1. New Testament Christianity By “New Testament Christianity” we are referring to the process whereby one becomes a Christian and to the religion of Christ in General. “Christian” occurs three times in the N.T. – Acts 11:26, “the disciples were called Christians.. cf. Isaiah 62:1-2. – Acts 26:28, “almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” – I Peter 4:16, “If any man suffer as a Christian..”

2. “New Testament Christianity” Involves a Savior! Christ is Savior! Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10. A Savior Who is able to save, John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1-3; 7:25. A Savior Who is Willing to save, Matt. 11:28-30; 23:37. A Savior who is Qualified to Save. Because: – Of Who He is, John 3:16. – Where He is, Acts 2:30-33; Hebrews 8:1; I Peter 3:22. – What He did, I Pet. 2:21-22; Heb. 2:9; Rom. 3:23-26. – What He is doing, Hebrews 7:25; I John 2:1. – What He will do, Acts 17:30-31. Question: Can we eliminate Christ and still have New Testament Christianity?

3. “New Testament Christianity” Involves A Guide Book! The term “New Testament Christianity” might be contrasted with “Old Testament Judaism.” Our Savior Guides us through His New Testament, Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 9:15-17. We are not under Old Testament Law. – It has served its purpose, Galatians 3:24-25. – It has been fulfilled, Matthew 5:17-18. – It has been blotted out, Colossians 2:14. – To go back under it is to fall from grace, Gal. 5:4! Question: Can we eliminate the New Testament and still have New Testament Christianity?

4. “New Testament Christianity” Involves A Plan! Our Savior, Who Guides us through the New Testament has revealed a plan of action whereby we can be saved! This Involves a Three-fold change: – A change of heart, wrought by faith, Acts 15:9. – A change of life, produced by repentance, Acts 11:18; Matthew 3:7-8. Note also Romans 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:10. – A change of relationship produced by baptism, Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4. Note also 2 Tim. 2:10. Question: Can we eliminate the plan and still have New Testament Christianity?

5. “New Testament Christianity” Involves a (the) Church! Our Savior, Who guides us through the N.T. built His Church to which the saved belong! The Church described in the New Testament: – Is a part of God’s eternal plan, Eph. 3:3-6, 10-11. – Was built by Jesus Christ, Matthew 16:18. – Was purchased by Christ, Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25. – Has Jesus as its Head, Ephesians 1:22-23. – Constitutes “the saved,” Acts 2:47. – Constitutes the called out, 2 Thess. 1:1; 2:14. – Is the body of which Jesus is “the Savior,” Ephesians 5:23. Question: If we eliminate the church described in the New Testament, do we still have New Testament Christianity?

6. “New Testament Christianity” involves a Life! Of Faithful Service! – With regards to worship, Acts 2:42. – With regards to the local church. Its Worship. Its Work. Its Purity. Its Unity. Of Godly Living! Rom. 6:4; Titus 2:11-12; I Peter 4:15-16. Question: If we eliminate the “Life,” do we still have New Testament Christianity?

7. Conclusion: Illus. Suppose you go to a restaurant and order a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. However they substitute crackers for the bread, cabbage leaves for the lettuce, tuna for the bacon, and avocado for the tomato, did you really get a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich? When we make substitutions in God’s Pattern for “New Testament Christianity,” do we really have New Testament Christianity?? Are You a New Testament Christian??