The Church In The New Testament

Lessons on the church in the New Testament abound.  Some lessons may be confined to very specific subjects.  For instance, the work, worship, and organization are plainly revealed—and may each be examined in minute detail (Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 2:42; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-13).  Other lessons on the New Testament Church may be more general, as is shown in the following.

The four gospel accounts tell about the preparation for the church.  Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk. 1:15).  He laid the foundational material in His teaching.  For example, the Sermon on the Mount has been called the “Constitution of Christianity” (Matt. 5-7).  Jesus also prepared for the church by offering Himself as a sacrifice for it.

The book of Acts details the establishment and spread of the church.  On Pentecost, the way into the church was revealed—belief, repentance, and baptism—and about 3,000 responded (Acts 2:37-41).  The Bible says the Lord added them to the church (Acts 2:47).  The size of the church grew when the gospel was taught (Acts 4:4; 6:7; 8:4; 11:19-21).  The way into the church and its means of growth have not changed.

The epistles reveal the life of the church.  In them we have an inspired account of problems faced by first century churches.  Sexual immorality, laziness, lying, gossip, drunkenness, strife, etc., all troubled various churches at various times (1 Cor. 5:1-5; 2 Thes. 3:1-15; Eph. 4:25-32; Gal. 5:19-22).  Thankfully, solutions were given when problems were addressed.  Those same solutions work for the same problems we have today.

The book of Revelation gives a glimpse of the church’s destiny.  It shows us the struggle between good and evil; between the minions of Satan and the servants of the Savior.  The superiority, ultimate control, and final victory of the Lord are reiterated through the pages of Revelation.  In the end, the church will enjoy full, unfettered fellowship with God Almighty for all eternity (Rev. 21:1-7).

Many lessons on the church can be brought out of the New Testament.  Some may be specific, while others are general.  Whatever the lessons may be, they are all beneficial to our faith and, therefore, worthy of our consideration.

I will build My church.
- Matthew 16:18

The New Testament Church
By Roy E. Cogdill