The presentation reveals the origin of the New Testament Church. What did it look like? When and how was it established? This presentation outlines the establishment and characteristics of the New Testament Church and Apostolic order.

1. The Origin of the Christian Church
A Study in the History and Order of Apostolic Ministry
Breath of Life International Church
© February 2013

2. History of the Church
How did it all begin?

3. What is the Kingdom of God?
• Kingdom
• A realm associated with or regarded as being under the control of a particular person or
thing
• A political or territorial unit ruled by a sovereign
• The eternal spiritual sovereignty of God or Christ
• A realm or sphere in which one thing is dominant
• God’s established order and government
• Spiritual facilitation, manifested in the natural realm
• Gated by Jesus Christ
• John 3:3-7 Kingdom citizens must be born of the Spirit
• John 14:6 Jesus is the only way to God

4. God’s Kingdom Prophesied
• Isaiah 2:2-3
• Micah 4:1-2
• Daniel 2:31-45
• Kingdom to be established
• In Jerusalem
• In the last days
• New Testament Age described as “The Last Days”
• Hebrews 1:1-2
• Acts 2:16-17

5. John and Jesus Precede the Kingdom
• John preached of a coming Kingdom
• Matthew 3:1-2 Kingdom of God is at hand
• Matthew 11:11 Kingdom citizens greater than John
• Jesus prepared His disciples for the Kingdom
• Mark 1:15 Kingdom is at hand
• Matthew 6:9-10 Disciples prayed for the Kingdom
• Matthew 16:18 Jesus promises to build the Church
• Matthew 18:1-3 Disciples not immediately in the Kingdom
• Acts 1:6-8 Kingdom not established at the time of Jesus’ ascension

6. The Kingdom Begins
When? Where? Kingdom
• The
• Pentecost • Jerusalem
Church
• Isaiah 2:2-3 Jerusalem prophesied as the birthplace
• Luke 24:47 Kingdom begins with preaching
• Acts 2:37-38 Marked by repentance, promise of the Holy Ghost
• Acts 2:14; 11:15 Pentecost marks the beginning

7. A Kingdom of Power
• 1 Corinthians 4:20 Marked by power
• Mark 9:1 Initiated with power
• Acts 2:1-4 Power delivered with the Holy Ghost
• 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:4 Powerful preaching
• Luke 24:49 Instructed to wait on the power of God
• Matthew 28:18-20 Disciples instructed to preach
• Mark 16:15-16 Commissioned to Kingdom assignment
• Acts 2:31-41 Law of the Kingdom

8. Pentecost – The Beginning
• The New Covenant (The Christian Age)
• Hebrews 8:7; 9:15-17
• Beginning of the Christian Church
• Conception of Gospel preaching
• Repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ
• Luke 24:47
• Gift of the Holy Ghost
• Acts 2:38
• Apostolic Order and Doctrine
• Acts 2:42-47 Marked by doctrine and fellowship
• Acts 4:11-16 Order established by Jesus Christ, through the Holy Ghost

9. Characteristics of the New Covenant Church
What did it look like?

10. What is the Church?
• Church
• A local group of baptized believers led by the Holy Ghost to meet regularly for the
purpose of worship, fellowship, witness, discipleship and service
• Acts 2:42-47; 14:23
• 1 Corinthians 1:2
• Hebrews 10:23-25
• The family of God, the Body of Christ, the Kingdom of God, universal
• Matthew 16:18
• 1 Timothy 3:14-15
• Romans 12:3-8
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
• Ephesians 1:15-23; 5:22-32

11. Characteristics of the Church
• Explosive
• Grew quickly and by large numbers
• Impacted the community
• Exciting
• Radical in doctrine and zeal
• Expectancy among the believers
• Revolutionary
• Shattered religious practice and thinking
• Innovative in government and execution
• Spontaneous as led by the Holy Ghost

12. The New Covenant Church
• Acts 2:14-39
• Common faith in Jesus Christ
• Clear concise Gospel message
• Jesus, the only begotten Son of God
• Crucified, buried and rose again
• Savior and Lord
• Genuine repentance and faith
• Obedience and adherence to Apostles’ doctrine
• Water Baptism
• Baptism of the Holy Ghost

13. New Covenant Church Practices
• Acts 2:40-47
• Worshiped in temple for some time
• Migrated to gathering in homes
• Shared possessions to meet all needs
• Suffered persecution from religious leaders
• Emphasized prayer
• Valued corporate worship
• Witnessed and performed signs and wonders

14. New Covenant Commission
• Acts 8:1-4
• Preached the Gospel from place to place
• Acts 8:26-40; 15:9-29
• Initiated ministry with other nations
• Acts 11:26
• Called Christians due to their message
• Acts 13:1-3
• Sent missionaries into the world
• Acts 28:17-31
• International impact

15. New Covenant Church Government
How was it organized?

16. New Covenant Organization
• No learned, trained or degreed leaders
• No paid clergy or leadership; all volunteer
• No exclusivity in leadership
Believer Disciple Servant
• No buildings specifically for Christian worship
• Dependent upon the Holy Spirit (not experience or association) for
guidance
• Marked with boldness
• Acts 4:23-31
• Clear vision

17. Organization of the Local Church
• Established order
• Acts 14:23
• Titus 1:5
• 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40
• Independent, self-governing units
• Galatians 1:2, 22
• 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40
• Established by the Apostles and Prophets
• 1 Corinthians 12:28
• Ephesians 2:19-20

18. Leadership in the Local Church
• Presence of gifts and offices
• Defined function, not necessarily position
• 1 Corinthians 12:1-14
• Ephesians 4:11-16
• Plurality of elders in every church
• Acts 14:23; 20:17
• Bishop, Elders and Deacons appointed
• Philippians 1:1
• 1 Timothy 3:1-13

19. The Gateway for Christian Work
• Members
• All believers identified with a local church
• Romans 12:4; 16:1-2
• 1 Corinthians 12:27
• All Christian work completed through the local church
• No other vehicle for ministry
• Missions
• Acts 13:1-3
• Charity and outreach
• Acts 11:29-30
• All ministry subject to Apostles and local church leadership

20. Local Church Collaboration
• Teamwork
• Local church collaboration for ministry work
• Under leadership of a local church and its eldership
• Romans 15:25-26
• 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
• Acts 11:28-30

21. New Testament Church Leaders
What were their qualities?

22. Leadership Characteristics
• No formal education
• No proven experience
• Led by the Holy Spirit
• Full of character, integrity
• Able to teach
• Diligent in prayer
• Study and practice of God’s word
• Holy lifestyle
Ephesians 4:1-11 | Acts 4:13 | Matthew 13:55
1 Timothy 3 | Titus 1:5-16 | 2 Timothy 2:15

23. Evidence of Apostolic Leadership
• God raises leaders
• Not appointed by men
• Position cannot be earned or learned
• Ministry work is shared
• True ministry is always a joint effort
• Motives are pure
• Kingdom growth and quality are key
• Everyone shares in the work (not just leadership)
Luke 10:1 | Acts 14:23 | Titus 1:5

24. Evidence of Apostolic Leadership
• Leaders equip others
• BIRTH believers, DEVELOP disciples and PRODUCE leaders
• Train and equip others for ministry work
• Recipe for a KINGDOM Leader
• BE a Barnabus (Acts 9:26-27; 11:25-13:2; Acts 15:37)
• PURSUE a Paul
• TRAIN a Timothy (1 Corinthians 9:27; 3 John 4)
1 Corinthians 12:4-26 | 1 Peter 4:10-11 | Romans 12:3-8

25. Questions
What else would you like to know?

26. Credits
Allan E. McNabb, BibleGuide.org
International Mission Board, SBC

27. The Origin of the Christian Church
A Study in the History and Order of Apostolic Ministry
Breath of Life International Church
© February 2013