Questions we will answer today

• Questions we will answer today: • When did the church begin? • By whose authority was it built? • Whose authority controls it? • Are you a faithful member of it? 1

churches of Christ in the New Testament 1 of 17 Origin of the Lord’s church Matthew 16: 16 -19 Ephesians 3: 4 -10 1 Peter 2: 9 -10 Daniel 2: 44 Romans 16: 16 Don R. Taaffe, Gospel Preacher, Dunedin 10/11/2009

Matthew 16: 16 -19 • 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. " 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. " (NKJV) 3

• Ephesians 3: 4 -10 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (NRSV) 4

1 Peter 2: 9 -10 • 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (NRSV) 5

Daniel 2: 44 • 44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever; (NRSV) 6

Romans 16: 16 • 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. (NKJV) 7

churches of Christ in the New Testament – 17 Lessons • Origin of Lord’s church • The church in Antioch • The church in Colosse • The church in Corinth • The church in Crete • The church in Ephesus • The church in Galatia • The church in Jerusalem • The church in Laodicea • The church in Pergamum • The church in Philadelphia • The church in Philippi • The church in Rome • The church in Sardis • The church in Smyrna • The church in Thessalonica • The church in Thyatira • The church in Dunedin? 8

The members of the church of Christ have been saying: “We speak were the Bible speaks, and are silent were it is silent, We call Bible things by Bible names, and do Bible things in Bible Ways” Over 350 Main Line Churches? Thousands of Churches? Ephesians 1: 22 -23; 4: 4 (about Christ) • Arehas put God? 1: 22 And 16: 18 fromall things under his feet and he All 1 Peter 4: 11 Matthew • him the God? do all things for the has made. Any from head overso as one speaking 11 Whoever speaks must Peter, and on this rock 18 And I tell you, you are 23 which is they the very • Where did his body, 1 the fullness of do serves Hades Ichurch, words church, ; and the gates 4: 11 will build my of God whoever. Peter ofmust him come from? who fills all in all. that God supplies, so that so with the strength will not prevail against it. (NRSV) supplies Matthew 16: 18 • is one body 4: 4 may be glorified inand things through Jesus There. Which is right? one Spirit, just as you God all • Let the Bible Eph. the power were called to the one hope ofand 1: 22 -23; 4: 4 Christ. To him belong the glory your calling, Answer (NRSV) forever and ever. Amen. (NRSV) 9

Why is The History of Galatians 1: 6 -10 Romans 1: 16 -17 are turning away so. Important? Romans 8: 16 -17 church soon from Him who 6 I marvel Lord’s that you 16 Foryou in not grace ofbears the a different gospel, 7 for it 16 The am the ashamed of witness with Christ, called I Spirit Himself Christ, to gospel of our spirit • Inheritance from and if children, then which power children ofthere are God – trouble you is are of God to God, 17 for everyone who is thewe not another; butsalvationsome who. Romans and that 8: 16 -17 ( of Christ. 8 But Gal. we, or want to pervert of God 1 Cor. 6: 9 -11; even. Greek. ifan ) the. Jew first jointalso for the. Christ, 17 gospel and heirs with if 3: 26, 29 believes, for the heirs — heirs and angel from heaven, with Him, of Godgospel to you be - what preach any that we may also than other is revealed from • Compromise is a real danger For in it we suffer indeed the righteousness we have preached to you, 1: 6 -10 (1 Peter 9 As we have be accursed. 4: 11) Galatians let him"The just shall live by faithbefore, so as it. I is written, if anyone preaches any other to faith; now (NKJV) glorified together. say again, said faith. "to you than what you have received, let him beis vital (NKJV) gospel • Distinctive gospel preaching Romans 1: 16 -17; 2 Tim. 4: 2 -4 accursed. -10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to • If we do not. I still pleased men, I we are be please men? For if know history would not a bondservant of Christ. to repeat it doomed (NKJV) 10

TERMS USED IN LESSON • Church – Assembly – Congregation – Greek: ekklesia NT: 1577, from ek, "out of, " and klesis, "a calling" (kaleo, "to call"), was used among the Greeks of a body of citizens "gathered" to discuss the affairs of state, (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, ) • Christians – Disciples - Christianos (khristee-an-os'); from NT: 5547; a Christian, i. e. follower of Christ: (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. ) • Denomination names; Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Jehovah witness, Mormons etc. – Not found in Bible 11

ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH • Begin; come into existence • How do we determine the origin of the church of Christ? • What is the church of Christ? 12

Apostasy (departure truth) started from WHEN DID THEfrom • Matthew 16: 18 the very beginning of the • Acts 20: 28 church (Ananias & CHURCH Sapphira Acts 5: 1 -10; Demas 2 Tim 4: 10; BEGIN? ; Seven churches of Rev Creaens Acts 17: 21 Adam ) 2 c Moses John Pentecost did 2 c) Denominationalism. Jesusnot start until (Acts 2) 606 A. D. NO CHURCH OF CHRIST CHURC H OF CHRIST 33 A. D. Acts 13 5

JESUS BUILT HIS CHURCH (Matthews 16: 16 -18) 1 Peter 2: 9 -10 2 Corinthians 1: 9, 2 Thess 2: 13 -14 Isaiah 28: 16 7: 17 1 Corinthians 9 Godyou Builtbound tothe. Sonto. GOD: royal. Isaiah Lord faithful, distributed of to God always 13 Butis • are thusby & on you were. God, intothe for are by whom Lord each one, as I lay But we God chosen give thanks called priesthood, 16 Therefore ahassays generation, a "Behold, the in 17 But as fellowship offor(1 own Jesushim walk. stone, God from in you, called each a. Son, so let Christ. Eph. 2: 20)precious 28: 16 Peter 2: 4 -6; our Lord. a holy nation, Hisone, by the Lord, becauseyouordain Zion brethren beloved special A tried And soa. I To the a stone His foundation, people, that 2 may has churches. (NKJV) for salvationthose who of will God sure of thethe ofthe praises youones (saved) believes beginning which is Him who called you 1 proclaim Called outat Corinth, to through Sancticornerstone, achosefoundation; Whoever – out are all • sanctifiedinto His marvelous light; the truth, 14 to all ficationhastily. Spirit and belief into 10 who once were by the (NKJV) darkness in Christ Jesus, called be saints, with not act Corinthians 7: 17 whoain. He called you by ourthe name of. Jesus who hadof whichpeople place call onthe peopleof the obtainingour not every but are now gospel, for God, Christ • By God thru gospel - 2 Thess. 2: 13 -14 Lord, both theirs and. Jesus Christ. obtained mercy. (NKJV) the glory of our Lordbut now(NKJV) not obtained mercy ours: have • Out of darkness - 1 Peter 2: 9 -10 • Into fellowship - 1 Corinthians 1: 9, 2 14

Acts 2: 37 -41, 47 JESUS BUILT HIS CHURCH 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we (Matt. 16: 16 -18) do? " 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be. Corinthians name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you Ephesians the 12: 13 1 baptized in 1: 22 -23 shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and • He put. Spirit 22 And Answer allwe were call, added. Lord Him 13 For by oneand tothingsare afar off, asfeet, as thegaveour all God’s all. His many and one body under baptized into to to your children, who Christ’s things other church, 23 free to be head over or church -words he testifiedwhich — — whether Jews allwith many to the Acts 2: 37 -41, is 47 God will call. " 40 And Greeks, whether slaves orand exhorted them, have all been made to drink into one in 41 Then those "Be saved from this perverse His saying, Baptized into One fills all Spirit. (NKJV) andbody, the fullness of Him whogeneration. " all. (NKJV) • Body who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 12: 13 God and having favor 1 Corinthians 47 praising with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being • The(NKJV) saved. Fullness of Christ - Ephesians 1: 22 -23 15

THE CHURCH IN PROPHECY Ephesians 2: 19 -22 Ephesians 3: 15 -16 Isaiah 2: 11 -13 1 Timothy 2: 2 -3 Luke 24: 47 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and 11 2 Now. Iit shall come I writeyou, that latter days in thethe 15 Therefore remember that. Isaiah you may know but God’s House pass in the 2: 2 -3 should if am delayed, to - remission Gentiles That so once of sins 47 and thatbut fellow citizens with the saints and • who repentance and foreigners, are called Uncircumcision by what is fleshyou ought to conduct yourself in thebe established on — mountain in His name to house Shallbeginning at of how be preachedthethe LORD's of God, 20 having been all nations, house of members Who? All nations -the flesh by hands — called theofisthehousehold the living God, exalted above • (NKJV) the top Circumcision made in Ephesians 2: 11 God, whichof themountains, And shall be the pillar church Jerusalem. foundation ofof apostles and prophets, built on at that time you were without Christ, being the 12 the hills; of theall nations. And without controversy peopl that the And 13, 19 -22 shall flow to it. 3 Many and ground truth. 16 Jesus Christthe commonwealthchief cornerstone, 21 aliensis the mystery of godliness: (NKJV)and strangers from Himself being the of Israel go up to the shall come and say, "Come, and let great • What? House (church)us 1 Timothy in whom the whole building, being fitted together, from the covenants LORD, To the houseno hope and mountain of the 3 of promise, : having of 1 God of 5 the grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 Christ Jesus without God in the world. 13 But now in in whom you in Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk alsowho • When? “Latter days” whenplaceword are once builtfar off have been brought nearof being together the by you. His paths. “wereout of Zionfor a dwelling the law, And For shall go forth Godblood of Christ. Lord goes from Jerusalem – in the Spirit. (NKJV) of the (NKJV) thethe word ofthe LORD from Jerusalem. (NKJV ) Luke 24: 47 (Joel 2: 32) 16

THE CHURCH IN PROPHECY Dan 2: 44 -45 44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven Matthew 16: 18 -19 • God’s Kingdom - never be 2: 44 -45 Mark 9: 1 also say to you that you. Daniel destroyed; will set up a kingdom which shall are Peter, and on this 18 And I John. I He said My church, and to I say John it 1 And 18: 36 toshall not this world – people; 18: 36 and thewill. What? them, ofbe lefttheother to you that • build rock kingdom Not "Assuredly, gates of Hades 36 are in pieces "My kingdom is not of this therenot some against it. 19 who will not tasteworld. shall. Jesusprevailstanding consume allwill give youdeath shallbreakanswered, and here God – Matthew 16: And I these kingdoms, If they • Who? forever. 45 Godand whatever power. " kingdom were ofup by present with power. would till. Myof thestandkingdom of world, My servantsyou bind seekingdom of this Inasmuch as you saw that the Set heaven, and it shall keys fight, so will be bound in heaven, andwithout Jews; thatcut(Dan. the mountain whatever you I out of 7: 13 -14; Eph. the hands, (NKJV) 18 -19 should not be delivered to 1: 20 -23)but the stone was on earth now on kingdom pieces thehere. " kings” – and that • earth willis not from “these(NKJV) the clay, broke ? be loosed iron, the bronze, loose. Myit. Whenin Days of in heaven. " (NKJV) Mark the silver, and the gold 2: 40 -43; Mk. 1: 14 -15) 9: 1 (Dan. — the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure. “ (NKJV) 17

ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH OT Prophecy Pentecost (Acts 2) 18

COMPOSITION OF CHURCH 2 Peter 1: 4, 10 -11 1 Corinthians 15: 1 -4 Acts 2: 47 have 4 by which 7: 21 been given to us exceedingly great and Matthew 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel • People saved by Gospel, 47 praising God and havingto Me, 'Lord, the people. precious everyonetothat through these all. Lord, ' be 21 "Not promises, you, which also you received and who says favor with you may shall which I Acts 2: 47 (Mk. 16: 15 -16; Rom 1: 16) preached And the Lordstand, 2 to the church daily are saved, were added heaven, having escaped the partakers kingdom of by which but he who does theif you enter the of the divine nature, also you those who will in which you being Father in heaven. world through lust. — unless saved. word the I preached (NKJV) corruption that is inwhich(NKJV) of My • Gospel consists of: to you hold fast that 10 Therefore, brethren, For Ieven more to you first make you believed in vain. Cor. 15: 1 -4 diligent to of all 3 be delivered your which. Facts received: thatif you do these things call • I also 1 sure, for Christ died for our sins and election that you will neverthe Scriptures, 4 so anthat 7: 21; will. Thess. • to stumble; 11 Matthew He was buried, according. Commands for and entrance (2 be supplied 1: 8 -9)abundantly thirdthe everlasting to the to rose and that Heyou again the into day according kingdom of our. Promises 2 Pet. 1: 4, 10 -11 • (NKJV) Scriptures, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NKJV) 19

ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH OT Prophecy Pentecost (Acts 2) Gospel Pentecost (Acts 2) 20

PURCHASE PRICE OF CHURCH 1 Peter 1: 18 -19 Acts 20: 28 Hebrews 9: 22 18 knowing that you were not redeemed withall the • Blood of to the law-almost 20: 28 Christ Acts and to 28 Therefore take heed to yourselvesall things are 22 And according corruptible things, like silver. Spirit has made you (Eph. 5: 25 -27) flock, among which the Holy or gold, from your purified with blood, and without shedding of blood aimless conduct received by tradition. God which He overseers, to shepherd (NKJV) the 1 church of from your there is no remission. - Peter 1: 18 -19 (2: 4 -5) • Redeemed precious blood of Christ, as of fathers, 19 withown blood. (NKJV) purchased but His the • After death of without Hebrews a lamb without blemish and. Jesus -spot. (NKJV) 9: 22 21

ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH OT Prophecy Pentecost (Acts 2) Gospel Pentecost (Acts 2) Purchased Pentecost (Acts 2) Gospel – Saved – Kingdom 22

ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH Prophecy Gospel Pentecost (Acts 2) Purchase Price church of Christ 23

churches of Christ – Romans 16: 16 28 AD 33 AD 325 Nicene i 787 111? Nicene Apostles ii 435 451 529 Athanasian Chalcedon Orange 553 Anathemas THE REFORMATION 606 AD Boniface III Unv Bisp Pope Declared Infallible - 1870 Catholic Roman 1054 Greek Orthodox church

Welcome to The Branch! Our mission is quite simple - to help people live in an intimate relationship with God. The Branch is made up of people from different religious, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, but all claim common ground in their conviction that life to its fullest is experienced through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. www. thebranch. org 25

The church of Christ BAPTIZED SAVED Universal Matt. 16: 18; Heb. 12: 23 Eph. 1: 22; 3: 21; 5: 23 Local 1 Cor. 1: 2; 1 Ths. 1: 1 Gal. 1: 2; Rom. 16: 16 Congregations All the saved. Denominationof saved ones 26

Conclusion: Entering the church of Christ (How to be saved) HEAR - John 6: 45 BELIEVE - John 8: 24 CONFESS - Roman 10: 9 -10 REPENT - Acts 17: 30 BE BAPTIZED - Acts 22: 16 “to the Church” Acts 2: 47 BE FAITHFUL Luke 6: 40, 46 27