“History Report of the Church”
Origin, Development, and Identity of Our Church

“A journey of faith and community in Christ”

cONTACT uS

The First Christians:
The Disciples and Their Designation

In the first years after Pentecost, Jesus’ followers spread to various regions, intensified by Saul who, in his zealous Jewish faith, began to persecute the Christians. However, Saul was prevented by Jesus, through a vision from persecuting any more Christians. Saul became Paul and became a Christian in Damascus three days later through his newfound faith in Christ and the washing away of his sins in baptism. He began to proclaim, from Asia Minor to Macedonia, Christ as the crucified, risen from the dead, and returning one day to claim his people. It happened in Antioch that the “disciples,” “brothers,” or “believers” in Christ were first called “Christians.” Their identity was so closely linked to Jesus Christ that their lives showed Christ. Christ continued to live in all the new followers, hence the name Christians.

The Beginnings of the Church of Christ: Jesus and Pentecost

We find the origin of the church in the life of Jesus Christ. He was accredited by God through miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through him in Israel and Judea. Jesus taught the people and specifically instructed his disciples about the kingdom of God, both before the crucifixion and for 40 days after the resurrection. After Christ’s ascension, his disciples waited in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the time came; his disciples, also called apostles, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the good news of Jesus’ resurrection was proclaimed officially for the first time. 3000 souls believed the message and accepted Jesus’ salvation and promise in baptism. The church began!

The Church without a Name: Character Traits and Identity

The original, God-founded church did not bear a specific name. It was and is rather:
* Illustrated by images – learn more further down this page
* Lived out through character traits and christian values – learn more
These images are not mere illustrations but define the church and it`s mission. They show the church of Christ as a living body, and Christ as the head, from which the church receives instructions through the Holy Spirit to fulfill Gods plan to save lost souls.

Worship: Defined by God

Worship is not a human construct and must not become one but was established by God himself in both the New and Old Testaments. Jesus warns in the Gospel of Mark 7:6-7: “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.'”

Church Planting According to the Biblical Model

God gave us clear instructions in the bible scriptures, as to what the church, the teaching, the worship and serving of God should look like. He gave a model or pattern in the Old Testament and also in the New Testament. Any person or group of people can explore this God given pattern and rebuild the church as it was in the beginnig established by the apostles.
In 2017, we added to the universal church of Christ another extension following God`s model described in his holy book, the Bible – more info

Closing Word: Significance for Today

The Word of God states that true Christians share the Good News most importantly through their christian lives and as a result verbally as well. We can know from the Holy Scripture, that we are part of The One and Only Church, that has its origin in God`s Purpose, made possible through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ and established by the apostles at Pentecost. Therefore we invite everyone to get amazed by Gods Love and His glorious plan for you. Come and walk together with us the narrow path of faith, by following Jesus, being the only way to our heavenly Father and God.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Gospel of Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Noone comes to the father except through me.” Gospel of John 14:6
“Images of the Church”

The Bible uses a wealth of images and metaphors to describe the nature and identity of the church in the New Testament
(For example: Church – in Greek *ekklesia* – means the “called-out-ones” of this world into Gods family).
Below are some biblical images, used for the New Testament church.


“The Family of God”

This image emphasizes the new identity and the close fellowship of believers.

Bible Verses:
Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19;
1 Timothy 3:15; 1 John 3:1

Meaning:
* God is the Father: Believers are the children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
* Believers are Siblings: The relationship among each other is that of a family
(hence “brothers” and “sisters”).
* Love and Care: In a family, love, support, and mutual responsibility should prevail.


“The Bride of Christ”

This image emphasizes the loving relationship between Christ and his church.

Bible Verses:
2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-9; 21:9

Meaning:
* Christ is the bridegroom: He loves the church and gave himself for her.
* Cleansing & Sanctification: Christ cleanses the church to present her holy and blameless before himself.
* Devotion and Faithfulness: The church is to dedicate herself to Christ in love and faithfulness.
* The Coming of Christ: The image culminates in the “wedding of the Lamb”.



“The Temple / The Building
of God”

This image emphasizes the holiness, unity, and growth of the congregation.

Bible Verses:
1 Corinthians 3:9-17; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5

Meaning:
* Christ is the Cornerstone: He is the central part of the foundation and the starting point (Eph. 2:20).
* Apostles and Prophets are the Foundation: Their teaching is the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).
* Believers are the Living Stones: Every Christian is a brick placed into this spiritual house.
* God Dwells in it by the Spirit: The congregation is the place where God dwells, presented through his Spirit.


“The Body of Christ”

This is one of the most profound and frequently used images, primarily developed by the Apostle Paul.

Bible Verses:
Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:12-16; Colossians 1:18

Meaning:
* Christ is the Head: He leads, directs, and supplies the body.
* Congregation Members are like body parts: Every Christian has a unique and important function.
* Diversity in Unity: Different gifts and tasks, but one single body.
* Mutual Dependence: The members depend on each other and suffer or rejoice together.





“The Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World”


This image describes the mission and influence of the congregation in the world.


Bible Verse:
Matthew 5:13-16



Meaning:
* Being Salt: The congregation has a preserving and flavor-giving function; it should stop moral decay and death.
* Being Light: It should reveal God’s truth in a dark world and glorify God through good works.


“The Flock of God”

An image that emphasize care, leadership, and the protection of the congregation.


Bible Verses:
John 10:1-16; Acts 20:28-29; 1 Peter 5:2-4

Meaning:
* Christ is the Good Shepherd: He knows his sheep, gives his life for them, and leads them.
* Believers are the Sheep: They listen to the voice of their Shepherd and follow him.
* Shepherds (Overseers/Elders): Under-shepherds who are to tend and protect the flock on behalf of the good Shepherd..


“The Vine and the Branches”


This image, used by Jesus himself, emphasizes the vital connection to him.

Bible Verses:
John 15:1-8

Meaning:
Christ is the Vine: He is the source of all life.
Believers are the Branches: Their task is to remain in Christ.
Bearing Fruit: Spiritual fruit grows from this connection. Without this connection, life is powerless
and unfruitful.


“The Chosen People/
The Royal Priesthood”

This image connects to the Old Testament and shows that the church are the people of God, a holy nation.

Bible Verse:
1 Peter 2:9-10; Revelation 1:6; 5:10

Meaning:
* A Holy People: They belong to God and should reflect his nature in the world.
* A Royal Priesthood: They have direct access to God (priesthood) and will reign with Christ (royal).
* A Task: They are called to “declare the praises of him, who called them out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).