Don R. Taaffe, Gospel preacher, Dunedin, Florida 12/06/2009

The churches of Christ in The churches of Christ in the New Testament 9 of the New Testament 9 of

18,18,“the church in Jerusalem”“the church in Jerusalem”

Isaiah 2:2-3; Acts 2:37-47; Isaiah 2:2-3; Acts 2:37-47; Luke 24:46-49Luke 24:46-49

Don R. Taaffe,Don R. Taaffe,Gospel preacher,Gospel preacher,Dunedin, FloridaDunedin, Florida

12/06/200912/06/2009

• 2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD's the LORD's

house Shall be established house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted

above the hills; And all nations shall flow all nations shall flow to it.to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we

shall walk in His paths.“ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.from Jerusalem. (NKJV) Isaiah 2:2-3

• 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and

brethren, what shall we do?" what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them,"Repent, and let Repent, and let every one of you every one of you be baptized in the be baptized in the

name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to

you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God the Lord our God will call.will call." " 40 And with many other many other

words he testified words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly those who gladly

received his word were baptized; received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued

steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon

every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and

had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food

with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord the Lord added to the added to the

churchchurch daily those who were being saved.daily those who were being saved.(NKJV) Acts 2:37-47

• 46 Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead

the third day, 47 and that repentance repentance and remission of sins and remission of sins should be preached should be preached

in His name to all nations, in His name to all nations, beginning at beginning at Jerusalem. Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of

these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry

in the city of Jerusalemcity of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (NKJV)

Luke 24:46-49

churches of Christ in the churches of Christ in the New Testament – 18 LessonsNew Testament – 18 Lessons• Origin of Lord’s church• The church in Antioch• The church in Colosse• The church in Corinth• The church in Crete• The church in Ephesus• The church in Galatia• The church in Dunedin• The church in The church in

JerusalemJerusalem

• The church in Laodicea• The church in Pergamum• The church in Philadelphia• The church in Philippi• The church in Rome• The church in Sardis• The church in Smyrna• The church in Thessalonica• The church in Thyatira

The city of JerusalemThe city of Jerusalem• The Name. - The earliest mention of Jerusalem is

in the Tell el-Amarna Letters (1450 BC), where it appears in the form Urusalim; ISBE

• Urusalim, has been considered by many to mean either the "City of Peace" or the "City of (the god) Salem," but other interpreters, considering the name as of Hebrew origin, interpret it as the "possession of peace" or "foundation of peace." It is one of the ironies of history that a city which in all its long history has seen so little peace and for whose possession such rivers of blood have been shed should have such a possible meaning for its name. ISBE

The city of JerusalemThe city of Jerusalem• In our other lessons we have been looking at the

area or city and its back ground to help us understand these churches better.

• We can spend much time learning about these cities and not have sufficient knowledge of the divine church itself.

• So we will spend more time studying this important church, called the “mother church” than the city!

• The important thing about the city is it was under both Roman and Jewish control at this time.

This church is different to all This church is different to all other churchesother churches

• At its beginning ALL the Apostles were present –Acts 2:1-4Acts 2:1-4– This included Matthias – Judas replacement –

(Acts 1:26Acts 1:26)• These men were eye witnesses to

resurrection – Acts 1:8;Acts 1:8; (10:38-41; 13:2010:38-41; 13:20)• The Gospel preached for the first time –

Acts 2:1, 23-24Acts 2:1, 23-24– The Gospel – death – burial – resurrection – 1 1

Corinthians 15:1-4Corinthians 15:1-4 (Rom. 1:16Rom. 1:16)

Acts 2:1-41 When the Day of PentecostDay of Pentecost had fully come, they they were were allall with one accord with one accord in one placein one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (NKJV)

Acts 1:88 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (NKJV)

Acts 2:23-2423 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified,have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up,raised up, having loosed the pains of death,pains of death, because It was not possible that He should be held by it. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 15:1-41 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospelI declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you — unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ diedChrist died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried,He was buried, and that He rose again the third dayHe rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (NKJV)


• Adam and Eve were different in some respects to all other mortals.– They had no earthly father or mother.– They never had to grow up.– They never had to go to school, had all

knowledge.• Jerusalem congregation different than all

other congregations.– Let us talk about some of the ways that it was

unique!


• The first time saved add to a church or the kingdom of Christ – Acts 2:47 Acts 2:47 (Eph. 5:23Eph. 5:23)

• Those saved did not have to grow up – Acts 2:45-47Acts 2:45-47 (6:8; 8:4-8, 17-19; 9:316:8; 8:4-8, 17-19; 9:31)

• Received all knowledge – Romans 15:14Romans 15:14• Divided to each other – Acts 2:43-45Acts 2:43-45• A NEW type of worship of God – Acts Acts

2:42, 472:42, 47 not about self *- John 4:24John 4:24

Acts 2:4747 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV)

Acts 2:45-4745 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV)

Rom 15:1414 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with filled with all knowledge,all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. (NKJV)

Acts 2:43-4543 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (NKJV)

Acts 2:42, 4742 And they continued steadfastly in the the apostles' doctrine apostles' doctrine and fellowship, fellowship, in the the breaking of bread,breaking of bread, and in in prayers.prayers. 47 praising God praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV)

John 4:2424 God is Spirit, and those who worship worship Him Him must worship in spirit and truth." (NKJV)

Jerusalem the Model Jerusalem the Model churchchurch

• In Respectability:– Commanded even the respect of her

enemies.– And all its members – (Acts 2:47Acts 2:47)

• In Happiness:– Gratitude exemplified.– “A singleness of heart” – (Acts 2:46Acts 2:46)


• In Zeal:–Daily teaching the word – Acts 2:46Acts 2:46–According to good works – Titus Titus

2:142:14• In Unity:

–(1)United in purpose – Acts 5:11Acts 5:11–(2)“With one Accord” – Acts 2:46; Acts 2:46;

4:324:32

Acts 2:4646 So continuing dailycontinuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, (NKJV)

Titus 2:1414 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealouszealous for good works. for good works. (NKJV)

Acts 5:1111 So great fear came upon all the church all the church and upon all who heard these things. (NKJV)

Acts 2:4646 So continuing daily with one accord with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, (NKJV)Acts 4:3232 Now the multitude of those who believed were of those who believed were of one heart one heart and one soul;and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (NKJV)


(3)United In Prayer:– Jerusalem Prayed together - Acts 4:24Acts 4:24– According to knowledge – Romans Romans

10:1-310:1-3(4)United in sacrifice:– A special need at that time – Acts 4:32-Acts 4:32-

3737– “Had all things common” – Acts 2:44Acts 2:44

Acts 4:2424 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to raised their voice to God with one accord God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, (NKJV)

Romans 10:1-31 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. (NKJV)

Acts 4:32-3732 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (NKJV)

Acts 2:4444 Now all who believed were together, and had all had all things in common,things in common, (NKJV)


(4)United In member fellowship:–“Had all things in common” - Acts Acts

4:324:32–Called together – Acts 6:2Acts 6:2

(5)United in spreading the word:–“Heard the word believed” – Acts Acts

4:44:4–“Disciples multiplied” – Acts 6:7Acts 6:7

Acts 4:3232 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. had all things in common. (NKJV)

Acts 6:22 And the twelve called together the whole community called together the whole community of the disciples of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. (NRSV)

Acts 4:44 But many of those who heard the word believed; heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand. (NRSV)Acts 6:77 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem,disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (NRSV)


In Liberality; Stewardship: – Sold possessions and gave according to the

need of need of each Sainteach Saint - Acts 2:44Acts 2:44– Did not allow anyone to lack – Acts 4:34-35Acts 4:34-35– None said what he possessed was his own.

Stewardship recognized - Acts 4:32 Acts 4:32 In Loyalty: – Continued Steadfastly – Acts 2:42Acts 2:42– Triumphantly Faithful in persecutions.

• By the Sadducees – (Acts 5: 17- 39Acts 5: 17- 39)

Acts 2:4444 All who believed were together and had all things in common; (NRSV)

Acts 4:34-3534 There was not a needy person among them, not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (NRSV)

Acts 4:3232 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. (NRSV)

Acts 2:4242 And they continued steadfastly they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (NKJV)


• By the Sadducees – (Acts 5: 17- 39Acts 5: 17- 39)• By the Pharisees – (Acts 7: 8Acts 7: 8)• By the Jewish State – (Acts 12cActs 12c)

In Growth: – 3000 added – (Acts 2:41Acts 2:41)– Became 5,000 men – (Acts 4:4Acts 4:4)– Multiplied both men and women – (Acts 5:14Acts 5:14)


–Number of the disciples multiplied – (Acts 6:7Acts 6:7)

In Organization:–Elders – Acts 11:29-30;Acts 11:29-30; (15:6, 2215:6, 22)–Deacons – Acts 6:1-5Acts 6:1-5

Acts 11:29-3029 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (NKJV)

Acts 6:1-51 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said,"It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, (NKJV)


• In Evangelism: –Went about preaching the word –

Acts 8:1,4 Acts 8:1,4 –Sent Peter and John to Samaria -

Acts 8:14Acts 8:14– Sent Barnabas as far as Antioch –

Acts 11:22 Acts 11:22

Acts 8:1, 41 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem;at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 4 Therefore those who were scattered scattered went everywhere went everywhere preaching preaching the word. the word. (NKJV)

Acts 8:1414 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that SamariaJerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to themsent Peter and John to them, (NKJV)

Acts 11:2222 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. (NKJV)

How this Great church BeganHow this Great church Began• No church starts without a divine side:

– Denominations, counterfeit churches of Christ all start and finish without this divine plan – Matthew 15:13-14 Matthew 15:13-14

– The plan is “Christ is the head” – Ephesians Ephesians 1:221:22 (Eph. 4:15; 5:23Eph. 4:15; 5:23)

– Men and women are the body, the church – Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 12:20, 27 Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 12:20, 27 (Eph. 2:16; 4:1-16; 5:30Eph. 2:16; 4:1-16; 5:30)

– Let us see how people come into the Church?

Matthew 15:13-1413 He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind.blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both both will fall into a pit.“will fall into a pit.“ (NRSV)

Ephesians 1:2222 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church,head over all things for the church, (NRSV)

Ephesians 5:2323 For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the Savior. (NRSV)

1 Corinthians 12:20, 2720 As it is, there are many members, yet many members, yet one body.one body. 27 Now you are the bodyyou are the body of Christ and individually individually members of it.members of it. (NRSV)

How this Great church BeganHow this Great church Began• The start of the Jerusalem church:

– The 12 Apostles together on Pentecost –Holy Spirit poured out – Peter preaches the gospel (Death – burial – Death – burial – ResurrectionResurrection) – (Acts 2:1-47; 1 Cor. Acts 2:1-47; 1 Cor. 15:1-515:1-5)

– “pricked in their heart” – (Acts 2:37Acts 2:37)– “Ye by the hand of lawless (yours and my

sins drt) men did crucify and slay” (Acts Acts 2:232:23) When we “believe” we are “pricked in” our “heart” (Acts 2:37Acts 2:37) we must believe this gospelthis gospel


– They confess their faithconfess their faith – Acts 8:37Acts 8:37– “Brethren, what shall we do?” – (Acts Acts

2:372:37) – Their hearts were “pricked” – Acts 2:37Acts 2:37– Asking this question was their “confession”

of a belief in Christ as the Son of God, they believed gospel preached to them – (Acts 2:23Acts 2:23)

– Confessions MUST be made with our month – Romans 10:10Romans 10:10

Acts 8:3737 Then Philip said,"If you believe with all your heart, you may.“ And he answered and said,he answered and said,"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ** (NKJV)

Acts 2:3737 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their pricked in their heart,heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (KJV)

Romans 10:10 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (NKJV)


–Commanded by Peter to “Repent“ – Acts 2:38Acts 2:38

–There is nothing harder to do than “repentrepent””.

–The reason today for so many worldly minded people in our congregations, is their lack of lack of repentancerepentance. – Acts 8:18-24Acts 8:18-24

Acts 2:3838 Then Peter said to them,""Repent,Repent, and and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)

Acts 8:18-2418 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them he offered them money,money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not for your heart is not right in the sight of God.right in the sight of God. 22 Repent Repent therefore of this your therefore of this your wickedness,wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.bitterness and bound by iniquity." 24 Then Simon answered and said,"Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.“ (NKJV)

How this Great church BeganHow this Great church Began

• The start of the Jerusalem church: – Commanded by Peter to “baptized” for a

purpose – Acts 2:38Acts 2:38– That the purposes is, “for the remission

of sins” – (Acts 2:38Acts 2:38)– They received an in dwelling of “the Holy

Spirit” (Acts 2:38Acts 2:38) – this is lacking in the denominations and counterfeit churches of Christ.– Acts 5:32Acts 5:32

Acts 2:3838 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

Acts 5:3232 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who those who obey Him.obey Him." " (NKJV)


–The need for exhortation – Acts Acts 2:402:40

–Then, as now, men are slow to quit the ways of sin.

–People get wet, but want to continue their way of life – Acts 2:41Acts 2:41

–How wonderful is the plan ofGod – Mark 16:16Mark 16:16

Acts 2:4040 And he testified with many other arguments and exhortedexhorted (pleaded NIV) them, saying, "Save yourselves (pleaded NIV) them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." (NRSV)

Acts 2:4141 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.were added to them. (NKJV)Mark 16:1616 He who believes believes and isand is baptized will be saved; baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)

How this Great church BeganHow this Great church Began

• The start of the Jerusalem church:–We must live a faithful life to receive

the crown of life – Revelation 2:10Revelation 2:10–The church in Jerusalem continued

steadfast in – Acts 2:42Acts 2:42–Not hopping from church to church

or place to place but “steadfast” in..–What? Let us see it again:

Rev 2:1010 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)

Acts 2:4242 And they continued steadfastly in they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (NKJV)

How this Great church BeganHow this Great church Began• The start of the Jerusalem church

(Worship):– The apostles teachings – preaching

(Matt 28:20Matt 28:20)– Fellowship – contribution (1 Cor 16:1-51 Cor 16:1-5)– The breaking of bread – Lord’s supper

(Acts 20:7Acts 20:7)– And prayer (1 Thess 5:171 Thess 5:17)– Praising God – singing (Eph 5:16Eph 5:16)

– Acts 2:42,47Acts 2:42,47

Acts 2:42, 47 (5 items of worship)42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' apostles' doctrine doctrine and fellowship,fellowship, in the breaking of bread,breaking of bread, and in prayers. prayers. 47 praising God praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV)

The Work and TroublesThe Work and Troubles• They had an active teaching

(evangelisticevangelistic) work – (Acts 5:42; Acts 5:42; 6:7; 8:1, 146:7; 8:1, 14)–Sent Barnabas to Antioch – (Acts Acts

11:2211:22)–As the church grew, the Jerusalem

church went out and established other churches.

The Work and TroublesThe Work and Troubles• The church in Jerusalem consisted

of human beings.• How frail is humanity?• Maybe the answer is in Scripture –

Acts 6:1Acts 6:1 (wisely these matters were adjusted)

• First lie told in the Jerusalem church – (Acts 5:1-6Acts 5:1-6)

Acts 6:11 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. (NKJV)

The Work and TroublesThe Work and Troubles• The first apostasy arose in the

Jerusalem church– (Acts 15:1-29Acts 15:1-29)• The good news is it’s members

were willing to die for Christ – (Acts 5:41Acts 5:41)

• James was put to death by Herod.• These deaths did not stop the

progress of this great church.

The Work and Troubles• In our time false doctrine is being

taught in the church of Christ about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD

• This was the removal of Judaism and the stand alone of Christianity

• Max Kings false doctrine on this subject.

AD 70 DoctrineAD 70 Doctrine

• “…out of the decay of Judaism rose the spiritual body of Christianity.”

• (The spirit of Prophecy by Max King Pg 200)

AD30

“LAST DAYS”

COMINGOF CHRIST

(Transitional Period)AD70Destruction of

Jerusalem

The AD 70 Doctrine is False!The AD 70 Doctrine is False!• We have a living hope of a future,

bodily, visible return of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 1:3-5; cf. 1 Corinthians 1 Peter 1:3-5; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:19-2015:19-20)

• We will all stand before the Lord’s judgment seat – (2 Corinthians 5:102 Corinthians 5:10)

• Realized Eschatology is Realized Apostasy that causes souls to be lost!!

Another false doctrine Another false doctrine told about this church told about this church

•“It Was A Sponsoring Church in BenevolenceBenevolence””

–““Jerusalem was a sponsoring Jerusalem was a sponsoring churchchurch ( (Acts 11:27-30Acts 11:27-30)”)”• Relief to brethren in JudeaJudea ((11:2911:29))• Sent to the elders ((11:30; Acts 12:2511:30; Acts 12:25))• They conclude funds were sent to the

Jerusalem elders, who distributed the relief throughout all of Judea

Another false doctrine told Another false doctrine told about this churchabout this church

•Paul was unknown to brethren in Judea before relief of Acts 11:27-Acts 11:27- 3030 – – Galatians 1:18-24 (see verse 22)Galatians 1:18-24 (see verse 22)•Acts 26:20Acts 26:20 – Paul preached– Paul preached “ “throughout all the region of Judea”throughout all the region of Judea” before going to the Gentiles.before going to the Gentiles. WhenWhen??

–This relief trip…to elders in to elders in Judea!Judea!–Last stop: JerusalemJerusalem – – Acts 12:25Acts 12:25

Acts 11:27-3027 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus,named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius days of Claudius Caesar.Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas Barnabas and Saul.and Saul. (NKJV)

Galatians 1:2222 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. (NKJV)Acts 26:2020 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. (NKJV)

Acts 12:2525 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark. (NKJV)

Conclusion:

• In the Jerusalem church we have a general conflict – (Acts 15:1Acts 15:1)

• Christ must be the head of the church.• He must have all authority in it – (Matthew 28:19-Matthew 28:19-

2020)• His law will never change–(Matthew 24:35Matthew 24:35)• There will always be the danger of apostasy.• The eternal progress of God was manifested in the

church – (Ephesians 3:10-11Ephesians 3:10-11)• Despite the love of God, the Jerusalem church

became apostate

Conclusion:Peter sermon at JerusalemPeter sermon at Jerusalem

Acts 2:1-47Acts 2:1-47• Jesus – Death – Burial – Jesus – Death – Burial –

Resurrection preached Resurrection preached – – Acts 2:30-33Acts 2:30-33

•We in like manner die to our We in like manner die to our old life – are buried in a old life – are buried in a watery grave – raised to watery grave – raised to newness of life –newness of life – Rom. 6:1-5Rom. 6:1-5

Acts 2:37Acts 2:37

Acts 2:38Acts 2:38

The study material used for this lesson

• The New Testament church – by Roy E. Cogdill, 29 printing

• Churches of the New Testament – Fort Worth Lectures 1963

• P.C. Study Bible V4• Sermons – by Mark A. Copeland, Joe R.

Price, and others

Documents

Don R. Taaffe, Gospel preacher, Dunedin, Florida 12/06/2009