Part II: The Lord’s Church

Written By Christopher Mentzer

When I first moved to Arizona, I immediately looked for a Lutheran church to attend. Even though I was in a new state and new city I stuck with the same religion. However, when I moved to Mesa and got to know the area a little better, I was astounded by the number of churches that was around. Not only was your standard fare of denominations available but also LDS, Assembly of God, Pentecostal, and others. I stepped back from all of these churches and said, “There is no way that all of these churches were on the same page.”

Well I didn’t know enough about the bible to know that the answers were in there but once I became a Christian, it all became so clear and so easy. I realize that there was only one true church. Then again, every church you go to will tell you that THEY are the one church and the others are wrong. So how do you tell who’s right?

In Acts 20: 28 Paul state, “Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.” From this we know that Jesus paid for the church in blood when he died on the cross. If this is true then I think it would be appropriate to name the church after him. This would then eliminate all names like Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Mormon, and other human names.

In Eph. 1: 20-23 Paul writes, “which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly `places', 21. far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22. and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, 23. which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Here we see that it’s not the building that is the church but the people within the congregation. This then eliminates all catholic cathedrals, temples, mosques, convents, monasteries, and other places of worship that are deemed holy.

The Lord’s church is to be used for teaching and preaching the gospel (Acts 2: 42). This eliminates all groups who would encourage you to join for things of the flesh such as: relationships with people, free food and shelter, money for those with too large of bills, and on and on! Paul wrote, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 14: 17)

Just as the moon of earth does not have a name, neither does the church. The reason? There is only one of them and it does not need a name. However, if it were to have a name, it would have to be one found in the bible. Paul wrote in Rom. 16:16, “…All the churches of Christ salute you.” A very plain, very simple, very truthful name. Anymore of a name would be too much and any less wouldn’t give Jesus the credit. Imagine seeing this on the side of a church building, “…the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven.” (Heb. 12: 23) Although this is a scriptural name it is a bit wordy not to mention a little pompous sounding.

If the gospel is written in a simple plain language then the name of the church should be the same way. It is more important to do the work of the church then the work of men. As Jesus stated, “…when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. 24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (Jn. 4: 23-24) And again Jesus said, “But in vain do they worship me, Teaching `as their' doctrines the precepts of men.” (Matt. 15: 9)

The church belongs to God because His Son paid for it with his own blood (Acts 20: 28). Let’s remember that and not try to change the pattern for our own means.