Why not start where the New Testament church starts? In Matthew 16:18, Jesus speaks in the future tense, saying, “I will build My church.” After His death and resurrection, Jesus ascends to reign beside His Father.15 He sends the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. From then Acts describes the church as a present reality.16 On that first day, Peter preaches Jesus crucified, raised from death, and exalted as “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Can we do the same? Suppose that believers then ask, “What shall we do?” Can we reply with the same words Peter spoke, as directed by the Spirit?
…Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). M
And what if people believe the Lord? Then He fulfills His promise:
…Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
…Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out (John 6:37).
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved… (Mark 16:16).
15. Acts 1:9-11; 2:32-36; Ephesians 1:20
16. Acts 5:11; 8:1,3; 9:31; 12:1; cf. 2:41,47; see Study Note Three: Ekklesia.