The Final Judgment

You’ll Only Hurt Yourself

The prophet Jeremiah, in warning the Southern Kingdom of Judah of the impending wrath of God, told the people that the evil that Israel and Judah had done in provoking the Lord to wrath they had “done against themselves” (Jeremiah 11:17). When we consider the various stories of sin and judgment throughout the Bible we can only conclude that those upon whom the wrath of God fell got exactly what they deserved. Adam and Eve, Cain, the men of Sodom and Gomorrah, Pharaoh, Israel and Judah, they all acted in such a way that only hurt themselves.

Judgment is coming, the trial will be over.

Judgment is coming, the trial will be over.

The natures of mankind and God have not changed and it is important for you and I to never forget that sin only hurts us and never benefits us. And while we all sin and continue to fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) we need to remember that God has provided a way in which we can be saved from ourselves (Titus 2:11–12). And there is an intimate relationship between the grace of God, faith, and works (James 2:26). We respond to Lord and His sacrifice by what we do versus what we did. This is brought about by the act of repentance and is the difference between the old man/life and the new man/life.

So when we stand before God in the Day of Judgment we will not do so to stand trial for we are living the trial now. Once we die, or if they Lord returns first, the judgment of guilt or exoneration will be sealed. So what happens at that Last Day?

The first consideration is the fact of separation: While here on earth the saved and the lost are mingled together (Matthew 13:30, 47–49). Physical death only separates us temporarily, but when Jesus returns all will be raised and a complete and final separation will take place (Matthew 25:31–46).

The second concern is that of proclamation. Judgment Day is about sentencing. Punishment or reward will be passed upon every person. When we die and enter the intermediate state it is primarily a private matter. But on that day Jesus will publicly proclaim,“come” or “depart,” and everyone will here and know. You may fool others while you are alive and they may continue to be deceived after your death. But you are only fooling and hurting yourself.

While these two purposes are certain, they would not necessarily be essential. So there must be a deeper meaning to the judgment of mankind. The third, final, and most important intent is that of vindication. Not our vindication, but God’s. The final judgment will demonstrate the righteousness and impartiality of God and no one will be able to honestly say, “That’s not fair!” They may beg, plead, and cry, but God is just and righteous. Everyone will be “without excuse” (Romans 1:20; 2:1), the will “have their mouths closed” (Romans 3:19), and everyone will glorify God!

You can live in disobedience and rebellion but you are only hurting yourself. The wise man hears and obeys (Matthew 7:24–25) and lives to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

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Heaven or Earth?

Heaven or Earth?

Christians want to go to heaven! Why stay on earth?

Christians want to go to heaven! Why stay on earth?

There is a song entitled, “I’ll live in Glory” that is sung at many congregations. Its first line reads “I’d like to stay here longer than man’s allotted days”. The reference is to staying upon the earth. Many people, including myself, have said, “What!?!” The reason for this response is that we want to go home to God. We are tired of living in a world of sin, jealousies, violence, hatred, and evil. Don’t worry, there is nothing wrong with this response. It reminds me of the words of Peter regarding Lot and his deliverance from Sodom and Gomorrah:

• 2 Peter 2:7-8 – …Lot, sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their lawless deeds):

Lot wanted to be free from the sinful atmosphere which surrounded him. But he is not the only man in the Bible who felt like this, Habakkuk a prophet of old had a similar response:

• Habakkuk 1:2-4 – O Jehovah, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear? I cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save. Why dost thou show me iniquity, and look upon perverseness? for destruction and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention riseth up. Therefore the law is slacked, and justice doth never go forth; for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore justice goeth forth perverted.

These men old longed for the purity and holiness of God. Indeed, our senses should be appalled at the wickedness which surrounds us day after day. Romans 6:23 tells us: “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God…” Yet, Christians have left this lifestyle in seeking something better.

• Colossians 3:5-14 – Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.

All of this being acknowledged, there came a time in my life that I realized, that I agreed with the phrase: “I’d like to stay here longer than man’s allotted days”. In a moment, I will tell you why. However, think for a moment about a man who desired to stay longer up on the earth than God had allotted for him. His name was Hezekiah. He was King over Judah. 2 Kings 20 and 2 Chronicles 32 records how he became ill to the point of death. He was told by God he would die. However, he prayed to God and God gave him 15 years more of life. In 2 Chronicles 32:25, we read: “But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem.” Fortunately, Hezekiah humbled himself again, but we must be aware that if we have more time, we are also subject to further temptation.

Now, why did I come to agree with the phrase, “I’d like to stay here longer than man’s allotted days”, although I do not want to be surrounded by the sin of the world longer than I have to endure it and I realize with each passing moment “sin is crouching at the door” (Genesis 4:7). The truth is I began to fear for my children. My job is to mentor and develop them to be strong in Christ.

• Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

It is my job to make certain that they learn what they are to do in Christ. It is my job to let them know He loves them and died for them. This is something that will be with them forever, it will not depart. It doesn’t matter what manner of trouble they get into, God’s truths will be with them to guide them out of it, when they cling to Him. I want them to have the best opportunity for everything to turn out right during and at the end of their lives.

• Ephesians 6:1-3 – Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

With a promise like this from God, how can I not want to extend my days to be here for my children? Of course, as my children have grown, other realizations have become apparent. Someday, they will likely get married. I pray for their future spouses. I pray for their godliness. And yes, I pray for my grandchildren. I want to see my grandchildren.

• Proverbs 17:6 – Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.

Indeed, as with my children, I want to raise righteous grandchildren. I want to establish generations of family committed to serving God. “I’d like to stay here longer than man’s allotted days”.

Certainly there is conflict present in wanting to be with God and wanting to be here for family. However, the Bible puts this conflict into an even clearer picture. Consider the words of the apostle Paul:

• Philippians 1:21-26 – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Paul too wanted to be with Christ. To die would be gain for him. He would receive the reward of eternal life with the Father. Yet, he understood, there was work to be done. It is not just work for your children and your grandchildren. We have the blessing of sharing the gospel to all those who would receive it if we live. We will be able to provide an example and encouragement. The promise of eternal life does not go away, because we are here continuing to “fear God and do His commandments” as He desires us to do.

• John 4:35-36 – …Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes , and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”

These things being said, only God knows what day is our last. Whether we are here on earth a great number of days or a short span according to man, let us not forget our purpose to follow and glorify Him. Let us love our God, our family, our neighbors, and appreciate and understand the brevity of our days.

• James 4:13-15 – Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”– yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

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Dating and the Heart

Heart of the Matter: Dating

Having looked into the tearful eyes of parents whose children have abandoned the Faith, I have learned there are a million miles between our children “going through the motions” in reference to their spiritual lives versus our children possessing hearts that dictate their actions. In this column, I plan to share with you what I hope to instill in the hearts of my own children and those whom I love.

Do you wish you could erase memories of the heart?

Do you wish you could erase memories of the heart?

It can come in the form of a song, the name of a city, or a neighborhood. It can even sprout from a particular food, restaurant, or the smell of familiar perfume.

Having given your heart to a high school sweetheart, those memories of young love come crashing back in a single instant without a moment’s notice. And sadly, the memory they bring is a reminder that our husband or wife is not the only person who has possessed a portion of our hearts.

In the church we occasionally teach on the importance of abstinence before marriage. We wrongly assume that by avoiding sexual relations before marriage we have completely obeyed God’s will regarding dating and relationships. However, that’s only part of the equation. We often neglect the importance of guarding our hearts and remaining pure.

There is an enormous difference in Biblical purity vs. technical virginity—one that is rarely taught or spoken about. Many parents view it a “success” if their children are not caught “in bed” with someone before marriage. We think nothing of our children dating dozens of individuals, as long as they can walk down the aisle a “technical virgin” on their wedding day (or given today’s standard, at least without a baby on the way). But do we ever really teach our children how or why they should guard their hearts?

Here’s what I intend on teaching my children about protecting their hearts.

Hopefully by now you’ve learned that I am a big proponent of not blaming your parents for every “issue” that you struggle with when you are older (remember this when you are out of our house!). At some point you must “rise above your raising.”

Having said that, there is an area in which I wish my parents had been more diligent (read that “meaner”) during my teenage years. I hope to do a better job in this area with you as you mature and start looking for a mate. My parents were like the vast majority of parents during the 1980-90s.

They allowed me to date young ladies and thought nothing of me having a different girlfriend every few months. As I grew older I would date the same person for months or even years—going to restaurants, watching movies, taking hikes, going fishing, playing tennis, or just watching television. All of this seemed rather innocent and harmless— and for the most part it was. But there was a by-product that no one warned me of. That by-product was that I had given small pieces of my heart to many different people on many different occasions.

With each anniversary, I can honestly say that your mother is more beautiful to me today than the day we stood before God and both said, “I do!” She is an incredible woman for whom I will always be thankful. She is a model Christian wife and a spectacular mother. And that’s why it hurts a little knowing she will never completely have my entire heart. Oh, physically speaking she is the only one for me. I have been faithful to your mother every single day since we said our vows.

But those memories from past dating experiences linger. It’s not that I’m interested in these other individuals—because your mom completes me. It’s is just that the one gift that I wish I could give your mother— my entire heart—I’ll never be able to. I wish I could simply flip a switch and completely erase the past from the old neuronal hard-drive. But the fact of the matter is I can’t.

We don’t speak of this often in the church, because past memories leave a bitter taste in our mouths. The Bible speaks clearly on the importance of guarding your heart. Solomon shared this wisdom noting, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Notice this is in the form of a commandment, and rightly so, as the heart is under attack (see Jeremiah 17:9-10; Matthew 15:19). Do not rush into a relationship just because it is new and exciting. Solomon wrote, “I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases” (Song of Solomon 2:7; see also 8:4).

Guard your heart and do not be quick to give it away. Consider the long-term consequences of giving even a small portion to someone who will eventually fade out of your life. Just because others around you are quick to “date” or “go with” someone of the opposite sex, hold yourself to a higher—more Biblical—standard. The modern dating scene in America is not a healthy environment in which one can guard his heart. I would argue instead that it is “divorce practice,” as young people give their hearts away only to later dispose of that relationship for someone else.

Not many adults will openly admit to you the sorrow of not guarding your heart— but I pray you learn from my folly (Proverbs 4:1 and Proverbs 13:1). God has a beautiful plan for man and woman to be married for life (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6). Strive to remain pure for your future mate so that one day you can give that future spouse your entire heart when you say, “I do.”

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Why Should I?

Why Should I?

Why should I feel down when I have Christ?

Why should I feel down when I have Christ?

•Why should I say, “I can’t” when the Bible says, I can do all things through Christ who keeps on strengthening me (Philippians 4:13)?

•Why should I lack when “God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)?

•Why should I fear when God has given me his words which are full of power, of love and can give us a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)?

•Why should I be weak when the lord is my light, my salvation and strength of my life (Psalms 27:1)?

•Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ that loves me (Romans 8:37)?

•Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when Christ that is in me is greater than Satan who is in the world (1 John 4:4)?

•Why should I lack wisdom when God gives to me generously when I ask for it (James 1:5)?

•Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God’s cause leads me to triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14)?

•Why should I be depressed when I have God’s loving mercy, com-passion, and faithfulness which gives me hope (Lamentations 3:21-23)?

•Why should I worry when I can cast all my care on God who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?

•Why should I be in bondage when the truth will set me free (John 8:32)?

•Why should I feel condemned when there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1)?

•Why should I feel alone when Jesus is with me always, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)?

•Why should I be discontented when I can be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?

•Why should I feel worthless when God loves and values me (John 3:16; Luke 15:10)?

•Why should I have a persecution complex, knowing that if God is for me, who can be against me (Romans 8:31)?

•Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?

Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b)

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New Testament Church

New Testament Church

Jesus, while on His missionary journey, asked His disciples a question as recorded in Matthew 16:13, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?”  Several of the disciples present answered that question.  And then Jesus asked them a different question in verse 15, “But whom say ye that I am?”  Simon Peter spoke up and told Jesus exactly who he thought Him to be.  His answer is recorded in verse 16, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”   In the original language, The term “Christ” comes from the Greek word, “Christos” which means ‘anointed one’.  It has a Hebrew equivalent which is ‘mashiyach’, which in our language has come to mean ‘Messiah’.  So Peter’s answer to Jesus’s question was, “you are the anointed one, the Son of the living God”.

Jesus responded to that declaration with approval and in so doing, made a very important statement which is of great significance to us today.  His response is recorded, starting in Matthew 16:17-18, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 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…”

We notice regarding the church, Jesus made two things clear.

1) When he told Peter He was going to build His church, it was in the singular form, meaning He promised to build only one.

2)  Jesus said He was going to build His church, meaning this church would be His possession and would belong to Him.

The Greek word for “church” is Ekklesia.  This word has two meanings which are important to this study.  It is used in the New Testament to refer to any assembly.  It does not have to be an assembly of Christians.  In Acts 19:41, this word is used in reference to an assembly of people who were upset with Paul’s teachings and were intent on causing him harm.

The other meaning of this word which is what Jesus had in mind when He used the word Ekklesia in response to Peter’s declaration was that of being the “called out”   This word used in English would represent people who had been called into a collection of like-minded individuals for a designated purpose.  It would be similar to a modern day activist rallying a group of people to stand united against something like abortion or racism.  In the Greek language of the day, the people that had been called to be in this group would be an “Ekklesia” or the “called out” or “calling out” depending on which tense the word was used in.

This is how Jesus used the word.  This group of people that would be “called out” would be comprised of all of those souls, past, present and future, who would follow after and serve Jesus Christ.  It simply means the assembly or inhabitants of Christ’s community, or the universal worldwide church.  And Jesus promised to build only one.

This universal collective of individuals, (Ekklesia/Church), was referred to in scripture by many different names.  Each name represents a certain descriptive aspect of this group of Christ followers who, according to scripture, were called Christians for the first time in Antioch:

The church, or Ekklesia, that Jesus promised to build in the first century was made up of Christians and learners.

Acts 11:26

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

The Greek word for “Christian” is “Christianos” which came from the Greek word for “Christ”, (Christos) and simply meant a ‘follower of Christ’.  So the assembly of ‘the called’ (ekklesia) were known as followers of Christ.

And from this verse, we also see that this “Ekklesia” or “Assembly” or “church” of Christians’ were called “the disciples”.  In the Greek language of the day, this word meant a “learner” or a “pupil/student”.   So we learn here that the word “learner” is applied in a descriptive sense to the universal assembly of Christians.  Also known in the first century as the “Ekklesia” and referred to in modern day English as the “the church”.

The new testament church, or Ekklesia, that Jesus promised to build was made up of foreigners in a strange land.

Peter used a number of terms which were used in reference to Christians.  Starting in 1 Peter 1:1, we read, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia”.  Peter referred to the readership of his first epistle recorded in scripture as “strangers”, which in the original language means a ‘resident foreigner’ or someone of another nationality living in a foreign country.  The Greek word here is also used in 1 Peter 2:11 and Hebrews 11:13 as pilgrims.  The church Jesus promised to build would be made up of followers of Christ who were like an assembly of aliens living in a foreign land.  The idea Peter was trying to get across here is that Christians identify themselves with a heavenly king and not an earthly one.  Christians don’t view this world as their home.  Rather they look to a heavenly home with God.  Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (NKJV)

The new testament church Jesus built was a spiritual house and a holy priesthood.

1 Peter 2:5, “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.”   KJV

The church Jesus built was never intended to be a physical thing.  It was designed from the beginning to be a collection of people who serve Him in Spirit, meaning from the heart.  The term house carries the meaning of a place where we can live under the shelter and care of God.  Families live together in houses.  The word ‘house’ carries with it the meaning of family.  The new testament church was a spiritual, non-physical collection of people who are family and living under the shelter of God.

Looking back at 1 Peter 2:5 we see that the Christians Peter was writing to were referred to as a holy priesthood.  Under the old law of Moses, only the Levites could serve in the priesthood, but in the new testament church, all Christians are priests of God.  Under the old law, the temple was the place God chose for His people to approach Him and offer worship.  Under the present age, God dwells not in temple made with hands but rather, He dwells within the new testament church.  Paul wrote concerning this in

Ephesians 2:19-22 

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. “  NKJV

In the new testament church, all Christians have the same access to God through Jesus Christ that the Israelites had through the Levitical priesthood.  In the new testament church, Jesus Christ is our high priest and we all have access to God through Him.  Christians don’t need an earthly priesthood in order to approach God and offer worship.  All Christians are priests, serving under one High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:11-12 

“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” NKJV

The new testament church Jesus built was a chosen generation.

In 1 Peter 2:9, the inspired apostle wrote, “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…”

The original language carries the meaning of a people who have been picked out or selected by God.  These are people who have done those things necessary in order to become the children of God.  They are followers of God and stand out from the rest of the world.  God knows this and has chosen them; He has picked them as His own special people.   Peter wrote in chapter 2 and verse 4 of 1 Peter, “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious…”  NKJV

The “chosen generation” in the original language carries the meaning of a hand picked nation of people.  “A holy nation” carries the meaning of a sanctified race of people.  The Greek word for “Nation” in this context is the word “Ethnos” which is where we get our English word “Ethnic”.  In the Greek, this word usually means non-Jewish origin.  It is most often translated as ‘Gentile’, ‘Heathen’, ‘nation’ and ‘people’ in the KJV.

The new testament church is the body of Christ

In Colossians 1:18; 1:24 and Ephesians 5:23 and  Paul identified the new testament church as the body of Christ:

Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” and then in verse 24: “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church”

The term body is representative of a body or group of Christians and in this context, Paul is speaking of the universal body of people who make up the new testament church.  Jesus is identified in verse 18 as the head of the body of Christ.  The head and body illustration gives us a picture of the oneness and unity of Christ and His body of followers.  The new testament church that Jesus built is a part of Him. The two are inseparable.  In fact when Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus, He didn’t ask Paul why he was persecuting His followers.  Paul had been persecuting Christians and was on his way to Damascus to do more of the very same.  Jesus appeared to him and asked. “Saul Saul, why persecutest thou me?”  Paul, formerly Saul, directly persecuted Jesus when He persecuted Christians.  Jesus and the body of Christ are two elements of the same thing.

Paul illustrates the oneness of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.”

The body of Christ and the church of Christ are the exact same thing.

The new testament church is the kingdom of Heaven

Looking back at our introductory text in Matthew 16:18 and expand that to include verse 19: “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. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven...”

The church and the kingdom of Heaven or kingdom of God are the same thing.  Jesus is ruling His people from the right hand side of God the Father, Hebrews 10:12, “But this man [Jesus], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” And then in 1 Corinthians 15:25, “For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.”  The scriptures teach that Jesus is at the right side of the Father and He is reigning over His people from Heaven right now.  Well His people are the members of the body of Christ.  Jesus is the head of the body and the king of His kingdom.  A king is someone who rules His people.  A kingdom is a people who live under the rule of a king.  You can’t have a king without a kingdom.  Scripture declares that Jesus is reigning in heaven.  Kings reign.  Kings have kingdoms.  Kingdoms have kings.  The new testament church is the kingdom of God.  The new testament church is ruled from heaven, therefore it is also the kingdom of heaven.

The new testament church that Jesus built is the body of Christ and it is also the kingdom.  Jesus is the head of the body of Christ, He is the ruler of the kingdom of God.  All Christians who ever lived, past present and future are the members of the new testament church.  All members of the body, the kingdom and the church are disciples, or learners.  They/We are strangers in a foreign land.  We are a spiritual house and a kingdom of priests.  We are a chosen generation and we are citizens in the kingdom of heaven.

The new testament church was expensive

Ephesians 5:25, “...Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it”  Acts 20:28, “to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”  Jesus Christ built His new testament church and the price He paid for it was His own blood.  Jesus suffered in order to build the church we read of in the new testament.  Jesus gave His life to purchase the church we read of in the new testament.  Jesus Christ shed His blood and died for the church.  The church is the body, the kingdom, and it is us.  He shed His blood and died for the church.  He shed His blood and died for the kingdom.  He shed His blood and died for the body of Christ.  He shed His blood and died for the Christians in the first century.  And He shed His blood and died for us.  We are the body of Christ.  We are the kingdom of Christ.  We are the church of Christ.

The church of Christ was expensive.  It cost God a lot to build it.  He must have really wanted to save us to do what He did.  Jesus only bled for one body.  Jesus only died for one people.  Jesus only rules one kingdom.   Jesus only built one church.  Doesn’t it make sense that if there was only one that was suffered for, bled for, died for and is ruled over, then shouldn’t that be the one we should strive with all our hearts to be in?  If it was important enough for Jesus to die for, then isn’t it important enough for us to be in that one he died for and no other?

How Can We Be Sure We are in the New Testament Church?

There was only one church in the new testament.  Today when we look out across the religious landscape we see many more than one and they all believe and teach different things.  It’s difficult and confusing to know for sure which one, if any are right.  It’s a sobering thought because if nobody is right, then everybody is wrong.  Paul wrote in Galatians 1:9, “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”  Cursed people are not in the kingdom of God.  How can we be sure?

There were people becoming Christians and being saved in the first century.  We read of them in scripture.  We read of how they did it.  We read of how they worshiped and served God.  We know they were being saved.   These people were in the church, they were in the body of Christ, they were in kingdom of God.  Using the Bible and only the Bible, we can study their Christian walk.  We can be saved in exactly the same way they did.

Using their Christian lives as our guide, If we believe what they believed, if we are added to the church the same way they were aded, if we worship how they worshiped, if we live how they lived and if we die how they died, then we will be today what they were then.  Christians only.  In the new testament church only.  In the body of Christ only.  And in the kingdom of God only.  It’s just that simple.  And we have a Biblical example of a group of God’s people who did that very thing successfully.

1 Thessalonians 2:13-14
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus
NKJV

The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of the churches of God in Judaea and they were saved.  It worked for them in the first century, why wouldn’t it work for us today?   If we want to make absolutely sure we are in the new testament church that Jesus suffered for, bled for, died for and purchased with His blood, then we can do the same thing.  If we will do what they did, we will be what they were.

Christians only and only Christians.  in the body of Christ, the kingdom of God, the church of Christ.

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