WHAT DOES THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH BELIEVE?
The First Christian Church wasn't named to indicate we are the first, the best or the only Christians. We simply follow the practices of the first Christians, which included the Apostles whom Jesus himself taught. A new day had dawned when Jesus rose from the tomb. The old became new, but the Old Testament was and is still used as a guide, a teacher, a definer of sin.
Why We Meet on Sunday:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, (Hebrews 10:24b-25a).
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread (Acts 20:7a).
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. John 20:1
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Why we have communion every Sunday instead of Saturday:
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Acts 20:7
What we believe is the symbolism and purpose of Communion:
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me” (I Corinthians 11:25).
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
What we believe about baptism:
What is baptism? Baptism is preceded by a public confession of true faith, belief and repentance followed by immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins and a receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was offered by the Lord Jesus Christ as stated in Acts 2:38.
Baptism is a New Testament commandment. It is symbolic burial in recognition of Jesus death, burial and resurrection. Through baptism sins are washed away and the new creature in Christ receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. Scripture compares baptism to Noah's ark: "In it only a few people, eight in all,were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him" (I Pet. 3:21-22).
God cleansed the earth of sin by burying in water the people who were blatantly sinning, but they didn't rise again from their watery grave. Noah and his three sons and their wives were the only ones saved. We who are baptized for the forgiveness of our sins will rise again to a new life. "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). The choice is ours: rise or remain dead in your sins.
Baptism should be acted on immediately after coming to the full knowledge of your sinfulness. You should desire to make your conversion known to others. The need to act quickly is shown in all of the conversions in the book of Acts: Paul, the jailer and his family, the eunuch to which Philip preached and who was baptized in a "body of water," the 3,000 that were baptized after hearing Peter preach on the Day of Pentecost, etc. Procrastination just gives the devil time to talk a person out of being baptized or to put hurdles in the way. The sooner a person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, the better.
Baptism is necessary for Jesus to fulfill all righteousness. Matthew 3:13-16a says, "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. Then John consented." We are to follow Jesus's example. Also note that Jesus was likely immersed because the next verse says, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water." John could have chosen a building in which to sprinkle or pour if he believed that's what Jesus wanted.
Baptism is an act of obedience. Obedience is stressed throughout the Bible but the obedience should be because we want to please Christ and not because we feel like we have to. After Jesus had died, risen, and ascended into heaven, Peter preached a sermon which grieved the hearts of the listeners. When he was finished, the people asked what they must do to be saved. Peter's response was, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). This requirement comes with a prized gift from the Lord Himself, that gift being the third part of Him, the Holy Spirit, who helps us throughout life as long as we don't permanently push Him away. He cannot co-exist with ongoing sin.
Baptism requires humility, a giving up of the pride that prevents a person from going forward to confess and repent in front of others. Vanity must be overcome in order for a person to be willing to get his or her hair wet in front of people. Those who are uncomfortable with being the center of attention must overcome that fear or any other fear long enough to fulfill this act of obedience.
Baptism is understanding that we are unworthy of the price Christ had to pay for our salvation, for His forgiveness of our sins, for the riches we will acquire in heaven and a realization that He loves us that much. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... (Romans 3:23). It is a way of acknowledging that "I get it now, Lord! Here I am; use me."
Baptism becomes void or meaningless if not followed by true love for Christ shown through our actions and obedience, notwithstanding the fact that we are still going to sin on occasion.
If our attention to the Lord ends with our baptism or if we are baptized with the wrong attitude or for the wrong reason, we would still be lost sinners -- just wet ones. Baptism done just for show, such as to win the heart of a Christian girlfriend or boyfriend, is not true baptism. Getting baptized just because friends are or just to get to participate in taking Communion are wrong motives.
A transformation is to occur when baptized. That transformation involves a complete turnaround from our sinful and selfish ways of the past and a striving to become perfect as Jesus was perfect, though that goal will never be altogether accomplished. Jesus was the only one who was, is and ever will be perfect. Though that is the goal, the transformation will not happen overnight. It takes time, discipline, obedience, a change in attitude and thinking, love for the Lord and others, and much prayer. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2) Since all have sinned, it was necessary that Jesus die to cleanse us of our sins. Ongoing sinners could not enter heaven but Jesus made a way when there seemed to be no way. He took our sins to the cross, buried them in his grave and rose again. We symbolically do the same through baptism. Therefore, one need not dispair when that person is caught in Satan's throes.
After baptism we are to follow Christ's teaching and example in our behavior and speech. "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth" (I John 3:18). "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" (Col. 3:8). We are to walk by the spirit. "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Gal. 5:22-23 NIV) The King James Version of the Bible translates forbearance as patience. The word "patience" rolls off the tongue easier than forbearance when trying to memorize that verse.
When baptized, you are adopted into the family of God. As a family member you will have the benefits of a family member and will be loved, cared for and offered an inheritance, an eternal home in heaven. Our Father in heaven is like the father in the Bible story of the prodigal son and will welcome us home even in our filth. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are eternal. He (the three-in-one) will never die. Neither will we if we confess our faith, repent, are baptized, obey Him and have a father-son/father-daughter relationship with Him from then on. A relationship with Christ compares to a relationship with your earthly father but on a much deeper level.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, (Hebrews 10:24b-25a).
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread (Acts 20:7a).
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. John 20:1
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Why we have communion every Sunday instead of Saturday:
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Acts 20:7
What we believe is the symbolism and purpose of Communion:
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me” (I Corinthians 11:25).
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
What we believe about baptism:
What is baptism? Baptism is preceded by a public confession of true faith, belief and repentance followed by immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins and a receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was offered by the Lord Jesus Christ as stated in Acts 2:38.
Baptism is a New Testament commandment. It is symbolic burial in recognition of Jesus death, burial and resurrection. Through baptism sins are washed away and the new creature in Christ receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. Scripture compares baptism to Noah's ark: "In it only a few people, eight in all,were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him" (I Pet. 3:21-22).
God cleansed the earth of sin by burying in water the people who were blatantly sinning, but they didn't rise again from their watery grave. Noah and his three sons and their wives were the only ones saved. We who are baptized for the forgiveness of our sins will rise again to a new life. "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). The choice is ours: rise or remain dead in your sins.
Baptism should be acted on immediately after coming to the full knowledge of your sinfulness. You should desire to make your conversion known to others. The need to act quickly is shown in all of the conversions in the book of Acts: Paul, the jailer and his family, the eunuch to which Philip preached and who was baptized in a "body of water," the 3,000 that were baptized after hearing Peter preach on the Day of Pentecost, etc. Procrastination just gives the devil time to talk a person out of being baptized or to put hurdles in the way. The sooner a person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, the better.
Baptism is necessary for Jesus to fulfill all righteousness. Matthew 3:13-16a says, "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. Then John consented." We are to follow Jesus's example. Also note that Jesus was likely immersed because the next verse says, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water." John could have chosen a building in which to sprinkle or pour if he believed that's what Jesus wanted.
Baptism is an act of obedience. Obedience is stressed throughout the Bible but the obedience should be because we want to please Christ and not because we feel like we have to. After Jesus had died, risen, and ascended into heaven, Peter preached a sermon which grieved the hearts of the listeners. When he was finished, the people asked what they must do to be saved. Peter's response was, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). This requirement comes with a prized gift from the Lord Himself, that gift being the third part of Him, the Holy Spirit, who helps us throughout life as long as we don't permanently push Him away. He cannot co-exist with ongoing sin.
Baptism requires humility, a giving up of the pride that prevents a person from going forward to confess and repent in front of others. Vanity must be overcome in order for a person to be willing to get his or her hair wet in front of people. Those who are uncomfortable with being the center of attention must overcome that fear or any other fear long enough to fulfill this act of obedience.
Baptism is understanding that we are unworthy of the price Christ had to pay for our salvation, for His forgiveness of our sins, for the riches we will acquire in heaven and a realization that He loves us that much. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... (Romans 3:23). It is a way of acknowledging that "I get it now, Lord! Here I am; use me."
Baptism becomes void or meaningless if not followed by true love for Christ shown through our actions and obedience, notwithstanding the fact that we are still going to sin on occasion.
If our attention to the Lord ends with our baptism or if we are baptized with the wrong attitude or for the wrong reason, we would still be lost sinners -- just wet ones. Baptism done just for show, such as to win the heart of a Christian girlfriend or boyfriend, is not true baptism. Getting baptized just because friends are or just to get to participate in taking Communion are wrong motives.
A transformation is to occur when baptized. That transformation involves a complete turnaround from our sinful and selfish ways of the past and a striving to become perfect as Jesus was perfect, though that goal will never be altogether accomplished. Jesus was the only one who was, is and ever will be perfect. Though that is the goal, the transformation will not happen overnight. It takes time, discipline, obedience, a change in attitude and thinking, love for the Lord and others, and much prayer. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2) Since all have sinned, it was necessary that Jesus die to cleanse us of our sins. Ongoing sinners could not enter heaven but Jesus made a way when there seemed to be no way. He took our sins to the cross, buried them in his grave and rose again. We symbolically do the same through baptism. Therefore, one need not dispair when that person is caught in Satan's throes.
After baptism we are to follow Christ's teaching and example in our behavior and speech. "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth" (I John 3:18). "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" (Col. 3:8). We are to walk by the spirit. "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Gal. 5:22-23 NIV) The King James Version of the Bible translates forbearance as patience. The word "patience" rolls off the tongue easier than forbearance when trying to memorize that verse.
When baptized, you are adopted into the family of God. As a family member you will have the benefits of a family member and will be loved, cared for and offered an inheritance, an eternal home in heaven. Our Father in heaven is like the father in the Bible story of the prodigal son and will welcome us home even in our filth. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are eternal. He (the three-in-one) will never die. Neither will we if we confess our faith, repent, are baptized, obey Him and have a father-son/father-daughter relationship with Him from then on. A relationship with Christ compares to a relationship with your earthly father but on a much deeper level.
What Does It Take to be Saved?
...he one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matt. 10:22),
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved...(Mark 16:16),
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved (John 10:9),
...everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21)... There is another aspect to that verse. "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." It is important to study the Bible by subject, compiling all of the verses that have to do with a particular subject. Some verses can stand alone but it is important to do the research to "see the big picture" and to discover the details.
there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12)
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9)
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13)...
...hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord (I Corinthians 5:5). Note that the point isn't that Satan is allotted his punishment but the intent of punishment is that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. (I Corinthians 15:2)
it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:5)
...women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. (I Timothy 2:15)
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good. (Titus 3:1) This verse doesn't mention being saved if we follow it but we are repeatedly told in scripture to be obedient.
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” I Peter 4:18
Giving/Tithing:
Malachi 3:8-10 Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Romans 12:8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 8:7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
Why we don't have an external council:
It is biblical to be governed by elders, but there are no scriptural references regarding having a council make decisions regarding the different churches in its district or division, including decisions regarding the transfer of ministers and whether or not to accept abortion and homosexuality. The elders mentioned in the following verses are not the same as the elders of the Jews. The Jews do not believe in Jesus as our Savior, of course.
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23
This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. Acts 15:2
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. Acts 15:22
As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. Acts 16:4
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. Acts 20:17
What are the steps to salvation:
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23
This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. Acts 15:2
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. Acts 15:22
As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. Acts 16:4
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. Acts 20:17
What are the steps to salvation:
Hear the Gospel. ( Romans 10:17, John 8:32)Believe the Gospel (Hebrews 11:6, John 20:31)
Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30)
Confess faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32)
Be Baptized (Galatians 3:27, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)
Be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)
Lent:
The tradition of Lent is people giving up something that they love. It is not a bad tradition but it isn't scriptural.
Why we are called Christians:
And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26b).
Why no priest?
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
12 But when this priest (Jesus*) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:12-14 Writer's note: Jesus made a one-time sacrifice for those who are being made holy. He was that sacrifice. No animals were sacrificed after that since animal blood couldn't provide a permanent cleansing of sins.
Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. Hebrews 7:27
It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:23-28
Why we don't baptize babies.
Babies cannot confess or repent. They haven't sinned so have no sins to wash away. They are not held responsible for the sins of their parents. There is no need to turn their lives around from worldly ways to holy ones. They have no idea what is going on.
Do we approve of baby dedications?
Absolutely. Dedicating a baby to the Lord is saying the baby will be raised to learn about the Lord and build a relationship with him. The parents will set the example.
Our motto:
Speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.
*(Jesus) Heb. 10:12 - my insertion into the verse for clarity
See also:
https://beckyowall.blogspot.com/2023/09/instruments-in-worship-service-pros-and.html (Instruments in the Worship Service Pros and Cons)
https://beckyowall.blogspot.com/2022/07/once-saved-always-saved.html (Once Saved, Always Saved?)
Faith Without Works: James 1
Our motto:
Speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.
*(Jesus) Heb. 10:12 - my insertion into the verse for clarity
See also:
https://beckyowall.blogspot.com/2023/09/instruments-in-worship-service-pros-and.html (Instruments in the Worship Service Pros and Cons)
https://beckyowall.blogspot.com/2022/07/once-saved-always-saved.html (Once Saved, Always Saved?)
Faith Without Works: James 1
