Bible Truth FAQs
THE MISSION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Some claim that the church of their affiliation can be traced all the way back to John the Baptist. John was not called "the Baptist" because of any sectarian membership but because of his activity. He was "the immerser" in that through him baptism was introduced to the world.
John's mission was declared before his birth. He was to come in the spirit of Elias, to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord (see Isa. 40:3; Luke 1:13-11; Luke 1:16-11: Matt. 11:10-13). John had already been beheaded by Herod (Matt. 14) when Jesus told His disciples that he (Jesus) would build his church (Matt. 16:18).
The founder, head, and purchaser of the church is Christ. The New Testament church came into existence in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following his resurrection (Acts 2). Beware of any affiliation that traces its beginning beyond this, also any that cannot trace back this far.
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