Lesson #30

Romans - Jude

     Jesus’ church was established in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. That was the day that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide His apostles. It was a memorable event which Acts 2 records. The scriptures tell of the arrival of the Holy Spirit and apostle Peter’s dynamic sermon which touched so many hearts of people who regretted their sinful lives. They asked the apostles what they could do to be forgiven, and they were told to repent and be baptized. This was new to everyone. Baptism was not required for those who lived under the old law (Old Testament, Law of Moses), but Jesus’ law had come and a new way for those who obeyed God.

     The apostles went about preaching the new will of Christ. There were many travelers in Jerusalem during that time and after they heard Jesus’ will, they were baptized. Later, they returned to their hometowns and taught other people. That is how the Lord’s church began in many cities.

     In order to help the new Christians understand the Lord’s will more completely, the apostles wrote letters to them and the churches (congregations of the Lord’s church). The letters, or epistles, told the new Christians how they should behave in all areas of their lives. They also learned the Lord’s will about His church and how it should be organized and the work it should do. They were urged to study the scriptures for clear understanding of the Lord’s will so that they would not quarrel over matters. Jesus wanted them to be in unity and practice only what they found in His word. That is what He wants for us today. His Law hasn’t changed. There won’t be another law. 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; Ephesians 4:1-6.