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Gospel Lessons provides scripture-based class and personal
study materials for teenagers and adults.
You may download the materials in PDF format. To do this, you will
need Acrobat Reader to open the PDF documents. Click on this link to download the reader. Acrobat Reader If you wish to convert these articles and/or lessons to a word document to re-publish them in a newspaper
or bulletin, from the Acrobat menu bar, choose select. Block the selected text or entire article. Right click
your mouse and choose save to clipboard. Open a Word document, right click your mouse and choose paste. Your article
will appear as a word document, ready to edit.
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This Month's Article--July
2009
This article will fit a 2 column, 6 inch newspaper advertisement.
Facts about the New Testament Church
During his personal ministry, Jesus promised to build his church (Mt. 16:13-19).
A detailed account of the fulfillment of this promise is in the Bible. The New Testament reveals
these specific points and facts of faith and practice, which are important to everyone desiring to please the Lord.
- Penitent believers were baptized for the remission of sins and the Lord added them to the church
(Acts 2:37-38, 47). There is no example of anyone being voted into the church.
- The church was not
a denomination. The Bible never uses this word in relation to the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; Rom.
16:16).
- Christ’s followers wore the name Christian (Acts 11:26: 1 Pet. 4:16).
Denominational names came centuries later.
- The church was governed by the word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 John 9).
The New Testament church did not use creed books or catechisms.
- The church worshipped on every first day of the week (1
Cor. 16:1-2; Heb. 10:25).
- The church observed the Lord’s Supper (communion) on every first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
- The church used vocal
music in worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
- The church gave their financial resources on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
There is no authority to use other means to raise money; such as raffles, suppers, etc.
- The church called preachers evangelists
or ministers (2 Tim.4:5; Eph. 4:12; 1 Thess. 3:1-2; Eph. 6:21). They did not call preachers pastor or give
them the title of reverend (Mt. 25:5-11).
- The early church had overseers, also called pastors and elders, in every congregation
(Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-7).
- Each congregation had deacons to serve the congregation (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim 3:12-13; Phil.
1:1).
Paul taught that “You might learn not to go beyond the things which are written (1 Cor 4:6).”
He pronounces serious judgment on those who do: “If any man preaches unto you any gospel other than that which
you received, let him be anathema (Gal 1:9).”
Facts about the New Testament Church PDF
Spanish Version of This Article:
Hechos Acerca de la Iglesia Del Nuevo Tetamento PDF
A Preacher Contends for the Faith:
60 Newspaper Articles by J.C. Townsend Edited and Revised by Jim Wilsford (68 Pages) The Orangeburg (SC) church of Christ
published these articles monthly in the local newspaper, the Times and Democrat. Each article is approximately
450 words long and suitable for a six inch, two column spread. The articles focus on creating the New Testament church of
Christ by following the Bible in all matters of faith and conduct. The articles deal with various sectarian errors and
innovative practices by presenting the true gospel teaching as it is in the New Testament.
Go directly to Spanish page: El Predicador Contiende Por La Fe
Enemies of the Cross of Christ
A Brief Study of How Change Agents and Innovation Destroy the New
Testament Pattern and the Church of Christ
By Jim Wilsford (33 Pages)
This study first appeared in the Orangeburg church bulletin in reponse to those advocating a negative
view of the authority of the New Testament writers in estabishing a pattern for the New Testament church. Modern
use of terms like corporate worship, contemporary services, praise worship, and community church are evaluated against
the specific teaching of the New Testament scriptures.
Enemies of the Cross PDF
Los Enemigos de la Cruz PDF
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You may reproduce the material on these web pages without charge for personal study and Bible class use.
However, you may not reproduce these materials in print or electronic form for any commercial purposes. ©2006-2009 James A. Wilsford 3081 Landing Way * Orangeburg SC 29118 * Phone/fax: (803)534-4759
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