Information Related to "The New Testament Church Begins"
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With the coming of the promised Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, the stage was set for a new phase in God's plan of salvation. This phase involves God working through a group of people—the Church—who are spiritually transformed by the Holy Spirit. God chooses them not only to receive salvation for themselves, but to carry out His work for the ultimate benefit of all humanity.
On what foundation has God built the New Testament Church?
"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:19-22).
By calling and training His disciples—His students—for 31/2 years, Jesus prepared them to be His apostles (messengers) and a major part of the foundation of the Church. The writings of the apostles continue to teach and support the Church, as do the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament who are also part of the Church's foundation. Both are important (see 2 Peter 3:1-2).
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