In a world full of different kinds of churches with a myriad of different denominational teachings, honest souls need to consider Church History as the most valuable study next to a study of the Bible itself. This will greatly help in the illumination of what is revealed concerning the church of God in the Bible and what exists in Christendom today.
Jesus Christ earlier declared, “I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. Through the centuries that have passed since the foregoing words were written by inspiration through Matthew, they have undoubtedly echoed again and again the words and facts of God Himself as He laid the foundation for His church in the world through Christ (Matthew 16:18).
A later Biblical writer attested thusly; “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Evidently, the founder is a most important factor in the merit of any organization. He sets it in order as to its functions. He gives it a code or standard of operation. His wealth and mentality furnish the life-blood of the institution. Truly, an organization will naturally reflect the spirit and ideals of its founder. Likewise, the foregoing fundamental facts are obtainable in the church which Jesus founded. He actually did all of these essentials for His church.
In the book of Acts, which describes the continuing work of Jesus through His disciples and the Holy Spirit following His resurrection, one could easily find the afore-stated spiritual ideals of Christ about His church well kept. The church was in existence by the time of Acts 2:47 and those being saved daily were being added to it daily. In Acts 5:11 the Bible says the church was learning of, and responding to, some of the acts of God. Certainly, Jesus built His church as promised in Matthew 16:18. The church that Jesus built follows His will, and thus, the members are known for faith and behavior that is directed by the word of the founder (Christ).
However, due to the proliferation of churches and tremendous confusion in the Christendom today, this study seeks to objectively challenge everyone’s thinking and practice of what God would truly have His church to be in this perilous time in light of the description revealed in the Bible. Taking the New Testament Era as the very starting point, gradually through the Falling Away Era, the Dark Ages, followed by the Reformation & the Restoration Periods of Church History,
It is suggested that one studies the lessons in this course with un-biased mind that is free from all prejudice & human loyalties, and carefully answer the questions that follow each lesson. Thereafter, one should allow him/herself to be systematically graded. After grading, proceed with the next lesson and continue until the entire course has been completed. Following this procedure, surely one will be greatly benefited by the study.
