Introducing Churches of Christ | The Beginning of Churches of Christ

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Pentecost – The Beginning of the Churches of Christ

Last week, I was asked when the churches of Christ began. The simple answer to that question is: “The church of Christ was established by Jesus Christ in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following His Resurrection (sometime between AD 29-33).” In fact, I would refuse to be a part of a church that had any other builder, established in any other place or at any other time. Denominations were established by men at different times and in different places.

The church was established by Jesus Christ (Matt 16:18).

The church was founded in Jerusalem. Prophecy:

  • The “law” would go forth from Zion, “[a]nd the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Is 2:2-3). Isaiah mentions “the mountain of the LORD’s house.” The house of the Lord is the church (1 Tim 3:15).
  • Micah 4:1-2.
  • Zechariah 1:16.
  • Jesus also prophesied that the word would go forth from Jerusalem (Lk 24:46-47).

Fulfillment of prophecy:

  • The Holy Spirit would not come until Jesus had gone away (Jn 16:7).
  • The apostles were to tarry in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had come upon them (Lk 24:49); the apostles returned to Jerusalem after they saw the Lord ascend (Acts 1:12).
  • The apostles were to be clothed with power from on high (Lk 24:49); this occurs in Acts 2:1-4.
  • The word of the Lord was to go forth from Jerusalem (Is 2:2-3; Mic 4:1-2); this is fulfilled at Acts 2:14-42.
  • Repentance and remission of sins were to be preached in Jesus’ name beginning at Jerusalem (Lk 24:47); this occurs in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:38).
  • The Lord’s house (church) was to be established in Jerusalem in the last days (Is 2:2-3; Mic 4:1-2; Zech 1:16); the fulfillment–Last days (Acts 2:17); Establishment of church in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:41, 47).

The church was founded at Pentecost.

  • Latter days in Jerusalem (Is 2:2-4; Mic 4:1-2).
  • In the days of those kings (Dan 2:24).
  • Is at hand (Matt 3:1-2).
  • Were to pray for its coming (Matt 6:9-10).
  • Jesus will build (Matt 16:18–notice the future tense).
  • Will come in the lifetime of some of the disciples (Mk 9:1).
  • Disciples had not yet entered it (Matt 18:30).
  • Was nigh (Lk 10:9).
  • Shall come (Lk 22:18).

Pentecost:

  • Three thousand added that day (Acts 2:41).
  • Was in the last days (Acts 2:17-21).
  • Was at Jerusalem (Lk 24:46-49; Acts 1:12; 2:1-5).
  • Was in the days of those kings, i.e. the Roman emperors.
  • Was in the days of some of those disciples (Acts 1:15-2:9).
  • Power came (Acts 2:1-4).
  • The beginning was when the Holy Spirit came on the apostles (Acts 11:15). The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost.
  • The Scriptures point both forward to its coming and backward to its having come at Pentecost. Added to it (Acts 2:47). Citizens of the kingdom (Col 1:13-14)

This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Dale Ridge church of Christ in Roanoke, Virginia.

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