The Doctrine Of The Kingdom
Not every church represents the true church. That is very clear when we read about the different churches Jesus speaks about in Revelation and His pronouncements on each. The same applies today especially in these final days of the church age.
The true church is apostolic in nature and represents exactly what Christ intends for His bride. It is a church that is equipped, united, and mature and looks like Christ. The apostolic church is what the true church should look like. Not every Christian leader represents the truth of Christ and not every church is the true church. In the same way, the Bible speaks about two doctrines; the apostles’ doctrine and the doctrine of demons.
Acts 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The church needs to once again go back to the doctrine of the early church in order to test the foundations of their beliefs and that may mean going back to the basics like the doctrine of salvation, the baptism in the Holy spirit, holiness, etc.
1. The apostles’ doctrine is the truth
Mark 1:27 - Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."
The apostles’ doctrine does not come from man but from God and comprises of all the principles and laws of heaven that Jesus taught when He preached the gospel of the Kingdom.
John 7:16 - Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.
2. The apostles’ doctrine applies to the church
A true Christian is one who believes in the church of Jesus Christ.
Although we need to be committed to Christ, we also need to be committed to the body of Christ. You cannot be committed to Christ unless you are committed to His church.
Ephesians 5:32 - This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
3. The apostles’ doctrine means taking swift action
Acts 2:39-41 - For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Immediately after receiving the power of God’s Spirit, the apostles organized themselves to reach others who needed to be saved.
The apostle’s doctrine means taking quick action. The most powerful pulpit you can have is your desk at the office or your work bench in the factory. God has placed you in the work place so that you can tell people that there is a Jesus that cares.
This promise is for everyone and extends into the future until Jesus returns.
God is waiting for those with an apostolic heart to look for people who are hurting and tormented. You are the answer because God has equipped every one of us for the task.
4. The apostle’s doctrine releases increase
Acts 2:47 - Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Churches who have a heart for unsaved people will find unsaved people coming to their churches.
5. The apostles’ doctrine implies discipleship
Acts 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.
The writer does not refer to God’s doctrine or Jesus’ doctrine. God recognizes His earthly leaders who are heading His church. We cannot serve God if we do not serve an earthly leader.
6. The apostle’s doctrine means faithfulness
Acts 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly…
In order for the church to be stable, believers need to be faithful.
7. The apostle’s doctrine means fulfilling your purpose
John 7:17 - If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.
Every one of us has been given an assignment to fulfill during our lifetime on earth and it is a divine mandate that comes from heaven.
Each one of us has been created for a specific purpose and we can implement the apostles’ doctrine by obediently doing what God wants us to do in our lifetime.
Your purpose will always advance God’s agenda and not your own agenda. It will definitely not advance a worldly agenda.
8. The apostle’s doctrine is the Kingdom of God
Mark 1:14 - Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God
Jesus spent most of His time in ministry preaching about the Kingdom of God. He took a lot of time explaining what God’s Kingdom was like. He did that so that we can understand how to represent His Kingdom to others.
We cannot separate the teachings of the Lord from the 21st century church. Our apostolic responsibility is to release the same light and hope that Jesus did when He was on earth.
Any church that wants to be apostolic needs to do the works of Jesus and represent God’s Kingdom on earth.
