will build). Acts 2:41"there were added unto them about three thousand souls", Acts 2:47 "and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
III. Christ is the head of the church
Ephessians 1:22,23 "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."
Colossians 1:18 "And he is the head of the body, the church."
IV. We have only one guide book the BIBLE
The word of GOD - and the word of GOD alone - we accept as our standard. The following scriptures show this to be the only safe course:
II Timothy 3:16,17 "All scripture is given by the inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of GOD may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
II Peter 1:3 "Again Peter says: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."
IV. To be added to the church one must follow the scriptures
Hear the Gospel
Belief in Christ - Acts 16:31
Repentance - Acts 17:30
Confession of Faith in Christ - Acts 8:36,37
Baptism by emersion - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38,41,47; Acts 22:1
V. Worship
The five acts of worship
Teaching - Acts 2:42; II Timothy 2:2
Praying - Acts 2:42
Giving - I Corinthians 16:1,2
Communion - I Corinthians 11:23-29
Singing - Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 2:12