Articles
Jesus' or Apostle's? Yes!
When we read of the early church, we read these words, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). We say we want to be like the early church in every respect in order to be the true church. When it comes to our doctrine, is it the Apostle's? Are we steadfast in our pursuit of that doctrine? Are we constant, carrying on without wavering? Do we understand that this doctrine is what the Apostles taught, what they carried forward from being with Jesus, His teachings, and scripture as the Holy Spirit inspired them to write it in the New Testament? I pray we can answer "yes" to all of these questions.
Jesus had told the twelve, "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 18:18). These men did not write what they wanted, nor teach their personal thoughts and ideas. Their actions were in complete agreement with God, and for us to stray from them, implies we stray from God. Their words came through divine guidance and intervention, and they established how the early church taught, thought, functioned and practiced. The same should hold true for us today.
Many teachings today, even in some so-called 'churches' say that we only have to adhere to the words of Jesus, that the Apostles teachings are not divine or authoritative. Jesus, however, teaches that His Apostles spoke for Him, and therefore if we reject their words, we reject His as well. (1 Cor 14:37, Eph 2:19-20, 1 Cor 14:34)
The Holy Spirit revealed all truth to the Apostles, He taught them all things. Because of their teaching and their writings in scripture, John says, "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3). Paul says, "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple" (Romans 16:17,18). Jesus said, "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me" (Luke 10:16).
The church is built on the Apostle's teachings, which include the teachings of Jesus Himself, and the holy scriptures that they wrote by divine inspiration. The church is the "...household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:19,20). Are we listening, and are we steadfast, immovable, and unwavering?
