Editorial
How can I become a member of God's Church?
By Brother Ricky Ricardo Morris
Matthew 16:13-19 - John 17:1-26
One becomes a member of the church of God, (Kingdom Phase), through the new birth. John 3:2 and God adds the members to the local Church, man need not join anything Acts 2:47; God also sets the members in the local body” (the visible church phase) as it pleases him 1 Corinthian 12:28.
Jesus is the door, the only means of entrance. John 10:9
Merely joining a church, water baptism, shaking the preachers hand, signing a
card, or going to a public altar does not in itself gain entrance into the
church.
A man has neither the right nor the ability to open or close the door of the
church
What is the name of God’s Church in the New Testament?
"The Church of God"
It is mentioned (9) times in the singular and several times as “the church of God”;
Acts 20:28
1 Corinthian 1:2
1 Corinthian 10:32
1 Corinthian 11:16
1 Corinthian 11:22
1 Corinthian 15:9
2 Corinthian 1:1
Galatians 1:13
1 Thess. 2:14
1 Tim 3:5
1 Tim 3:15
No where in the bible do we find themes; church of our fathers, church of his son “Church of Christ”, or church of the Holy Ghost, nor any other sectarian name.
Church of God includes the whole Godhead which is the name that is doctrinally sound. Eph 3:14m15
Why must we be called by God’s name?
For all that a name implies; authority, character, rank, majesty, power, excellence, etc., of everything that the name covers. God’s name will cause Christ to be lifted up and not our church affiliation It also represent God’s attributes and identifies us with God.
If we are put under any other name than what the bible required, we are under another one’s authority, character and rank, power and doctrine.
The discipline of the church is the word of God. It is the only one the Christian needs. 2 Tim. 3:16
The Bible is all sufficient and supreme. Nothing needs to be added to it and nothing must be taken from it . Revelation 22:19
The church book, or the membership book of the church of God is located not on earth, but in heaven. Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:15
It is called the book of life. Hebrews 12:23; Phil 4:3,4; Revelation 21:27
Christ is the recording secretary. Psalms 87:5-7
It is sin and only sin that blot one’s name out of the book of life. Exodus 32:30-32.
The church of God is not a building, office, or a local organization or school, but it is the whole family of God in heaven and earth. The church locally is that divinely separated group of believers living by all the word of God
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