New Testament Church

Follow Along with the Message

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" (Margaret Mead). 

New Testament Church.  Our guiding goal. 

The Old Testament prepares us for Christ.  The New Testament helps us see Him and the extraordinary group of people born by His Spirit. 

"When they observed the confidence of Peter and John. . . they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus"  

(Acts 4:13). 

     I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. . .(7)  For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.  This is the deceiver and the antichrist. (8)  Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. (9) Anyone who goes too far (proago) and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. (10)  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home, and do not give him a greeting, (11) for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds" (2 John 4, 7-11). 

DOCTRINALLY ASSERTIVE 

     "If you continue in My word. . .you will know the TRUTH" (John 8:31). 

Because we believe in TRUTH, we also recognize ERROR.  Many deceivers. 

John is not teaching rudeness.  Rather, the theological courage that Jesus had.  

Paul with Agrippa.  Acts 26.  In a short time you will PERSUADE me.  I sure hope so! 

MISSIONALLY INVOLVED 

"Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers (xenos) (6) and they have testified to your love before the church.  You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. (7) For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. (8) Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth" (3 John 5-8). 

No hotels.  Not any appropriate hotels. 

Balance between discernment (2 John) and involvement (3 John). 

Xenos--stranger.  Openness.  Welcome.  Assistance. 

PROGRESSIVELY OBEDIENT 

WALK in truth.  2 John 4.  Feet, not head only. 

"Anyone who GOES TOO FAR (proago--to lead forward).  "Progressives"  Embrace "progress" at the expense of truth. 

The church holds to truth and makes progress IN it, not AWAY from it. 

    "I am willing" (Matthew 8:3). 

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" You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. . .Upon this rock, I will build My church" (Matthew 16:16, 18).