Gods word101

Church and Body Same!

2012-01-26T19:46:00.000-08:00

The bible is clear that the church and the body are the same. The church IS the body of Christ and Christ IS the head of that body ie: the church.
Colossians 1:18; vs 24; Ephesians 1:22.

There IS ONE body (church). Ephesians 4:4.

The church (body) IS the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23.

Christ shed His blood for the church (body). Purchased (bought) the church with His blood. Acts 20:28.

Christ has ALL authority and directs His church (body) – through the gospel. Matthew 28:18.

Christ IS the Saviour of the church, the body, HIS body, HIS church. Ephesians 5:23.

Is Christ the Saviour of anything else?

Seeing as Christ IS the Saviour of the church (HIS church, HIS body)….we should all want to know….where does one find THAT body (church) and how does one get into THAT church, THAT body.

Galatians 3 and Romans 6 are two examples of HOW one gets into Christ, the body, the church.

Those IN Christ are in the body (church). It is a spiritual relationship with our Lord, yet, likeminded Christians meeting with a local congregation.

“Not everyone that sayeth unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in Heaven”.
Matthew 7:21-22.

Come study! Learn Gods word, His will/plan for mankind. Time grows short.

The Godhead - three persons - ONE God!

2011-09-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

There is much confusion on the subject of GOD; ie: the Godhead (Godhood). I hope you will look up the scriptures and study Gods’ word.

Only three known classifications of beings…..God; angels (created by God); man (also created by God).

GOD = ELOHIM = JEHOVAH.

Many don’t know (realize) that there are three (3) separate beings in ‘God’, the Godhead/Godhood. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Just like the Smith family has a father, mother, 2 children. 4 persons, but all the Smith family.

Three (3) separate persons in GOD, but all the God ‘family’….for a simple example.

NOTE: ELOHIM – (EL, mighty one + to swear; to make a covenant with);
Strength (Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God (ELOHIM)”; power, keeps promises, creates, governs.
Plural in form, always takes singular verb (unless it refers to heathen “gods” – 1 Samuel 4:8).

All three (3) share same and equal attributes of deity; same goal (mans salvation); same knowledge, same ability. But, from studying the bible, we learn all have a different function… as it were.
God (all three) has been 'from everlasting to everlasting', 'eternal', 'I AM'.
All three were manifest at the baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3, and at the mount of Transfiguration - Matthew 17.

"In the beginning was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God and the Word was God; all things were made by Him"....John 1: 1-3, 14. "I and my Father are ONE"...John 10:30.

The Father developed the plan for man’s salvation IN Christ – Ephesians 1:3; Christ perfected (matured) the plan, putting it into action (as it were) by coming to earth and dying for mans’ sins and establishing His church = kingdom – wherein man might be saved - Acts 2; the Holy Spirit revealed the fullness (perfection) of the plan, recalling ALL things to the apostles who wrote it down - ie: New Testament. John 14:16-18.

Sure to raise some questions but answer them from God’s word.

ONE GOD ~ a United ONE

2011-07-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

The One God of the Bible is a united One. One God, One Godhood, One God 'family', but three persons/members of that divine, from everlasting to everlasting, family: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
God = Elohim = Jehovah: plural word, always takes singular verb.

Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30.

John 17:11, 22
“Even As” ------{ 1 Corinthians 1:10
Acts 4:32

The Father and Son are One In:

1). Work – John 4:34; 9:4
2). Creation – John 1:1-3; Ephesians 3:9
3). Word (doctrine) – John 17:17; 12:49; 17:8
4). Name (authority) – John 5:43
5). Love – John 14:23
6). Protection – John 10:27
7). Witness – John 8:18
8). Will – John 6:30,38
9). Judgment – John 5:22
10). Reconciliation – 2 Corinthians 5:18

DENOMINATIONS

2011-07-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

Webster defines ‘denomination’ as a “religious organization uniting in a single legal and administrative body; a number of local congregations;” also, a group of churches (collective) under the same name.

The “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) are each independent local churches. A church of Christ knows that its headquarters is in Heaven and Jesus is our head. Colossians 1:18.

We cannot find the denominational concept in the Bible. Each local church of Christ (that is organized and practicing scripturally) has only the Bible as its guide. Jesus said He had “all authority” – Matthew 28:18 - and what He (Christ) had bound and loosed in Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles and other inspired men to bind and loose on earth those same things. Matthew 16:19; 18:18.

We dare not bind where God has not bound, we dare not loose where God has not loosed.
All we do in word (what we teach) and deed (what we practice), must be done in the name (by the authority of – Acts 4:7) the Lord. Colossians 3:17.

We have no pressure from any group, headquarters, synod, to do anything we cannot read about in the Bible. Each local church of Christ is charged to study the Bible for itself and to be guided ONLY by God’s word – the Bible. What is found authorized in the Bible, we do! 2 Timothy 3:16-f. What cannot be found authorized in Gods word, we oppose and do not do!

For example:
1. We cannot find Christs’ authority for mechanical music in worship. So, we have singing only in our worship service – Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19.

2. We do find authority for partaking of the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week (Sunday) – Acts 20:7. Every week has a first day, we find no other time or frequency.

3. We find authority for giving into the church treasury on the first day of the week, so that is when we give – 1 Corinthians 16:2.

Are you a member of the Lords church using only His word as your source of information? If not, you can be!

ARE YOU IN CHRIST?

2011-03-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 1:3-14 is a beautiful passage having to do with the spiritual blessings afforded to one who is IN Christ.

Vs. 3 – God hath blessed those IN Christ will ALL spiritual blessings. We have many physical blessings, but IN Christ, we receive spiritual blessings.

Vs. 4 – God chose those IN Christ before the foundations of the world. Some think this supports the erroneous doctrine of predestination. It does NOT. It tells us that God – before He created the world - determined that mans’ salvation would be IN Christ - for those who obey the gospel. Any person, any era, since Day of Pentecost 33AD, can obey Gods word = gospel.

Vs 5 – God ‘predestined’ this salvation for those who would become children of God by the new birth (baptism). In John 3:5, Jesus teaches one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom = church; kingdom = eternal in heaven. ‘Kingdom’ is used in two ways in the New Testament.
The water is baptism as directed by the Holy Spirit through the word of God (gospel). Galatians 3:27; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38.
The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth – John 16:13.
This is why all scripture is inspired of God – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – and makes the man of God thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Vs. 7 – IN Christ we have redemption [bought back from sin] through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28; Galatians 3:27.

Vs. 9 – God made known unto us the mystery (gospel) of His will, which He purposed.

Vs. 10 – That when the fullness of times was come (last days = gospel dispensation), ALL things IN Christ gathered together.

Vs. 11 – IN Christ, we have what God ‘predestined’ (planned) – SALVATION.

Vs. 12 – That we (Christians = IN Christ), should be to the praise of His glory.

Vs. 13 – Through the gospel we (Christians), are sealed with the Holy Spirit. (A seal identifies – Christians follow the teaching the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into, and are guarded by such).

Vs. 14 – This seal is an earnest (foretaste) of heaven to come, unto the praise of God’s glory.

Are you IN Christ? Salvation is one of the spiritual gifts mentioned in vs 3.
NO salvation outside Christ. One cannot be saved outside of Christ. How does one get INTO Christ? Galatians 3; Romans 6.

You can make your “calling (by the gospel) and election (salvation) sure”. 2 Peter 1:10.

What if....'Feelings' don't work?

2011-03-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

Some religious bodies tell people that the way to be ‘saved’ is just to pray to God to save them, and when they ‘get a feeling’, that means they are saved!

A preacher was called to an elderly man who was on his deathbed. The preacher prayed and prayed and the sick man wanted to, tried to, ‘get that feeling’, but he never did. Here is a true example of a man that wanted to be saved, but just could not ‘get the feeling’. Is that what the Bible teaches?

Where in all of God’s word (ie: Bible) is such a thing taught? Where? One can read in Acts 2:37-38 where many heard the gospel preached until they had faith (Romans 10:17 tells us faith comes by hearing)….in Acts many heard until they believed (developed faith) and then were told “to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins”. According to the Bible, then, and only then, were they ‘saved’ and the Lord added them to His church.

One can also read in Mark 16:16 Jesus says, “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Again the Bible states in Acts 22:16…”arise and be baptized and wash away they sins”.

In Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27, one can read that people are baptized into Christ. All spiritual blessings are in Christ – Ephesians 1:3. Baptism into Christ brings one into death of Christ (contact with blood of Christ) Romans 6:3. Christs’ blood shed in His death is what saves – gives forgiveness of sins. 1Peter: 1:18-19.

I can NOT read in my Bible – from Pentecost in Acts 2 – after the gospel of Jesus Christ was first preached, of anyone ever being told to just ‘pray for salvation’ and when he ‘gets a feeling’, he will know he’s saved! Better felt than told, as some put it. Total error with no appeal to Gods word. False doctrine concocted by some mans ‘feelings’. This error cannot save!

To be saved and spend eternity with God in Heaven, man must go by God’s word in all they do religiously. Go by the Bible, not anyones ‘feelings’.

Colossians 3:17 tells us…..“Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord.”
Word – what you teach; deed – what you practice; in the name of – by God’s authority (Acts 4:7).

God’s words – NOT feelings, not man’s ideas – are the words whereby men are saved.
“Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:68

Consider UZZAH!

2011-01-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

Most people ‘feel’ that wherever you do religiously is OK. Just as long as your heart is right. You feel good about it. Seems ‘right’ to you. But, is it right to God?

In studying with one person, they stated they “just didn’t think God was going to be that nit-picky” – ie: requiring people to follow to the letter ALL that He has commanded. ‘Not add to nor take away from God’s word.’ Revelation 22: 18-19.

God had Paul write in Colossians 3:17 - “Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord”.
“Word” = what you say and teach; “deed” = what you practice; “in the name of” = by the authority of – Acts 4:7.

Settles it. Christians (those in Christ) are commanded to have Bible book, chapter, and verse – Gods authority - for all they teach and practice!

Considering bible verses we have read above, is God going to be nit-picky?
Let’s consider a great example by looking at Uzzah. Many may not know who Uzzah is or what he did.

For this background read 1 Samuel chapters 4-9; 2 Samuel chapter 6.
[Paraphrasing slightly] The Ark of the Covenant, which resided in the Tabernacle and where God dwelled with the children of Israel, had been captured in a battle between Israel and the Philistines. The Philistines carried the Ark away and suffered many problems including physical maladies because of their having the Ark. They wanted rid of it. After moving it from town to town, the Philistines turned the Ark over to the men of Bethshemesh (the Lord killed over 50,000 of them for looking into the Ark) and the Ark finally came to reside in the home of Abinadab in Gibeah [north and east of Jerusalem] where it stayed some 20 years.

When David becomes the second king of Israel he goes to bring the Ark home to Jerusalem.

David put the Ark upon a cart pulled by oxen and started the journey. Many went along singing & shouting. One such was Uzzah. As the Ark traveled, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah put out his hand and touched the ark to steady it. Perhaps just a reflex action on Uzzahs part? No matter. God struck him dead. God had commanded that no one touch the Ark at any time.
Gods action scared David so that David turned aside and left the Ark for some three months in the home of Obededom before finally returning it to Jerusalem.

Over 50,000 struck dead for looking into the Ark. Uzzah struck dead just for trying to steady the Ark, keep it from falling off the cart. Seems small thing to us, but God doesn’t think like man. Is God going to be nit-picky? The scriptures have just answered that with a resounding YES!

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of [spiritual] death”. Proverbs 14:12.

Quotes from KJV.

Do ALL according to the Pattern

2010-08-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

In Genesis 6:14-16, God told Noah exactly how to build the Ark (pattern to build). In Exodus 25:40, God admonishes the people to build the Tabernacle ‘according to the pattern’. Again, in Number 8:4; reiterated in Acts 7:44.

God has always given instructions for various things He wanted done. Suppose 10 women went to work for a clothing manufacturer and each was handed blue material and the same pattern and size to make blue jeans. Suppose some took it upon themselves to make some large, others small, others short, others long, one made a dress!
But, suppose one woman actually did follow the ‘pattern’ and made blue jeans the size and directions according to the pattern. ALL should have, but only ONE followed the ‘pattern’.
When each of the women presented what was made to the boss, what do you think he would say? Did the 9 follow his instruction? Would he be pleased?

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said He would build His church. Matthew 28:18 tells us that Jesus has ALL authority. We are not to add to or take away from – Revelation 22:18.
We have no authority to change God's ‘pattern’.
We are NOT to go beyond that which is written – 1Corinthians 4:6. ALL we do in word (what we teach) or deed (what we do – how we live), must be “in the name of the Lord” or by His authority. Colossians 3:17 and Acts 4:7
ALL according to the ‘pattern’ ie: Gods word.

The church is not the place (physical location) the church comes together, but rather IS, the people who are Christians (IN Christ) who assemble for worship. All should have the same book (instructions), the Bible, the word of God, the ‘pattern’ that God has given man.

Yet, today, we see every name man can imagine, all kinds of ways to organize religion, worship, different plans of salvation, different standards of morality. HOW can this be if ALL follow the ‘pattern’ that God set forth….THE BIBLE? How can any church be ‘of God’ if it does not follow the ‘pattern’?

We can all be wrong but we can’t all be right if the Bible is our ‘pattern/authority’ in religion. Are you using God’s pattern or using a pattern that has been changed by man to suit man?

One MUST OBEY the Gospel of God

2010-06-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Although some religious bodies teach that man is saved by ‘faith only’, the Bible plainly teaches that ‘obedience’ to God and His will (plan) is essential to salvation.

Let us consider what Gods’ word [ie:Bible] has to say:

1). Jesus will come “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8.

2). “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth”…1 Peter 1:22.

3). “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17.

4). On Pentecost when the apostle Peter (inspired by the Holy Spirit), preached the gospel of the death and resurrection of Christ to the great number of Jews present (Acts 2:5), they did not ask what to believe, they believed what Peter preached. That is why they asked what to DO to be saved, to receive salvation! Acts 2:37.
Peter told them to repent (change their minds, change their actions), and be baptized FOR (in order to) have remission of their sins. Acts 2:38.

That answer was Gods' answer back then and it is Gods' answer today!
And that is NOT FAITH ONLY, but faith enough to DO (action/obedience) what Peter told them to do to be saved from their sins.
That is what obeying the gospel is all about! But, it does NOT stop there.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, obeying the gospel is present tense, indicating an act continuing. Faith, repentance, baptism (for remission of sins as above),
is obeying the first principles of the gospel or becoming a Christian (one IN Christ).

After obedience to the gospels first principles, a Christian must be faithful in worship and in work – that is continuing to obey the gospel.
Those who do not continue faithful are fallen from God’s grace. Galatians 5:4.

God’s word tells us, ‘Faith Only’ will NOT save! Are you obeying God’s gospel or are you sitting idle with ‘faith only’ as your doctrine?

ORGANIZING the BIBLE

2010-06-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Bible is the inspired word of God which makes us furnished (prepared) unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Inspired means ‘God-breathed’;
Greek: theopneustos

2 Peter 1: 20-21…….“knowing this first, that NO prophecy [teaching] of the scriptures is of private interpretation…for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The writers of the scriptures inked their pens, God gave the words.

The two big sections of the Bible are the Old Testament and the New Testament. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, and half of the book of Exodus discuss the creation and down to the giving of the (OT) Law to Moses and the Israelites at Mt. Sinai. The Old Testament (10 commandments and numerous other laws) was given ONLY to the Nation of Israel. Deuteronomy 5:1-3.

The purpose of the Old law was to prepare the people to receive the Messiah (Christ) when He came. The Old Testament was no longer in effect after Christ came and was crucified.
The New Testament went in to effect on the Day of Pentecost - Acts 2; Galatians 3:23-25; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 9:15-17.

Many today are ignorant of the fact that the Old Testament is NOT our law today. A testament, or will, goes in to effect after the one who made it dies.
Again, Hebrews 9:15-17.

It is good to study the Old Testament (Romans 15:4) to learn much about God, the history of the world - including creation - and how God dealt with man in times past. Hebrews 1:1.

In addition, there are many prophecies in the Old Testament about Christ and His kingdom, which is the church. Matthew 16:18-19. Some do not believe that the kingdom has come. But the bible plainly states that it has, that the kingdom IS the church, and that Christ is King. Mark 9:1; Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 12:28.

The first four books of the New Testament are the birth, early years, and personal ministry of Christ. The book of Acts is the history of the establishment of the church (kingdom), how one gets into the church (kingdom), and the growth of the church.

The next 21 books are written to churches and individuals telling how to live as a Christian (one IN Christ), how to worship, and the work of the church.

The last book – Revelation – deals with the final resting place of ALL humanity – Heaven or Hell – and the great spiritual battle going on between God and His people and the Devil and his people. This spiritual battle is ongoing until the end of time and Christs’ return. Revelation was written in signs and symbols, a lot of it is not literal, but figurative. It was also to encourage the early church [church in any age] and Christians undergoing horrific persecution at that time. It also underscores who will be triumphant – GOD.

The New Testament tells one how to be on Gods winning side and spend eternity in Heaven with God and His angels.

See previous posts: ‘How Does One Become a Christian’; ‘Are We Under the Old Testament Today?’

Interpreting the Bible?

2010-05-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

The word ‘interpret’ is found several times in the Bible. It can mean translating from one language to another – John 1:38; 1 Corinthians 14:5.
Or, to explain a word or point. In Luke 24:27, Jesus ‘interpreted’ the Old Testament concerning Himself.

The average word in the New Testament [KJV] has a fraction fewer than 5 letters in it. The Bible is plain and for the most part just needs to be believed, not interpreted. For example:

1). What were the New Testament churches called? …”the churches of Christ salute you.” Romans 16:16. ‘Interpret’ that!

2). Is baptism sprinkling or immersion? Romans 6:4….”buried with Him through baptism.” John 3:23, “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there.” Acts 8:38,….”and they both went down into the water, and he baptized him.”
The word baptism in the original means ‘immersion’. You can’t baptize by sprinkling any more than you can ride to town by walking! The two are different acts. Interpret that!

3). When did the early church take the Lord’s supper? In Acts 20:7, we see by example, that they did such on the first day of the week – Sunday. In the Bible a day of the year oft means yearly; a day of the month means monthly; a day of the week means weekly. How many weeks have a first day? How do you ‘interpret’ “first day of the week”?

4). What kind of music do you ‘interpret’ in Ephesians 5:19 or Colossians 3:16? Both clearly state “singing”. No mention of piano, organ, or other mechanical music. It is a fact of the history of mechanical music, that it was never used in worship services before about 670AD. Many Protestant groups that began in the 1500’s to 1700’s opposed mechanical music.

4). How do you ‘interpret’ scriptures that give the purpose of baptism? Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16 say baptism is for (in order to have) remission of sins; wash sins away; to be saved (from sin).

God’s word is not open for 'interpretation' by man. Man is to hear, believe and obey what God has given us.

Steps to Enter God's Church

2010-03-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus told the apostle Peter that He (Christ) would build His (Christ’s) church and the gates of hades (death) would not prevail against it. Christ Himself is the foundation of His church – 1 Corinthians 3:11…”for other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Also, Ephesians 2:20…”Christ Jesus, the chief corner stone” of that foundation.

There are five steps to get into the church that Jesus built.

Hearing is the first step because faith comes by hearing the word of God – Romans 10:17. However, many will refuse to hear. Perhaps they are afraid of having to change their lives if they develop faith…and many don’t want to change. Others may have to listen or read many hours to develop faith enough to follow Jesus.

Believe/faith. “Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on Him who He hath sent” – John 6:29. Faith is a work and the hardest work in becoming a Christian.
King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:12 – “And furthermore, my son, be admonished; of making of many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Read the bible.

Repentance is the next step and is a change of mind that leads to a change in ones actions.
In Acts 2:38, the apostle Peter told the people to repent. Acts 17:30….”God commands all men everywhere to repent”.

Confession of Christ – not sins – is the next step in becoming a Christian. In Acts 8:37 we have an example of one confessing Christ before being baptized. Romans 10:10 also tells us that “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” If one has faith and has repented, confession is easy.

Baptism is the last step in becoming a Christian. Acts 2:38 tells us that baptism is for remission of sins. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said..."he that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved..” In Acts 2:38 when the 3,000 (Acts 2:41), were baptized for (in order to have) remission of sins, the Lord added them to the church – Acts 2:47.
Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27 also tells us that baptism puts one into Christ, His church, His body. In Christ is also where we find ALL spiritual blessings – Ephesians 1:3.

We have numerous examples in the book of Acts showing how one enters God’s/Christ’s church. Today, the same Lord will add those who do the same things we read about in Acts. You will be added to the same church. The one Christ purchased with his blood – Acts 20:28. The ONE church – 1 Corinthians 12:13.

Are you in the ONE church that Christ died for? You can be by following the five steps found in God’s word (bible) and continuing to live faithfully according to that same word.

You might want to read the previous post – “How does one become a Christian”. Archived on this blog under year 2008.

Terms for the Church

2010-02-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

The word church literally means, ‘the called out’, from the Greek “ekklesia”.
Defined in the Christian sense, an assembly of Christians gathering for worship. (Thayer).

The word ‘church’ – as translated – has two meanings, or is used in two senses.
1). The Universal sense – meaning the institution for which Jesus died and which is composed of all those ‘called out’ of the world into God’s service.
A spiritual relationship.

2). The Local sense – meaning a local congregation composed of the ‘called out’ in any locality who worship faithfully together, lay by in store, work together through this common store as God’s word directs.

(side note): People are 'called' by the gospel of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
The gospel - good news - is "the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16).

The church you read about in the Bible does not have an official or proper name, but rather has several terms which describe it.

One term for local churches (a group of Christians meeting) is “churches of Christ”, (Romans 16:16). Please note the word church is never capitalized in the Bible. We do not capitalize it as we would a proper name. While we use the term “church of Christ” for a local church, “flock” (Acts 20:28) is another term used to describe a local church, as is “church of God”,
(1 Corinthians 1:2).

Several terms are used to describe the one church which is comprised of all the Christians or disciples (Acts 11:26). The one church of which Christ is the Head is also called the “body” (Colossians 1:18). Christ is the head of the body and it has many members (1 Corinthians 12:12). Not many bodies as some denominations teach, but one head [Christ], over “one body” [His church] (Ephesians 4:4-5).
Scriptural baptism puts one into that one body, (1 Corinthians 12:13). Ephesians 5:23 states that Christ is the head of the church and savior of the body. Body and church are used to mean the same thing. Christ is head of the body, (Colossians 1:18).

Kingdom is another term to describe the one church. Christ is “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14). This would also teach that Christ has all authority as does Matthew 28:18. All we do in word [what we teach] and deed [how we live] must be done in the name of the Lord [by His authority] (Colossians 3:17; Acts 4:7).

How can we have a genuine church of Christ today? Succession is in the seed. As long as we have watermelon seed, we will have watermelons. God’s word is the seed for a church of Christ. As long as we have the word of God, the seed “which abideth forever” (1Peter 1:23) we can have the church of Christ.

What does your church call itself? Is it from God’s everlasting seed or mans temporary ideas?

It is hoped you will look up the Bible passages mentioned and read for your own knowledge and edification.

It Must be Applied!

2010-01-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

The story is told of a preacher and a soap salesman walking down the street together. As they passed a bar, a drunk staggered out. The soap salesman said to the preacher, “your gospel isn’t working very well to have drunks on the street.”

They walked a little further and saw some little children playing in an alley, as dirty as kids can get. The preacher said to the soap salesman, “I see your product isn’t working either.” The soap salesman replied, "the soap must be applied to work."
The preacher answered…."so does the gospel."

On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter preached enough gospel to save the entire world….were it applied to all the world. After hearing preaching about Christ, some Jews came to believe in Christ and asked what to do? Acts 2:37. Peter told them, “repent and be baptized every one of you in the name [by the authority of] Jesus Christ for [in order to have] remission of sins.”
Some 3,000 persons applied it to themselves and were baptized – Acts 2:41 – and the Lord added them to the church – Acts 2:47.

Some people might ask, which church the Lord added them to? In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “upon this rock I will build MY church.” Since Christ is the ONLY rock foundation upon which the church is built – 1 Corinthians 3:11 – and no one can build another rock foundation, He added them to His church.

Jesus is the head of the body, the church – Colossians 1:18. The bible teaches that there is ONE body – Ephesians 4:4.

There are a plurality of local churches – Roman 16:16 – but the ONE church is a [spiritual] relationship with Christ, the head.
Christ is head and savior of the body, the church – Ephesians 5:23.

Some ask if a person can be saved outside [not in] the church which is Christ’s body?
Ephesians 5:23 tells us what Christ if the savior of…..His body, His church!

The GOSPEL must be applied to be effective.

The Kingdom of God IS in Existence.

2009-08-20T07:06:00.000-07:00

There is a reason many do not believe the kingdom of Christ is now in existence…..it is because many believe it was to be a carnal kingdom.

However, Jesus said “My kingdom is NOT of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight – John 18:36.
There is NO carnal fighting in Christ’s kingdom, it is a spiritual kingdom.

1). Mark 9:1 – “and He said unto them, verily I say unto you, that there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power”. If the kingdom of Christ has not come (as some teach), there are some pretty old people in the world.
God cannot lie – Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18.
Jesus is God – John 1:1-3
Jesus accepted worship as God – John 9:38.

So no matter what some say and teach, the kingdom of God came in the first century.

2). In John 18:37 – “Pilate therefore said unto Him, art thou a king then?” Jesus answered – “thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.”

3). Jesus right now is “Lord of lords and King of kings” – Revelation 17:14.
Since He is a king, He has a kingdom.

4). In Revelation 1:9, the apostle John said he himself was IN the tribulation and the kingdom!

5). In Colossians 1:13, the apostle Paul wrote the kingdom was here.

6). In Matthew 16:19, Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom – so that Peter could open the door to the kingdom in Acts 2 when Peter preached the first gospel sermon including the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

The Lord’s church and the kingdom are the same thing. The new birth (baptism) puts one into the kingdom or family of God – John 3:3-5.

Are you in the kingdom of God?

Names GOD is called, reveal HIS Nature.

2008-08-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

The bible teaches very clearly that there is ONE GOD (Godhood), consisting of three equal but separate persons. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The three all share the same attributes and are ONE in everything - thought, purpose, plan, nature, power.

We are going to look at God’s nature as revealed in His name(s).

Introduction to Names.

There was a time when a surname (to put a name upon),
meant something – Proverbs 22:1; Barnabas, Acts 4:36; 10:5.
Psalms 9:10 – “They that know thy name will put their trust in Thee.”
1 Kings 8:27 – The heavens cannot contain God – much less one name describe God.

1). EL – a common name used for deity A generic term which express authority, strength, majesty. (ie: Israel = “Prince of God”; Immanuel = “God with us”)

2). ELOHIM – (EL, mighty one + to swear; to make a covenant with).
Strength (Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God (ELOHIM)”; power, keeps promises, creates, governs.
Plural in form, always takes singular verb (unless it refers to heathen
“gods” – 1 Samuel 4:8).
Note: Genesis 1:26; 3:22; Genesis 1 and 2, clear that ONE GOD has all power. Found 2570 times – 30 in Genesis 1; over 200 times in Genesis.

3). EL-ELYON – denotes Israel’s God = Most High God.
Genesis 14:17-20; distinguishes from pagan gods.

4). EL-ROI – denotes God who sees; Genesis 16:13 – Hagar used.
Exodus 3:7 – an example; Lesson: Jeremiah 13:22 – God sees all sin.
Habakkuk 1:13 – of purer eyes than to behold evil. Jeremiah 7:15.

5). EL-SHADDAI – “Almighty” in English bible. To supply, nourish. Esp to the Patriarchs – Genesis 17:1, 8, 15, 22. Genesis 49: 24-25 – no matter what the need, God could meet them. Lesson: Matthew 11:28-30.

6). ADONAI – “Master” or “Lord”. Plural of ADON. Psalms 110:1 – God and refers to Christ, Acts 2:34 f. So, Jehovah speaks to Christ.
Lesson: Today, Christ – Acts 9:5, 20:24; 1 Timothy1:12; Romans 6:16.

7). ROCK – firm nature, steadfast. A safe retreat – Psalms 94:22. Lesson:
the church built on Christ – Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11.

8). FATHER – denotes begetter, sustainer, nourisher, protector.
Genesis 45:8; Deuteronomy 32:6; Isaiah 9:6; 63:16; 64:8. Lesson: Jesus reveals the Father – John 14:7, 9,f.

9). JEHOVAH – “the Existing One” (from YAHWEH). 6,823 times – more than any other. First in Genesis 2:4, combined JEHOVAH and ELOHIM. “To BE” – changeless. Exodus 3:14 – “I AM that I AM”. Self existent, sufficient, Immutable – Malachi 3:6. Lesson: Jesus = I AM. John 8:58; Revelation 1: 4,8,17; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13.
Since Jesus is the “I AM”, we have assurance of our covenant.

Now we will look at compound names of God.

1). JEHOVAH – JIREH = “JEHOVAH will Provide”. Genesis 22:14.
New Testament, John 1:29.

2). JEHOVAH – TSIDKENU = “JEHOVAH our Righteousness”, Jeremiah 33:16. New Testament – 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 4.

3). JEHOVAH – SHALOM = “JEHOVAH is our Peace”, Judges 6:24.
New Testament – Ephesians 2:14; John 14:27.

4). JEHOVAH – ROHI = “JEHOVAH is my Shepard”, lead, pasture, Psalms 23. New Testament - 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4; John 10:14-15; Hebrews 13:20.

5). JEHOVAH – SHAMMAH = “JEHOVAH is there”, Ezekiel 48:35;
New Testament – Matthew 1:23; 28:20;

6). JEHOVAH – NISSI = “JEHOVAH is my Banner”, Exodus 17:9-16.
New Testament - theme of Revelation 17:14; 2 Timothy 4:7; 2:3-4;
Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 John 5:4 – Jesus our banner. We cannot fail when we march under His flag.

7). JEHOVAH – ROPHE = “JEHOVAH heals”, Exodus 15:26; Jeremiah
8:21-22. New Testament – Matthew 9:12; Luke 4:18; 1 Peter 2:24.

8). JEHOVAH – KANNA = “JEHOVAH is Jealous” (jealous = intolerant of rivalry). Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy 5:9. New Testament – John 2:17; Titus 2:14; 2 Corinthians 9:2.

9). JEHOVAH – SABAOTH = “JEHOVAH of Hosts” – Psalms 24:10;
Genesis 2:1. New Testament – Romans 9:29; James 5:4; Matthew 28:18.

10). JEHOVAH – M.KADDESH = “JEHOVAH who Sanctifies” – Exodus 13:2; 31:13. New Testament – 1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 1:3-4.

Concl: ALL divine attributes seen in Jesus. John 14:9; Is it any wonder that we should respect His name……Exodus 20:7.

A Bible 'Quiz' based on Socrates Method!

2008-07-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

The Socratic (from Socrates) method of teaching is by questions.

Questions:

1). Which church did Jesus promise to build? Matthew 16:18. __________

2). When did Jesus say the kingdom would come? Mark 9:1. __________

3). Was the apostle John, who wrote the book of Revelation, in the kingdom? Revelation 1:9. _____________

4). Was the apostle Paul in the kingdom? Colossians 1:13. ___________

5). Can Jesus be king if he has no kingdom? Revelation 17:14. _________
Note: Those who say the kingdom has not yet come are guilty of teaching Jesus is not a king if He has no kingdom.

6). What did Jesus say one must do to be saved? Mark 16:16. ________
Note: also see previous post – ‘How Does One Become a Christian’?

7). What did the apostle Peter preach on Pentecost that one must do to be saved? Acts 2:47. ____________

8). What did the Lord add the saved to? Acts 2:47. ___________

9). What does Ephesians 5:23 say Jesus is the Savior of? ___________

10). What is the body? Colossians 1:24. ______________

11). Did Jesus have to die for us to be saved? Matthew 26:28. __________

12). If yes…since Jesus purchased His church with His blood (Acts 20:28), can one be saved out of what Jesus purchased with His blood? _________

13). Is faith apart from works dead? James 2:26. ___________

14). Can a man be justified (made right with God) by faith alone? James 2:24.
Note: This being so, why do so many teach that man is saved by faith alone?

15). When did the early church take the Lord’s supper? Acts 20:7. _______

16). What kind of music did the church you read about in the Bible use in worship? Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19. ________________

17). What were local churches called in the Bible? Romans 16:16. _____

It is hoped this short quiz has given you a better understanding of God’s word and His plan for mankind! Do you worship as the Christians of the first century, in Christs’ church, as recorded in the Bible? Or, are you in a ‘church’ started by man which uses creed books, doctrine of men, and teaches contrary to God's word? Bible reading and study make it very easy to tell the difference.

A Fail-proof Solution for Global Warming or Cooling!

2008-07-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

[In the bible] Genesis 8:22, God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, in talking to Noah after the flood stated…
”As long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, And night and day, Shall not cease.”
New King James

Relying on God to 'manage' His creation costs us nothing monetarily. It does take our faith that we believe He can do what He has promised. However, God is in charge whether we believe Him or not. Lets better spend our time and resources first building our faith in God and then working in areas where we might possibly have an effect. The weather is NOT one of them!!

How Does One Become a Christian?

2008-05-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

‘Christian’ – according to Webster’s Dictionary, ‘a follower of Christ.’ The Bible (God's word) says a Christian is 'one IN Christ'. The book of Acts records 10 examples of people becoming Christians. (see at end).
Study of these conversions shows that although each was at a different 'level' in their learning and action, ALL did exactly the same thing.

“What shall we do” – Acts 2:37.

1). Hear the word of God – Overcome disinterest. Read bible/preacher. “Faith cometh by hearing" – Romans 10:17; Acts 2:37-38 – they heard (believed) they were pricked in their hearts (repentance), ask “what shall we do?” were commanded to be baptized in order to have sins forgiven.

2). Faith/believe – Overcome doubt. Have faith in God’s word. Hebrews 11:6 - “without faith it is impossible to please [God]"; Acts 8: 35-39; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24. Romans 10:10.

3). Repent – Overcome self. A change of mind that leads to a change in action. Acts 17:30; Mark 1:15; Mark 6:12.

4). Confess –not confessing sins, but confessing that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37; Matthew 16:16.

5). Baptized (immersion) for remission of sins; (‘for’ - looking forward> in order to > have sins forgiven). Romans 6:3 – “baptized into” death of Christ, Christ’s blood shed, baptism brings contact with that blood. Christ blood remits sin(s) – Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:4; Acts 8:38.

Baptism also brings a change in relationship; was outside Christ, baptism puts one inside/into Christ. “All spiritual blessings in Christ”–Ephesians 1:3. Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:36.

Christ adds to His church, those obeying His word - Acts 2:47.

They were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26.

God’s word works exactly the same way today!

Ten examples of conversions in Acts:
1). The 3,000 – Acts 2:22-41.

2). Samaritans - Acts 8:12.
3). Simon – Acts 8:13.

4).The Eunuch – Acts 8:26-40.

5). Saul/Paul – Acts 9; 22; 26.

6). Cornelius - Acts 10:3-11.

7). Lydia - Acts 16:14-15.

8). Jailor - Acts 16:25-34.

9). Corinthians - Acts 18:8.

10). Ephesians - Acts 19:1-7.

All scripture King James version.

EVOLUTION? NO WAY!

2008-03-08T15:13:00.001-08:00

Three monkeys sat in a coconut tree, discussing things as they’re said to be. Said one to the others, ‘Now listen you two, there’s a certain rumor that isn’t true. That man descended from our noble race, the very idea is a big disgrace!

For no monkey ever deserted his wife, starved his babies, ruined their lives. And you’ve never known a mother monk to leave her babies with others to bunk. Or pass them from one to another till they scarcely know who is their mother.

And another thing you never see – a monk build a fence around a coconut tree! And then let the coconuts go to waste, forbidding all other monkeys a taste. Why, if I put a fence around the tree, starvation would force you to steal from me.

Here’s another thing a monk won’t do, go out at night and get on a stew, or use a gun or a knife or club.

Yes, man descended, the honorary cuss, but let me tell you brother monks, he certainly didn’t descended from us!

Author Unknown

2008-03-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS TRUTH? part 2

2008-02-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

In our last post we explained from Gods word (ie: the bible) exactly what TRUTH is…and a few scriptures that tell us what TRUTH is NOT.
Now, lets look at how people treat the truth and what truth does.

Truth will be ‘evil spoken of” or blasphemed. 2 Peter 2:2.

Many become enemies when they are told truth. Galatians 4:16.

Some have no love of truth and therefore believe lies. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

Some err (wander from) the truth after having it. James 5:19.

Some turn away from truth. Titus 1:14.

Some are ever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of truth. 2Timothy 3:7.

Some turn their ears away from truth and turn to fables of men. 2Timothy 4:4.

Some believe and know the truth. 1Timothy 4:3-9. Some obey the truth. 1Peter 1:22.

Others repent unto – (greek: eis) the knowledge of truth. This means they repent (a change of mind that leads to a change of action) in order to receive the truth. How many people know the truth intellectually but will not receive it into their lives? Scripture tells us these people are self condemned. They will have to repent in order – eis) to practice what they understand. Until that time, they go along with error.

For those who accept God’s truth, what does truth do?

Truth makes men free. John 8:32 (frees man from sin if obeyed)

It can make enemies of those who do not want truth. Galatians 4:16

Truth abides in the Christian. 1John 1:6-8;

Truth does not abide in those who do not keep God’s commandments. 1John 2:4.

Truth begets. James 1:18. So that men can be born again. 1Peter 1:22-23.

Truth should be presented as truth! This can only be done by rightly dividing the Word of Truth (ie: the gospel). 2Timothy 2:15.

Truth should be presented in a spirit of love. Ephesians 4:15.

Truth should be presented so that it can be understood. Ephesians 3:3-5.

Truth is to be ‘contended for’. Jude 3. The word translated “contend” means to fight, be a combatant, uphold, make defense

We must be ready always to defend God’s truth. The apostle Paul wrote that he was appointed for the “defense of the gospel”. Philippians 1:16-17.

We are to be ready to give any man answer for the hope in us. 1Peter 3:15.

Some mouths must be stopped by the Word (truth). Titus 1:9

We must teach the Way more perfectly (complete). Acts 18:26

Truth, like faith, comes only by hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17.
We need to read God’s Word constantly, study it diligently, and teach it fervently.

Man’s whole duty on earth is to “fear God and keep His commandments.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

WHAT IS TRUTH? part 1

2008-02-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

Pontius Pilate asked Jesus “what is truth?” John 18:38.

Since time began men have asked this question many times and have come up with varying answers.
What is truth? The bible tells us quite clearly what truth is and is not.

Truth is the Word of God. John 17:17, “sanctify [set apart] them in truth, thy word is truth” prayed Jesus.

Truth is what the Holy Spirit guided the 12 apostles “into all” of in John 16:13.

Truth is what the apostles and other inspired [God breathed] writers taught and wrote. Galatians 1:6-9.

Truth is the thing men must teach or be damned. Galatians 1:6-9

Truth is the law of God for “thy law is truth.” Psalms 119; 142; 151

Truth is NOT a lie, “no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21

A lie or un-truth then cannot be determined by:
Who said it? Whether or not it pleases the ear? How it sounds? Whether we want to believe it? Whether spoken or taught by parents, elders, others? Whether we believed it before or not?

BUT, a lie can be determined by comparing it to the truth which is in God’s word, the bible.

God’s word not only tells us what truth is, it also tells us how long truth will last.
Forever! “And the truth of Jehovah endureth for ever”. Psalms 117:2

Mans flesh and glory will fade away “but the word (truth) of the Lord endureth forever”. 1 Peter 1:24-25.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one cometh unto the Father but by me.” John 14:6.

We must believe that there is One who stood upon the earth and declared Himself to be Truth. All things must be measured by Him to determine if they are true.

“Grace [unmerited favor] and truth [Gods word] came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

Do we respect God’s truth?
“Buy the truth and sell it not.” Proverbs 23:23. This tells us that truth is above any price. Worth whatever you have to pay! Priceless! Yet some sell out for less than a mess of pottage. Some sell their morals for the “pleasures of sin for a season”. Hebrews 11:25.

Others sell out their convictions based on the bible for very little. James 5:19. Some follow men’s foolishness rather than God’s word.

“Thou hast redeemed (bought back) me, O Lord God of truth.” Psalms 31:5

We have no doubt that God is truth as he further tells us it is “impossible for God to lie.” Hebrews 6:18.

“Thy word (truth) is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.

Let us all study the only truth there is….God’s word.

Next article will show how people treat God’s truth.

2008-01-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Are We Under the Old Testament Today?

Virtually all Protestant churches teach that all are to observe the Old Testament (OT) today. They cite the ten commandments, teach to keep the Sabbath day (one day in seven for rest as they look at it), teach tithing (10%) giving, and cite the OT for authorization for mechanical music in worship. Some have incense, burn candles, and their preachers wear ‘priestly’ robes giving OT for all of these.

Not knowing the difference between the OT and the New Testament (NT) is undoubtedly the biggest reason for so much religious confusion among the denominations who claim Christ.
Until one learns the difference between the OT and the NT, there is no way for the bible to be understood. Until one learns what law he is under, and there is no way for that law to be understood and followed.

If - as many say they believe - we are under the OT today, why not offer animal sacrifices? (Leviticus 16). Have yearly atonement, go to Jerusalem three times each year to worship
(Leviticus 23). Have a Passover lamb yearly eaten by each family (Exodus 12), stone disobedient children (Deuteronomy21), as well as kill all who work on the ‘Sabbath’ – Saturday? (Numbers 15)

Those who believe a person is under the OT today need to ask and answer some questions.
1) To whom was the OT given? 2) What was the purpose of the OT?

Lets look at the first question – to whom was OT law given?
The OT was never given to anyone other than the Israelites – some of whom were later called Jews (from Judah). Deuteronomy 5:1-3 makes it plain that the OT was given to Israel.

In the NT, in Romans 3:28 and following, the apostle Paul argues that man is justified by faith (the system of faith or the NT) and NOT by the works of the law (OT) or else God would be the God of the Jews only! (showing that they –Jews only - were under the OT law).

The second question - what was the purpose of the OT law?
The purpose of the OT law was to guard the morals of the Israelites and get them ready for Christ. The OT could not save man from his sins. Paul states “Wherefore the law (OT) was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” Galatians 3:24.
The LAW refers to the OT law of Moses and FAITH refers to the system of faith under Jesus – the New Testament.

We see here that the purpose of the OT was to bring those under it (Israel or the Jews) unto Christ and the new system - the New Testament.
The OT pointed out what sin was so those under it should have much better people than not under it. Romans 3:1-3.
Romans 3:20 states, ….”for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Paul says again in Romans 7:7, “I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, thou shalt not covet.”
Since the OT ten commandment law is the only place in the OT where the command not to covet is found, there can be no mistake about which law Paul had in mind. It was the Old Testament.

The New Testament states many times that people today are not under the OT. “But after faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Galatians 3:25.
Faith refers to the NT system and the schoolmaster refers to the OT.
In Galatians 5:1-4, Paul argues that if a man keeps one point of the OT law (circumcision), then he is a debtor to keep it all, but that Christ set men free from the yoke of bondage - the OT.
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” Colossians 2:14.
The OT ordinances were nailed to the cross when Jesus was crucified.
Some argue that the ORDINANCES were not the COMMANDMENTS but
Ephesians 2:15 states that the law of commandments was contained in ordinances so such was abolished!

Romans 7:1-6 states that a woman who lives with two men is an adulteress, BUT, if her husband dies, she is FREE to remarry. And in the same way they (Jews) were made DEAD TO THE LAW – OT, (because the law died) in order to be joined to Christ and the new law - the New Testament. The man who lives by two laws is a ‘spiritual adulteress’, in the figure of Romans 7. They were dead to the OT law so they could be joined to Christ and the NT.

2Corinthians 3:7-11 plainly teaches that the OT is called the “ministration of death” and it was “written on stones”. Verse 9 calls the OT the “ministration of condemnation” and the NT the “ministration of righteousness.” Then verse 11 states, “for if that which was done away with was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.”
Something was done away with and something remains!!
The OT, including the part written on stones (10 commandments),
Was done away with and the NT remains.

NOTE: Some ask, if this be so, then can we do all the things which the 10 commandments condemned like murder, stealing, etc.?
The answer is NO but because the NT plainly condemns such things.
Illustration: at one time Texas was part of Mexico. In 1836 Texas declared herself to be free of Mexico. Suppose you tried to explain this to someone but he said that since the law of Mexico condemned murder in 1835, if you cannot NOW murder in Texas, you must still be under the law of Mexico. Would that conclusion be justified? NO! And to say that man can murder, steal, etc., just because we are no longer under the OT commandments is not justified either because the law of Christ – NT – forbids such sins. Revelation 21:8; Ephesians 4:28.

Hebrews 9:15-17 makes it plain when the NT went into effect. This passage teaches that Christ is the mediator of the NT, and a will or testament does not go into effect until after the death of the testator or the one who made it. After Christ died His will – the NT – went into effect.

It would be impossible for two wills to be in effect at the same time.
Ask any judge or lawyer. If the second states the same as the first, it is unneeded. If it adds to the first, it is different. If it states less than the first, it is different. There cannot be two testaments in effect at the same time. To know what a testament is shows which is in effect, the NEW not the old.

The big problem in the early church was in the fact that the Jews were constantly trying to get the Christians to live by the Old Testament. That is why there is so much in the NT about it. They try to “compel” the Christians to be circumcised according to the OT. Galatians 5:12.
Some even taught that if they were not circumcised after the custom of Moses (OT law), they could not be saved.
It is amazing how even some of the early Jewish Christians in the bible believed this for a while (until they were taught). Today it is even more amazing that so many who claim to be Christians believe in keeping at least parts of the OT. Many denominations would have us believe that unless we tithe and keep certain parts of the OT we cannot be right with God.

Since ALL men are under the New Testament today – Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16 – we need to learn it and live by it.

There are 27 books in the New Testament. The first 4 – called the gospels - tell of the life of Christ for the purpose of getting us to believe. John 20:30-31.

The next book, the book of Acts, tells us about the history and the establishment of Christs’ church and it’s spreading all over the world. All records of people becoming Christians are found in Acts. In Acts 2 the apostle Peter preached the first gospel sermon showing that Christ had been crucified and was raised from the dead. Peter stated that Jesus was in fact THE CHRIST and LORD – Acts 2:36. The people were convicted (BELIEVED) of this and asked what to do?
Peter told them to REPENT (change of mind, change of action) and be BAPTIZED (emersion in water) in the name of (by the authority of) Jesus Christ for (in order for) remission of their sins. Acts 2:38.
On that day some 3,000 persons DID and were added to the church by the Lord. Acts 2:41,47.

Since God is NO respecter of persons – Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34 –
if one today does the same, he will have his sins forgiven and the Lord will add him to that same church.

The next section of the NT has 21 books and these are letters written by the apostles – inspired of God, 2Timothy 3:16 – to Christians, groups of Christians (churches), and in some cases, individual Christians.
These books give instructions on how Christians are to live, worship, work, organize local churches, etc. The last book in the bible – Revelation – encourages Christians, letting them know that there is a war going on between God and Satan and if we want to be on the WINNING SIDE, be on GOD’S side. If we are NOT faithful, all is in vain. 2 Peter 2:20-22. Revelation 22:14-15.

These lessons are presented in a spirit of Christian love and a hope that all men will come to a knowledge of Gods truth. John 17:17. It is also hoped this post will encourage you to study your bible. Read/study the scriptures given in this post. Determine which of Gods laws you have been living under.

If it’s the OLD LAW (OT), the bible clearly shows it is no longer in effect, it cannot save man from his sins.

If you have interest in a home/correspondence course on the bible, by mail, in the privacy of your home. Contact this site.

It is hoped all will study Gods law (NT) and make the necessary changes in your life while there is yet time. Revelation 22:12.