[Power (Southaven, MS: Southaven churchof Christ) Vol. 9, No. 2, February 2000, p. 3.] A common expression in religious circles is that of “joining the church” (whatever church that might be). It is so common, it is assumed to be correct. Therefore, when it is learned that one does not “join” the Lord’s church, but is added to it by the Lord himself (Acts 2:47), many are surprised and confused. The phrase “joining a church” places all religious groups on equal ground, making one as good as the next. It suggests that one may simply take his choice, as he would a civic club. Both the terminology and concept involved in “joining the church” are foreign to the New Testament. The church in the New Testament is the one body of Christ (Ephesians 4:5). How does one enter the church of Christ mentioned in the New Testament? Religious groups have their various ways of entering their churches, whether it is relating a convincing “salvation experience,” being voted on as a candidate for membership, being baptized to enter a denomination or “getting saved” at the mourner’s bench. In these groups, “getting saved” is one thing and church membership is something else. Many say church membership is not essential to be saved, but they recommend it, and if you want to join their church, you must do one of the things suggested. In Acts 2, we see God’s way as opposed to man’s way. In this chapter, we find two things: (1) people