CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 3-4

Each generation must earnestly contend for the faith which we delivered unto the saint in the First Century because we can depart from the faith. Therefore, we must fully understand the manner in which we can depart from the faith because it is easy to be deceived by false doctrines.

Learn the following truth because your life is precious.

THE REASONS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

I. We must earnestly contend for the faith because God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4 "For God hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." 2 Peter 1:3

II. We should earnestly contend for the faith because Christ has brought unto us the wonderful words of life. "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." John 6:66 "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48

A. In being a New Testament Christian, we can not Scripturally add to the word of God. "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." Revelation 22:18

B. In being a new creature in Christ, we can not lawfully take away from the word of God. "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:19

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

I. We must know that God is the Divine Name (the being) of three Heavenly Persons (Personalities or Beings) who equally are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator because God in being the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit created our own divine nature of life free of sin when we were born upon the earth. This is why Paul said concerning the Divine Name of God in matters of our own creation of life, "Of whom (God) the whole family in heaven and earth is named." Ephesians 3:15 God said, "Let us (who are the Heavenly Persons that are called by the Divine Name of God) make man in our image, after our likeness. So God created man in his own image" (of life). Genesis 1:26-27 John said concerning those three Heavenly Persons who equally are called God in being our Creator, "For there are three (Persons) that bear record (of our creation) in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit: and these three (Persons) are one" (equal).1 John 5:7 Moses said concerning the oneness (the equality) of God, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." Deuteronomy 6:4

II. We must know who the Persons are that equally are called by the Divine Name of God in being our Creator because we possess Their Divine Features of life in matters of our own creation of life. Therefore, since God is the Divine Name (the being) of three Heavenly Persons who equally are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator, this greatly magnifies the whole being of our own creation of life because we are made in the image and after the likeness of God who is the being of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in matters of our our own creation of life.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

I. We must know that God is the Father (Originator) of Christ and that Christ is the Son (the Offspring) of God because the Nature of God brought the Nature of Christ into being upon the earth so that sinful man could be redeemed. This was why the Word God (a God-Person) was born Jesus Christ (a God-Man) upon the earth so that He could do the Divine Work of human redemption. For illustrating purposes: "And the Word God (a God-Person) was made flesh and dwelt among us." John 1:1-3,14 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ (a God-Man) was on this wise." Matthew 1:18-25 "Blessed be the God and Father (Originator) of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:3 "What think ye of Christ whose Son (Offspring) is he?" Matthew 22:42

A. The Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ is the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship instead of being two ranked Persons because those three God-Persons, who were called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator, equally made Themselves to work in the Divine Name of Christ in being called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit so that They could be our Redeemer. For example: When Jesus Christ had done the Divine Work of human redemption upon the earth this enabled, "The Lord (God) to said unto my Lord (Christ), sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that the Lord God (who was the being of the Father and the Holy Spirit in heaven upon that occasion) hath made that same Jesus (who was the Incarnated Word: the Son upon the earth), whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:34-36 So then, Jesus (who was made both Lord and Christ in being our Redeemer) made the Divine Reign of Christ to be the Reign of the Father, Himself in being the Son and the Holy Spirit in matters of our own redemption of life because He said, "Go teach all nations, baptizing them (into Christ by baptizing them) in the name (the authority) of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18-20

B. The Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ is the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship instead of being two ranked Persons because God who is the Father of created man is a different entity from God who was made to be the Father of Christ. Jesus said to prove that point, "I ascend unto my Father and to your Father, and to my God, and your God." John 20:17

C. The Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ is the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship instead of being two ranked Persons because created man who is the son of God is a different entity from Christ who was made to be the only begotten Son of God. John said concerning that difference, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (Jesus Christ was the only begotten Son of God because He was the Word God in heaven before He was born Jesus Christ upon the earth) that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

D. The Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ is the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship instead of being two ranked Persons because Jesus was Spiritually Equal with His Heavenly Father. Jesus (who was the Incarnated Word upon the earth) said to prove that He was Spiritually Equal with His Heavenly Father, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." John 14:9 "I and my Father are one" (equal). John 10:10 "My Father (not your Father) worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought to kill him because he had said that God was his Father, making himself equal with God." John 5:17-18

II. We must understand the Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ so that we can learn the greatness of our own divine nature of life because we in being a New Testament Christian possess a created and a redeemed nature of life. Therefore, since the Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ is the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship instead of being two ranked Persons, this greatly glorifies the total sum of our own creation and redemption of life because we in being a New Testament Christian possess the Divine Features of equal Persons (not ranked Persons) in reference to our own creation and redemption of life.

THIS IS THE MEANING OF RANK AND EQUALITY

I. Rank would mean that the Father would be the first Person in power, rule and authority; the Son (Jesus) would be the second Person in power, rule and authority; whereas the Holy Spirit would be the third Person in power, rule and authority.

II. Equality signifies that those three Heavenly Persons who equally are called God and Christ in being our Creator and our Redeemer are equal in power, rule and authority in matters of Their Own Individual Being of life because They equally possess the same kind of Divine Personage, Powers, Nature and Attributes of life.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

I. We must learn that Christ is the Divine Name (the being) of three Heavenly Persons (Personalities or Beings) who equally are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Redeemer because Christ in being the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit redeemed our own divine nature of life free of sin when we became a New Testament Christian by obeying the gospel of Christ. This is why Paul said concerning the Divine Name of Christ in matters of our own redemption of life, "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart form iniquity." 2 Timothy 21:19 Peter said concerning the purpose of our being baptized, "Repent, and be baptized ever one of you in the name (the authority) of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38 Paul said concerning the way by which we get into Christ so that we can put on Christ, "For as many of your as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27 Therefore, Jesus (who was made both Lord and Christ in being our Redeemer) said concerning the Reign of Christ, in matters of our own redemption of life, "Go teach all nations, baptizing them (into Christ by baptizing them) in the name (the authority) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18-20

II. We must know who the Persons are that equally are made to be called by the Divine Name of Christ in being our Redeemer so that we can learn the greatness of our own divine nature of life because we in being a New Testament Christian possess Their Divine Features of life in matters of our own redemption of life. Therefore, since the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are the three Heavenly Persons who equally are made to be called Christ in being our Redeemer, this greatly honors all aspects of our own redemption of life because we in being a New Testament Christian are redeemed in the image and after the likeness of Christ who is the being of three equal Persons that are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in reference to our own redemption of life.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

WE MUST LEARN HOW TO BECOME A NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIAN

I. If we want to become a New Testament Christian, we must hear the word of God. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

II. If we want to become a disciple of Christ, we should believe the word of God. "Without faith it is impossible to please him (God); for he that cometh to God must believe that he is (He exists), and that he (God) is a rewarder (a promise keeper) of them that diligently seek him" (God). Hebrews 11:6

III. If we desire to become a New Testament Saint, we ought to repent of our past sins because we have sinned against God. "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:5

IV. If we wish to become new creature in Christ, we need to confess the Deity of Christ because He is our Redeemer. "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the Eunuch said, see, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:36-38

V. If we want to become a New Testament Christian, we must be baptized into Christ so that we can put on Christ. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27

THE REASONS WHY BAPTISM IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION

I. Baptism is a commandment of God. "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, can any man forbid water; that these (the Gentiles) should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we (the Jews)? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Acts 10:47-48

II. Baptism is for the salvation of our souls. "While the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:20-21

III. Baptism is the act that puts us into Christ. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27

VI. Baptism is the act that destroys the body of sin. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ, was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life, For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:3-6

V. Baptism is the act that saves us. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16

VI. Baptism is the act that washes away our sins. Ananias said unto Saul, "Why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

VII. Baptism is the climax of the New Birth: the Spiritual Birth. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again (in a spiritual way), he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water (be immersed in water), and of the Spirit (the teachings of the Holy Spirit), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:3-5

VIII. Baptism is Divinely Authorized by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. "Go make disciples out of all nations, baptizing them in the name (the authority) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18-20

IX. Baptism is for the remission of our past sins. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name (the authority) of Jesus Christ for the remission (the forgiveness) of your sins." Acts 2:38

A. Baptism is a burial in water. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12

B. Baptism is a resurrection from water. "And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized (immersed) him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him not more; and he went on his way rejoicing." Acts 8:38-39

Now, we must be born again in a spiritual way so that we can enter into the Kingdom of God. Therefore, if we should refuse to be born again according to God's revealed laws concerning the New Birth, we could not enter into the Kingdom of God.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

WE MUST KNOW HOW TO WORSHIP

I. In being a New Testament Saint, we need to sing with vocal music only (acappella music) unto the Lord our God because we are glorifying Him. "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing (not singing with some musical instrument, but simply singing) and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5:19 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing (not singing with some musical instrument, but simply singing) with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16

THE BEGINNING OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE CHURCH

Now, instrumental music was not used in the worship service of the early Church because instrumental music is not Divinely Authorized for New Testament Worship. However, instrumental music was later introduced into the worship service of the church many years after the Church had been established. It was added to the church in about 670 A.D. Nevertheless, instrumental music caused a religious division in the church which already had apostatized from the truth of God concerning many different doctrines. Thus, we should not use instrumental music in our worship service unto the Lord our God because the Lord our God has not authorized instrumental music to be used in the worship service of the New Testament Church. Therefore, vocal music only is a worship service of the New Testament Church because we can express our praises unto the Lord our God for the Divine Blessings which we are receiving in being citizens of His kingdom.

II. In being a son of God by regeneration, we should pray unto the Lord our God because we talking to Him in our prayers. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Acts 2:42 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6 "Let us therefore come bodily unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

III. In being a new Testament Christian, we must partake of the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day: Sunday because we are to remember our Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave. "Upon the first day of the week (Sunday is the Lord's day), when the disciples came together to break bread (to partaker of the Lord's supper), Paul preached unto them." Acts 20:7 "For as often as ye eat this bread (the unleavened bread is his body), and drink this cup (the contents of the cup contains the fruit of the vine, and the fruit of the vine is his blood), ye do shew the Lord's death till he comes.1 Corinthians 11:26

IV. In being a new creature in Christ, we ought to give liberally of our money unto the Lord our God because the giving of our money proves our love for Him. "Now concerning the collection (the giving of your money) for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week (Sunday which is the Lord's day) let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

V. In being a disciple of Christ, we must listen to faithful gospel preaching because it increases our faith in the Lord our God. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according the scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Now, we must worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth. Therefore, if we should refuse to worship the Lord our God according to God's revealed laws of worship, we could not worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

WE MUST LEARN THE DIVINE NAMES OF THE CHURCH

I. The New Testament Church is called the Church of God because God planned the Church. The Lord God said, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; He (Christ the Lord) shall bruise thy head, and thou (the Devil) shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:15 "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified (set apart) in Christ Jesus." 1 Corinthians 1:2

II. The New Testament Church is called the Churches of Christ because Christ built the Church. Our Lord said, "Upon this rock (the fact that I am Jesus Christ) I will build my church (the New Testament Church) and the gates of hell (the powers of Satan) shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 "The churches of Christ salute you." Romans 16:16

III. The New Testament Church is called the Church of the Firstborn because they were a new creature in Christ. "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven." Hebrews 12:23

IV. The New Testament Church is simply called the Church because they were called out of the wicked world. "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church (the Ekklesia) the manifold wisdom of God." Ephesians 3:10

V. The New Testament Church is called the Kingdom of Heaven because their citizenship was in heaven. "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19

Now, the New Testament Church is called by Divine Names - not by human names. Therefore, if we should refuse to called the Church by a Divine Name, that would be an abomination unto the Lord our God.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

WE MUST LEARN THE BIBLICAL NAMES OF CHURCH MEMBERS

I. Members of the New Testament Church are called Christians because they were one like Christ. "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." 1 Peter 4:16

II. Members of the New Testament Church are called the children of God by regeneration. "For ye (Christians) are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:26-27

III. Members of the New Testament Church are called brethren because we belong unto the same spiritual family. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault. Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Galatians 6:1

IV. Members of the New Testament Church are called saints because we were sanctified. "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints." Romans 1:7

V. Members of the New Testament Church are called disciples because we are learners of Christ. "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:26

Now, members of the New Testament Church are called by Biblical Names - not by human names. Therefore, if we should refuse to called ourselves by a Biblical Name in our religious activities, that would be grievous unto the Lord our God.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

WE MUST LEARN HOW TO LIVE A CHRISTIAN LIFE

I. Love is a fruit of the Spirit which we can demonstrate in our lives. "Owe no man any things, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt no covet; and if there by any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this say, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Romans 13:8-11

II. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit which we can achieve in our lives. "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4

III. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit which we can attain in our lives. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not you heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

IV. Longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit which we can develop in our lives. "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." Colossians 1:10-11

V. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can render unto other in our life. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

VI. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can perform unto other in our lives. "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, skewing all meekness unto all men." Titus 3:2

VII. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can accomplish in our lives. "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye might be tried: and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10

VIII. Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can execute in our lives. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5

IX. Temperance is fruit of the Spirit which we can produce in our life. "And as he (Paul) reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answer, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." Acts 24:25

Now, we must be governed by the fruit of the Spirit in our moral character, Therefore, if we should refuse to be ruled by the fruit of the Spirit in our moral character, we would not be a faithful Christian.

THE BLESSINGS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

I. If we earnestly contend for the faith, we would not depart from the faith. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some (not all) shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be receive with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." 1 Timothy 4:1-3

II. If we earnestly contend for the faith, we would be fighting a good fight of faith. "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:10

III. If we earnestly contend for the faith, we would be given a crown of life. "For I (Paul) am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to my only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8

THE CONCLUSION

I. We should earnestly content for the faith by knowing the True Being of God and the True Being of Christ in matters of our own creation and redemption of life.

II. We need to earnestly content for the faith by understanding the way by which we must become a New Testament Christian.

III. We must earnestly contend for the faith by knowing the manner in which we are to worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth.

IV. We ought to earnestly contend for the faith by understanding the way by which we are to live the Christian live upon the earth.

QUESTIONNAIRE

ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

THE REASONS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

I. T - F: Has God given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness?

II. T - F: Did Christ bring unto us the wonderful words of life? 

A. T - F: In being a New Testament Christian, can we Scripturally add to the word of God? 

B. T - F: In being a New Testament Christian, can we Scripturally take away from the word of God? 

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

KNOWING GOD AND CHRIST

I. T - F: Shouldn't we know that God is the Divine Name (the being) of three Heavenly Persons who equally are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator because God in being the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit created our own divine nature of life free of sin when we were born upon the earth?

II. T - F: Shouldn't we understand that the Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ is the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship instead of being two ranked Persons (Personalities or Beings) because those three God Persons, who were called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator, equally made Themselves to work in the Divine Name of Christ in being called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit so that They could be our Redeemer?

III. T - F: Shouldn't we learn that Christ is the Divine Name (the being) of three Heavenly Persons who equally are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Redeemer because Christ in being the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit redeemed our own divine nature of life free of sin when we became a New Testament Christian by obeying the gospel of Christ?

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

KNOWING HOW TO BECOME A NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIAN

I. T - F: Must we become a New Testament Christian by hearing the word of God?

II. T - F: Must we become a New Testament Saint by believing the word of God?  

III. T - F: Must we become a disciple of Christ by repenting of our past sins? 

IV. T - F: Must we become a new creature in Christ by confessing the Deity of Christ? 

V. T - F: Must we become a New Testament Christian by being baptized into Christ so that we can put on Christ?

A. T - F: Is baptism a commandment of God?

B. T - F: Does baptism save the soul from its past sin?

C. T - F: Is baptism is the act that puts us into Christ?

D. T - F: Is baptism is the act that destroys the body of sin?

E. T - F: Is baptism is act that save us?

F. T - F: Is baptism the act that washes away our sin?

G. T - F: Is baptism the climax of the Spiritual Birth (the New Birth) so that we can enter into the Kingdom of God?

H. T - F: Is baptism Divinely Authorized by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?

I. T - F: Is baptism for the remission (the forgiveness) of our past sins?

1). T - F: Is baptism a burial in water so that we can duplicate our Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave?

2). T - F: Is baptism a resurrection from the water so that we can live a dedicated life unto the Lord our God?

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

KNOWING HOW TO WORSHIP GOD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH

I. T - F: Isn't vocal music only (acappella music) is a worship service of the Church because we are glorifying the Lord our God?

II. T - F: Isn't prayer is a worship service of the Church because we are talking to the Lord our God in our prayers?

III. T - F: Isn't the Lord's Supper is a worship service of the Church because we are to remember our Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave?

IV. T - F: Isn't the giving of our money is a worship service of the Church because we are to prove our love for the Lord our God?

V. T - F: Isn't faithful gospel preaching is a worship service of the Church because it increases our faith in the Lord our God?

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

KNOWING THE DIVINE NAMES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

I. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be called the Church of God?

II. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be called the Churches of Christ?

III. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be called the Church of the Firstborn?

IV. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be simply called the Church?

V. T - F: Can the New Testament Church be called the Kingdom of Heaven?

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

KNOWING THE BIBLICAL NAMES OF CHURCH MEMBERS

I. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called Christians?

II. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called the children of God by regeneration?

III. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called brethren?

IV. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called saints?

V. T - F: Are members of the New Testament Church called disciples?

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

KNOWING HOW TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

I. T - F: Is love a fruit of the Spirit which we can demonstrate in our life?

II. T - F: Is joy a fruit of the Spirit that we can achieve in our life?

III. T - F: Is peace a fruit of the Spirit which we can attain in our life?

IV. T - F: Is Longsuffering a fruit of the Spirit that we can develop in our life?

V. T - F: Is goodness a fruit of the Spirit which we can render unto others in our life?

VI. T - F: Is gentleness a fruit of the Spirit that we can perform unto others in our life?

VII. T - F: Is faithfulness a fruit of the Spirit which we can accomplish in our life?

VIII. T - F: Is meekness a fruit of the Spirit that we can execute in our life?

IX. T - F: Is temperance a fruit of the Spirit which we can produce in our life?

THE BLESSINGS OF CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

I. T - F: Should we fight a good fight of faith so that we can keep ourselves from departing from the faith?

II. T - F: Should we fight a good fight of faith so that we can lay hold upon eternal life?

III. T - F: Should we fight a good fight of faith so that we can receive a crown of life?

THE CONCLUSION

I. We should earnestly content for the faith by knowing the True Being of God and the True Being of Christ in being our Creator and our Redeemer.

II. We need to earnestly content for the faith by understanding the way by which we must become a New Testament Christian.

III. We must earnestly contend for the faith by knowing the manner in which we are to worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth.

IV. We ought to earnestly contend for the faith by understanding the way by which we are to live the Christian life upon the earth.

Please get others to read this article so that they can learn more about the Spiritual Blessings of New Testament Christianity because religious error exists in the religious world.

May the Lord bless you and give you wisdom so that you can learn more about the Divine Blessings of New Testament Christianity because you can be deceived by religious error.

Charles Burke