Church of Christ. Founded on the Day of Pentecost

Church of Christ Founded on the Day of Pentecost

Church Founded 33 AD And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Mat 16:18 There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called Eph 4:4 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Col 1:18 The record of the past 19 centuries reveals these facts concerning the establishment of prominent religious bodies:

The Church - Its Founder Christ He is the Purchaser Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Act 20:28 He is the Builder And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Mat 16:18

The Church - Its Founder Christ He is the Head and Savior For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Eph 5:23 He is the Law Giver Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Act 2:36 Did Jesus Christ Establish Your Church?

The Church - Its Foundation The Son of God This Rock The Christ of God And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Mat 16:18 The Laid Foundation For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Co 3:11

The Church - Its Foundation The Son of God The Tried Foundation So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. Isa 28:16 The Aposolic Foundation built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Eph 2:20 Is Christ or man the Foundation of your Church?

The Church - Its Origin A.D. 33 IN Jerusalem After hades tried but failed to hold its builder : And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Mat 16:18 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. Act 2:31 While Apostles lived : And he said to them, I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power. Mar 9:1

The Church - Its Origin A.D. 33 IN Jerusalem When Holy Spirit and power came: Mar 9:1 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Act 1:8 While Apostles lived : And he said to them, I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power. Mar 9:1 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Act 2:1-4

The Church - Its Origin A.D. 33 IN Jerusalem When the word of the Lord went forth from Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Isa 2:2-3 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. Luke 24:49 Did Your Church Begin At Jerusalem On Pentecost A.D. 33?

The Church - Its Designations Apostolic Authority

Christ called it: My Church Matt 16:18 My Kingdom so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:30 Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place. John 18:36 The Kingdom of heaven I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19 The Kingdom of God Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit John 3:5 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in. the kingdom of God.Luke 22:16 Apostle called it: Church And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:18 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, Ephesians 1:22 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 3:10

Apostle called it: Church 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church 30 for we are members of his body. 31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 32 This is a profound mystery but I am talking about Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:23-32 The Church of The Lord Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28 The Church of God To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ their Lord and ours: 1 Corinthians 1:2 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. Gal 1:13 Churches of Christ Greet one another with a holy kiss.all the churches of Christ send greetings. Romans 16:16

Apostle called it: The Household of God if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth 1 Timothy 3:15 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God s people and members of God s household, Ephesians 2:19 Kingdom of God They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Acts 28:23 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 28:31 Kingdom of God s Dear Son For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Colossians 1:13. KJV A Kingdom which cannot be shaken Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28

The Church - Its Membership Persons Who:

Persons Who: Hear the word of the gospel Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Rom 10:17 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. Act 18:8 Believe the gospel Act 18:8 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ their Lord and ours: 1Co 1:2 Repents of their sins Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act 2:38 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Act 2:47 Confess the Christ And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Act 8:37 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Rom 10:10

Persons Who: Are Baptized: Buried - We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Rom 6:4 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Col 2:12 In Water- And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Act 8:36-39 47 Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Act 10:47-48 To wash away sins- And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. Act 22:16

Persons Who: For remission of sins- Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Act 2:38 KJV To be Savedand this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1Pe 3:21 Into Christfor all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Gal 3:27 Into one body, the church- For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1Co 12:13

The Church -Its Worship In Spirit and In Truth Communion: Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 1Co 10:16 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. Act 20:7

Communion: When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 1Co 11:20-30 Singing: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, Eph 5:18-19 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Col 3:16 Praying: They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Act 2:42 pray continually; 1Th 5:17 Brothers, pray for us. 1Th 5:25

Giving: Now about the collection for God s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 1Co 16:1-2 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2Co 9:6-7 Teaching: if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1Ti 3:15 They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Act 2:42

The Church -Its Works Saving Souls Preaching the gospel The Lord s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 1Th 1:8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 2Co 11:8 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Phi 4:14-18 Providing for its poor There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Act 4:34-35

The Church -Its Works Saving Souls Providing for its poor There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Act 4:34-35 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Act 6:1-7

The Church -Its Works Saving Souls Providing for its poor If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need. 1Ti 5:16 Edifying itself It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Eph 4:11-16

The Church -Its Doctrine The New Testament Christ is the Lawgiver But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men. (What does he ascended mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Eph 4:7-16 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Eph 5:24

The Church -Its Doctrine The New Testament The Holy Spirit is the Revealer This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 1Co 2:13 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles Surely you have heard about the administration of God s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Eph 3:1-6 The Apostles teaching is its manual They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Act 2:42 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Eph 2:20

The Church -Its Organization Congregational Organically Independent of every other local church self-governing under Christ the heavenly bishop Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Act 14:23 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1Pe 5:4 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1Pe 2:25 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Phi 1:1 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. Act 20:17 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Act 20:28

The Church -Its Organization Congregational With bishops, elders, pastors, presbyters who feed, tend, oversee and rule the flock among them From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. Act 20:17 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Act 20:28 Be shepherds of God s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away 1Pe 5:2-4 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil s trap. 1Ti 3:1-7 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Heb 13:17

The Church -Its Organization Congregational With deacons to serve Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 1Ti 3:8-13 With members who minister in word and deed (so much for television ministry) while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it 1Co 12:24-27

The Church -Its Message The Gospel Facts to believe: Death of Christ Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 1Co 15:1-3 Burial and Resurrection of Christ and its evidence that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God 1Co 15:4-9

The Church -Its Message The Gospel Commands to obey: Believe in Christ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mar 16:16 They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household. Act 16:31 Repent of sin For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead. Act 17:31 Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act 2:38 Be Baptized Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mar 16:16 Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act 2:38 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. Act 22:16 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1Pe 3:21

The Church -Its Message The Gospel Promises to enjoy: Remission of sins Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act 2:38 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Act 3:19 Gift of Holy Spirit Act 2:38 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. Act 5:32 Eternal Life Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Rev 2:10 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Rev 22:14

The Church -Its Universality All Nations The comimission of its heralds is world wide: Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Mat 28:18-20 Its scope involves every race, color and tongue He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; Mar 16:15-17 Its invitation is to all The Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Rev 22:17 Its duration is age lasting But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1Co 15:23-26 Its fellowship is for obedient But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1Jo 1:7 Its benefits are eternal Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2Pe 1:10-11 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Rev 22:2

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