New Testament Churches

by Dr. Gail Terrell

The name Baptist is found 15 times in the New Testament and baptized converts had Baptist beliefs and Baptist baptism.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls…
 
Acts 2:47 And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

In New Testament, all churches were Baptistic in teachings and baptism, and there was no need for denominational names. These churches were Baptist churches and were identified
by the area in which the churches were located.
Baptist teachings and Baptist baptism spread and continued except for heresies spreading like weeds. For example, a few men in Ephesus
had false baptism but they thought they had John’s baptism. However, they knew nothing of the Holy Spirit whom John preached.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John in deed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

 Acts 19:1-5 …Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

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Near the end of the first century, God used John the apostle to describe the spiritual decline in five of seven Baptist churches in Asia Minor. Jesus warned the five errant churches that they would cease to be His if their error was not corrected.

Revelation 1:20 …the seven candle sticks which thou sawest are the seven churches…

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come
unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent…

Revelation 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

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