The Church of the New Testament
Introduction It is very important that each one of us have the opportunity to analyze the scriptures to come to a biblical conclusion and not a human one. (Acts 17:11) There has been much debate about the Church of Christ. Many versions exist concerning the title and doctrine but Christ invites us to read and examine the scriptures the have the right conviction (John.5:39) Christ clearly indicates that we should analyze each one of the proportions that present itself to us so that we may know if we are in error or if we are being sown false doctrine (Matt. 7:17; Mark 12:28-40) Even though those who don t want to accept the truth may exist, we don t worry because the truth coming from the Son of God was not accepted.(john. 18:19) But we speak with the truth like Christ did with the Jews who admired his doctrine because He spoke with authority, not as the teachers of the law (Mark. 1:22) We say firmly like Christ did when He said: [John. 7:16-17 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it is of God, or whether I speak of myself.] It is important that each one of us pay attention to what God has revealed to us through His word so that each one of us receives salvation. Keeping in mind what the Apostle Paul revealed to us being inspired by God in Titus 1:16 which say: They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Therefore keeping in mind that it s not the way of man but the way the Lord received it in His word so each of us could be taught through it, (2 Tim. 2:15) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed. (2 John 10). I invite you to search the scriptures to see if what you are being taught is the truth (Acts 17:11). Then let us look for the correct road and let the scriptures instruct us so that we may have the correct knowledge and the perfect way just like Christ (John 14:6) Remembering what the Apostle Paul tells us in Titus 3:8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Church of Christ Who is God? Grace Eph. 2:8 What does He want me to do? Obedience (John. 14:15) Ek / klesia (114 times) Christians (3 times) Out of / a calling The church was on Gods mind since before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:3-4; Titus 1:2 y 1 Pet. 1:18-20). Therefore it was not a plan B like the world says. Called out from what? The answer is as simple as analyzing the scriptures like 1. Colossians 1:13: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 2. John 3:20-21: For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God. 3. Ephesians 5:6-12: The purpose of the church is to not let us be deceived by the works of darkness, but rather reprimand them. What does God what tell us with mentioning the word Christian 3 times in the bible and what s his purpose? Let us note what the scriptures show us with these 3 times. 1. Acts 11:26: God is teaching Unity between Him and us. His purpose is to maintain ourselves united with him (Eph. 2:11-22; 1 Cor. 1:10). 2. Acts 26:28: Recognized by God and man. His purpose is for Him to reflect in us. (2 Tim. 2:19; Eph. 5:1). 3. 1 Pet. 4:16: Suffer for Christ. His purpose is for us to live firmly in His word. (Phil. 2:5-11; 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:12).
In conclusion it s important to understand that it s simply not a Title for the church, but a way of life. Those who have the nerve to add to it or take away from the name of the Church of God, are violating what is written in (Deut.4:12; Prov.30:6; and Rev.22:18-20). It s important that we do not let our knowledge interfere with Gods plans but better yet, let the true knowledge of God give us growth and maturity in His word. (1 Cor. 1:20-25). We need to understand in our hearts that the Church was planned by God (Eph.1:3-4). Christ was the one who bought it with His blood (Acts 20:28) and the Holy Spirit confirmed it written it (2 Tim.3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21) Part #2 The Church of the New Testament is greatly debated by humanity and it is sad to see that man have wisdom to understand the writing (Eph. 3:4). I hope in God that you do not have this mentality, bit on the contrary be with your heart prepared to inquirer the law of God and to do and teach its statues and decree just like the prophet Ezra in chapter 7 verse 10. With this in mind let us look at some evidence that God formed us throughout history for our teaching (Ro. 15:4) We will be analyzing a time line so that each one of us may have our faith founded on scriptures and not on man. (Jn. 5:39-40) This is the only way we will have an opportunity to build on the foundation that has already been established by God. (1Cor. 3:10-15; Eph.2:20) Mind of God (Eph. 1:3-4; Titus 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:18-20) Gn. 3:15 Promise Is. 2:1-4 The Word will come of Jerusalem Jer. 31:31-35 Heart and Mind Mal. 3:1 Prepare the way. Matt. 1:23 Christ is born. Gn. 49:10 Shiloh Is. 7:14 A Virgin shall give birth to the Messiah Gal. 4:4 the fulfillment of time. Dan. 2:44 Kingdom of Promise Mic. 5:2 Born in Bethlehem Luke. 1:34-35; 2:4, 10-11, 52 conformations
Part #3 A time line like this helps us to understand the full purpose of God and how each one of us should pay close attention to the message. These Biblical verses declare the truth to us. It s important to remember what God established through Moses in Dt. 29:29. Then the prophecy pertaining to the Messiah; in which states that He will come to this world to establish His kingdom, it is proof true in these verses. Now we will analyze another time line in which we establish the foundation of the Church of the New Testament. It s necessary to remember that each one of us has the right to search the scriptures to see if these things are true (Acts 17:11). With this in mind let s see the following time line. Mark 1:15 Announcing the Kingdom. John. 6:15 Not an earthly kingdom. John. 7:16-18 the doctrine is of God. Acts. 2 Establishing the kingdom / Church 33 a.c. Heb. 12:25-29 What God has established no one can take away and no one can go against what is established. Mark 9:1 Promise of establishing a Kingdom. Matt. 16:18 Church of Christ. Luke 24:25-27 His death is the promise. Growth of the Church of Christ: Acts. 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 8:12; 9:32; 11:21, 24; 12:24; 14:1; 16:5; 19:20. Rev. 1:9 Tribulations in the Kingdom / Church
Part #4 Now we have established the foundation of the church of the New Testament and found out that is the Church of Christ. The name is very important and we should not decide to change it for another and we see that it wasn t established from the morning to the afternoon but took time and preparation (Ro. 15:4) Now let s take a look at two terms very important for everyone of us at this moment. 1. What the Church is not / outrageous concepts on the Church: a. A denomination: is a group of people who are dominating something or rules of the Word of God. b. A sect: a group of people who get together to vote on the establishment of a commandment. c. A building or temple: The Church is not the building. d. A social organization: A group of people who get together to have a good time with friends. e. A political organization: A group of people that want to be the boss in the church. f. A protestant church: A group of people who argue or debate the Scriptures. g. A judicial church: A group of people who are waiting for a physical kingdom. h. A plan B from God: a group of people who were founded on error from God. 2. What the Church is / correct concepts about the Church: a. Are called out of this world to serve God (Col. 1:13-14) b. The body of Christ (Eph.1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23; Col.1:18) c. Property of Christ (Matt. 16:18, Acts 20:28, Eph.5:23) d. The Kingdom of God (Matt. 16:19; John. 18:36; Acts 8:12) e. The Family of God (Eph. 2:19) f. The Temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16-17) g. The Wife of God (2 Cor. 11:2) h. The House of God (1 Tim. 3:15) i. The Lords Church (Acts 20:28) j. A Holy Nation (1 Pet. 2:9) k. The Path of God (John. 14:6; Acts 9:2) Each one of us here needs to understand the just because we have found all these names to identify the New Testament Church doesn t mean that we can use them. Understand that the manes were used to help understand that they were more than just followers of Christ. We today clearly understand that the only name that we should use to identify the Church of the New Testament is Church of Christ because He is the head and we its parts. The word of
declares that something pertains to something else. In this case the Church pertains to Christ (Ro 16:16) Part #5 We see the Church is unique and distinct because: Origin (Eph. 1:3-4) o Not one denomination or sect was on Gods mind. (Ps.127:1; Matt. 15:13-14) Establishment (Acts 2) Church of Christ (33 a.c.) o The denominations and sects were established in: Catholic (606 a.c.) Romans Lutheran (1530 a.c.) Martin Luther Anglican / Episcopal (1536 a.c.) Henry VIII Presbyterian (1536 a.c.) John Calvin Baptist (1550 a.c.) John Smyth Methodist (1738 a.c.) John Wesley Mormon (1830 a.c.) Joseph Smith Jr. Seventh Day Adventist (1884 a.c.) William Miller Jehovah Witness (1884 a.c.) Charles Taze Russell Pentecostal Movement (1899 a.c.) By His owner (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; Col. 1:18) Description (Rom. 16:16) Worship: o Spirit and in Truth (Jer. 31:31-34; John.4:24; Acts 8:8-12; 1 Pet. 2:9) Spirit: Our hearts = faith = Correct attitude Truth: Our knowledge = Correct action We should have a balance in all the things that we do for our Celestial Father. o Prayer: 1Thess. 5:17 Pray without ceasing. Only to God: Matt. 6:7-13; John 14:13; Eph. 5:20 o Hymns: James 5:13 Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms Eph.5:17-20; Col. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 14:15; Heb.13:15 without instruments. o The Lords Supper. Matt.26:26-28; Teaching through Christ 1 Cor. 11:23-26 the commandment for the congregation. o Offering: Mark 12:41-44 Teaching through Christ 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7 the commandment for the congregation. o Preaching: Mark 1:14-15, 22 Teaching through Christ Matt.28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16 the commandment for the congregation.
Eternal Destination: o Heaven (John. 14:1-3; Phil. 3:20; 2 Cor. 5:1) Organization: o Christ is the Head (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23; col. 1:18). o Elders, Bishops and Pastors (Acts 14:23; Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). o Deacons (Acts 6; 1 Tim. 3:7-13) o Evangelist, Ministers and Preachers (Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:1-5). o Men of the Congregation (2Tim. 2:15; Titus 2:1; 1 Pet. 3:15; 4:11). Conclusion: We have analyzed the New Testament Church and it is necessary that each one of us search the scriptures to see if these things are true according to God (Acts 7:1). Remember that everything we do whether is by word or in good deeds, has to be under the authority that God has given to us (Col. 3:17). We should always look to do the will of God and not ours. (John 5:30). Remembering that in the end we are unprofitable servants; we have done what was our duty to do (Luke 17:10) Bibliography Concordancia Exhaustiva de las Sagradas Escrituras; Versión Reina Valera1960; Thomas Nelson; Editorial Caribe; 1978. Gran Diccionario Enciclopédico Salvat ilustrado en color; Salvat Editores, S.A.; Francesc Navarro; 1997. Santa Biblia, Reina Valera 1960, Edición bilingüe, Holman Bible Publisher, 1988. E-Sword of the Lord with an electronic edge, commentaries and Bibles. Iglesia del Nuevo Testamento, Willie Alvarenga, 2008; Bedford editorial.