In this enlightening episode of the International Gospel Hour, our speaker Jeff Archie delves into the essence of the church as described in the New Testament. Acts 2:47 sets the stage for understanding how the Lord adds to His church daily. Discover the importance of being part of the pre-denominational body of Christ, a community that was intended since before time began.
In Acts 2 and verse 47, the Bible says, praising God and having favor with all the people, and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Friends, today let’s see how the Lord added and still adds today. That’s from the International Gospel Hour. Stay with us.
SPEAKER 02 :
It’s time for our broadcast from the International Gospel Hour. I’m Jay Webb, and welcome to our study today as we embrace God’s Word to help us meet the challenges of today. Let’s open our Bibles and open our heart for this time of Bible study with our speaker Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour, a broadcast of the Churches of Christ.
SPEAKER 01 :
Here’s Jeff. Well, greetings, everyone. Great having you with us today for our broadcast of the International Gospel Hour. We appreciate the kind words of our J-Web, who will have more information for you throughout our broadcast. You know, Psalm 119 and verse 105 says, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. How thankful we are to turn on the light, God’s word today, and to see how we can be led through the word of God. Let’s return to that beautiful text we began our broadcast with, Acts 2 and verse 47. praising God and having favor with all the people, and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Friends, how simple, how plain, the church we read about in the New Testament. Friends, it’s the one that was purposed in the mind of God before time began. in the eternal purpose through Jesus Christ, Ephesians 3, verses 9 through 12. In Matthew 16 and verse 18, Jesus promised to build His church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. It’s evident that the church came forward in Acts chapter 2, because the Lord was adding to the church daily those that were being saved. The church that Jesus promised to build, the church that he purchased with his own blood, Acts 20 and verse 28, and the church that has people added. So let’s say it was purposed, promised, purchased, and people added. All the letter P. That’s right, friends. Nobody is added to a denomination. It’s not a church that one joins or even if the members will vote you in or not. The church of Christ, yes, it is His church. And how there are individuals who are added to the church. It’s not a denomination. It’s the pre-denominational body of Christ, which means it existed before denominationalism did. Friends, through our broadcast here from International Gospel Hour, we want you to be a part of the church we read of in the New Testament, not a member of a denomination. Have I got your attention? Well, friends, let’s talk about this a little more, and we will in a moment. But first, a few words from our J-Web.
SPEAKER 02 :
Our website is internationalgospelhour.com. That’s internationalgospelhour.com. Check out our website and see all that’s available. We have a number of biblical resources. You can also listen to our other broadcasts, view our TV program, request our newsletter, and ask for our Bible study by mail, and so much more. And get this, it’s all free at internationalgospelhour.com.
SPEAKER 01 :
Now, friends, let’s look at who the Lord added. Well, we noted this earlier. He added people. All men to be saved, 1 Timothy 2 and verse 4. None should perish, 2 Peter 3 and verse 9. Look at the Jews on Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. Those in Samaria in Acts chapter 8 and verse 12. The eunuch, Acts 8, 35 through 39. The jailer, Acts 16. Even Lydia, same chapter. And Saul, Acts chapter 9 and Acts chapter 22 and verse 16. Who did the Lord add to the church? He added people. You know, we think about a lot of times the church as a building or a place where the church meets. But the church is comprised of people. Once again, Acts 2.47, the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved, people. Number two, let’s look at how the Lord added people. Well, in Acts chapter 2, how were they added to the church? Well, we know they were individuals with faith. After all, they were at a Jewish feast, a Pentecost. And then when they saw and heard the gospel and how they had crucified the Christ, they asked the question in Acts 2.37, men and brethren, what shall we do? And Peter replied, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and unto your children, and unto all those that are afar off, even as many as the Lord God shall call. The Bible continues to say that he taught, he preached, and testified, telling them to save themselves from that untoward or perverse generation. And verse 41 says, They that gladly received his word were baptized, and the same day there were added unto them three thousand souls. Friends, that’s how we’re added to the church. Through our faith, our repentance, our confession of faith, our baptism in water, baptized into Christ, and we are added to his church. That’s how the Lord added. Now let’s look thirdly at why the Lord added. Well, first of all, there is salvation in Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5 and verse 17, we see that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things become new. And they that were baptized into Christ have put on Christ, Galatians 3.27. In Romans 6, 3 through 6, we find those that were baptized into His death. And Ephesians 1 and verse 7, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace. When the Lord added people to the church, there is salvation in Jesus Christ. And salvation is only in Christ. Second, we noted moments ago of the conversion of Saul how sins are washed away. That’s why the Lord adds people to the church. They are saved in that their sins are washed away, Acts 22 and verse 16, as well as Romans 6, 3 through 6. Why did the Lord add people to the church? Because servanthood is ahead. In Romans 6 and verse 17, writing there to those Christians, And why the Lord added, Because the saved are part of the family of God. 1 Corinthians 12 and verse 13. And in Romans 8, 15 through 17. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. If indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together. Abba, Father, children of God, heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ in the family of God. The Lord adds, well, why? Because there’s salvation only in Christ. Sins are washed away. Servanthood is ahead, and people are saved with that relationship of family. Now, we see the who, we see the how, we see the why. But let’s look at what happens when the Lord adds. When can the Lord add you to the church? Well, as we see when we’re obedient to the gospel. And I love the words in 2 Corinthians 6-2 that says, Now is the appointed time. Behold, now is the day of salvation. No one should wait concerning their salvation, friends. Here at International Gospel Hour, we realize that our broadcast goes worldwide. We realize there may be a circumstance to where maybe you would like to talk to someone further or study with someone within your area. We strive to contact our listeners at their request with area Churches of Christ. And here’s how we do that. If that is of interest to you, you would like to speak to someone of a local Church of Christ, You can call us at 855-444-6988 and just let us know you’d like to talk to someone from a local Church of Christ. Now what we’re going to do is at that point we’re going to reach back out to you and talk with you and put you at ease of how we address that. We just don’t take every caller and every address and give it to a church. We respect our listeners, but we want to also respond to our listeners in a proper way. And so we’ll reach back out to you, we’ll talk with you, and we’ll work out an arrangement that’s comfortable with you that will help you as well. And we’ll do our very best. Now, another option, maybe you’d like to think on these things further by studying the Bible a little more. And that’s where our Bible course comes in that we send by mail. Here’s how you can get it. Here is our Jay Webb with those details.
SPEAKER 02 :
Our long-time free Bible study course by mail is always available. Have you tried it yet? Just call us toll-free at 855-444-6988 and leave your name, address, and just say, Home Study. That’s it. You may also go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com, click on the Contact tab, and leave us the same information, name, address, and type Home Study in the message box. Study the Bible at your own pace. Again, it’s free from your friends here at International Gospel Hour.
SPEAKER 01 :
Friends, what a blessing to be added to the Lord’s Church. Again, friends, the pre-denominational body of Jesus Christ. To be added to his church. In the Bible there were those whom the Lord added. He even tells us how they were added and why. And when he does. And friends it’s left up to you and I. And again we are willing to help you in any way possible. Whether our Bible course is by mail. Or if we can be of help to you in more of a personal nature with the Church of Christ in your area. Call us at 855-444-6988 and say, I’d like to speak to someone about a church, and we’ll go from there. We’re going to continue these studies together at another time, but for now, thank you for joining me on the International Gospel Hour today. I’m Jeff Archie, and friends, keep listening.
SPEAKER 02 :
Thank you for listening today. To God be the glory. And we hope that our study today will draw you closer to His Word to walk in His way. Feel free to listen to our other programs at our website at internationalgospelhour.com and join us next time.
