Can we today be identical to the New Testament church in all essential matters? This question is often asked when we point out that the church of Christ is identical to the church of the New Testament. It must be remembered that restoration is at the very heart and soul of God’s work in human history.

Man has the tendency to drift away from our Creator (Rom. 1:18-32). While this was spoken of the Gentiles, Paul continues in the second chapter of Romans to show that the Jews likewise had drifted away from God and then concluded that none is exempt because “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23 KJV). Solomon wrote, “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who {continually} does good and who never sins” (Eccl 7:20 NAS). Solomon continued by saying, » Continue reading “Can The New Testament Church Be Restored Today?”

This is essentially the same question that Nicodemus asked of Jesus after Jesus had told him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NAS). Nicodemus replied: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” (vs 4). Jesus then explained, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Jesus explained that entering the kingdom of God one must be “born again.” Notice very carefully what was said in this conversation: (1) One must be born anew before he can enter the kingdom; (2) This new birth is not physical, but spiritual (because one cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born); and (3) This spiritual birth involves two elements – “water and the Spirit.” What is the significance of “water” and “the Spirit” in this connection? » Continue reading “What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?”