119 The Establishment of the Church
The Establishment of the Church THIRD YEAR—SUBJECT 12 The Establishment of the Church
(READ ACTS 1) 1. Christ the foundation truth. Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5.
2. Confessed by Peter. Matthew 16:16.
3. Acknowledged by Christ. Luke 22:70.
4. Proved by his resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:1-6.
5. Received by all. Romans 10:12.
6. Established in the last days. Daniel 2:44.
7. A tried stone. Isaiah 28:4-16.
8. Must have the Spirit. Luke 24:49.
9. Spirit came. Acts 1:1-4.
10. Must start at Jerusalem. Micah 4:1-2.
11. God’s house or church must be built in Jerusalem. Zechariah 1:16.
12. Peter said this was the beginning. Acts 11:15. In building all houses a foundation must be laid. When Paul referred to Christ, he presented him as being the only safe foundation that man could lay. Isaiah claimed this foundation stone must first be tried. This was done in the trial, death, and resurrection of the Son of God. It was upon this foundation confessed by Peter that Christ declared he would build his church, and that the gates of hell should not prevail against it.
Christ acknowledged he was the Son of God and proved it by his resur¬rection from the dead. This truth was more fully confirmed by the living witnesses who saw him after his resurrection. To strengthen their testimony God sent the Spirit upon them to confirm all they said by the performing of miracles. As this church was to be established at Jerusalem, as told by the proph¬ets, we see the fulfillment of prophecy by their waiting at Jerusalem to get this power from on high.
Joel said the Spirit was to come upon them in the "last days." Peter not only calls it the "last days," but also calls it "the beginning," showing it to be the last days of Judaism and the beginning of Christianity. Then this church becomes the body of Christ, becomes his bride—Rom. 7:4, is married to him, and brings forth spiritual children, who should spend their time in the service of the Lord.
QUESTIONS 1. Who is the foundation.
2. When was it to be laid?
3. Where was it to be laid?
4. Who first acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God?
5. Whom did God want people to hear?
6. What confession did Peter make?
7. How did Christ prove he is the Son of God?
8. When did Daniel say this kingdom should be established?
9. For what did Christ tell them to wait before preaching salvation to all the world.
10. What power did the Holy Spirit give after h. came upon them?
11. When did Joel say this Spirit should come upon them?
12. When did Peter say this Spirit came upon them?
13. This church, when founded, became God’s divine government under which all Christians are expected to live. What relationship does the church sustain to Christ? Rom. 7.
14. What did this church cost Christ?