Preface: This was an opening remark of a preacher's sermon in America!
Suddenly it dawn to me.
All over the world people are searching the Bible on Christianity!
Nowadays it is easy to find out! All we need is type the word Christianity and click search!
We know Christianity is not in the Bible. Not in the Old Testament, not in the New Testament!
When I search the New Testament Bible, it is all about the kingdom of God, the church of Christ!
A. At the beginning we see these! Matt.10:5-7
1. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. Matt.10:5-6
2. As you go, preach this message: The kingdom of heaven is near.
B. At the end of Jesus’ ministry we found these:
1. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.
He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3
2. The problem has always been this! Acts 1:6
So when they met together, they asked him:
Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?
Over a period of 40 days Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God.
All they thought was the kingdom of earth!
3. As we can see, Jesus' ministry in the New Testament was all about the kingdom of God!
C. Now we can search the New Testament on the kingdom of God!
1. Jesus started with these! Matt.16:13-18
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples:
Who do people say the Son of Man is? Matt.16:13
2. They replied: Matt.16:14
Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
3. Jesus asked: But what about you? Who do you say I am? Matt.16:15
4. Simon Peter answered: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matt.16:16
5. Jesus replied: Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by
my Father in heaven. Matt.16:17
6. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matt.16:18
D. The kingdom of God is the church of Christ!
1. The Lord added the being saved together. Acts 2:47
2. On Sunday the being saved were all together in one place! Acts 2:1
3. On Sunday we came together to break bread. Paul spoke… Acts 20:7
4. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church,… 1 Cor.11:18
5. The name of this church was church of Christ. Gal.1:22. Ro.16:16
E. The saved people in the church are to be perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect! Matt.5:48
1. To be with the perfect Father in heaven it is natural to be perfect as the Father is perfect! Heb.9:24
2. I asked a few church people this question!
Jesus said: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matt.5:48
How do you do this?
3. They all had one unified answer--> It is impossible! No one can do that!
F. But if we really search the New Testament Bible we will find these!
1. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.
But whoever does not believe will be condemned.Mk16:16
2. Peter replied: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
3. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Gal.3:27
4. Jesus said: I and the Father are one. John 10:30
5. The church is the body of Christ. Col 1:18
6. To put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph.4:24