Articles
The New Testament Church
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Jesus Christ established His church long before anyone ever heard of Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian or Jehovah's Witnesses. Today there are hundreds (thousands) of kinds of churches in existence. Men on men’s teaching founded these churches. Our Lord Himself established the New Testament church almost two thousand years ago.
Jesus promised the New Testament church: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) Acts 2 gives the history of the establishment of the New Testament church. The year that the church was established was 33 AD It is our prayer that you are a member of this same blood bought church!
Jesus established the New Testament church in Jerusalem: The apostles were sent to Jerusalem to wait for power. (Acts 1:4-8) The power came with the coming of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-4) The gospel was first preached in Jerusalem. Three thousand people became Christians that day. The Lord added them to His church. (Acts 2:38-47) It is our prayer that you are a member of this same blood bought church!
The New Testament church that Jesus established is in the world today. The New Testament church exists anywhere people submit entirely and completely to the teachings of the New Testament. People in Corinth heard, believed and were baptized. (Acts 18:8) When this happened there was a New Testament church in Corinth. It is our prayer that you are a member of this same blood bought church!
The New Testament church that Jesus established can be identified. Read what the New Testament says about names, worship, organization, membership and mission of the church. Christians must worship and work exactly as the word of God teaches. Membership in the New Testament church is enjoyed at the moment of becoming a Christian. (1 Corinthians 12:13) Is the church where you have your membership the New Testament church? Check by the New Testament and see. It is our prayer that you are a member of this blood bought church!
The New Testament church is not a denomination. You can be a member of the New Testament church -- you can be just a Christian. The wonderful blessings of heaven should move us to obey the gospel and serve God faithfully. To obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21) After baptism one must serve God faithfully to prepare for the heavenly home.
By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 551, Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA
