NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

"But now hath he (Christ) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For it that first covenant (the Law of Moses) had been faultless then should no place have been sought for the second (the laws of Christ). For finding fault with them (the Israelites), he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I make with their father in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach ever man his neighbour, and every man his brother, sayings, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he had made the first old. Now that which decayed and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Hebrews 8:6-13

New Testament Christianity is the last covenant which God will ever make with man. I am Charles Burke. Let me illustrate the Divine Blessings of New Testament Christianity in matters of our own redemption of life so that we can learn more about the greatness of our own immortality of life.

THE BEGINNING OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

New Testament Christianity begins with a spiritual birth because we must be born again in a spiritual way so that we can enter into the Kingdom of God. "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time unto his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water (be immersed in water) and of the Spirit (the teachings of the Holy Spirit), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:1-7

I. If we want to be born again in a Spiritual way, we must hear the word of God because the word of God produces faith "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

II. If we desire to be born again in a Spiritual way, we should believe in God because He is our Creator. "Without faith it is impossible to please him (God); for he that cometh to God must believe that he is (He lives), and that he (God) is a rewarder (a promise keeper) of them that diligently seek him" (God). Hebrews 11:6

III. If we wish to be born again in a Spiritual way, we need to repent of our past sins because we have sinned against God. "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained: whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31

IV. If we want to be born again in a Spiritual way, we ought to confess the Deity of Christ because He is our Redeemer. "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:31-32

V. If we desire to be born again in a Spiritual way, we must be baptized into Christ so that we can put on Christ. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27

THE REASONS WHY BAPTISM IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION

I. Baptism is a commandment of God. "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, can any man forbid water; that these (the Gentiles) should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we (the Jews)? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Acts 10:47-48

II. Baptism is for the salvation of our souls. "While the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:20-21

III. Baptism is the act that puts us into Christ. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27 

VI. Baptism is the act that destroys the body of sin. "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, For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:3-6

V. Baptism is act that saves us. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16

VI. Baptism is the act that washes away our sins. Ananias said unto Saul, "Why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

VII. Baptism is the climax of the New Birth: the Spiritual Birth. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again (in a spiritual way), he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water (be immersed in water), and of the Spirit (the teachings of the Holy Spirit), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:3-5

VIII. Baptism is Divinely Authorized by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. "Go make disciples out of all nations, baptizing them in the name (the authority) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18-20

IX. Baptism is for the remission of our past sins. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name (the authority) of Jesus Christ for the remission (the forgiveness) of your sins." Acts 2:38

A. Baptism is a burial in water. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12

B. Baptism is a resurrection from water. "And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized (immersed) him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him not more; and he went on his way rejoicing." Acts 8:38-39

THE ENHANCEMENTS OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

New Testament Christianity is enhanced by spiritual worship because we must worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth. "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit (with the proper attitude) and in truth" (according to His revealed truth). Matthew 4:10, John 4:24 

I. The Lord's Supper is a worship service of the Church because we are to remember our Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave. "Upon the first day of the week (Sunday is the Lord's day), when the disciples came together to break bread (to partaker of the Lord's supper), Paul preached unto them. For as often as ye eat this bread (the unleavened bread is his body), and drink this cup (the contents of the cup contains the fruit of the vine, and the fruit of the vine is his blood), ye do shew the Lord's death till he comes." Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:26 

II. Prayer is a worship service of the Church because we talk to the Lord our God in our prayers. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Let us therefore come bodily unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Acts 2:42, Philippians 4:6, Hebrews 4:16

III. Vocal Music only (acappella music) is a worship service of the Church because we are glorifying the Lord our God. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing (not singing with some musical instrument, but simply singing) with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16

THE BEGINNING OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE CHURCH

Now, instrumental music was not used in the worship service of the early Church because instrumental music is not Divinely Authorized for New Testament Worship. However, instrumental music was later introduced into the worship service of the church many years after the Church had been established. It was added in the church in about 670 A. D. Nevertheless, instrumental music caused a religious division in the church which already had apostatized from the truth of God concerning many different doctrines. Thus, we should not use instrumental music in our worship service unto the Lord our God because the Lord our God has not authorized instrumental music to be used in the worship service of the New Testament Church. Therefore, vocal music only is a worship service of the New Testament Church because we can express our praises unto the Lord our God for the Divine Blessings which we are receiving in being citizens of His kingdom.

IV. The giving of our money is a worship service of the Church because we are proving our love for the Lord our God. "Now concerning the collection (the giving of your money) for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week (Sunday which is the Lord's day) let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

V. Faithful gospel preaching is a worship service of the Church because it increases our faith in the Lord our God. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according the scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

THE PERFECTING OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

New Testament Christianity is perfected by spiritual living because we must produce the fruit of the Spirit in being a New Testament Christian. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, Faithfulness. meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 6:1, Galatians 5:22-23

I. Love is a fruit of the Spirit which we can demonstrate in our lives. "Owe no man any things, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt no covet; and if there by any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this say, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Romans 13:8-11 

II. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit which we can achieve in our lives. "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

III. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit which we can attain in our lives. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not you heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 

IV. Longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit which we can develop in our lives. "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." Colossians 1:10-11

V. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can render unto other in our life. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

VI. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can perform unto other in our lives. "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, skowing all meekness unto all men." Titus 3:2

VII. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can accomplish in our lives. "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye might be tried: and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10 

VIII. Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can execute in our lives. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5 

IX. Temperance is fruit of the Spirit which we can produce in our life. "And as he (Paul) reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answer, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." Acts 24:25

THE CONCLUSION

I. New Testament Christianity begins with a Spiritual birth.

II. New Testament Christianity is enhanced by Spiritual worship.

III. New Testament Christianity is perfected by Spiritual living.

THE STATEMENTS: #3

ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

THE BEGINNING OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

New Testament Christianity begins with a Spiritual Birth because we must be born again in a spiritual way so that we can enter into the kingdom of heaven.

I. Must we be born again by hearing the word of God? True or False________

II. Must we be born again by believing the word of God? True False________

III. Must we be born again by repenting of our past sins? True or False________

IV. Must we be born again by confessing the Deity of Jesus Christ? True or False________

V. Must we be born again by being baptized into Christ for the remission (the forgiveness) of our sins? True or False________

A. Is baptism a commandment of God? True or False________

B. Does baptism save the soul from its past sin? True or False________

C. Is baptism is the act that puts us into Christ? True or False________

D. Is baptism is the act that destroys the body of sin? True or False______

E. Is baptism is act that save us? True or False______

F. Is baptism the act that washes away our sin? True or False________

G. Is baptism the climax of the Spiritual Birth (the New Birth) so that we can enter into the Kingdom of God? True or False________

H. Is baptism Divinely Authorized by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? True or False________

I. Is baptism for the remission (the forgiveness) of our past sins? True or False________

1). Is baptism a burial in water so that we can duplicate our Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave? True or False________

2). Is baptism a resurrection from the water so that we can live a dedicated life unto the Lord our God? True or False_______

THE ENHANCEMENT OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

New Testament Christianity is enhanced by Spiritual Worship because we must worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth.

I. Is the Lord's Supper a worship service of the Church? True or False________

II. Is prayer a worship service of the Church? True or False________

III. Is singing (vocal music only) a worship service of the Church? True or False________

IV. Is the giving of our money a worship service of the Church? True or False________

V. Is Faithful gospel preaching a worship service of the Church? True or False________

THE PERFECTING OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

New Testament Christianity is perfected by Spiritual Living because we in being a New Testament Christian must produce the fruit of the Spirit.

I. Should we be a loving person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

II. Should we be a joyful person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

III. Should we be a peaceful person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

IV. Should we be a longsuffering person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

V. Should we be a good person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

VI. Should we be a gentle person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

VII. Should we be a faithful person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

VIII. Should we be a meek person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

IX. Should we be a temperant person in being a New Testament Christian? True or False________

THE CONCLUSION

I. New Testament Christianity has been brought into being so that we could become a New Testament Christian and walk in the pathway of righteousness.

II. We should become a New Testament Christian so that we could walk in the pathway of righteousness.

PLEASE E MAIL ME YOUR ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS.

May the Lord continue to bless you and your loved ones.
 


© Copyright 2000 by Charles Burke. You May Copy And Use Any Of The Above Articles Any Way That You Wish.

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