InstaStudy

An Accurate and Comprehensive Interpretation of Our Most Holy Faith: Insights from the First Century CE Jewish Apostles Through the Holy Ghost and the Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

This study delves into the foundational truths of the Christian faith as understood and taught by the early apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit and the direct teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It seeks to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of God's nature, His redemptive plan, and the empowered life available to believers, rooted in the singular revelation of God throughout scripture.

1. The Singular Majesty of God

1.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29
  • God's absolute singularity is the core truth of scripture.
  • There is no God before Him or after Him.
  • He is the only true God.

1.2 God's Self-Revelation

Verses: Exodus 3:14; John 1:18; John 14:9
  • The invisible God reveals Himself through various manifestations.
  • Jesus is the full and complete revelation of God to humanity.
  • God is not divided but reveals Himself in different ways.

1.3 The Spirit of God

Verses: Genesis 1:2; John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • The Spirit is the active presence and power of the one God.
  • The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Christ.
  • Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

1.4 God as Father

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6
  • God is the Father of creation and humanity.
  • He is the 'Everlasting Father' as prophesied.
  • There is one God and Father of all.

2. Jesus Christ: God Manifest in Flesh

2.1 The Deity of Christ

Verses: John 1:1; John 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Jesus is God, the Word made flesh.
  • Thomas declared Him 'My Lord and my God'.
  • God was manifest in the flesh.

2.2 The Incarnation

Verses: Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14; Philippians 2:7-8
  • God took on human form to redeem humanity.
  • Jesus was fully God and fully man.
  • He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.

2.3 Jesus as Savior and Lord

Verses: Acts 2:36; Acts 4:12; Colossians 2:9-10
  • God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.
  • There is no other name by which we must be saved.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

2.4 The Father Dwelling in Christ

Verses: John 10:30; John 14:7-11; 2 Corinthians 5:19
  • Jesus declared, 'I and my Father are one'.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father.
  • God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.

3. The Apostolic Pattern for Salvation

3.1 Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Mark 1:15
  • Repentance is a change of mind leading to a change of life.
  • It is commanded for all.
  • It leads to the remission of sins.

3.2 Water Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Colossians 2:12
  • Baptism is for the remission of sins.
  • It is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • It signifies burial with Christ and resurrection to new life.

3.3 Receiving the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The Holy Ghost is the promise of the Father.
  • It is evidenced by speaking in other tongues.
  • It empowers believers for service and witness.

3.4 The New Birth

Verses: John 3:5; Titus 3:5; Romans 6:4
  • Salvation involves being born of water and of the Spirit.
  • It is a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
  • We are raised to walk in newness of life.

4. The Empowered Life of the Believer

4.1 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1-2; Romans 8:14
  • Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
  • The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free.
  • Those led by the Spirit are sons of God.

4.2 Holiness and Righteousness

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:1-2
  • Be holy, for God is holy.
  • Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
  • Present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.

4.3 Spiritual Gifts and Ministry

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12
  • The Spirit distributes various gifts for the common good.
  • These gifts are for the edification of the church.
  • Each believer has a part to play in ministry.

4.4 The Hope of His Coming

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13; Revelation 22:20
  • We await the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus will return to take His church home.
  • This hope purifies us as we anticipate His coming.