WE ARE TOLD BY JESUS, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” [John 8:32]. He is telling us that there are some things we should know, namely the truth. Later, this is written to Christians, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” [Hebrews 5:12]. This demonstrates that there are some things a Christian should know.

Let’s see just a few things that every Christian should know:

You should know that, in the New Testament, the church is called –

• The temple of God. 1Cor 3:16
• The bride of Christ. Eph 5:21-32
• The body of Christ. Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:24
• The kingdom of God’s Son. Col 1:13
• The house of God. 1Tim 3:15
• The church of the Firstborn. Heb 12:23
• The church of the Lord. Acts 20:28
• The churches of Christ. Ro 16:16

These are terms referring to the same institution.

You should know that the church was –

• Built by Jesus the Christ. Matt 16:13-18.
• Purchased by His Blood. Acts 20:28
• Built upon Christ as the only foundation. 1Cor 3:11
• Not built upon any man. 1Cor 1:12-13
• Fully established on the first Pentecost after Christ arose from the dead. Lk 24:49; Acts 1:8; Mark 9:1; Acts 2.

You should know that members of the church are called –

• 1Cor 12:27
• Acts 6:1
• Acts 5:14; 2Cor 6:15
• Acts 9:13; Rom 1:7; Phil 1:1
• 1Peter 2:9; Rev 1:6
• 1Jno 3:1-2
• Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1Peter 4:16

You should know that the 3 permanent classes in the church are – All are to be Christians (saints). You cannot “join” the church of our Lord, God ADDS TO THE CHURCH those who are being saved. Acts 2:47.

• Elders, who are bishops, overseers or pastors. Their duty is to oversee and feed the flock. Acts 20:28; 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1Peter 5:1-4
• Deacons to serve the church if there are Elders. 1Tim 3:8-13
• Evangelists to teach and preach God’s word. For their work and qualifications, see Ephesians 4:11; 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus.

You should know that Jesus Christ Himself –

• Loved the church. Eph 5:25
• Bled for the church. Acts 20:28
• Established the church. Matt 16:18
• Called the church His. Matt 16:18
• Is the Head of the church. Eph 5:23; 4:4; 1:22-23
• Will save the church. Eph 5:23; 4:4; 1:22-23

You should know that the church and the body of Christ are –

• The same. Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18; 1:24
• The only group saved. Eph 5:23

You should know that man did not –

• Purpose the church. Eph 3:10-11
• Purchase the church. Acts 20:28
• Build the church. Matt 16:18
• Name its people. Acts 11:26; Is 62:2
• Add to the church. Acts 2:47
• Give the church its doctrine. 2John 1:9-10; Gal 1:11

You should know that in New Testament times there was –

• The family of God. Eph 3:15: 1Tim 3:15
• The kingdom of Christ. Col 1:13-14
• The body of Christ. Eph 1:22-23; 4:4
• The bride of Christ. Rom 7:1-7; Eph 5:22-23
• The church of Christ. Matt 16:18; Eph 1:22-23; 4:4; Rom 16:16

You should know that in order to get into the church you must –

• Believe in Christ. John 8:24; Acts 16:31; Heb 11:6
• Repent of your sins. Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30
• Confess your faith in Christ. Mat 10:32-33; Rom 10:10; Acts 8:37-38
• Be Baptized. Matt 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 10:48; 22:16; 1Peter 3:21; Gal 3:27

You should know that baptism requires –

• Acts 10:47
• Much Water. John 3:23
• Going to the water. Acts 8:36; Matt 3:5-6
• Going INTO the water. Acts 8:38; Matt 3:5-6
• A Burial. Rom 6:3-5; Col 2:12
• A Planting. Rom 6:5
• A Washing. Acts 22:16
• A Raising out of the water. Col 2:12
• A coming out of the water. Acts 8:39
• A Birth. John 3:5