I. INTRODUCTION
A.Matthew 16:13-19
B.The passage of scripture listed above introduces the greatest concept in religion: the New Testament church. It is common knowledge that the religion of Christ is built around the church. The church was foretold in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. It is specifically mentioned over 100 times in the New Testament and referred to indirectly hundreds and hundreds of times more. In this lesson we will study about this important subject.
II. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS ESTABLISHED BY CHRIST.
A.Jesus was the builder and founder of the church.
1.It was built by Christ. (Matthew 16:18).
2.It was founded by Christ. (I Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:20).
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3.Christ is its head. (Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:22-23, Colossians 1:18).
B.This differs significantly when compared to denominationalism. For example, the Presbyterian and Lutheran churches were started by John Calvin and Martin Luther respectively 15 centuries after Christ established His church. John smith started the Baptist churches sixteen hundred years after Christ. John Wesley started the Methodist church 17 centuries later than Christ. The Mormons were started by Joseph Smith 18 centuries after Christ. The Pentecostals came allmost19 centuries after the establishment of the church of Christ.
III. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH BEGAN IN JERUSALEM ON THE FIRST PENTECOST AFTER THE DEATH OF CHRIST.
A.The beginning point of the New Testament church is clearly established in the scriptures. It started in Jerusalem in approximately the year 30 AD 50 days after Jesus was crucified.
1.Luke 24:46-49, Zechariah 14:8-11, John 4:10.
2.Acts 2:1-47.
B.The beginning of denominational churches differs significantly from the New Testament church.
1.Lutheranism started in Germany in 1521.
2.Presbyterianism began in Scotland in 1592.
3.The Baptists started in London in 1607.
4.The Methodist church started in England in 1729.
5.Mormonism was established first in New York in 1830.
6.Pentecostalism began in Topeka, Kansas in 1899
IV. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IS UNIQUE.
A.Christ built one church only.
1.The only church that originated with God was the one built by Jesus. (Matthew 16:18).
2.God is the shepherd of one flock or church. (John 10:16).
3.Christ has only one body or church.
a.Ephesians 4:4-6; I Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:4-5
b.Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18, 24.
4.God gathered into one all things. (Ephesians 1:9, 10).
5. Jesus wants His followers to be one.
(John 17:20-21).
B. Denominationalism presents another picture.
1.They teach that all churches are good and proper and approved by God.
2.They teach that there are Christians in all denominations.
3.They teach that membership in the Lord's church is not essential for salvation.
4.They teach that Christ is the head of many bodies, the shepherd of many flocks, the husband of many brides, the builder of many types of churches.
C.Certainly these teachings are in direct conflict with the scriptures and must be rejected by every Bible believer.
(I Corinthians 1: 1O-13).
V. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IS COMPOSED OF ALL SAVED PEOPLE.
A.When a person is "born again"(saved) he is added by God to the church of Christ.
1. Salvation and admittance into the New Testament church occur at the same time. (Acts 2:38, 41, 47).
2.The saved are in the body of Christ, the church.
(Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:18).
B.Denominational churches teach that a person first must be saved and afterwards, if he wishes, he may "join" a church of his choosing.
1.The Bible does not permit anybody to "join" the New Testament church. Instead they are added to it by God. (Acts 2:47).
2.Church membership and salvation occur simultaneously.
VI. CONCLUSION
A.The New Testament church is the greatest, most glorious institution on earth. (Ephesians 5:25-27).
B.God is depending upon those who are in His church to maintain the honor and glory of that kingdom.
(Ephesians 3:20-21).
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