Restoring First Century ChristianityJeremiah 6:16

Introductory Thoughts

In order to restore 1st Century Christianity we must go back and examine the Biblical

model.

Many people confuse “Churchanity” with “Christianity”.

Mistakes are made when we stray from the “Old Paths”.

Let’s see what the Bible says about 1st Century Christianity.

Not a Product of Man’s Ingenuity

Man’s reasoning was not involved in its development.

1 Corinthians 1:19-24 – Romans 1:21-221 Corinthians 2:9

Christianity is a walk of faith after God.2 Corinthians 5:7 – Romans 10:17 – Romans 5:1-2

Excludes pure emotionalism and creeds of man

Was a Religion of Going

Propelled by the Great Commission

Matthew 28:18-20 – Mark 16:15-16 - Acts 8:4-5

Concern for lost souls also compelled them.Ezekiel 33:8 – Acts 5:42

The book of Acts reveals the details of Christians going.

Was a Religion of Sacrifice

Old Testament religion was full of sacrifices.

Christianity speaks to the greatest sacrifice of all.

Christ – Philippians 2:6-11 – Hebrews 2:9Christ’s disciples – Romans 12:1-2 – 1 Peter 2:5

Was a Religion of Sacrifice

The Christian’s sacrifice is seen in his activity.

Sacrificing that which is his1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – Acts 4:32-37

Sacrificing that which he could have hadPhilippians 3:7-8

Sacrificing his will to the will of Christ Philippians 1:21 – Galatians 2:20

Was a Religion of Optimism

The founder of Christianity had a most positive disposition.

Bold, but not arrogantJohn 14:1-6 – John 11:25

Revelation 1:8, 18 – Matthew 16:18

Faith in His disciples coupled with complete trustMatthew 10:16 – Matthew 28:18

Was a Religion of Optimism

His disciples manifested the same positive spirit.

Acts 4:13-20 – Philippians 4:13

Through this attitude, the world was changed.

Opposite of today – Look what has come to the world, not what the world has come to.

Was a Religion of Knowledge

Lack of knowledge was a pitfall of Judaism.Hosea 4:6 – Jeremiah 2:32Isaiah 1:3 – Romans 10:1-3

Christianity is a law of the mind.Hebrews 8:10 – Hebrews 10:16

Romans 7:23 - 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Other references to knowledge2 Timothy 2:15 – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – 2 Peter 1:3

Was a Religion of Conviction

StephenActs 6:9-7:60

EpaphroditusPhilippians 2:25-30

Paul2 Timothy 4:6-8

Was a Religion of Exclusiveness

The elect, the called of GodCalled according to His purpose

Romans 8:28

Chosen in HimEphesians 1:4 – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Not of the world – In ChristJohn 17:16 – John 15:19 – Philippians 3:20

Was a Religion of Exclusiveness

A distinct and unique peopleTitus 2:11-14 – 1 Peter 2:9-10

We must be distinct, or we need to become extinct.If we feel that others are not lost, we need to cease

trying to convert them and join them where they are.

Areas to be uniqueHoliness – Purity – Worship – Service

Name - Doctrine

Was a Religion of Reflection & Example

Not in doctrine only, but evident in our activity in life

2 Corinthians 3:2 – Matthew 5:13-16Philippians 2:14-16 – 1 Timothy 4:12-16

We must walk in that way.Philippians 3:17 – Philippians 4:9

1 Corinthians 11:1

Was a Religion of Fatalism

A religion to live by, a religion to die for.Revelation 2:10 – John 11:16

Supreme example set by Christ on the crossMatthew 27:27-37

Other examplesRevelation 2:13 – Revelation 6:9

Philippians 1:21 – 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Was a Religion of Eternalness

Born again to live foreverRomans 6:3-5

Now have life in promiseJohn 11:25 – 1 John 2:25

Revelation 2 & 3

Crown of life in eternity2 Timothy 4:8 – Revelation 2:10

Concluding Thoughts

May we ever strive to walk in the “Old Paths”.Jeremiah 6:16

Those who have never walked in the paths must begin that walk.

Those who have drifted away from those paths need to come home.

Christ came and gave His life so that you can have eternal life.