Most of us have some idea about how the Word of God came to be what it is today. But do we have any idea about the history of the New Testament Church?

There have always been New Testament Churches – Churches of believers who have remained faithful to the Word of God. History needs to be looked at in the light of the Word of God and see that history confirms that Bible believing churches existed in all of the last 20 centuries.

Jesus Christ gave His commission to His Church and promised to be with it to the end of the world.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus Christ established His church.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (Jesus) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The church is to glorify God through the ages.

Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

History shows us how Christians were martyred by being drowned, burned, and beheaded because they would not stray from their beliefs. Even today, we see many “churches” that have the name but do not follow the doctrines of the New Testament Church.

“MARKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH” – This list is from “The Trail of Blood” by Dr J.M. Carrol

1. Its Head and Founder–CHRIST. He is the law-giver; the Church is only the executive. (Matt. 16:18; Col. 1:18)

2. Its only rule of faith and practice–THE BIBLE. (II Tim. 3:15-17)

3. Its name–“CHURCH,” “CHURCHES.” (Matt. 16:18; Rev. 22:16)

4. Its polity–CONGREGATIONAL–all members equal. (Matt. 20:24-28; Matt. 23:5-12)

5. Its members–only saved people. (Eph. 2:21; I Peter 2:5)

6. Its ordinances–BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM, FOLLOWED BY THE LORD’S SUPPER. (Matt. 28:19-20)

7. Its officers–PASTORS AND DEACONS. (I Tim. 3:1-16)

8. Its work–getting folks saved, baptizing them (with a baptism that meets all the requirements of God’s Word), teaching them (“to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”). (Matt. 28:16-20)

9. Its financial plan–“Even so (TITHES and OFFERINGS) hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,” (I Cor. 9:14)

10. Its weapons of warfare–spiritual, not carnal. (II Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-20)

11. Its independence–separation of Church and State. (Matt. 22:21)

The evidence is in the Bible and history. Are you willing to accept it?