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The church on earth has not always demonstrated the characteristics of the New Testament church. Too often it is recognized by a non-biblical purpose, mission, governance, works, leadership, manifestation, practice, etc.
When asked why, the most common response from leadership is, “We have always done it this way before.” It is evident then; the practice of the modern religious church was not derived from apostolic teaching and tradition. History reveals it was produced by the marriage between church and state that occurred during the fourth century AD. |
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Much to the surprise of many in church leadership, the New Testament does unveil the order of early church practice. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians provided significant detail. While it was mostly corrective, it inadvertently disclosed the simple manner in which the New Testament church worshiped. Discernment requires the New Testament be viewed faithfully and prayerfully apart from the bias of civic, religious and historical precedent.
When viewed faithfully and prayerfully, it is clear that the New Testament indicates church practice was a celebration of life shared with God. It emphasized interactive ministry between Christ and the assembled members of His spiritual body. By grace through faith alone, it was demonstrated through life-based activities such as purposeful prayer; intentional community interaction; the Lord’s Supper as a full, celebratory meal; participatory praise and worship in song; the fellowship of the Spirit; reading and discussing scripture; spiritually-gifted, every member ministry to one another; the joyful giving of material goods and finances to meet the needs of the body; corrective spiritual discipline; mutual discipleship; and team-oriented outreach. In contrast, the practice of the modern religious church predominantly involves teaching about God to a congregation assembled for Him according to shared, religious interest. It is typically manifested through a nonreciprocal, legalistic liturgy. Thus, the practice of the modern religious church is propped up by the rule of law according to historical precedent and organizational principle and precept. It emphasizes the teaching of select professionals to a passive audience. |
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“House to House: the Real New Testament Church” unveils the living doctrine and practice of the New Testament church unadulterated by religious tradition, organizational strategy and cultural influence. As a result, it provides clear direction for the reformation of the church from religion to life.
Among many other biblical doctrines, “House to House: the Real New Testament Church” discusses the kingdom of God, the covenants of God, creation, the eternal plan of God, the people of God, the divine motive for the New Testament church in heaven and on earth and the parables through which Jesus prophesied the arrival of the church on earth. In addition, it explains foundational church doctrines such as law, justification from transgression and especially, new life shared with Christ. “House to House: the Real New Testament Church” also examines the doctrines of church headship and body, church purpose and mission, the manifestation of the church on earth and the role of women in the church. It further clarifies the intent of apostolic teaching and tradition such as works, giving, church governance, church gatherings and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Moreover, “House to House: the Real New Testament Church” provides detailed insight into church growth, church warfare, church reformation and much more. The writing of “House to House: the Real New Testament Church” was the result of prayerful dependence on God. It required thousands of hours over more than 23 years. If you want to return to New Testament church practice, this is the resource you need. According to eternal plan, now is the time. So open both your Bible and "From House to House: the Real New Testament Church," set your theological presuppositions aside, trust God to guide you, and start reading. |
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