HAVE WE TOTALLY RESTORED NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY?

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1 HAVE WE TOTALLY RESTORED NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY?

2 A REMINDER OF WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW II Peter 1:12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. Jude 1:5 Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. II Peter 3:1 This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the words spoken beforehand.

3 A LOOK AT THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (about one hundred and twenty person were there together) Acts 1:15 So then they who had received His word were immersed and that day there were added about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41 But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of men came to be about five thousand. Acts 4:4 And all the more believes in the Lord, multitudes of men and women were constantly added to their number. Acts 5:14 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, Acts 6:1 And the word of God kept on spreading, and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem and a great number of the priest were becoming obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

4 A LOOK AT THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH Acts 8 The church is spreading to Samaria. Acts 9:31 The church continues to increase. Acts 10 The church is established in Caesarea (Cornelius house) Acts 11 The church is established in Antioch and a considerable number were brought to the Lord. But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied. Acts 12:24 Acts 13 Paul starts the first of four missionary journeys. You see brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law; Acts 21:20

5 WHY DID THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH GROW RAPIDLY? Acts 4:20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 5:28.. we gave you orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching. Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. II Tim. 2:2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. I Tim. 4:11 Prescribe and teach these things. Acts 17:6 "These men who have upset the world have come here also; (. These men have turned the world up side down.)

6 HOW MANY CHRISTIANS IN THE FIRST CENTURY? Estimates: 500,000 2 million 1 million How many people were in the Roman Empire in the first century? Roman Census 181 Million In approximately 36 years the first century church has about (1) one million members.

7 WHY IS THE CHURCH NOT GROWING TODAY LIKE IT DID IN THE FIRST CENTURY? Leviticus 19:18..Love your neighbor as yourself, Quoted in the New Testament Mark 12:31 Matt. 22:39 Matt. 19:19 Romans 13:9 Luke 10:27 Galatians 5:14 James 2:8 If we loved our neighbor as ourselves, would we want to save their souls? Would we take the gospel to them? Will God accept our excuses?

8 THE 21 st CENTURY SUCCESS? In the 1950s, 1960s, early 1970s the churches of Christ were the fastest growing religion in America. Where are we today? 16 th Pew Research Group Why did the church grow rapidly during these years? Personal evangelism like the first century church. Acts 4:20 Love of lost souls. Leviticus 19:18 Leaders of the church were leading the church. I Peter 5:2 Preachers were preaching the Word of God. II Tim. 4:2-4 Religion was important to the American people The church was militant (combative and aggressive) Acts 17:6

9 THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH STAYED ON THE MESSAGE ON THE MISSION ON THE BATTLEFIELD

10 OUR NEW NAME IN CHRIST When a young lady marries, she leaves her old name and adopts the name of her husband. She is called by his name, writes, speaks, transacts business, and honors his name. When we become Christians, we are joined to Christ in spiritual wedlock. (Eph. 5:25-27). We left our old name and took upon ourselves the name of the Lord Jesus. Now, we wear His name, talking and working in His name that is, by His authority and for His glory. We proclaim the Word. "And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16).

11 HAVE WE SINNED BY NOT TEACHING GOD S WORD AS WE SHOULD? James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. I Peter 4:18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTOUS IS SAVED WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNERS? Proverbs 11:31 1 Corinthians 9:16-17 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

12 WHAT WERE MY GOALS TODAY IN THIS LESSON? THINK EVALUATE CHANGE