MILK!
Lesson:
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow
thereby”[1 Peter 2:2]
Question Number 55
Question: What are the ordinances of a New Testament
Bible-believing church?
Answer: Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the two ordinances
practiced by Bible-believing local New Testament churches.
1. BAPTISM
"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the
name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and
Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I
baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I
baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the
gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of
none effect.” [1 Corinthians 1:13-17]
2. THE LORD’S SUPPER
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That
the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when
he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body,
which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner
also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new
testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of
me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the
Lord's death till he come.” [1 Corinthians 11:23-26]
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The Formula
The “spiritual milk” for the 21st Century believer in Jesus Christ is the
same spiritual milk that was recommended by the Spirit of God for now almost two
thousand years.
This SINCERE MILK is the basic starting food so necessary for every new
born-again believer to GROW.
[2 Timothy 3:16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness:
[2 Timothy 3:17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good works.
Next: Lesson Number 56
Reference Notes:
Bible Study Hints
2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but
holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Prophecy involves future things … in future events. Prophecy is a
foretelling; a prediction; a declaration of something to come. History is
the record of the fulfillment prophecy.
Bible “prophecy” came not “by the will of man”. Man’s “will” was not
involved at all. Bible prophecy came by the Holy Ghost WHO is GOD. God
“moved” certain men to speak certain words that are God’s words in “old
time”.
• God’s words that “holy men” “spake” “in old time” are preserved … for all
time.
• God’s words are kept.
• God keeps them. Man does not keep them. The scholars do not keep them.
• God preserves them … in spite of the scholars. This is a direct promise of
God.
This promise is found for all generations of men forevermore to see in
Psalms twelve: “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a
furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou
shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” [Psalm 12:6-7]
Do you see what I see?
• The words of the Lord are pure words.
• The words of the Lord are purified seven times.
This promise literally extends [in the English language] to all of US [the
English-speaking nations on this Earth today].
Now, the seven purifications [or the translations] into the English for the
English-speaking nations on this Earth are these:
• The Tyndale’s New Testament … in 1526.
• The Coverdale’s Bible … in 1535
• The Matthews’ Bible … in 1537
• The Great Bible … in 1539
• The Geneva Bible … in 1560
• The Bishops Bible … in 1568
• The King James Bible … in 1611
This seventh book represents a purified BOOK, and is the word of God in the
English language.
Therefore, we have this promise from God that God actively maintained the
“pure words” of God.
We have therefore, in the Authorized Version of 1611 [A.V. 1611] Bible … the
“settled” words of God:
“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” [Psalm 119:89]
The A.V. 1611 King James Bible, or any of its editions [1613, 1644, 1676,
1680, 1701, 1769], is the settled forever.
Amen!