Antipodean59's Blog

Restored New Testament Christianity

Archive for the tag “New Testament”

10 Oct 2011

The onus is on you to prove it

The apostle Paul said to make sure that one “Prove all things” (I Thessalonians 5:21). Just because something is widely accepted as being true and is therefore the supposed starting point i.e., an axiom, doesn’t prove anything. If it is true then you are under obligation to “prove” it.

The apostle Peter told the 1st Century church to do as much regarding their faith. He said they were obligated to give a “reason” for their “hope” (I Peter 3:15).  For instance the axiom “God is love” needs to be proven with valid reasoning if it is to be convincing. After all faith in such, according to Paul, can only come about by hearing God’s word (Romans 1:17; 10:17) which implies a reasoning mind.

The axiom that is widely accepted as being true is that of organic evolution. That is life somehow started from a single cell and grew to the complexity of life we see before us today.  If that be true then the adherent must prove it to be so.

Here is an excellent article that might help to explain why I say such and help you as well (that is, of course, if you have the willingness of mind to indulge:)

Graham

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13 Jun 2011

Importance of Pentecost

The day of Pentecost as referenced in Acts 2 was a result of fifty days from the Passover Sabbath (πεντηκοστή pentēkostē fiftieth from Passover, Strong’s Dict.). This day was counted from “the morrow of the Sabbath” (Lev.23:15) when the omer of barley harvest i.e. “wave sheaf” was first cut.  The count of these weeks was to start the day the sickle cut that first wave offering (Dt.16:9). This barley harvest was to be over and done within 7 weeks i.e. 49 days from which the “Feast of Ingathering” (Ex.23:16) or “Day of First Fruits” (Num.28:26) as they were known under the Old Testament could begin. This day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the wheat harvest, hence the term “first fruits”.  It is no coincidence, in my humble opinion, that the two different corns represent the Old (i.e., barley) and the New Testaments (i.e., wheat) [any crop farmer will attest barley always precedes wheat in harvest times].

 

A simple count of 49 days beginning “the morrow of the Sabbath” will, without exception, bring one to the first day of the week that we call Sunday.  This day marked the beginning of the church, of which there is, without exception, only one (Eph.4:4).

 

It goes without saying this church needed entry conditions explained i.e. the plan of salvation given by Peter upon request of those who crucified Jesus (Acts 2:37—41).  In addition, this church was instructed via the “apostle’s doctrine” regarding fellowship and worship (Acts 2:42-47). It is important to note that the “breaking of bread” in verse 42 differs from “breaking bread from house to house” found in verse 46. The former concerns the immediate context with the Lord’s Supper memorial for “the breaking” is tn klasis i.e. the fracture, the specific act of breaking the specific bread [the Greek places the definite article tn before breaking and tov before bread indicating specificity] that Adam Clarke points out: “Breaking of bread was that act which preceded a feast or meal, and which was performed by the master of the house, when he pronounced the blessing – what we would call grace before meat”. The word is employed by Matthew in chapter 26:26 where Jesus, the Master, “took the bread, blessed it and broke [klasis] it” because it represented His body upon the soon to be realised cross, a solemn and shameful (Gal.3:13) event.  This in contrast with the latter “break” is klaō i.e. to generically break which the immediate context of the remainder of the verse says “they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart”. They were simply breaking the food apart to eat it with gladness of fellowship together with people of common salvation.

 

This having been said indicates the absolute importance of the first day of the week for the church to assemble for authorised worship and fellowship.

Graham

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13 Mar 2011
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Refuting those who say Jesus will return to reign on Earth

Many who subscribe to the unscriptural position that Jesus is coming back to earth and will reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem will surely be disappointed according to this outline.

The fact is, the Bible is mans only guide to matters concerning the Kingdom of God and it clearly implies the premillennial doctrine is fantasy.

Graham

Posted in Apostasy, Bible, Deity, Denominations, Faith, False Religion, God, Hell, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Religion, Religions, Scripture Error, Sin and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
17 Jan 2011

Before you cross your Rubicon

To cross the Rubicon is a metaphor meaning to deliberately go beyond the point of no return.

An interesting article that may open your eyes can be read here

Think about the consequences before you leap!

Graham

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church, Death, Denominations, Faith, God, Hell, Holy Spirit, Jesus, New Testament, Opinion, Religion, Religions, Sin, Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
14 Dec 2010

Be prepared or you will suffer

Degrees of Punishment

“But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.” (Matthew 11:22)

The subject of eternal hell is so repugnant to the modern ungodly world that people desperately search for some scientific rationale to justify their rejection of God’s Word. Charles Darwin was an example. He became an apostate from Christianity, not because of his scientific “discovery” of natural selection, but because of Christ’s teachings that unbelievers (including his own father) would end up in hell.

Nevertheless “the fearful, and unbelieving . . . and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). These are words from God Himself!

But is there no difference in the punishment of, say, blaspheming and wicked unbelievers and the mere careless unbeliever? Yes, there is. As Christ said, the idolatrous inhabitants of Tyre would have repented if they had seen His mighty works, but the Galileans of Chorazin and Bethsaida who had seen His miracles and heard Him preach had not. Consequently they will suffer more.

Similarly, He said concerning those who would reject the gospel preaching of His disciples that “it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Matthew 10:15). The wicked populace of Sodom, “giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh,” will suffer “the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7), but even greater punishment awaits those who willfully reject God’s love in Christ.

There will, indeed, be degrees of punishment in hell, but they will be determined largely in proportion to degrees of “light” rejected. This is an unwanted–but urgently needed–message in these last days!

By Henry Morris (Institute of Creation Research)

 

 

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18 Nov 2010

If Baptism Is Not a Condition of Salvation, Will You Answer These Questions?

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

1.If baptism is not a condition of salvation, why did Peter mention baptism since he was answering the question of what to do to be saved? (2:37).

2. If baptism comes after salvation, would not repentance also follow salvation, since they are joined by the conjunction and?

3. Is not repentance and baptism in this verse both for the same purpose?

4. If salvation comes before baptism, why does Peter say it is “for the remission of sins”?

5. If the phrase, “for the remission of sins” in Acts 2:38 means because of remission, would not the same phrase in Matthew 26:28 mean because of remission of sins?

6. Did Jesus shed His blood because men were already saved?

7. If Christ did not shed His blood because men were already saved, would it not follow that men are not baptized because they were already saved? The phrase in Matthew 26:28 and Acts 2:38 are identical in both the Greek and English.

8. Would it not be a false doctrine to teach that Christ shed His blood because men were already saved?

9. Likewise, is it not a false doctrine to teach that men are baptized, because they are already saved?

10. If the people on Pentecost were saved before they were baptized, why were they not added to the church until they were baptized, since such as should be saved were added to the church? (2:47).

11. The word church means “the called out” and only those baptized were added to the church. If one is saved before he is baptized, would he be saved before he is called out of the world?

12. Is salvation in the world or in Christ? (2 Tim. 2:10). “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). “Then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12).

1. Can one be saved and not receive the Word?

2. All who received the Word on Pentecost were baptized.

3. Were there any on Pentecost who were saved that did not receive the Word?

4. Does the Word say baptized for the remission of sins or baptized because of remission of sins?

5. How is it possible for one to be baptized as the Word teaches, and not be baptized for the remission of sins?

6. If you were not baptized for the remission of sins, you were not baptized as the Word teaches and therefore were not saved.

7. If not, why not?

Franklin Camp, Deceased

 

 

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09 Nov 2010

New Testament Church

The following is a chart of information concerning the New Testament church as described in the scriptures. It was constructed by Charles Burke, gospel preacher in Bisbee, Arizona. It is an excellent teaching tool for use in teaching the establishment and organization of the Lord’s church.

1) The Reign Of The New Testament Church

  • In Prophecy – Isaiah 2:2-3
  • In Preparation – Matthew 16:13-18
  • Its Establishment – Acts 2:1-47
  • Its Existence – Hebrews 12:22-29
  • Its Destination – 1 Corinthians 15:24-29

2) The Spiritual Nature Of The New Testament Church

  • A Spiritual House – 1 Tim. 3:15
  • A Spiritual Temple – Ephesians 2:19-22
  • A Spiritual Assembly – Hebrews 12:23
  • A Spiritual Body – 1 Corinthians 12:13
  • A Spiritual Kingdom – John 18:36

3) The Divine Relationship Which Exists Between Christ And The NT Church

  • The Builder – Matthew 16:18
  • The Purchaser – Ephesians 5:25
  • The Head – Ephesians 5:22-32
  • The Foundation – 1 Corinthians 3:11
  • The Saviour – Ephesians 5:23

4) The Divine Relationship Which Exists Between The NT Church And Christ

  • The Bride – Ephesians 5:23-32
  • The Body – Colossians 1:24
  • The Kingdom – John 18:36
  • The Flock – Acts 20:28
  • The Candlestick – Rev. 1:12-20

5) The Divine Names Of The NT Church

  • The Church of God – 1 Corinthians 1:2
  • The Church of Christ – Romans 16:16
  • The Church of The Firstborn – Hebrews 12:23
  • The Church – Ephesians 3:10
  • The Kingdom – Matthew 16:19

6) The Biblical Names Of The Members Of The NT Church

  • Christians – 1 Peter 4:16
  • The Children of God – Gal. 3:26
  • Brethren – Gal. 6:1
  • Saints – Romans 1:7
  • Disciples – Acts 11:26

7) Membership Into The NT Church

  • Hear – Romans 10:17
  • Faith – Hebrews 11:6
  • Repentance – Acts 17:30-31
  • Confession – Acts 8:37
  • Baptism – Acts 2:38

8) The True Worship Service Of The NT Church

  • Communion – Acts 20:7
  • Prayer – Acts 2:42
  • Singing – Ephesians 5:19
  • Giving – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
  • Preaching – 2 Timothy 4:1-4

9) The True Organization Of The NT Church

  • Elders (aka pastors, elders, bishops, overseers) – 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Eph. 4:11; Phil. 1:1; Acts 20:28
  • Deacons – 1 Tim. 3:8-13
  • Preacher(s) – 2 Timothy 4:1-5
  • Teachers – Hebrews 5:12-14
  • Members – 1 Corinthians 12:23-27

10) The Purpose Of The NT Church

  • To Evangelize – Matthew 28:18-20
  • To Restore – Gal. 6:1
  • To Worship – Matthew 4:10
  • To Serve – Hebrews 12:28-29
  • To Minister – Gal. 6:10

11) The Divine Authority Of The NT Church

  • Christ Our Saviour – Luke 2:8-13
  • Christ Our Mediator – 1 Tim. 2:5
  • Christ Our Lawgiver – Matthew 28:18-20
  • Christ Our Ruler – Ephesians 1:22-23
  • Christ Our Judge – 2 Corinthians 5:10

12) The Divine Acceptance Of The NT Church

  • Glorious – Ephesians 5:25-27
  • Spotless – 2 Peter 2:1-3
  • Holy – Gal. 1:6-9
  • Faultless – 2 Peter 3:16-17
  • Flawless – Jude 1:1

Conclusion
Let us pray that as we consider the above scriptures relating to the church of our Lord, we will always remember that we (the church – Ephesians 5:23, 30) are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (marginal reading – or a purchased people); that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

For more information see Essential Pattern

 

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