Peter tells persecuted believers how to hold up under this temporary condition.

First, what do these 2 have in common? What do these shared traits mean to us?

Second, what are the differences Christ has for these 2 churches? How do they apply to us?

What if Edom had accepted God's Lordship in their relationship to Israel?  Let's learn from their sin.

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says that he will build his church upon the truth that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

The Church is Christ’s institution for believers, but it began when God called the Israelites to worship him in sacred assemblies.

Assembled worship, gathered people glorifying God, fulfills God’s greatest desire: reverent honor and intentional submission to him as God.

Mark Dever says, “Christian proclamation might make the gospel audible (heard), but Christians living together in local congregations make the gospel visible. The Church is the gospel made visible.”

In Act 2:42-47, we witness the Holy Spirit renew old aspects of the Jewish faith.

Old discipleship made new. V42

Old revelation made new. V43

Old community made new. V44-45

Old priorities made new. V46-47a

New souls added each day. V47b

The study of the Doctrine of Christ leads us now to his sinlessness.  We examine the temptation of Christ found in Matthew 4.

Deacons must pursue Biblical qualifications.

Worthy of respect Philippians 2:14-15

Not Hypocritical James 1:19

Not drinking a lot of wine Ephesians 5:18

Not greedy 1 Timothy 6:10

Hold the mystery of the faith with clear conscience Hebrews 10:22-24

Tested, blameless, serve Galatians 6:1

Husband of one wife Ephesians 5:22, 25

Good managers of children & household Ephesians 6:4

Reward for service Mark 9:35 Luke 19:17

The Doctrine of Christ study continues.  We examine the actual physical, biological, and mental makeup of Jesus during his earthly time, his death, his resurrection and his ascension.