InstaStudy

How to Discern and Find the True Churches of Jesus of Nazareth According to the Holy Ghost: Biblical Principles for Identifying Genuine Fellowship and Divine Authority in the Last Days.

This Bible study explores fundamental biblical principles for identifying genuine churches of Jesus Christ. It focuses on understanding God's nature, recognizing the authentic experience of the Holy Spirit, embracing a lifestyle of true discipleship, adhering to apostolic authority and order, and fulfilling the divine mission of the church, all guided by the Holy Ghost and rooted in the infallible Word of God.

1. The Foundation of Truth: Understanding God's Nature and Word

1.1 The Singular Identity of God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; John 14:9
  • God is one, and there is no other God besides Him.
  • Jesus Christ is the visible manifestation of the one true God.
  • The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus.

1.2 Jesus Christ: God Manifest in Flesh

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; John 1:1, 14
  • Jesus is God revealed in human form.
  • All divine attributes and power reside in Jesus Christ.
  • He is both fully God and fully man, the Creator and Redeemer.

1.3 The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture

Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 17:17
  • The Bible is God-breathed, infallible, and our ultimate guide.
  • All doctrine and practice must align with the written Word of God.
  • We must not add to or take away from the inspired Scriptures.

2. The Authentic Experience: Signs of the Spirit's Presence

2.1 Repentance and Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • Repentance from sin is the initial step towards salvation.
  • Water baptism is for the remission of sins.
  • Baptism is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ for proper identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.

2.2 The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The Holy Ghost is a distinct experience subsequent to water baptism.
  • Speaking in other tongues is the initial biblical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.
  • This spiritual endowment empowers believers for a holy life and effective witness.

2.3 The Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 12:6-8
  • The Holy Spirit produces godly character, known as the fruit of the Spirit, in believers.
  • Spiritual gifts are distributed by the Spirit for the edification and ministry of the church.
  • A true church will demonstrate both the transforming fruit and the active gifts of the Spirit.

3. The Marks of True Discipleship: Lifestyle and Practice

3.1 Holiness and Separation from the World

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:1-2
  • Believers are called to live a holy life, reflecting God's character.
  • We are to be separate from the sinful values and practices of the world.
  • Holiness is a continuous process of sanctification by the Spirit and the Word.

3.2 Obedience to God's Word

Verses: John 14:15; James 1:22; 1 John 2:3-4
  • Love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments.
  • True faith is evidenced by a willingness to hear and do God's Word.
  • Disobedience indicates a lack of genuine relationship with Christ.

3.3 Love for God and One Another

Verses: Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-8
  • The greatest commandments are to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves.
  • Love for fellow believers is the distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples.
  • God is love, and those who truly know Him will manifest His love.

4. The Authority and Order of the Church: Leadership and Governance

4.1 Apostolic Doctrine and Pattern

Verses: Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:20; Jude 1:3
  • The true church adheres to the doctrine taught by the apostles.
  • The church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.
  • We must earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

4.2 Godly Leadership and Submission

Verses: Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-3; Titus 1:5-9
  • Leaders are called to shepherd the flock with humility and integrity.
  • Believers are to respect and submit to godly spiritual authority.
  • Biblical leadership must meet specific qualifications and exemplify Christ-like character.

4.3 Unity and Fellowship

Verses: Ephesians 4:3-6; Psalm 133:1; 1 John 1:7
  • Believers are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
  • There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.
  • Genuine fellowship with one another is a sign of walking in the light and having fellowship with God.

5. The Mission and Purpose: Reaching the Lost and Building the Kingdom

5.1 The Great Commission

Verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8
  • Believers are commanded to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
  • The mission includes making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey Christ's commands.
  • We are empowered by the Holy Ghost to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth.

5.2 Evangelism and Outreach

Verses: Romans 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 9:22-23; Luke 19:10
  • The church has a divine responsibility to share the good news of salvation.
  • We must be willing to adapt our methods to effectively reach diverse populations.
  • Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost, and we are called to continue His work.

5.3 Edification and Growth

Verses: Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 2:6-7; Hebrews 10:24-25
  • The church is to equip believers for ministry and spiritual maturity.
  • We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
  • Mutual encouragement, instruction, and consistent assembly are vital for spiritual strength and growth.