Lesson 1, continued:New Testament church – its creed (source of authority)We must of necessity put aside all creeds that have begun since the days of the apostles (continued):Augsburg Confession of Faith (1530 A.D.) – over 1400 years too lateWestminster Confession of Faith (1550 A.D.) – over 1500 years too lateAll others of a later datePaul tells us that their source of authority was the inspired Scripture (II Timothy 3:16-17)II John 1:9. The Scripture makes the man of God complete and furnishes him unto every good work. Therefore, the teacher is fully equipped with the Scripture. He needs nothing more.See also II Peter 1:3 and Jude 1:3.No one who really believes the Bible is the all sufficient Word of God will feel a need for human creeds.Conclusion: Regardless of what good traits a church may have, if its practice in whole or in part, is based upon the creeds of man, it is not the local church as described in the New Testament.Lesson 2Another identifying characteristic of a local church is the name or descriptive phrase by which it is identified.The church universal (Ephesians 3:14-15; Hebrews 12:23)Church of Christ – Christ’s church (Matthew 16:18)Kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13)Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:27)Temple of God (I Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:21)House of God – Family of God (I Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 3:15)Christ’s fold – flock (John 10:16)The local churchChurch of God (I Corinthians 1:2)Church of Christ (Romans 16:16)Church of the Lord (Acts 20:28, ASV)Flock (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2)Note: Any descriptive phrase used in the New Testament to designate the Lord’s church always points ownership to heaven.
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