The Founder, Head & Foundation of the New Testament Church

From the Minister’s desk;

The Founder, Head & Foundation of the New Testament Church
(Matthew 16:18)

What makes the New Testament church different from Denominations created by
the doctrines of men?


The Founder: when one studies the New Testament church, it is clear the church
did not originate with man. In the topic text of Matthew 16:18, Jesus said; “And I
say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” In Mark 9:1 we find Jesus saying
“And he said unto them, verily I say unto you, that there be some of those that
stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom come
with power.” So, the church would be established during the lifetime of those who
heard Jesus speaking. In Acts 2: 41 those who obeyed the terms of salvation were
baptized and the Lord added them to the church (Acts 2:47). Jesus purchased the
church with his own blood (Acts 20:28; John 19:34). Any church founded by
someone other than Jesus the Christ cannot be the New Testament church.

The Head: Jesus is not only the foundation of the New Testament church but he is
the head of the church. As the head, he is the chief authority in his church. The
church that Jesus built does not consult Rome or Salt Lake City, Utah for spiritual
directions. Jesus has all authority “… in heaven and earth.” (Matthew 28:18-20). If
Jesus has all authority, how much is left for the Pope of Rome? Louis Farrakhan?
Or any other religious leader? None! Christ is not only the head of the New
Testament church, he’s the only head! (Colossians 1:18,24; Ephesians 1:22-23;
5:23-33).

The Foundation: Contrary to popular opinion; the foundation upon which the
New Testament church is built is not Peter; the foundation of the church is Jesus
the Christ (1Cor.3:11; Acts 4:11-12). During Jesus discussion with Peter in
Matthew 16:18, the focus is on the “Rock.” The word for Peter describes a small
stone or “Pebble,” but concerning the fact that Peter states “Thou art the Christ, the
Son of the living God.” On this truth, this “Mass of Rock” lays the foundation
upon which the New Testament church firmly rests. Jesus is also the “Chief cornerstone” which the builders (Jewish leaders) rejected; (Isaiah 28:16; Isaiah
8:14; Psalm 118:22). Everyone who becomes a member of the church makes this
confession (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10; Matt. 10:32). Any church built on a Man or a
“Man-made doctrine” is built on the wrong foundation, and they “… labor in vain
that build it” (Psalm 127:1).

Barry L. Gainey, Minister