This chain of articles is designed to equip the saints (Ephesians 4:12) to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3). This will be a five-part series discussing the church the Jesus built (Matthew 16:18), and how to identify it today in the 21st century!
So what exactly is the church? When was it established? Etc.
We know that it is owned by Jesus therefore cannot bear the teaching of any man, only the bible. “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18). We read of how we are to act in the church in his inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), authoritative word that shows to us “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 3:9). “All truth” (John 16:13) is what His authority gives us to live by! He has given us a new law (Hebrews 9:15-18)! “the perfect law, the law of liberty,” (James 1:25)! Without a diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15) of that word it will not be “treasured” in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), and it certainly will not “richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16). And if we are not “searching the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) we will begin to take liberties with the scriptures.
The church was established on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and all that were baptized (v.38) were added to the church (v.47). This church belongs to none other than the lord (Acts 20:28), therefore it is in His name and bears His teaching! The church is also recorded as being “one” (Ephesians 4:4). You might say, ‘that is just referencing all of the denominations, and everyone that believes in Jesus.’ Paul said, “Let there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10), if all denominations incorporated the church then we are all to be unified! But is that the case? No!!! everyone has their own opinions, but what you think does not matter in the church, it’s what God says! Just think, every church claims to be led by God, but then we all disagree! If God approves of every church that would make Him divided (1 Corinthians 1:13) and a hypocrite! Jesus Himself said that “broad is the way that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13).
So what exactly is the church? When was it established? Etc.
We know that it is owned by Jesus therefore cannot bear the teaching of any man, only the bible. “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18). We read of how we are to act in the church in his inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), authoritative word that shows to us “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 3:9). “All truth” (John 16:13) is what His authority gives us to live by! He has given us a new law (Hebrews 9:15-18)! “the perfect law, the law of liberty,” (James 1:25)! Without a diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15) of that word it will not be “treasured” in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), and it certainly will not “richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16). And if we are not “searching the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) we will begin to take liberties with the scriptures.
The church was established on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and all that were baptized (v.38) were added to the church (v.47). This church belongs to none other than the lord (Acts 20:28), therefore it is in His name and bears His teaching! The church is also recorded as being “one” (Ephesians 4:4). You might say, ‘that is just referencing all of the denominations, and everyone that believes in Jesus.’ Paul said, “Let there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10), if all denominations incorporated the church then we are all to be unified! But is that the case? No!!! everyone has their own opinions, but what you think does not matter in the church, it’s what God says! Just think, every church claims to be led by God, but then we all disagree! If God approves of every church that would make Him divided (1 Corinthians 1:13) and a hypocrite! Jesus Himself said that “broad is the way that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13).
