Category The Church

A New and Living Way; Hebrews 10:20

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The New and Living Way

“By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” Hebrews 10:20

There is something striking about the way the Bible describes what God has done through Jesus Christ. It repeatedly uses the word new.

God promised a new covenant. Christ established it. Those who come to Christ receive new life. They become new creatures. They put off the old man and put on the new man. They receive a new identity and are called by a new name. They are taught to live differently.

This is more than an updated version of an old religion. Jesus opened “a new and living way.”

A NEW COVENANT

The coming of something new was not a surprise. God had promised it hundreds of years before Christ came.

Jeremiah wrote: “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant…” Jeremiah 31:31

God promised a covenant in which He would forgive iniquity and write His law upon the hearts of His people.

The prophets also spoke of an everlasting covenant and a covenant of peace. Isaiah spoke of God’s Servant being given “for a covenant of the people” (Isaiah 42:6). Ezekiel spoke of an “everlasting covenant” (Ezekiel 37:26).

Then Jesus came. When He instituted the Lord’s Supper, He said: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins…” Matt 26:28

Hebrews explains exactly what happened: “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old.” Hebrews 8:13

Christ did not simply repair the first covenant. He established a new one. (see Heb 7:12-14)

And that new covenant is the covenant under which we live today.

A New LIFE and a New Creation

The new covenant calls for a new kind of life.

Paul wrote: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” 2Cor 5:17

That is personal. If I am in Christ, I am not supposed to remain the same person I was before.

Galatians 6:15 says that what matters is being “a new creature.”

The prophets had already pointed toward this kind of change. Isaiah recorded God’s promise: “Behold, I will do a new thing…” Isaiah 43:19

The New Testament shows us that this new work begins in those who obey the gospel of Christ.

God does not simply give us a new set of beliefs. He calls us to a new life.

Buried (IMMERSED in baptism) and Raised to Newness of Life

Romans 6 makes the connection even clearer. Paul says: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4

Notice the progression.

We are buried with Christ. We are raised with Christ. THEN we walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:12 describes us as being “buried with him in baptism” and raised with Him.

Galatians 3:27 says: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

What baptism is Paul talking about?

He is talking about immersion in water.

The word baptism means immersion, and the Bible repeatedly connects baptism with water. The Ethiopian eunuch went down into the water with Philip, and they came up out of the water (Acts 8:36-39). Peter commanded baptism with water (Acts 10:47-48). Ananias told Saul to arise and be baptized and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).

This is not something man invented. Jesus commanded it.

Jesus said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them…” Matthew 28:19

Mark records: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” Mark 16:16

Water baptism is therefore not a work that replaces faith. It is an act of obedient faith.

The question is not whether baptism is a human work that earns salvation. It does not.

The question is whether a person who believes Jesus should obey what Jesus commanded.

  • Jesus commanded baptism.
  • The apostles commanded baptism.
  • And when people believed the gospel, they were baptized.

Acts 2:41 says those who gladly received the word were baptized.

Acts 8:12 says men and women believed and were baptized.

Acts 18:8 says many Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized.

Faith does not make obedience unnecessary.

Faith obeys.

That is why Romans 6 connects baptism with being buried and raised with Christ and then walking in newness of life.

Baptism is not presented as an empty ceremony. It is connected with entering Christ, being raised with Him, and beginning a new life.

The Christian life is supposed to look different because the Christian has become different.

New Wine and New VESSELS

Jesus used another picture to describe what He was bringing.

“New wine must be put into new bottles.” Mark 2:22

The point is simple. The new work Christ was doing called for something new.

We cannot claim the new life Christ gives us while continuing to live according to the old life we left behind.

The gospel is not just something we add to our lives.

It changes our lives.

A New Man in a New IMAGE

Paul gives us another powerful picture in Ephesians 4.

He tells Christians to put away the old manner of life and: “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24

Colossians 3:9-10 says: “Ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man…”

Then Paul explains that the new man is: “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”

That is what Christ is doing in us.

We put off the old man. We put on the new man. We become more like Christ.

Christianity is not about becoming a slightly improved version of the old me. It is about becoming a new man in Christ.

A New NAME

God also promised that His people would receive a new name.

Isaiah wrote: “thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.” Isaiah 62:2

Isaiah 65:15 speaks of God calling His servants “by another name.”

Then we come to the New Testament.

Acts 11:26 tells us: “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

James refers to “that worthy name by the which ye are called” (James 2:7).

Peter says: “if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.” 1 Peter 4:16

Revelation also speaks of a “new name” given to those who belong to Christ (Rev 2:17; 3:12).

God gives His people a new identity.

We are not defined by who we used to be. We belong to Christ.

New GARMENTS

The Bible also describes this new identity as putting on new clothing.

Isaiah wrote: “he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10

Paul uses the same kind of language when he says: “put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 13:14

And again: “put on the new man.” Eph 4:24

Colossians 3 tells us what these new garments look like. We put on mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love.

This is what the new life should look like.

We take off the old behavior and put on Christ.

The New and Living Way

Put all of this together and the message becomes clear.

God promised a new covenant.

Christ established it through His blood.

Those who come to Christ receive new life.

Through baptism, we are buried and raised to newness of life.

We become a new creation at baptism.

We put off the old man and put on the new man.

We receive a new identity and name.

We put on new garments of righteousness, holiness, and love. Galatians 3:27

And all of it points us back to Hebrews 10:20:

“A new and living way.”

Jesus did not merely make the old way easier. He opened a new way to God.

The question is not simply whether we believe that Jesus opened that way.

The question is whether we are walking in it.

If I have entered the new covenant, I should live a new life.

If I have been raised to newness of life, I should not keep living like the old man.

If I have put on Christ, people should be able to see Christ in the way I live.

That is the challenge of the new and living way.

Christ made all things new. He calls us to live as new people.

agape

spencer

The Scheme of Redemption

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THE SCHEME (PLAN) OF REDEMPTION:

Creation and the Entrance of Sin

  1. Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image.
  2. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Man sought to sin
  3. Romans 3:9, 10, 23 All stand as sinners before God.

The Nature and Definition of Sin

  1. 1 John 1:8 If one says he has no sin he is not truthful. What is sin?
  2. 1 John 5:17 Sin is unrighteousness.
  3. Romans 1:16 Righteousness is revealed in the Bible.
  4. 1 John 3:4 Sin is lawlessness (acting without law). What law?
  5. James 1:25 Authority is found in the perfect law of liberty, the gospel of Christ.
  6. Romans 14:23 Whatever is not of faith is sin. How does one get faith?
  7. Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing the word of God.
  8. James 4:17 Not doing good is sin. How does one know what is good?
  9. Micah 6:8 What is good is shown by God to man in the Bible.

The Tragic Consequences of Sin
1) Isaiah 59:1-2 Sin is tragic. It separates man from God. (Separates; Injures; Never lets go)
2) Romans 6:23 Without God’s help, sin will separate man from God eternally.

God’s Love and Provision for Salvation
1) John 3:16 God’s love made it possible for man not to die because of his sin.
2) Matthew 1:21 Jesus came to save man from sin.
3) Jeremiah 10:23 God knew man needed help to deal with sin.
4) Proverbs 14:12 The end of the ways of man is death.
5) 2 Peter 1:3 God, in His word, has given man what he needs for life and godliness.
6) Romans 1:16 The gospel, God’s word, is His power unto salvation given through Jesus.

The Necessity of Hearing and Believing
1) Matthew 7:24-27 People must hear the words of Christ.
2) John 12:48 We will be judged by the words of Christ, therefore, we must live by them.
3) John 6:68 We must hear Christ’s words because they are the words of eternal life.
4) Romans 10:17 We must hear Christ’s words in order to believe (have faith. see John 20:30-31).
5) Hebrews 11:6 We must believe in order to come to God and be pleasing to Him.
6) John 8:24 We must believe in Jesus to keep from dying in sin.

Faith Must Lead to Obedience
1) Matthew 7:21 We must act on our belief (faith) with obedience.
2) Hebrews 5:8-9 Jesus will only save those who obey Him.
3) John 14:15 If you love Jesus, you will keep His commandments. What are they?

The Commands of the Gospel
1) Luke 13:3 Jesus commands all to repent.
2) Acts 17:30 All people are required to repent.
3) Matthew 10:32 All are required to confess Jesus as Lord.
4) Romans 10:10 Confession is essential to salvation.
5) Mark 16:16 Jesus commands baptism.
6) 1 Peter 3:21 Baptism now saves us.
7) Acts 22:16 Baptism washes away sin.

The Blessings of Being in Christ and His Church
1) Galatians 3:27 In baptism one puts on Christ.
2) Ephesians 1:3 All spiritual blessings are in Christ.
3) 1 Corinthians 12:13 Baptism puts one in the body of the saved.
4) Colossians 1:18 That body is Christ’s church.
5) Acts 2:47 God adds the saved to His church.
6) Ephesians 5:23 Christ is the Savior of the body, the church. (Eph 1:22-23)

The Urgency of Obedience
1) 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 Those who do not know God and those who do not obey Him will perish.
2) 2 Corinthians 6:2 Now is the time to obey.
3) James 4:13-14 There is no guarantee of a tomorrow.

Who are God’s Chosen People today?

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WHO ARE GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE TODAY?

The Bible presents the children of Abraham, specifically the twelve tribes of Israel, as God’s chosen people, selected for a divine purpose: to bring forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed. This narrative weaves through the Old and New Testaments, showing the progression from the Law of Moses to the New Covenant in Christ, culminating in the universal call to become God’s chosen through faith and obedience to the Gospel.

The Chosen People and the Promise.
God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) established his descendants as the vehicle for His redemptive plan. Through Abraham’s seed—ultimately Christ (Galatians 3:16)—all nations would be blessed. The twelve tribes of Israel, descending from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 17:19; 35:10-12), were chosen to preserve God’s covenant, carry His oracles, and prepare the world for the Messiah. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 emphasizes that Israel’s election was not due to their merit but God’s love and faithfulness to His promise.

The Purpose of the Law of Moses.
The Law of Moses, given to Israel at Sinai (Exodus 19-20), served as a tutor to lead humanity to Christ (Galatians 3:24-25). It revealed God’s holiness, exposed human sinfulness (Romans 3:20), and provided a framework for Israel’s covenant relationship with God. The Law included moral, ceremonial, and civil commands, pointing to Christ through types and shadows (Hebrews 10:1). For example, the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) prefigured Christ’s sacrificial death (1 Corinthians 5:7). However, the Law was temporary, unable to justify or remove sin permanently (Hebrews 7:19; 10:4). Its purpose was to prepare Israel—and the world—for the coming of the Messiah.

Fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant.
With Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection—the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)—the Law of Moses was fulfilled and abrogated (Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 8:6-13). Jesus, as the promised seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), accomplished what the Law could not: justification and reconciliation with God (Romans 5:1-2). The New Covenant, established through His blood (Matthew 26:28), replaced the Old Covenant, making salvation accessible to all—Jew and Gentile—through faith in Christ (Romans 10:12-13). The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) commands the spread of this Gospel to all nations, inviting everyone to obey Christ’s doctrine (2 John 1:9).

Paul expresses his heart for Israel’s salvation in Romans 10:1, noting their zeal for God but lack of knowledge about the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ (Romans 10:3-4). The Law’s purpose was fulfilled in Christ, and now all who believe—whether Jew or Gentile—are justified by faith (Galatians 3:26-29).

The Saints as the Chosen People.
Under the New Covenant, the “chosen people” are no longer defined by ethnicity but by faith and obedience to the Gospel. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers—Jew & Gentile—as a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” echoing Israel’s calling in Exodus 19:5-6 but now applied universally to the church. Anyone who obeys the Gospel by faith (Romans 1:16; Acts 2:38) becomes part of this spiritual Israel, grafted into God’s family (Romans 11:17-24). The saints, through Christ, inherit the promises made to Abraham (Galatians 3:29).


The twelve tribes of Israel were chosen to bring Christ into the world, with the Law of Moses guiding them toward this purpose while exposing humanity’s need for a Savior. Christ’s Gospel fulfilled and replaced the Law, opening salvation to all who obey Him by faith. The saints, as God’s new chosen people, reflect His redemptive plan: a universal call to become His own through the New Covenant, demonstrating His grace and power to save.

HOW IS ISRAEL SAVED TODAY?

Israel (and everyone else) is saved not by the Law of Moses but by the Law of Christ under the New Covenant. The fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:31-34, as affirmed in Hebrews 8, establishes that salvation for Israel—and all people—comes through faith and obedience to the Gospel of Christ.

Salvation Through the Law of Christ.

Since Pentecost, when the New Covenant was inaugurated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), salvation for Israel (and all nations) is through the Law of Christ, which is the Gospel—the message of His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

The Bible is clear:

  • Faith and Obedience to the Gospel: Romans 10:9-13 states that salvation comes by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, with “no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.” Acts 2:38, preached to Jews on Pentecost, commands repentance and baptism in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins, resulting in 3,000 Jews being saved (Acts 2:41). This marks the beginning of salvation under the Law of Christ.
  • The New Covenant Fulfilled: Jeremiah 31:31-34 promised a new covenant with Israel, where God would write His law on their hearts and forgive their sins. Hebrews 8:6-13 declares this fulfilled in Christ, who is the “mediator of a better covenant.” His sacrifice replaced the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:13), making the Gospel the means of salvation for all, including Israel.
  • The Law of Christ: Galatians 6:2 refers to “the law of Christ” as the guiding principle for believers. This involves faith working through love (Galatians 5:6), obedience to Christ’s commands (John 14:15), and adherence to His doctrine (2 John 1:9). For Israel, this means accepting Jesus as the Messiah and obeying His Gospel, as seen in the Jewish believers of the early church (Acts 2:41; 6:7).

The Law of Moses Abrogated.

(Abrogated: To annul by an authoritative act; to abolish by the authority of the maker or his successor; To put an end to; to do away with.)

The Law of Moses, given to Israel at Sinai (Exodus 19-20), is no longer the means of salvation:

  • Fulfilled and Replaced: Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17-18), and His death on the cross abolished it as a system of justification (Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:15). Hebrews 10:9 states that Christ “takes away the first [covenant] that He may establish the second.” The Law’s sacrifices and ordinances could not perfect or justify (Hebrews 10:1-4; Galatians 3:10-13).
  • A Tutor to Christ: Galatians 3:24-25 explains that the Law was a “tutor to bring us to Christ,” but “after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” For Israel, the Law pointed to the Messiah, but since His coming, salvation is through faith in Him, not the Law’s works (Romans 10:4).
  • Inability to Save: Acts 15:10-11, in the context of Jewish believers, affirms that neither Jews nor Gentiles are saved by the Law, which was a “yoke” they could not bear. Instead, “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.”

Israel’s Salvation Today.

Since Pentecost, Jews (Israel) are saved by:

  • Hearing and Believing the Gospel: Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. Jews must believe Jesus is the Messiah, as Peter proclaimed to Israel (Acts 2:36).
  • Repentance and Baptism: Acts 2:38 applies to Jews, as seen in the mass conversions at Pentecost. Baptism in Jesus’ name unites Jews and Gentiles with Christ (Galatians 3:27-29).
  • Ongoing Faithfulness: Like all believers, Jews must abide in Christ’s doctrine (2 John 1:9) and remain faithful (Hebrews 3:14). The remnant of Israel saved today includes Jews who obey the Gospel, such as the apostles and early disciples (Romans 11:5).

The Remnant and Future Hope.

Romans 11:5 speaks of a “remnant according to the election of grace” among Israel, saved by faith in Christ, as exemplified by Jewish believers in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 21:20). While Romans 11:26 anticipates a future time when “all Israel will be saved,” this does not imply salvation apart from the Gospel. The context (Romans 11:23-27) suggests Israel’s salvation comes through faith in Christ, aligning with the New Covenant promise of Jeremiah 31:31-34, fulfilled in Christ’s blood (Hebrews 8:8-12; Matthew 26:28).

Conclusion.

Since Pentecost, Israel is saved through the Law of Christ—the Gospel—not the Law of Moses, which was fulfilled and abrogated (Hebrews 8:13; Colossians 2:14). The New Covenant, promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and established through Christ (Hebrews 8:6), requires Jews to believe in Jesus as Messiah, repent, and be baptized (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-13). The remnant of Israel today, like all believers, enters God’s chosen people (1 Peter 2:9) by faith and obedience to the Gospel, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan through the eternal covenant of Christ.

agape

The Kingdom of Christ and His church are present realities.

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The Kingdom of God (also called the Kingdom of Christ or of Heaven) is not a distant hope but a present reality inaugurated at Pentecost and advancing until Christ’s return. Here are five scriptural proofs that the Kingdom has been established and is operative now.

The Kingdom was Predicted and Came with Power on Pentecost: Jesus declared, “Some standing here will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1, ESV). He tied this power to the Holy Spirit’s arrival (Acts 1:8). On Pentecost, Acts 2:1–4 records the Spirit’s descent with wind, fire, and tongues, fulfilling Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:16–21). Three thousand were baptized, marking the Kingdom’s (and the church’s) explosive launch (Acts 2:41). This was no mere preview; the Spirit’s outpouring signaled the Kingdom’s arrival, as Peter affirmed Christ’s enthronement (Acts 2:30–36). The Kingdom came with power, not as a future event but a present reality. Christ did not fail to set up His Kingdom and His church.

The Ordinance and Observation of the Lord’s Supper show the Kingdom is a present reality: Jesus promised to drink the cup anew “in the kingdom of God” (Matthew 26:29), and in 1Corinthians 11:20–26, Paul describes the early church regularly partaking of the Lord’s Supper, proclaiming Christ’s death “until He comes.” If the Supper is exclusive to the Kingdom, and believers ate it weekly on the 1st day of the week, the Kingdom must be present. This ordinance isn’t a rehearsal but a participation in Christ’s reign, a Kingdom meal served now, uniting believers with their risen King. Christ did not fail to set up His Kingdom and His church.

Since Pentecost, those that obeyed the Gospel Were and Are Translated into the Kingdom: Colossians 1:13 declares, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” The past tense (“has transferred”) confirms believers are already Kingdom citizens ( cf. Philippians 3:19). Written to living Christians around AD 60, this verse shows the Kingdom isn’t a future destination but a current reality. We’ve been relocated, not to a physical territory but to Christ’s spiritual dominion, where His redemption and forgiveness reign (Col 1:14). Christ did not fail to set up His Kingdom and His church.

The Kingdom came with Power as seen in the Enthronement of Christ: Peter’s Pentecost sermon links Christ’s resurrection to His enthronement on David’s throne (Acts 2:30–36). Ephesians 1:20–22 adds that God seated Christ “far above all rule and authority,” making Him head over all things for the church. A king on the throne means a kingdom in session. Christ’s ascension wasn’t a delay but a coronation, inaugurating His reign over the Kingdom that began at Pentecost and continues now. He will reign until He delivers the kingdom to God when “he hath put all enemies under his feet” 1Cor 15:24-25). Christ did not fail to set up His Kingdom and His church.

We who are in Christ Reign with Him now: Paul writes that Jesus sits on His throne, “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 1:20). Then he says, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” (Ephesians 2:6). This present tense language shows the Saints reigning with Christ now. The language of Revelation 1:6 shows our identity as kings and priests now; “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” We reign with Christ when we obey the Gospel of Christ. Christ did not fail to set up His Kingdom and His church.

Since Pentecost, Christ reigns, Satan is bound (Rev 20:2; Matt 12:29), and believers live as Kingdom citizens. This perspective embraces the “already” of Christ’s rule, and rejects any idea that Jesus failed to set up His promised Kingdom and His church. This reality is urging us to live boldly for the King who reigns now.

Christ is: “who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (1Timothy 6:15)

Christ did not fail to set up His Kingdom and His church.

agape

How was Noah saved?

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What does the bible say about how Noah was saved?

By Grace (Gen 6:8) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

By Faith (Heb 11:7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

By Obedience (Heb 11:7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

In the Ark (1Pet 3:20) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

By Water (1Pet 3:21) The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us

What does the bible say about how WE are saved?

By Grace (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

By Faith (Rom 5:1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By Obedience (Heb 5:8-9) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

In Christ (2Tim 2:10) Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27; Col 2:11; Acts 8:35-38; Rom 6:3-5) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

1Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.

Which of the following sentences are true? Let them that oppose it erase the one he says is NOT true.

baptism doth also NOW save us.

baptism doth also NOT save us.

What questions do you have about this material? Please let us know.

The church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper st in Borger invites you to attend one of their services.

we can RESTORE the New Testament church

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Here’s a question almost nobody asks; Is the Lord pleased with so many varied churches teaching contradicting and erroneous doctrines? The answer is self evident.

We ought to seek to RESTORE the New Testament church that Christ built in the first century.

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt 16:18

How to continually RESTORE the New Testament church.

  1. RECOGNIZE there are different ones and it is not pleasing to the Lord.
    1. Gal 1:6-10
  2. EXPECT that it can be done. 1Tim 3; Titus 1; Matt 16:18
  3. SEED of the SCRIPTURE is the STANDARD by which we restore. Mark 4:13-20
  4. TRUE JESUS vs fake Jesus. 2Cor 11:4 “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”
  5. ORIGINAL identifying marks of doctrine, organization, and function.
    1. 1John 1:9
  6. RETURN, Restore, Repent. 1Cor 1-5 This was the problem with the church at Corinth. They had become divisive over several issues. “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.”
  7. ESTABLISHED, organized, met. Acts 2:38-47
    1. 1Cor 11:17-34; 16:1-2; Acts 20:7
    2. They worshipped (Sing Acapella, Prayer, Giving, Teaching, & observing the Lord’s death)
    3. They worked together in local congregations (cf. Rom 16:16)
      • Organized with Elders, Deacons, & Saints. (Phil 1:1; 1Tim 3; Titus 1)
    4. The work of these local congregations (congruently with all local congregations) is all about saints…
      • Making Saints. (Matt 28:19)
      • Teaching Saints. (Matt 28:20)
      • Helping needy Saints. (Acts 11:29)

Give us a KING

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Kingdom of Christ

“Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1Samuel 8:5).

The last Judge of the “Judges Period” of OT History was Samuel. His sons were behaving in a disorderly way and the people had become frustrated. They respond to this by asking for a King.

God is never caught by surprise and had already warned them about this situation. In Deuteronomy He said, “When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. But…” (Deut 17:14-16)

It’s here where we begin our study.

God warned Israel about this situation long before they had even taken the land in which they now reside. Now that they have asked for a KING, He tells Samuel to remind them of this lesson. Then, after the lesson, it is interesting to notice their reaction and it is also important to know what God is doing.

First, He says; “Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them” (1Sam 8:9). God wants them to KNOW what they’re asking.

Second, this KING will IMPOSE heavy burdens on them. “This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take…”

  • (11) your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
  • (12) And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
  • (13) And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
  • (14) And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
  • (15) And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
  • (16) And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
  • (17) He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
  • (18) And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

By the end of the UNITED KINGDOM period this truth will become the sore spot for the people. “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee” (1Kings 12:4).

After this warning about their request, the people say, “NEVERTHELESS the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles” (1Sam 8:19-20).

Amazing!! Even after hearing the warnings, they REFUSE to obey. Isn’t this still true today? It’s a common response of the disobedient. It was a similar response of the nation of Israel at their first attempt to enter the land of Canaan. “And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt” (Num 14:4).

This next point is important. “And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king” (1Sam 8:7,22). GOD GAVE them a KING, but that is not the complete picture. We need to study the whole counsel of God.

In Hosea, after this and their subsequent apostasy, the prophet said, “I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath” (Hosea 13:11). They had rejected God, so He gave them a KING. Later, He will remove the earthly king (cf. Jer 22:29-30).

Religious scholars today make the mistake in claiming that God is intent on setting up an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem. That contradicts what God has done and what He has said. God has promised to set up a Spiritual Kingdom beginning at Pentecost (cf. Joh 18:36; Dan 2:44). Christ is KING, and reigns now, sitting on His throne in Heaven at the right hand of God.

“For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:34-36).

Let us never make the same mistake as they and ask for a different king. Christ is KING. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1Tim 6:15).

Spencer

Listen Here.

CALLED out of darkness

The Preacher 1 Comment

The term ‘church’ (ekklesia) literally means, ‘the called out.’ It is a derivative of the word ‘kaleo’ which means a ‘calling out.’

I bring this to you attention because this is the word Peter uses in his 1st letter to us, the church.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath CALLED YOU OUT of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Peter 2:9; emph mine seb).

Peter’s inspired letter says much about being separate, set apart, and different from the rest of the world. The comparison in this verse is light vs darkness.

This calling is to be heeded, but how? To understand what Christian must do to stay out of the darkness and be in the light can be seen in a study of chapter two.

Before we begin, it’s important to remember that the calling by God occurs through the word preached. “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thess 2:14). We become Christians by obeying the Gospel. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:3-4; 2Thess 2:8-9; 1Cor 15:1-4). After responding to this call, we can then continue to answer the call to walk in the light as He is in the light (cf. 1John 1:7).

With this background, we can now proceed to answer how to answer the call to come out of darkness.

CAST OFF

Beginning at verse one of chapter two we read, “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” From this we see that we are to CAST OFF worldly behaviors. The Christian that is walking in the light has nothing to do with worldliness and sin. Paul wrote, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (Eph 5:3). Paul also described the putting off as a putting to death these worldly attributes.

APPETITE for the word

Continuing on, Peter gives the source of knowing what is to be cast off and what our attitude should be toward it. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1Peter 2:2). The revealed word of God is the source book of information to teach us the difference between light and darkness, and that we need to develop an APPETITE for it as much as a newborn baby cries out for milk when it’s hungry. What a vivid description for us to see how vital the bread of life is to our growth.

LIVING STONES

From here, Peter describes who the called are. “To whom coming, as unto a LIVING STONE, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as LIVELY STONES, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1Pet 2:4-5, emph mine seb). This is important to understand for the Christian. Especially as we face persecution for being Christians. Peter will point this out in the remainder of this letter. We are the LIVING STONES of the Spiritual Temple of God.

LIGHT BEARER

Another thing to notice for those that walk in the light. We are to be LIGHT BEARERS to the dark world. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Peter 2:9-12). Notice that we are to “shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out.” We can do this directly through preaching, and also through our actions in the world. Note verse 12, “they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” The Christian that is CALLED out of darkness shines forth the Light of Christ in their words and deeds (cf. Col 3:17).

EXAMPLE

This walking in the Light becomes an EXAMPLE for others to observe and to follow. Peter lists several areas in which the Christian can shine the Light, “which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1Peter 2:13-17)

DO GOOD

Finally, those that are called out of darkness are to be DO GOODERS. People that continue to do good despite persecution. “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God” (1Peter 2:18-25).

But this is not a do as I say, not as I do command. It is a “do as I did” command. Jesus Himself being the standard for those called to follow. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1Peter 2:21-24, emph mine seb).

It’s interesting to note that chapter two is not the only place in this letter that talks about our being CALLED (see 1Pet 1:15; 3:9; 5:10). The last one is given just before the closing greetings.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

(1Peter 5:10)

This gives us comfort as we suffer persecution because we walk in the Light. It comforts because the suffering is only temporary, but glory is Eternal!

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist of the church of Christ in Borger Texas. He has been working with the congregation on Franklin and Juniper since 2014.

We’re Looking for a church, part 2

The Preacher Leave a comment

Last week we began to answer those who say, “We’re looking for a church.” To answer we had to first describe what the church is NOT.

  • It is not a DIVISION.
  • It is not a BUILDING.
  • It is not just a NAME.
  • It is not an ORGANIZATION for general benevolence.
  • It is not for ENTERTAINMNET.

In this article we will look at a few things to consider when looking for a ‘church.’

By the way; we use this language accommodatively. We’re looking for Christians who are coming together as a church to do the work of the Lord in a local area.

We must search the scriptures with honest hearts and answer such requests in a kind, loving and scriptural way. We also need to be careful not to treat the church of Christ as just another denomination by using denominational language. (1Peter 4:11)

What are you looking for in a CHURCH?

Are you looking for the church (people) that CONFORMS to the scriptures in the New Testament, or one that conforms to the CULTURE of our times? Are you looking for God’s people that CONFORM themselves to the doctrine of Christ, or one that conforms to your schedule, your likes, your daycare needs?

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” [Rom 12:2; 2John 1:9]

Are you looking for a church whose HEAD is Christ, sitting in HEAVEN on His throne, or one that has a HEADQUARTERS on earth with unqualified men at its head?

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” [Mat 23:9; Acts 2:30-36; Col 1:18]

Are you looking for a church that is scripturally UNIFIED with Christ, or one that is UNIFIED only in their diversity of practices, and tolerance of sin?

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” [Eph 4:3-6]

Are you looking for the church that will be RAISED up on the last day, or the many that will be REFUSED by Christ for their works done without His authority? Christ will only RAISE one church, His church.  

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” [Mat 7:21-23; Luke 6:46; Eph 5:23]

Are you looking for the one that is being CONSTRUCTED by Christ, or the one that is being built in a way that is CONTRARY to Christ?

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” [Mat 16:18; Eph 2:19-20; 2Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6-10]

Are you looking for the church that you can read & HEAR about in the Bible, that requires a HEARTFUL obedience to God’s instructions? The one we can’t join, but are added to when we obey from the HEART that form of doctrine (water baptism).

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” [Rom 6:17; cf 3-4; Acts 2:38-47; Col 2:12; 1Pet 3:21]

Much more can be said about how to Identify the Lord’s church. Would you like to learn what the Bible says about the church of Christ? We want to help you to be set free by the truth of God’s Word. [John 8:32]

— spencer

Looking for a church? pt1

The Preacher Leave a comment
How many times have you heard someone make that statement? How many times have you invited them to worship only to hear them try to explain why the church of Christ doesn’t fit in with their expectations?
 
Yeah, me too. Many times, you’ll see people post on social media groups about seeking a church.
 
They will also list the criterion by which they will choose a church. Things like; Daycare, children’s & single’s programs. One person said to me, “I didn’t join my church because of their food & carnivals, but I would join one without them.”
 
How can we answer our neighbors better? We can help them find THE church,

but we have to be ready to give them an answer. Let’s prepare ourselves to answer such requests in a kind, loving and scriptural way. Before we can show them what the bible says, we need to see if they’re willing to have a conversation about what the bible says. Many have never heard what you know about what the bible says about the Lord’s church. Many only have a denominational understanding.
 
If you get to have the conversation, the first thing that might help is to show them what the church is NOT.
 
First, it is not a DENOMINATION. It’s not even non-denominational. The church that Christ built is UN-DENOMINATIONAL. “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1Cor 1:12-13)
 
Second, the church is not an EDIFICE, a building, nor a place. The church of the bible is a People. The church is spoken of as if it’s a building, (eg; “Let’s go to church.”). John wrote to people not a building; “I wrote unto the church:” (3John 1:9; cf Phm 1:2; Col 1:24; 4:15). People are the church (Heb 3:6; 1Co 3:16)
 
Third, the church is not the Lord’s church just because of a NAME. Talking about the church as a name contributes to the denominational concept. The phrase, “church of Christ” denotes ownership. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28). There are many buildings with a sign on front that says, “the church of Christ,” but that doesn’t make it so. There are identifying marks that will tell us if it’s the church that the Lord bought. The church at Ephesus was in danger of having their candlestick removed unless they repent. (Rev 2:1-5)
 
I know this point confuses many. We all recognize that many denominations wear man made NAMES and wear the NAME of their founders. (eg. Lutheran). The New Testament uses many identifying phrases; (often including location)
·       My church; Matt 16:18
·       church of the Lord, church of God; Acts 20:28; 1Cor 1:2
·       The body, The church; Col 1:18; Eph 1:22-23; 5:23; 1Thess 1:1
·       Household of God, church of the living God; Eph 2:19; 1Tim 3:15
·       Church of the Firstborn; Heb 12:23
·       God’s field, God’s building; 1Cor 3:9
·       The Flock; 1Peter 5:3; Acts 20:28
·       Church of Christ; Rom 16:16
 
Fourth, the church is not an ORGANIZATION for general benevolence nor a political action committee. This is one of the main points of confusion. Our culture today believes that the church exists to ease the physical needs of mankind or to raise up a political movement. The primary purpose of the church found in the bible is as a gospel teaching ORGANIZATION. “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1Tim 3:15, 5:3-16; cf. Mat 28:18-20; Eph 3:10)
 
Fifthly and finally, the church does not exist for entertainment nor MERRYMAKING purposes. This doesn’t mean one must be sad & unhappy when they worship the Lord. What it does mean is that the church exists for a higher purpose than carnal entertainment. “What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.” (1Cor 11:22).
 
Next week we’ll take a look at what IS the church found in the New Testament.
— spencer