The New Testament Church

“Upon this rock, I will build my church” Jesus said: “Upon this rock, I will build my church” Matt. 16:18 Thus, this is the Lord’s church Since Jesus is Divine – it is a Divine institution

Thus, It is the New Testament Church! Old Testament New Testament Church Promised (Mt. 16:18) Church Built (Act 2:47) Not built upon OT (Mt. 5) Is built upon NT (2 Cor 3) Thus, It is the New Testament Church!

III. Bible (NT) is Her Only Guide IV. Application & Meaning The New Testament Church Review It’s Standard and Discipline I. Jesus is the Only Head II. OT is Not Her Law III. Bible (NT) is Her Only Guide IV. Application & Meaning

I. Origin of the NT Church II. Establishment of the NT Church The New Testament Church Review Origin and Establishment I. Origin of the NT Church II. Establishment of the NT Church Divine in origin – Began in the mind of God Establish in Jerusalem (by Christ) in 33 AD

The New Testament Church Review Its Nature I. The Saved II. The Church III. The Body IV. The Kingdom V. The House VI. The Temple VII. The Bride

The New Testament Church Review Its Organization I. The Term “Church” Used in Two Senses II. Universally – No Organization III. Local Church Organization

The New Testament Church Review Its Work I. Determining the Work II. Scriptural Work III. Unscriptural Work

II. The Manner of Worship III. The Assembly for Worship The New Testament Church Review Its Worship I. The Object of Worship II. The Manner of Worship III. The Assembly for Worship IV. The Day of Worship V. The Items of Worship

The New Testament Church Its Name

Its Name A name is key to identity of any person, place or thing. Name: “ A word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called or known.” What is the name of the New Testament church? Seek to answer these questions: Is a name important? Is one name used to the exclusion of all others? What is wrong with some of the names used by churches today?

I. The Importance of a Name The New Testament Church Its Name I. The Importance of a Name “Names do not matter.” “There is nothing in a name.”

I. The Importance of a Name Your Name? Is it important? Does it matter if we call you by someone else’s name? Can we call you Jezebel? Judas? Would it matter if your wife wears the name of another man?

I. The Importance of a Name Your Name? Can We Call the Church by Any Name? “Church of Rader”? “Church of Satan”?

I. The Importance of a Name Your Name? Can We Call the Church by Any Name? Could We Call One Religious Group by Name of Another? Jew – a Catholic? Catholic – a Buddhist? Presbyterian – a Muslim? Nazarene – a Methodist? Church of God – a Free Will Baptist? Jehovah’s Witness – a Mormon? Free Will Baptist – a Primitive Baptist?

I. The Importance of a Name Your Name? Can We Call the Church by Any Name? Could We Call One Religious Group by Name of Another? Bride of Christ should wear husband’s name (2 Cor. 11:2; Rom. 7:1-4) Do all (including name) by authority (Col. 3:17) Speak as oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11)

I. The Importance of a Name II. Denominational Names The New Testament Church Its Name I. The Importance of a Name II. Denominational Names

II. Denominational Names Reason & Meaning of Names? Many of the modern names came – Reformation Scope of church – “Catholic” (Universal) Man – “Lutheran” (Martin Luther) Form of government – “Presbyterian” / “Episcopal” Practice – “Baptist” (immersion) Belief / Doctrine – “Pentecostal” (Oneness)

II. Denominational Names Reason & Meaning of Names? Divisive / Sectarian Various names – is the idea that God’s people (church as a whole) is divided into denominations

Denominationalism / Sectarianism God’s People (The Saved) Adventist Presb. Catholic Nazarene Ch. Of Christ Ch. Of God Methodist Baptist

Argued that Jesus is talking About Denominations John 15:1-7 1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. Argued that Jesus is talking About Denominations

Argued that Jesus is talking About Denominations John 15:1-7 1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. Argued that Jesus is talking About Denominations

II. Denominational Names Reason & Meaning of Names? Divisive / Sectarian Various names – is the idea that God’s people (church as a whole) is divided into denominations God has a plan for unity (John 17:20-21) Called by different names is divisive (1 Cor. 1:10-ff)

The New Testament Church Its Name I. The Importance of a Name II. Denominational Names III. Scriptural Names - Church

III. Scriptural Names - Church Church of God (1 Cor. 1:2; Acts 20:28) Church of Firstborn (Heb. 12:23) Churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16) Body of Christ (Col. 1:24) House of God (1 Tim. 3:15) The Church (Rom. 16:1; Rev. 2:1, 8; 3:14)

The New Testament Church Its Name I. The Importance of a Name II. Denominational Names III. Scriptural Names - Church IV. Scriptural Names - Individual

IV. Scriptural Names - Individual There is a Difference in the Individual & The Church (1 Tim. 5:16) Body is not one member but many (1 Cor. 12:14) What individual is called – not name of the church (vice versa) Individual cannot say, “I am a church of Christ”

IV. Scriptural Names - Individual There is a Difference in the Individual & The Church (1 Tim. 5:16) What Individuals were Called: Christians (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16) – focus on relationship to Christ Children of God (Gal. 3:26) – focus on relationship to God Disciples (Acts 11:26) – focus on following teaching Saints (1 Cor. 1:1-2) – focus on separation Brethren (Col. 1:2; 1 Cor. 1:10) – focus on relationship to one another

The New Testament Church Its Name I. The Importance of a Name II. Denominational Names III. Scriptural Names - Church IV. Scriptural Names - Individual V. Ashamed of the Name

V. Ashamed of the Name We Should Never be Ashamed of Our Name Not be ashamed of gospel (Rom. 1:16) Not be ashamed of fellow Christians (2 Tim. 1:8) Not be ashamed of name Christian (1 Pet. 4:16) Lord was not ashamed to be call with brethren (Heb. 2:11) God is not ashamed to be called our God (Heb. 11:16)

V. Ashamed of the Name We Should Never be Ashamed of Our Name What Would You Think of Someone Ashamed of Your Name? What if children ashamed to wear your name? What if wife ashamed to wear your name? What if someone introduced you – didn’t use your real or full name?

V. Ashamed of the Name We Should Never be Ashamed of Our Name What Would You Think of Someone Ashamed of Your Name? Some are Ashamed of the Name Some churches – removed the name from sign Some churches – not used name in advertisement Some Christian hesitate to tell where go to church

The New Testament Church Its Name I. The Importance of a Name II. Denominational Names III. Scriptural Names - Church IV. Scriptural Names - Individual V. Ashamed of the Name