Isaiah 2:2-3
Text – Prophesied 700 years before its fulfillment in Acts.
a. It is a prophecy of the establishment of the church.
b. I Tim. 3:15
c. Heb. 3:6
We live in an age of disregard for Bible truth.
d. Many do not want to know.
e. Bible facts are often in contrast to what is accepted by modern religion.
f. Our purpose is to call people back to a biblical foundation.
For our lesson this morning notice certain phrases.
"The Lord’s House" – a definite ownership.
The only proper church is the church, which belongs to Christ.
One founder because He built it (Mt. 16:18).
One owner because He bought it (Acts 20:28).
One Savior because He gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25).
One head because He rules over it (Eph. 1:22).
What about others who have started churches and religious movements?
Regardless of motives and sincerity they are usurping Christ’s position.
Mt. 15:3, 8, 9
But they claim to be part of His church (simple illustration) wife, new baby and business; still His church?
"In the last days" – a definite time.
Expression used several times in Old Testament prophecy. The New Testament defines when this is:
1. Acts 2:16-17
2. Heb. 1:1-2
3. So during this time period, the church would be established.
The Lord’s timetable was definite, not before, not later.
Any religion…
Any doctrine…
Any form of church government…
History leaves no doubt as to when various churches and practices began.
No Catholic system until several hundred years later.
No Protestant churches until the 16th century.
So also various practices:
a. Infant baptism and sprinkling
b. Instrumental music
c. Sinner’s prayer.
"From Jerusalem" – a definite place.
What went forth? "The law… the word…"
4. Acts 2:41-42
5. Acts 8:4
6. Matt. 18:18
Let me emphasize that the connection with Jerusalem was not an organization connection, but a truth connection (not our H.Q.)
Same connection possible today.
If you want to know what is truth in religion go back to Jerusalem.
How could we have determined that the church at Antioch was a part of what begin at Jerusalem?
Too many want to trace back to Calvin or Luther not Jerusalem.
Same doctrine.
Same worship.
Same baptism.
"All nations" – a universal application.
Some think the New Testament system not suited for all times and all places, need new system, need to improve for our day and age.
But what was established in Jerusalem in the last days is intended for all people of all time.
The great commission
a. Mt. 28:19
b. Mk. 16:15
c. Lk. 24:47
d. Acts 1:8
e. Acts 10:34-35
Consider from a geographic standpoint.
f. What if believers in Rome had said Jerusalem plan does not apply here? (How far does one have to get? Paris? New York? Lenoir?)
g. Make the same application chronologically. How many years would have to pass before something the Lord established would be obsolete?
1. We use the term "Church of Christ" to mean just what it says.
g. Started at Jerusalem, founded by Christ, in the last days.
h. We can do this because each item of faith and practice is identified with what was established there.
i. If we ever cease to follow that "old Jerusalem gospel" we cease to be the Church of Christ regardless of what we call ourselves.
2. Day of Pentecost salvation.
James Pharr
Lenoir, NC