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

1. The churches of Christ in the New Testament 9 of 18,“the church in Jerusalem”Isaiah 2:2-3; Acts 2:37-47; Luke 24:46-49 Don R. Taaffe, Gospel preacher, Dunedin, Florida 12/06/2009

2. 2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD's house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow 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.(NKJV) Isaiah 2:2-3

3. 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them,"Repent, 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.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 will call." 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly 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 added to the churchdaily those who were being saved. (NKJV) Acts 2:37-47

4. 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 and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at 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 Jerusalemuntil you are endued with power from on high." (NKJV) Luke 24:46-49

5. 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 Jerusalem 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 churches of Christ in the New Testament – 18 Lessons

7. The 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

8. The 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.

9. This church is different to all other churches Acts 1:8 8 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) 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 1 Moreover, brethren, I 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 died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (NKJV) • At its beginning ALL the Apostles were present –Acts 2:1-4 • This included Matthias – Judas replacement – (Acts 1:26) • These men were eye witnesses to resurrection – Acts 1:8; (10:38-41; 13:20) • The Gospel preached for the first time – Acts 2:1, 23-24 • The Gospel – death – burial – resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (Rom. 1:16) Acts 2:1-4 1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in 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 2:23-24 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified,and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because It was not possible that He should be held by it. (NKJV)

10. This church is different to all other churches • 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!

11. This church is different to all other churches • The first time saved add to a church or the kingdom of Christ – Acts 2:47 (Eph. 5:23) • Those saved did not have to grow up – Acts 2:45-47 (6:8; 8:4-8, 17-19; 9:31) • Received all knowledge – Romans 15:14 • Divided to each other – Acts 2:43-45 • A NEW type of worship of God – Acts 2:42, 47 not about self *- John 4:24 Acts 2:47 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV) Acts 2:45-47 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 added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV) Rom 15:14 14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. (NKJV) John 4:24 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (NKJV) Acts 2:43-45 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. (NKJV) Acts 2:42, 47 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV)

12. Jerusalem the Model church • In Respectability: • Commanded even the respect of her enemies. • And all its members – (Acts 2:47) • In Happiness: • Gratitude exemplified. • “A singleness of heart” – (Acts 2:46)

13. Jerusalem the Model church • In Zeal: • Daily teaching the word – Acts 2:46 • According to good works – Titus 2:14 • In Unity: • (1)United in purpose – Acts 5:11 • (2)“With one Accord” – Acts 2:46; 4:32 Acts 2:46 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, (NKJV) Acts 4:32 32 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. (NKJV) Acts 2:46 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, (NKJV) Titus 2:14 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (NKJV) Acts 5:11 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. (NKJV)

14. Jerusalem the Model church Acts 4:32-37 32 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 lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and 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) (3)United In Prayer: • Jerusalem Prayed together - Acts 4:24 • According to knowledge – Romans 10:1-3 (4)United in sacrifice: • A special need at that time – Acts 4:32-37 • “Had all things common” – Acts 2:44 Acts 4:24 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to 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 10:1-3 1 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. 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 2:44 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,(NKJV)

15. Jerusalem the Model church (4)United In member fellowship: • “Had all things in common” - Acts 4:32 • Called together – Acts 6:2 (5)United in spreading the word: • “Heard the word believed” – Acts 4:4 • “Disciples multiplied” – Acts 6:7 Acts 4:32 32 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. (NKJV) Acts 6:2 2 And the twelve called together the whole community 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 4:4 4 But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand. (NRSV) Acts 6:7 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (NRSV)

16. Jerusalem the Model church In Liberality; Stewardship: • Sold possessions and gave according to the need of each Saint- Acts 2:44 • Did not allow anyone to lack – Acts 4:34-35 • None said what he possessed was his own. Stewardship recognized - Acts 4:32 In Loyalty: • Continued Steadfastly – Acts 2:42 • Triumphantly Faithful in persecutions. • By the Sadducees – (Acts 5: 17- 39) Acts 2:44 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; (NRSV) Acts 2:42 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (NKJV) Acts 4:34-35 34 There was 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 4:32 32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. (NRSV)

17. Jerusalem the Model church • By the Sadducees – (Acts 5: 17- 39) • By the Pharisees – (Acts 7: 8) • By the Jewish State – (Acts 12c) In Growth: • 3000 added – (Acts 2:41) • Became 5,000 men – (Acts 4:4) • Multiplied both men and women – (Acts 5:14)

18. Jerusalem the Model church Acts 6:1-5 1 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 of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over 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) • Number of the disciples multiplied – (Acts 6:7) In Organization: • Elders – Acts 11:29-30; (15:6, 22) • Deacons – Acts 6:1-5 Acts 11:29-30 29 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)

19. Jerusalem the Model church • In Evangelism: • Went about preaching the word – Acts 8:1,4 • Sent Peter and John to Samaria -Acts 8:14 • Sent Barnabas as far as Antioch – Acts 11:22 Acts 8:1, 4 1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. (NKJV) Acts 8:14 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, (NKJV) Acts 11:22 22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. (NKJV)

20. How this Great church Began Matthew 15:13-14 13 He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.“(NRSV) • No church starts without a divine side: • Denominations, counterfeit churches of Christ all start and finish without this divine plan – Matthew 15:13-14 • The plan is “Christ is the head” – Ephesians 1:22 (Eph. 4:15; 5:23) • Men and women are the body, the church – Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 12:20, 27 (Eph. 2:16; 4:1-16; 5:30) • Let us see how people come into the Church? Ephesians 1:22 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church,(NRSV) Ephesians 5:23 23 For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the Savior. (NRSV) 1 Corinthians 12:20, 27 20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body. 27 Now you are the bodyof Christ and individually members of it.(NRSV)

21. How 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 – Resurrection) – (Acts 2:1-47; 1 Cor. 15:1-5) • “pricked in their heart” – (Acts 2:37) • “Ye by the hand of lawless (yours and my sins drt) men did crucify and slay” (Acts 2:23) When we “believe” we are “pricked in” our “heart” (Acts 2:37) we must believethis gospel

22. How this Great church Began Acts 8:37 37 Then Philip said,"If you believe with all your heart, you may.“ And he answered and said,"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ** (NKJV) • The start of the Jerusalem church: • They confess their faith – Acts 8:37 • “Brethren, what shall we do?” – (Acts 2:37) • Their hearts were “pricked” – Acts 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 2:23) • Confessions MUST be made with our month – Romans 10:10 Acts 2:37 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their 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 unto salvation. (NKJV)

23. How this Great church Began Acts 8:18-24 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them 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 right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by 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) • The start of the Jerusalem church: • Commanded by Peter to “Repent“ – Acts 2:38 • There is nothing harder to do than “repent”. • The reason today for so many worldly minded people in our congregations, is their lack of repentance. – Acts 8:18-24 Acts 2:38 38 Then Peter said to them,"Repent, 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)

24. How this Great church Began • The start of the Jerusalem church: • Commanded by Peter to “baptized” for a purpose – Acts 2:38 • That the purposes is, “for the remission of sins” – (Acts 2:38) • They received an in dwelling of “the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38) – this is lacking in the denominations and counterfeit churches of Christ.– Acts 5:32 Acts 2:38 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and 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 5:32 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." (NKJV)

25. How this Great church Began Acts 2:40 40 And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted (pleaded NIV) them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." (NRSV) • The start of the Jerusalem church: • The need for exhortation – Acts 2:40 • Then, as now, men are slow to quit the ways of sin. • People get wet, but want to continue their way of life – Acts 2:41 • How wonderful is the plan of God – Mark 16:16 Acts 2:41 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.(NKJV) Mark 16:16 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)

26. How this Great church Began • The start of the Jerusalem church: • We must live a faithful life to receive the crown of life – Revelation 2:10 • The church in Jerusalem continued steadfast in – Acts 2:42 • Not hopping from church to church or place to place but “steadfast” in.. • What? Let us see it again: Rev 2:10 10 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 will give you the crown of life. (NKJV) Acts 2:42 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (NKJV)

27. How this Great church Began Acts 2:42, 47 (5 items of worship) 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV) • The start of the Jerusalem church (Worship): • The apostles teachings – preaching (Matt 28:20) • Fellowship – contribution (1 Cor 16:1-5) • The breaking of bread – Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7) • And prayer (1 Thess 5:17) • Praising God – singing (Eph 5:16) • Acts 2:42,47

28. The Work and Troubles • They had an active teaching (evangelistic) work – (Acts 5:42; 6:7; 8:1, 14) • Sent Barnabas to Antioch – (Acts 11:22) • As the church grew, the Jerusalem church went out and established other churches.

29. The Work and Troubles • The church in Jerusalem consisted of human beings. • How frail is humanity? • Maybe the answer is in Scripture – Acts 6:1 (wisely these matters were adjusted) • First lie told in the Jerusalem church – (Acts 5:1-6) Acts 6:1 1 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)

30. The Work and Troubles • The first apostasy arose in the Jerusalem church– (Acts 15:1-29) • The good news is it’s members were willing to die for Christ – (Acts 5:41) • James was put to death by Herod. • These deaths did not stop the progress of this great church.

31. 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.

32. AD 70 Doctrine • “…out of the decay of Judaism rose the spiritual body of Christianity.” • (The spirit of Prophecy by Max King Pg 200) COMING OF CHRIST False Doctrine AD 30 AD 70 “LAST DAYS” ETERNAL DAYS (Transitional Period) Destruction of Jerusalem

33. 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 15:19-20) • We will all stand before the Lord’s judgment seat – (2 Corinthians 5:10) • Realized Eschatology is RealizedApostasy that causes souls to be lost!

34. Another false doctrine told about this church • “It Was A Sponsoring Church in Benevolence” • “Jerusalem was a sponsoring church (Acts 11:27-30)” • Relief to brethren inJudea(11:29) • Sent to the elders (11:30; Acts 12:25) • They conclude funds were sent to the Jerusalem elders, who distributed the relief throughout all of Judea

35. Another false doctrine told about this church Acts 11:27-30 27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.29 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) • Paul was unknown to brethren in Judea before relief of Acts 11:27- 30–Galatians 1:18-24 (see verse 22) • Acts 26:20– Paul preached “throughout all the region of Judea” before going to the Gentiles.When? • This relief trip…to elders in Judea! • Last stop:Jerusalem– Acts 12:25 Galatians 1:22 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. (NKJV) Acts 26:20 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. (NKJV) Acts 12:25 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark. (NKJV)

36. Conclusion: • In the Jerusalem church we have a general conflict – (Acts 15:1) • Christ must be the head of the church. • He must have all authority in it – (Matthew 28:19-20) • His law will never change–(Matthew 24:35) • There will always be the danger of apostasy. • The eternal progress of God was manifested in the church – (Ephesians 3:10-11) • Despite the love of God, the Jerusalem church became apostate

37. Conclusion:Peter sermon at JerusalemActs 2:1-47 • Jesus – Death – Burial – Resurrection preached – Acts 2:30-33 Acts 2:37 • We in like manner die to our • old life – are buried in a • watery grave – raised to • newness of life –Rom. 6:1-5 Acts 2:38

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