Whether in the first century or the twenty first century, the Lord’s churches are not mysterious, invisible ideas. Since they gather, they can be found meeting at particular times and places. Just as we may read in Romans 16, their members have real names.
This reality has a practical point: When you come to Christ, you need to find Christ’s people in your area. For example, when Paul moved to Jerusalem
“he attempted to join the disciples“ (Acts 9:26)
For some today, this may be difficult. Some regions have few Christians. Other areas may have “churches” quite different from the church described by the New Testament. In these, as in all cases, let God keep working through you. As you faithfully live and teach the Gospel, others will believe and obey it. New disciples will gather with you. God’s Word is His seed (Luke 8:11) through which He plants His church in each new place. However, before beginning a new work, you should try to find a congregation of Christ in your area. Here are questions of which you should be aware:
What do these people believe? What do they believe about God, Christ and Scripture? The church’s foundation is the great truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16-19; 1 Corinthians 3:11). The church respects the Scriptures, and is built upon Christ’s words through His inspired apostles (Matthew 16:16-19; John 16:13; 17:8,17-20; Ephesians 2:20; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-4:5; 2 Peter 3:2,15-16).
What about entering Christ? Suppose you find a group that claims to become members of Christ in ways different from that given by Christ Himself? If so, the Scriptures would say they are in serious trouble (Matthew 7:13-23; 23:13; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3). You certainly do not want to join in their disobedience. If, on the other hand, these people believe and obey the Gospel, they are members of the Lord’s one church. They may be imperfect, but even members and congregations described by the Bible were imperfect. The “church of God that is in Corinth” had many serious flaws. Yet Paul claimed them as brothers, and spoke positively of the grace they enjoyed from God (1 Corinthians 1:1-10). We too should share this gracious spirit, even as we seek to work through difficulties.
On the other hand, Revelation shows that Christ must disown congregations that drift too far from Him (Revelation 2:5; 3:3,16). People who once became Christians can fall away (Hebrews 3:12; 4:1; 6:4-8; 10:26-31). They can lead others away from Christ. So we must ask another question.
What about following Christ? Is this congregation still trying to follow Christ? No congregation in New Testament times was perfect. Yet the basic meaning of “disciple” is learner or follower. Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples” (John 8:31). Ephesians 5:24 describes Christ’s body as “the church” that “submits to Christ.” Some no longer submit to the clearest commands of Christ. Some make their rebellion formal, writing false teachings into rules for their church.
Christians need to keep returning to the central confession of the Good News: Jesus is Lord! He has “all authority” (Matthew 28:18). He is
“head over all things to the church“ (Ephesians 1:22).
In obedience to Christ as the Head, a true disciple wants to meet and work with His body (His other true disciples). In this way, the disciples can encourage and help each other. What Christ wants can be honored, and His cause advanced, just as He intended. Most importantly, Christ-like love will show the way to many others.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35).