WhiTeMeTalMusic
Do you believe in Jesus?
There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak...
I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What you got there, son?" Just some old birds," came the reply. What are you gonna do with them?" I asked. Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time." But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do?"
Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them." The pastor was silent for a moment. How much do you want for those birds, son?" Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!" How much?" the pastor asked again. The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "?" The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.
The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.
One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got'em all!" What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink, smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"
And what will you do when you get done with them?" Jesus asked. Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly. How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked. Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!" How much? He asked again. Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life." Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price. The pastor picked up the cage he opened the door and he walked from the pulpit.
The Word II
Those early Christians did not depart from the faith concerning the Divine Names of the New Testament Church because those persons, who lived in the First Century, understood the Divine Names of the Church.
I. They realized that the New Testament Church is called the Church of God because God planned the Church. The Lord God said, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; He (Christ the Lord) shall bruise thy head, and thou (the Devil) shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:15 "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified (set apart) in Christ Jesus." 1 Corinthians 1:2
II. They conceived that the New Testament Church is called the Churches of Christ because Christ built the Church. Our Lord said, "Upon this rock (the fact that I am Jesus Christ) I will build my church (the New Testament Church) and the gates of hell (the powers of Satan) shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 "The churches of Christ salute you." Romans 16:16
III. They perceived that the New Testament Church is called the Church of the Firstborn because they were a new creature in Christ. "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven." Hebrews 12:23
IV. They understood that the New Testament Church is simply called the Church because they were called out of the wicked world. "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church (the ekklesia) the manifold wisdom of God." Ephesians 3:10
V. They knew that the New Testament Church is called the Kingdom of Heaven because their citizenship was in heaven. "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19
Now, the New Testament Church is called by a Divine Name - not by a human name. Therefore, if we should refuse to call the Church by a Divine Name, it would be an abomination unto the Lord our God.
Those early Christians did not depart from the faith concerning the Biblical Names by which members of the Church are called because in the First Century all those persons understood the reasons why members of the Church are called by Biblical Names.
I. They were called Christians because they were one like Christ. "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." 1 Peter 4:16
II. They were called the children of God because they were the children of God by regeneration. "For ye (Christians) are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:26-27
III. They were called brethren because they belong unto the same spiritual family. "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." Galatians 6:1
IV. They were called saints because they were sanctified. "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints." Romans 1:7
V. They were called disciples because they were learners of Christ. "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:26
Now, members of the New Testament Church are called by a Biblical Name - not by a human name. Therefore, if we should refuse to called ourselves by a Biblical Name in a religious way, that would be an abomination unto the Lord our God.
Those early Christians did not depart from the faith concerning the way by which we are to live the Christian life upon the earth because in the First Century all those persons lived a godly life upon the earth.
I. In being a New Testament Christian, they added virtue to their faith. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
II. In being a new creature in Christ, they added knowledge to their faith. "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 I will 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 saying, 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." Hebrews 8:10-12
III. In being a New Testament Saint, they added temperance to their faith. "I (Paul) keep under my body, and bring it into subjection (under control with temperance): lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Corinthians 9:27
IV. In being a disciple of Christ, they added patience to their faith. "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:10-11
V. In being a son of God by regeneration, they added godliness to their faith. "But godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Timothy 6:6-8
VI. In being born again in a Spiritual way, they added brotherly kindness to their faith. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Proverbs 15:, Ephesians 5:32
VII. In being converted unto the truth, they added love to their faith. "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:2-3
Now, we must add the Christian grace's to our faith so that we can be a faithful Christian. Therefore, if we should refuse to add the Christian grace's to our faith, we could not be a faithful Christian.
(WE MUST KNOW GOD WHO IS OUR CREATOR)
"Of whom (God) the whole family in heaven and earth is named." Ephesians 3:15 God said, "Let us (who are the Heavenly Persons that are called by the Divine Name of God) make man in our image, after our likeness. So God created man in his own image" (of life). Genesis 1:26-27 "For there are three (Persons) that bear record (of our creation) in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit: and these three (Persons) are one" (equal). 1 John 5:7 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." Deuteronomy 6:4
I. Some of those people thought that God was the Divine Name of three ranked Persons who would be called God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in being their Creator. This is why Religious World makes a Ranked Hierarchy to rule in heaven because they make the Father to be the first Person in power, rule and authority, the Son to be the second Person in power, rule and authority and the Holy Spirit to be the third Person in power, rule and authority.
II. Some of those people knew that God was the Divine Name, of three Heavenly Persons who equally are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being their Creator because they realized that God in being the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit created their own body, Soul and Spirit free of sin when they were born upon the earth.
A. If we should make God to be the Divine Name of three ranked Persons who would be called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator, we would greatly degrade the whole being of our own creation of life because that would make us to be made in the image and after the likeness of a ranked God who would be the being of three ranked Persons that would be called God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in matters of our own creation of life.
B. Since God is the Divine Name of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator, this greatly magnifies the total sum of our own divine nature of life because we are made in the image and after the likeness of God who is the being of three equal Persons that are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in matters of our own redemption of life.
"Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Timothy 2:19 "For as many of you has have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27 "Go teach all nations, baptizing them (into Christ by baptizing them) in the name (the authority) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18-20
I. Some of those people thought that Christ was the Divine Name of only one Person who would be a ranked Person that would be called the Son (Jesus) in being their Redeemer because they thought that God was the being of three ranked Persons who would be called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being their Creator.
II. Some of those persons knew that Christ was the Divine Name of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being their Redeemer because they realized that Christ in being the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit redeemed their own body, Soul and Spirit from the guilt of sin when they become a New Testament Christian by obeying the gospel of Christ.
A. If we should make Christ the to be the Divine Name of a ranked Person who would be called the Son (Jesus) in being our Redeemer, we would greatly downgrade the whole being of our own redemption of life because that would make us in being a New Testament Christian to be a new creature in Christ who would be the being of a ranked Person that would be called the Son (Jesus) in reference to our own creation of life T
B. Since Christ was made to be the Divine Name of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Redeemer, this highly amplifies all aspects of our own divine nature of life because we in being a New Testament Christians are new creatures in Christ who was made to be the being of three equal Persons that are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in reference to our own redemption of life
I. Some of those early Christians did depart from the faith because the majority of those people began to make one created man to be greater than another created man. This was what James said, "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. for whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:9-10
III. Some of those early Christians did depart from the faith because the majority of those people began to make one redeemed man to be greater than another redeemed man. This was what Paul said, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name (the authority) of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same things, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 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". 1 Corinthians 1:10;12 "Now this I say, that every one you saith I am of Paul; and I of Apollos and I of Cephas (Peter); and I of Christ. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisors, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 1 Corinthians 3:3-4
IV. Some of those early Christians did depart from the faith because one man really wanted the preeminence (to be first in power, rule and authority) in a congregation. This was what John said, "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember the deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doeth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church." 3 John 1:9-10
VI. Some of those early Christians did depart from the faith because the eldership in the Church began to led some people into religious error. This was what Paul said to the elders of the Church,"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of you own selves (the eldership) shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciple after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one might and day with tears." Acts 20:28-31
Now, we must learn that the New Testament Church is autonomously (self-ruled) in it religious organization. Therefore, if we should make a ranked hierarchy to rule over the Church in a religious way that would be an abomination unto the Lord our God because Christ (not a redeemed man) is the head of the Church.
I. If we do not learn the True Nature of God in being our Creator, and if we do not learn the True Nature of Christ in being our Redeemer, we could be deceived concerning the Divine Blessings of New Testament Christianity. This was what Paul said, "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in uprightness." 2 Thessalonians. 2:9-12
II. If we do not understand the Divine Nature of the New Testament Church, we could be beguiled by false teachers. This is what the Bible says, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." 2 Peter 2:1
I. We must become a New Testament Christian by obeying the gospel plan of salvation.
II. We must worship the Lord our God according to His revealed way of worship.
III. We in being a New Testament Christian must produce the fruit of the Spirit.
IV. We must know and understand the Divine Pattern of the New Testament Church.
V. We must learn and realize that God is the Divine Name of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator.
VI. We must know and understand that Christ was made to be the Divine Name of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Redeemer.
VII. We must learn and realize that we in being a New Testament Christian have been created and redeemed by three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator, and who equally are made to be called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Redeemer so that in that world which is to come we can become equal with Them.
Those early Christians did not depart from the faith concerning the way by which we are to become a New Testament Christian.
I. T - F: Have you become a New Testament Christian by hearing the word of God?
II. T - F: Have you become a New Testament Christian by believing the word of God?
III. T - F: Have you become a New Testament Christian by repenting of their past sins?
IV. T - F: Have you become a New Testament Christian by confessing the Deity of Jesus Christ?
V. T - F: Have you become a New Testament Christian by being baptized into Christ for the remissions of your sins?
A. T - F: Do you know that baptism is a commandment of God?
B. T - F: Do you conceive that baptism save the soul from its past sin?
C. T - F: Do you perceive that baptism is the act that puts you into Christ?
D. T - F: Do you understand that baptism is the act that destroys the body of sin?
E. T - F: Do you realize that baptism is act that save you?
F. T - F: Do you perceive that baptism is the act that washes away our sin?
G. T - F: Do you observe that baptism is the climax of the Spiritual Birth (the New Birth) so that you can enter into the Kingdom of God?
H. T - F: Do you understand that baptism is Divinely Authorized by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?
I. T - F: Do you know that baptism is for the remission (the forgiveness) of your past sins?
1). T - F: Do you know that baptism is a burial in water so that you can duplicate your Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave?
2). T - F: Do you conceive that baptism is a resurrection from the water so that you can live a dedicated life unto the Lord your God?
Those early Christians did not depart from the faith concerning the manner in which we are to worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth.
I. T - F: Do you worship the Lord your God each Lord's Day (Sunday) with vocal music only (acappella music) by singing songs of praises unto Him?
II. T - F: Do you worship the Lord your God each Lord's Day by praying unto Him?
III. T - F: Do you worship the Lord your God each Lord's Day by partaking of the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day: Sunday?
IV. T - F: Do you worship the Lord your God each Lord's Day by giving liberally of their money unto Him?
V. T - F: Do you worship the Lord your God each Lord's Day by hearing faithful gospel preaching being preached unto you?
Those early Christians did not depart from the faith concerning the Divine Names of the New Testament Church because those persons, who lived in the First Century, understood the Divine Names of the Church.
I. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be called the Church of God?
II. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be called the Churches of Christ?
III. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be called the Church of the Firstborn?
IV. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be simply called the Church?
V. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be called the Kingdom of Heaven?
Those early Christians did not depart from the faith concerning the Biblical Names by which members of the Church are called because in the First Century all those persons understood the reasons why members of the Church are called by Biblical Names.
I. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called Christians?
II. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called the children of God by regeneration?
III. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called brethren?
IV. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called saints?
V. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called disciples?
Those early Christians did not depart from the faith concerning the way by which we are to live the Christian life upon the earth.
I. T - F: Should you add virtue to your faith?
II. T - F: Should you add knowledge to your faith?
III. T - F: Should you add temperance to your faith?
IV. T - F: Should you add patience to your faith?
V. T - F: Should you add godliness to your faith?
VI. T - F: Should you add brotherly kindness to your faith?
VII. T - F: Should you add love to your faith?
I. T - F: How could you Scripturally make God to be the Divine Name of three ranked Persons who would be called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being your Creator because the one God of the Scriptures could not be the being of three ranked Persons who would be called God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in matters of your own creation of life?
II. T - F: Why can't you Scripturally teach that God is the Divine Name of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator because God in being the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit created your own body, Soul and Spirit free of sin when you were born upon the earth?
