INTRODUCTION
1. We must decide who will have final authority.
2. Who will have the final say in religion? (you,me,a church,a council)
3. Let's see what the bible says.
1. JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY.
A. (ALL) power or authority both in heaven and on earth. (Mt.28:18-20)
B. Moses and Elijah were present - Moses gave the OT Law. (Mt. 17:1-5)
C. Whatever he says do it (good advise). He has (all authority). (Jn 2:1-5)
D. God speaks through his son (Jesus). (Heb. 1:1-2)
E. When He speaks we must listen. (Heb. 2:1)
F. Jesus is the HEAD over ALL THINGS (Eph.1:22,23)
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1. We must decide who will have final authority.
2. Who will have the final say in religion? (you,me,a church,a council)
3. Let's see what the bible says.
1. JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY.
A. (ALL) power or authority both in heaven and on earth. (Mt.28:18-20)
B. Moses and Elijah were present - Moses gave the OT Law. (Mt. 17:1-5)
C. Whatever he says do it (good advise). He has (all authority). (Jn 2:1-5)
D. God speaks through his son (Jesus). (Heb. 1:1-2)
E. When He speaks we must listen. (Heb. 2:1)
F. Jesus is the HEAD over ALL THINGS (Eph.1:22,23)
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Biblical Truth
THE AUTHORITY IN RELIGION
Lesson #1
INTRODUCTION
1. We must decide who will have final authority.
2. Who will have the final say in religion? (you, me,a church,a council)
3. Let's see what the bible says.
1. JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY.
A. (ALL) power or authority both in heaven and on earth. (Mt.28:18-20)
B. Moses and Elijah were present - Moses gave the OT Law. (Mt. 17:1-5)
C. Whatever he says do it (good advise). He has (all authority). (Jn 2:1-5)
D. God speaks through his son (Jesus). (Heb. 1:1-2)
E. When He speaks we must listen. (Heb. 2:1)
F. Jesus is the HEAD over ALL THINGS (Eph.1:22,23)
2. JESUS RECEIVED WORDS FROM GOD / HE GAVE THOSE WORDS TO THE APOSTLES.
A. Jesus prayed for his apostles. (Jn 17:8)
B. God helped their memories (the last supper with the apostles). (Jn 14:26)
C. Apostles were taught ALL TRUTH by the Holy Spirit. (Jn 16:12,13)
D. But Jesus and his apostles are not physically here today. So---
3. WHERE IS RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY TODAY?
A. What the apostles wrote were the commandments of the Lord (1Cor.14:37)
B. The WORD was from Jesus (Gal.1:11,12) (Jn 17:8)
C. The scriptures are from God and are authoritative and final. (2Tim.3:14-17)
D. The scriptures are Gods word - Gods say in ALL matters. (2Peter 1:20,21)
4. THESE CONCLUSIONS MUST FOLLOW
A. Nothing else must be believed (Gal.1:8-9)
B. We are complete with the scriptures (2Tim.3:14-17). No church manuals (creed books) are needed (Rev.22:18,19). Any addition or subtraction is forbidden. (Mt. 15:9)
C. We must worship according to Gods word. (Jn 4:24) (Jn 17:17)
D. Only Gods word can free us from sin. (Jn 8:32) (Rom. 6:16-18)
E. We will be judged by the scriptures. (Jn 12:48)
CONCLUSION
1. All religious authority is found in the bible.
2. Whatever is in the bible is bound upon us.
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***
Which Law Are We Under?
Lesson #2
INTRODUCTION
1. There are two natural divisions of the Bible.
The Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books).
2. Which law are we under today?
A. The Old Testament or the New Testament?
B. Or part of the New Testament and part of the Old Testament?
FIRST NOTE (EXODUS 34:27)
1. God made a covenant with Israel (not with Gentiles). (Ex.34:27)
2. This OT Covenant was called the 10 commandments. (Ex.34:28)
3. This OT Covenant (10 commandments) was made when Israel left Egypt. (1Kings 8:9)
4. Even in the OT there is a promise of a New Covenant that would be DIFFERENT from the OT (10 commandments).(Jer.31:31-34)
5. A Better Covenant (Heb.8:6-9)
A. For finding fault with them (the people).
There was no problem with the OT Law.
The OT Law was to lead men to Christ. (Gal.3:24,25)
B.The purpose of the OT Law was to show how terrible sin is and to show they needed to look for Gods remedy for sin.
In (Jer.31:31-34) God is pointing to the NT covenant which was to be established in (Acts 2) and this NT Covenant would have a provision for sin. This is a big difference in the OT Law and the NT Law.
Obedience is required under both OT and NT laws according to (Gen.6:8,22)(Heb.5;9).
6. FURTHER PROOF
A. Jesus gives a New Covenant. (Heb. 9:15-17)
B. Sacrifices under the OT Law could not completely take care of sin. (Heb. 10:4)
C. The Priesthood changed and the Law changed. (Heb.7:12)
D. God speaks through His Son - He has a better covenant - We must listen to Jesus. (Heb.1:1-3 ; 2:1)
E. Before faith came men were under the OT Law - the OT Law (10 commandments) was a schoolmaster to bring men to Christ - after faith came men were no longer under the OT Law (10 commandments).(Gal. 3:24,25)
F. Men are dead to the OT Law and married to Christ under the NT Law. (Rom. 7:1-4)
G. Christ is the end of the OT Law. (Rom. 10:1-4)
H. (Col.2:14-17) (2Cor.3)(Eph.2:14-17)
CONCLUSION
1. We learn from the things in the OT Law but we are not under the 10 commandments (Rom. 15:4) (1Cor.10:11)
2. Today men are under law to Jesus (Mt.28:18-20). The New Covenant is sealed in His blood (Mt. 26:28)
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***
NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH #1
Lesson #3
INTRODUCTION
1. The manner in which many use the word "CHURCH" is not the way the bible uses the word. Today many people use the word "CHURCH" to refer to a physical building.
2. Phebe was a servant of the church. (Rom.16:1). She served people not a building. In (vs 5) were they told to greet a building? No,they greeted people not a building. Paul said, greet the church that is in their house. - was a building in their house?
3. In (Acts 8) the "CHURCH" was being persecuted. Individuals are persecuted not buildings. In (Acts 5:11) fear came upon the church. Was a building fearful? No,of course not. The people were fearful. Notice also (Acts 11:26 ; 14;27 ; 20:28)
4. "CHURCH" in the New Testament refers to individuals that make up the church. It does not refer to a physical building. The word "CHURCH" means "those called out". Those called out of the world to serve God.
#1. IS THE CHURCH IMPORTANT?
A. Many claim one can go to heaven without being a member of any religious group. If that is true then that religious group is not very important.
B. What does the bible say? Let us allow God to tell us if the church is important or not.
(Eph. 5:23-29)
23. Christ is the head of the church. Would He be the head of something which is not important?
23. Christ is the Saviour of the body. (Eph.1:22,23) says the church is the body. So Christ is the head of the church. A Saviour is one who saves. Here Christ promises to save the church. The church does not save,the church is the saved.
24.The church is subject to Christ. Not the creeds and church manuals of men.
25. Christ loved the church enough to die for it. Did He die for something which is not important?
26. Christ died for the church to sanctify (set apart from the world) and cleanse it. The church is sanctified and cleansed by Christ.
27. Christ terms it a glorious church.
29. Christ nourishes and cherishes the church.
C. (Eph.1:22,23) In the church is found the fullness of Christ.
D. (Eph.2:16) Here Jews and Gentiles are discussed. Christ plan is to reconcile (bring back) to God both (Jew and Gentile) in one body (church - Eph. 1:22,23) by the cross. People are not brought back to God apart from the body (the church).
E. (Eph.4:4) One Body (church - Eph.1:22,23)
#2. PROMISE TO ESTABLISH THE CHURCH
A. (Mt.16:13-18)
13. Jesus asked disciples who people said He was. 14. Various answers were given like today. 15. He then asks His disciples who they thought He was. 16. Peter confesses Him as the Christ. 17. Jesus commended Peter for his answer and explained this knowledge came from God. 18. Then Jesus made a beautiful promise - "upon this rock will build my church". But what is the "rock" upon which He would build His church? There are only two possibilities. The "rock" was either Peter or Christ. Which was it? Was (verses 13-17) speaking about Peter's identity? The "rock" upon which Christ's church would be built is the fact He is the Son of God. Peter had just confessed that fact (vs 16). So on this "rock" the church would be built.
B. We are speaking about the very foundation of the church (1Cor. 3:11). The bible says no man can lay a foundation than that which is laid and that foundation is Jesus Christ and not Peter.
C. (Mt.16:18) I will build (future tense). He promised to build it in the future. According to(Mt.14:1-3) John was already dead when Jesus said He would build His church in the future.
#3 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH
A. (Acts 2:36) Here Peter told the Jews of the terrible crime they committed. They crucified their own Saviour.
B. (Acts 2:37) When they realized their crime they asked what could be done.
C. (Acts 2:38) They were told to repent and be baptized for their sins to be forgiven.
D. (Acts 2:41) Those who gladly accepted this message were baptized. (Acts 8:5,12,13,26-40)
E. (Acts 2:47) Those who repented and were baptized were thus saved and added to the church by the Lord.
CONCLUSION
1. We have learned from the Bible the great importance of the Lords church.
2. We have learned Jesus promised to build His church on the fact He is the Son of God.
3. The church of the Lord was established in (Acts 2). When believers repented and were baptized they were added to Christ's Church. (Acts 2:38,47)
4. The same God is in heaven today. When believers obey the same truth they will be added to the same church.
5. How wonderful to be a member of the church purchased with Christ's blood. (Acts 20:28)
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***
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH #2
Review:
1. The word "church" does not refer to a physical building in the Bible. It means those called out of the world to live for Christ. (Acts 20:28)
2. The church is so important that it was purchased with Christ's blood (Acts 20:28). He gave Himself for it (Eph.5:25). No one since Jesus' death, is reconciled to God apart from the body - which is the church. (Eph.1:22,23) (Col.1:18,24)
3. Jesus promised to build His church on the fact He is God's Son. (Mt. 16:18)
4. That church was established when believers obeyed the gospel in (Acts 2:36-38,41,47).
INTRODUCTION:
1. In the New Testament we find a beautiful description of Christ's church. If we follow the same description we shall reproduce the same church in our age. If we depart from this description the result will be a man-made institution rather than the Lord's church.
2. Let us notice this description. Then we can apply what we learn to any religious group to find if they are the Lord's church. This is how we identify Christ's church on earth today.
1. IT IS NONDENOMINATIONAL IN NATURE
A. (1Cor.1:10-13) Vs. 10 Note Paul's plea for oneness. Vs. 11-13 In the first century there were no denominations - simply the Lord's church - the denominations of our day came many years later. In these verses are the closest thing to denominationalism. The church in Corinth had divided up into groups - each group calling itself by some name - Paul, Apollos, etc. Note what Paul said about this condition of dividing up into groups called by men's names - (1Cor.1:13) (1Cor.3:1-4). For religious people to do this is carnal (fleshly) and not spiritual. To divide up God's people like this is sinful (1Cor.3:16,17).
B. (Jn 17:20-21) Vs 20 Jesus prayed for all believers of all ages. Vs 21 This is what He prayed for them to be - one as He and the Father are one. Today we have hundreds of religious bodies with different names and teachings - Is this how Jesus and the father are one? Denominationalism clearly contradicts this prayer of Jesus.
C. (Eph.4:1-6) God's plan is for oneness. Vs. 4 one body (Eph. 1:22,23), Vs 5 Only one faith - not many faiths, only one baptism not many.
D. Only way for unity among believers is that we are all led only by one standard - The New Testament.
E. (Psalms 133:1) Unity is God's way and the pleasant way.
2. DESCRIPTIONS OF GOD'S PEOPLE
A. Note how God describes His church: (1Cor.1:2) church of God, (Eph.1:22,23) the body of Christ, (Rom. 16:16) the churches of Christ, (Rom.7:4) the bride of Christ, (Acts 8:1) the church, (Heb. 12:23) church of the firstborn. These are not different churches, but rather but descriptive phrases of the one church on earth. These are not proper names, but rather descriptions of the church - churches of Christ simply means the congregations that belong to Christ. Notice these are not modern denominational names that glorify a man or a church practice. Why not call God's people what God called them?
B. God describes His people as His church: (Acts 11:26) Disciples - learner, Christians, (Gal. 6:1) Brethren, (1Peter 2:9) Priest, Saints, (Gal.3:26,27) children. Notice these are not modern denominational names that separate believers from one another.
3. ORGANIZATION OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
A. (Eph. 1:22,23,23) Christ is the only head, (Mt. 28:18) in heaven and earth - so headquarters are in heaven where the head is.
B. Scripturally organized elders oversee a congregation. The qualifications for elders can be seen in (1Tim. 3) (Titus 2).
C. Deacons serve (Phil. 1:1). See the qualifications for deacons in (1Tim. 3).
D. Evangelist preach the word and teachers teach the word (2Tim.4:1-5) (Jas.3:1).
4. WORSHIP OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
A. (Jn 4:24; 17:17) - Must worship according to the truth.
B. (Heb.10:25) Frequent assembling,(1Cor.11:23-29) frequent partaking of the Lord's Supper. How frequent? (Acts 20:7) (1Cor.16:2) - The first day of the week is how frequent - also contribution.
C. (1Cor.14:15) (Col. 3:16) (Eph.5:19) Only singing as music in assembly as well as prayer.
E. (Acts 20:7) Teaching and preaching God's word in assembly.
5. CREED OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
A. (2Tim.3:16-17) (2Peter 1:3) - No human creeds.
B. (Acts2:42) (Rev.22:18-19) The only creed is God's word (the bible) (Mt.15:9) (Gal.1:8-9).
6. BECOMING A MEMBER OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
A. (Acts 2:36-38) The conditions of pardon.
B. (Acts 2:41) Indicates belief and acceptance.
C. (Acts 2:47) The Lord added to the church when they were saved - by obeying (Acts 2:38).
D. Membership requirements - religious groups which require more or less is not following the pattern.
CONCLUSION:
1. How can we identify the Lord's church today?
2. Certain identifying marks can be found in the New Testament. If we follow this pattern then we will have the same church today. Similar to following a pattern for a dress.
3. This pattern is without flaw. When it is followed it is not a new church but the original church of Jesus Christ.
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***
BIBLE BAPTISM
INTRODUCTION:
1. The Bible says "one baptism" (Eph. 4:5).
2. There are many baptisms being taught today. (spiritual / physical) (sprinkling / pouring)
3. Which is the "one baptism" of the Bible? (Acts 8:5,12,13,26-40 ; 16:30-34 ; 22:16)
1. WHAT IS BAPTISM?
A. Baptism (in water) is a command of Jesus.
B. Baptism (in water) is commanded of inspired men in (Acts 10:48).
2. WHAT DOES BAPTISM REQUIRE?
A. "Water" (Acts 8:38).
B. "Much Water" according to (Jn 3:23) (Acts 8:38).
C. Baptism is a burial and resurrection in water according to (Acts 8:38) (Mt. 3:16).
D. Baptism is a picture of Christ's death burial and resurrection.
All of these requirements can only be met by immersion in water.
3. WHAT IS BAPTISM FOR?
A. To be saved (1Peter 3:20,21) (Mark 16:16).
B. To have sins forgiven (Acts 2:38 ; 22:16).
C. To have sins washed away (Acts 22:16).
D. To put on Christ (Gal.3:27).
E. To get into Christ (Rom. 6:3-6) (Gal. 3:27).
F. Place one into His Body (His Church) (1Cor.12:13) (Acts 2:38,47).
4. WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED?
A. Must be able to believe (Mark 16:16) (Acts 8:5,12).
B. Must be able to learn truth (Mt. 28:18-20) (Jn 6:44,45).
C. Must be able to repent (Acts 2:38) (Acts 17:30) (Luke 13:3).
CONCLUSION:
1. God's grace saves us through faith (Eph.2:8,9).
2. Baptism is the point in our faith when the blood of Jesus washes our sins away according to (Eph. 1:7) (Rev. 1:5) (Acts 2:38 ; 22:16)
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Lesson #1
INTRODUCTION
1. We must decide who will have final authority.
2. Who will have the final say in religion? (you, me,a church,a council)
3. Let's see what the bible says.
1. JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY.
A. (ALL) power or authority both in heaven and on earth. (Mt.28:18-20)
B. Moses and Elijah were present - Moses gave the OT Law. (Mt. 17:1-5)
C. Whatever he says do it (good advise). He has (all authority). (Jn 2:1-5)
D. God speaks through his son (Jesus). (Heb. 1:1-2)
E. When He speaks we must listen. (Heb. 2:1)
F. Jesus is the HEAD over ALL THINGS (Eph.1:22,23)
2. JESUS RECEIVED WORDS FROM GOD / HE GAVE THOSE WORDS TO THE APOSTLES.
A. Jesus prayed for his apostles. (Jn 17:8)
B. God helped their memories (the last supper with the apostles). (Jn 14:26)
C. Apostles were taught ALL TRUTH by the Holy Spirit. (Jn 16:12,13)
D. But Jesus and his apostles are not physically here today. So---
3. WHERE IS RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY TODAY?
A. What the apostles wrote were the commandments of the Lord (1Cor.14:37)
B. The WORD was from Jesus (Gal.1:11,12) (Jn 17:8)
C. The scriptures are from God and are authoritative and final. (2Tim.3:14-17)
D. The scriptures are Gods word - Gods say in ALL matters. (2Peter 1:20,21)
4. THESE CONCLUSIONS MUST FOLLOW
A. Nothing else must be believed (Gal.1:8-9)
B. We are complete with the scriptures (2Tim.3:14-17). No church manuals (creed books) are needed (Rev.22:18,19). Any addition or subtraction is forbidden. (Mt. 15:9)
C. We must worship according to Gods word. (Jn 4:24) (Jn 17:17)
D. Only Gods word can free us from sin. (Jn 8:32) (Rom. 6:16-18)
E. We will be judged by the scriptures. (Jn 12:48)
CONCLUSION
1. All religious authority is found in the bible.
2. Whatever is in the bible is bound upon us.
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***
Which Law Are We Under?
Lesson #2
INTRODUCTION
1. There are two natural divisions of the Bible.
The Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books).
2. Which law are we under today?
A. The Old Testament or the New Testament?
B. Or part of the New Testament and part of the Old Testament?
FIRST NOTE (EXODUS 34:27)
1. God made a covenant with Israel (not with Gentiles). (Ex.34:27)
2. This OT Covenant was called the 10 commandments. (Ex.34:28)
3. This OT Covenant (10 commandments) was made when Israel left Egypt. (1Kings 8:9)
4. Even in the OT there is a promise of a New Covenant that would be DIFFERENT from the OT (10 commandments).(Jer.31:31-34)
5. A Better Covenant (Heb.8:6-9)
A. For finding fault with them (the people).
There was no problem with the OT Law.
The OT Law was to lead men to Christ. (Gal.3:24,25)
B.The purpose of the OT Law was to show how terrible sin is and to show they needed to look for Gods remedy for sin.
In (Jer.31:31-34) God is pointing to the NT covenant which was to be established in (Acts 2) and this NT Covenant would have a provision for sin. This is a big difference in the OT Law and the NT Law.
Obedience is required under both OT and NT laws according to (Gen.6:8,22)(Heb.5;9).
6. FURTHER PROOF
A. Jesus gives a New Covenant. (Heb. 9:15-17)
B. Sacrifices under the OT Law could not completely take care of sin. (Heb. 10:4)
C. The Priesthood changed and the Law changed. (Heb.7:12)
D. God speaks through His Son - He has a better covenant - We must listen to Jesus. (Heb.1:1-3 ; 2:1)
E. Before faith came men were under the OT Law - the OT Law (10 commandments) was a schoolmaster to bring men to Christ - after faith came men were no longer under the OT Law (10 commandments).(Gal. 3:24,25)
F. Men are dead to the OT Law and married to Christ under the NT Law. (Rom. 7:1-4)
G. Christ is the end of the OT Law. (Rom. 10:1-4)
H. (Col.2:14-17) (2Cor.3)(Eph.2:14-17)
CONCLUSION
1. We learn from the things in the OT Law but we are not under the 10 commandments (Rom. 15:4) (1Cor.10:11)
2. Today men are under law to Jesus (Mt.28:18-20). The New Covenant is sealed in His blood (Mt. 26:28)
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***
NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH #1
Lesson #3
INTRODUCTION
1. The manner in which many use the word "CHURCH" is not the way the bible uses the word. Today many people use the word "CHURCH" to refer to a physical building.
2. Phebe was a servant of the church. (Rom.16:1). She served people not a building. In (vs 5) were they told to greet a building? No,they greeted people not a building. Paul said, greet the church that is in their house. - was a building in their house?
3. In (Acts 8) the "CHURCH" was being persecuted. Individuals are persecuted not buildings. In (Acts 5:11) fear came upon the church. Was a building fearful? No,of course not. The people were fearful. Notice also (Acts 11:26 ; 14;27 ; 20:28)
4. "CHURCH" in the New Testament refers to individuals that make up the church. It does not refer to a physical building. The word "CHURCH" means "those called out". Those called out of the world to serve God.
#1. IS THE CHURCH IMPORTANT?
A. Many claim one can go to heaven without being a member of any religious group. If that is true then that religious group is not very important.
B. What does the bible say? Let us allow God to tell us if the church is important or not.
(Eph. 5:23-29)
23. Christ is the head of the church. Would He be the head of something which is not important?
23. Christ is the Saviour of the body. (Eph.1:22,23) says the church is the body. So Christ is the head of the church. A Saviour is one who saves. Here Christ promises to save the church. The church does not save,the church is the saved.
24.The church is subject to Christ. Not the creeds and church manuals of men.
25. Christ loved the church enough to die for it. Did He die for something which is not important?
26. Christ died for the church to sanctify (set apart from the world) and cleanse it. The church is sanctified and cleansed by Christ.
27. Christ terms it a glorious church.
29. Christ nourishes and cherishes the church.
C. (Eph.1:22,23) In the church is found the fullness of Christ.
D. (Eph.2:16) Here Jews and Gentiles are discussed. Christ plan is to reconcile (bring back) to God both (Jew and Gentile) in one body (church - Eph. 1:22,23) by the cross. People are not brought back to God apart from the body (the church).
E. (Eph.4:4) One Body (church - Eph.1:22,23)
#2. PROMISE TO ESTABLISH THE CHURCH
A. (Mt.16:13-18)
13. Jesus asked disciples who people said He was. 14. Various answers were given like today. 15. He then asks His disciples who they thought He was. 16. Peter confesses Him as the Christ. 17. Jesus commended Peter for his answer and explained this knowledge came from God. 18. Then Jesus made a beautiful promise - "upon this rock will build my church". But what is the "rock" upon which He would build His church? There are only two possibilities. The "rock" was either Peter or Christ. Which was it? Was (verses 13-17) speaking about Peter's identity? The "rock" upon which Christ's church would be built is the fact He is the Son of God. Peter had just confessed that fact (vs 16). So on this "rock" the church would be built.
B. We are speaking about the very foundation of the church (1Cor. 3:11). The bible says no man can lay a foundation than that which is laid and that foundation is Jesus Christ and not Peter.
C. (Mt.16:18) I will build (future tense). He promised to build it in the future. According to(Mt.14:1-3) John was already dead when Jesus said He would build His church in the future.
#3 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH
A. (Acts 2:36) Here Peter told the Jews of the terrible crime they committed. They crucified their own Saviour.
B. (Acts 2:37) When they realized their crime they asked what could be done.
C. (Acts 2:38) They were told to repent and be baptized for their sins to be forgiven.
D. (Acts 2:41) Those who gladly accepted this message were baptized. (Acts 8:5,12,13,26-40)
E. (Acts 2:47) Those who repented and were baptized were thus saved and added to the church by the Lord.
CONCLUSION
1. We have learned from the Bible the great importance of the Lords church.
2. We have learned Jesus promised to build His church on the fact He is the Son of God.
3. The church of the Lord was established in (Acts 2). When believers repented and were baptized they were added to Christ's Church. (Acts 2:38,47)
4. The same God is in heaven today. When believers obey the same truth they will be added to the same church.
5. How wonderful to be a member of the church purchased with Christ's blood. (Acts 20:28)
Check Out
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***
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH #2
Review:
1. The word "church" does not refer to a physical building in the Bible. It means those called out of the world to live for Christ. (Acts 20:28)
2. The church is so important that it was purchased with Christ's blood (Acts 20:28). He gave Himself for it (Eph.5:25). No one since Jesus' death, is reconciled to God apart from the body - which is the church. (Eph.1:22,23) (Col.1:18,24)
3. Jesus promised to build His church on the fact He is God's Son. (Mt. 16:18)
4. That church was established when believers obeyed the gospel in (Acts 2:36-38,41,47).
INTRODUCTION:
1. In the New Testament we find a beautiful description of Christ's church. If we follow the same description we shall reproduce the same church in our age. If we depart from this description the result will be a man-made institution rather than the Lord's church.
2. Let us notice this description. Then we can apply what we learn to any religious group to find if they are the Lord's church. This is how we identify Christ's church on earth today.
1. IT IS NONDENOMINATIONAL IN NATURE
A. (1Cor.1:10-13) Vs. 10 Note Paul's plea for oneness. Vs. 11-13 In the first century there were no denominations - simply the Lord's church - the denominations of our day came many years later. In these verses are the closest thing to denominationalism. The church in Corinth had divided up into groups - each group calling itself by some name - Paul, Apollos, etc. Note what Paul said about this condition of dividing up into groups called by men's names - (1Cor.1:13) (1Cor.3:1-4). For religious people to do this is carnal (fleshly) and not spiritual. To divide up God's people like this is sinful (1Cor.3:16,17).
B. (Jn 17:20-21) Vs 20 Jesus prayed for all believers of all ages. Vs 21 This is what He prayed for them to be - one as He and the Father are one. Today we have hundreds of religious bodies with different names and teachings - Is this how Jesus and the father are one? Denominationalism clearly contradicts this prayer of Jesus.
C. (Eph.4:1-6) God's plan is for oneness. Vs. 4 one body (Eph. 1:22,23), Vs 5 Only one faith - not many faiths, only one baptism not many.
D. Only way for unity among believers is that we are all led only by one standard - The New Testament.
E. (Psalms 133:1) Unity is God's way and the pleasant way.
2. DESCRIPTIONS OF GOD'S PEOPLE
A. Note how God describes His church: (1Cor.1:2) church of God, (Eph.1:22,23) the body of Christ, (Rom. 16:16) the churches of Christ, (Rom.7:4) the bride of Christ, (Acts 8:1) the church, (Heb. 12:23) church of the firstborn. These are not different churches, but rather but descriptive phrases of the one church on earth. These are not proper names, but rather descriptions of the church - churches of Christ simply means the congregations that belong to Christ. Notice these are not modern denominational names that glorify a man or a church practice. Why not call God's people what God called them?
B. God describes His people as His church: (Acts 11:26) Disciples - learner, Christians, (Gal. 6:1) Brethren, (1Peter 2:9) Priest, Saints, (Gal.3:26,27) children. Notice these are not modern denominational names that separate believers from one another.
3. ORGANIZATION OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
A. (Eph. 1:22,23,23) Christ is the only head, (Mt. 28:18) in heaven and earth - so headquarters are in heaven where the head is.
B. Scripturally organized elders oversee a congregation. The qualifications for elders can be seen in (1Tim. 3) (Titus 2).
C. Deacons serve (Phil. 1:1). See the qualifications for deacons in (1Tim. 3).
D. Evangelist preach the word and teachers teach the word (2Tim.4:1-5) (Jas.3:1).
4. WORSHIP OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
A. (Jn 4:24; 17:17) - Must worship according to the truth.
B. (Heb.10:25) Frequent assembling,(1Cor.11:23-29) frequent partaking of the Lord's Supper. How frequent? (Acts 20:7) (1Cor.16:2) - The first day of the week is how frequent - also contribution.
C. (1Cor.14:15) (Col. 3:16) (Eph.5:19) Only singing as music in assembly as well as prayer.
E. (Acts 20:7) Teaching and preaching God's word in assembly.
5. CREED OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
A. (2Tim.3:16-17) (2Peter 1:3) - No human creeds.
B. (Acts2:42) (Rev.22:18-19) The only creed is God's word (the bible) (Mt.15:9) (Gal.1:8-9).
6. BECOMING A MEMBER OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
A. (Acts 2:36-38) The conditions of pardon.
B. (Acts 2:41) Indicates belief and acceptance.
C. (Acts 2:47) The Lord added to the church when they were saved - by obeying (Acts 2:38).
D. Membership requirements - religious groups which require more or less is not following the pattern.
CONCLUSION:
1. How can we identify the Lord's church today?
2. Certain identifying marks can be found in the New Testament. If we follow this pattern then we will have the same church today. Similar to following a pattern for a dress.
3. This pattern is without flaw. When it is followed it is not a new church but the original church of Jesus Christ.
Read more here.
http://missionprinting.us/pub.html
***
BIBLE BAPTISM
INTRODUCTION:
1. The Bible says "one baptism" (Eph. 4:5).
2. There are many baptisms being taught today. (spiritual / physical) (sprinkling / pouring)
3. Which is the "one baptism" of the Bible? (Acts 8:5,12,13,26-40 ; 16:30-34 ; 22:16)
1. WHAT IS BAPTISM?
A. Baptism (in water) is a command of Jesus.
B. Baptism (in water) is commanded of inspired men in (Acts 10:48).
2. WHAT DOES BAPTISM REQUIRE?
A. "Water" (Acts 8:38).
B. "Much Water" according to (Jn 3:23) (Acts 8:38).
C. Baptism is a burial and resurrection in water according to (Acts 8:38) (Mt. 3:16).
D. Baptism is a picture of Christ's death burial and resurrection.
All of these requirements can only be met by immersion in water.
3. WHAT IS BAPTISM FOR?
A. To be saved (1Peter 3:20,21) (Mark 16:16).
B. To have sins forgiven (Acts 2:38 ; 22:16).
C. To have sins washed away (Acts 22:16).
D. To put on Christ (Gal.3:27).
E. To get into Christ (Rom. 6:3-6) (Gal. 3:27).
F. Place one into His Body (His Church) (1Cor.12:13) (Acts 2:38,47).
4. WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED?
A. Must be able to believe (Mark 16:16) (Acts 8:5,12).
B. Must be able to learn truth (Mt. 28:18-20) (Jn 6:44,45).
C. Must be able to repent (Acts 2:38) (Acts 17:30) (Luke 13:3).
CONCLUSION:
1. God's grace saves us through faith (Eph.2:8,9).
2. Baptism is the point in our faith when the blood of Jesus washes our sins away according to (Eph. 1:7) (Rev. 1:5) (Acts 2:38 ; 22:16)
READ MORE HERE
http://missionprinting.us/pub.html
Total Comments 1
Comments
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Before one can be baptized according to the will of God one must UNDERSTAND the plan of God (Acts 2:38,47 ; 8:5,12,13,26-40 ; 16:30-34 ; 22:16).
The eunuch had to UNDERSTAND truth before he could obey the gospel. Notice (Acts 8:26-40).
Ye shall KNOW the truth... (Jn 8:31,32)
Obeying truth frees one from sin. (Rom. 6:16-18).
TRUE or FALSEPosted 01-10-2021 at 07:13 PM by Nova2216
Updated 08-09-2021 at 05:31 AM by Nova2216
