One of the most widespread theories of today is the universal, invisible church theory. This theory teaches that all believers belong to this invisible church and they were made a part of it through Holy Spirit baptism. The author of this book shows the fallacy of such a theory. He discusses all passages used to support a universal church theory, refutes them, and uses those same passages of Scripture to show how the Bible teaches a local church.

The issue of the church is one of the most divisive issues in Christendom. In this volume, Professor Fenison restricts his studies to Pre–New Testament and New Testament uses of the Greek term ekklesia. He then evaluates the more modern universal invisible church theory in its relationship to the historical usage of ekklesia and in its relationship to the very fundamental basics of biblical soteriology. In particular, Fenison demonstrates that this post-biblical theory is not inconsistent with regard to the primary consequence of the fall (spiritual death/separation) and its only possible fundamental solution (restoration to spiritual union with God). Fenison argues that ecclesiology was never part of that solution prior to the cross and is no part of that solution after the cross. Fenison totally repudiates church salvation in every form but insists that salvation consists in its most fundamental essence as restoration to spiritual union with God, which is affected by the internalized empowered gospel as the Spirit’s creative Word (2 Cor. 4:6; Jam. 1:18; Pet. 1:23,25) without any relationship to the church or its ordinances in any way, shape, or form.

Christianity has become increasingly careless about Biblical truth, doctrine, and the Christian’s testimony. Building Thereupon demonstrates how, after salvation, carefully laying steadfast doctrinal truths one upon another forms the proper structure for fruitful and victorious Christian living. The Bible admonishes believers to lay precept upon precept...line upon line. Christian faith and truth are to be built upon the firm Foundation, Jesus Christ. But what happens to faith if the first great truths are misunderstood? Building Thereupon offers an in-depth discussion of Biblical doctrine—the knowledge of the things that relate to God and to the Lord Jesus Christ. It shows that believers need to understand the details of their own salvation, or else be vulnerable to deception in other critical parts of the Christian life. The Lord gives truths intended for every Christian, and these truths better equip each child of God to realize steadfastness, maturity, and the will of God. Building Thereupon presents a convincing validation to earnest Bible believers, demonstrating that the body of correct Christian theology need not be rife with obscurity, contradiction, and inconsistencies. The great Biblical truths flow together, fit seamlessly, and fall into order when doctrine is believingly laid precept upon precept and line upon line.

Examining a wide array of ancient writings, Brent Nongbri dispels the commonly held idea that there is such a thing as ancient religion. Nongbri shows how misleading it is to speak as though religion was a concept native to pre-modern cultures.