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New Testament Christianity. By “ New Testament Christianity ” we are referring to the process whereby one becomes a Christian and to the religion of Christ in General. “ Christian ” occurs three times in the N.T. Acts 11:26 , “ the disciples were called Christians .. cf. Isaiah 62:1-2.
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New Testament Christianity • By “New Testament Christianity” we are referring to the process whereby one becomes a Christian and to the religion of Christ in General. • “Christian” occurs three times in the N.T. • Acts 11:26, “the disciples were called Christians.. cf. Isaiah 62:1-2. • Acts 26:28, “almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” • I Peter 4:16, “If any man suffer as a Christian..”
“New Testament Christianity” Involves a Savior! • Christ is Savior! Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10. • A Savior Who is able to save, John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1-3; 7:25. • A Savior Who is Willing to save, Matt. 11:28-30; 23:37. • A Savior who is Qualified to Save. Because: • Of Who He is, John 3:16. • Where He is, Acts 2:30-33; Hebrews 8:1; I Peter 3:22. • What He did, I Pet. 2:21-22; Heb. 2:9; Rom. 3:23-26. • What He is doing, Hebrews 7:25; I John 2:1. • What He will do, Acts 17:30-31. • Question: Can we eliminate Christ and still have New Testament Christianity?
“New Testament Christianity”Involves A Guide Book! • The term “New Testament Christianity” might be contrasted with “Old Testament Judaism.” • Our Savior Guides us through His New Testament, Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 9:15-17. • We are not under Old Testament Law. • It has served its purpose, Galatians 3:24-25. • It has been fulfilled, Matthew 5:17-18. • It has been blotted out, Colossians 2:14. • To go back under it is to fall from grace, Gal. 5:4! • Question: Can we eliminate the New Testament and still have New Testament Christianity?
“New Testament Christianity”Involves A Plan! • Our Savior, Who Guides us through the New Testament has revealed a plan of action whereby we can be saved! • This Involves a Three-fold change: • A change of heart, wrought by faith, Acts 15:9. • A change of life, produced by repentance, Acts 11:18; Matthew 3:7-8. Note also Romans 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:10. • A change of relationship produced by baptism, Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4. Note also 2 Tim. 2:10. • Question: Can we eliminate the plan and still have New Testament Christianity?
“New Testament Christianity”Involves a (the) Church! • Our Savior, Who guides us through the N.T. built His Church to which the saved belong! • The Church described in the New Testament: • Is a part of God’s eternal plan, Eph. 3:3-6, 10-11. • Was built by Jesus Christ, Matthew 16:18. • Was purchased by Christ, Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25. • Has Jesus as its Head, Ephesians 1:22-23. • Constitutes “the saved,” Acts 2:47. • Constitutes the called out, 2 Thess. 1:1; 2:14. • Is the body of which Jesus is “the Savior,” Ephesians 5:23. • Question: If we eliminate the church described in the New Testament, do we still have New Testament Christianity?
“New Testament Christianity”involves a Life! • Of Faithful Service! • With regards to worship, Acts 2:42. • With regards to the local church. • Its Worship. • Its Work. • Its Purity. • Its Unity. • Of Godly Living! Rom. 6:4; Titus 2:11-12; I Peter 4:15-16. • Question: If we eliminate the “Life,” do we still have New Testament Christianity?
Conclusion: • Illus. Suppose you go to a restaurant and order a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. However they substitutecrackers for the bread, cabbage leaves for the lettuce, tuna for the bacon, and avocado for the tomato, did you really get a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich? • When we make substitutions in God’s Pattern for “New Testament Christianity,” do we really have New Testament Christianity?? • Are You a New Testament Christian??