The New Testament Church:
JESUS IS THE CHURCH
Church came from work ekklesia which means called out ones or assembly.
Not a building (any building e.g. including the home for the purpose of worship) that would be held in higher importance then the worshipers which meet there.
Believers are the church... Gods saved chosen ones are the church...
NO building is a church.
What, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God…1Cor 6:19.
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, TO THEM THAT ARE SANCTIFIED in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 1Cor 1:2
The word church is mentioned 79 times, and churches 36 times, in the new testament. It was never mentioned as yours, mine, ours.... It was never used to denote a place. At times the church was mentioned to reside in the home. The church at so and so's house. But note the church was NOT THE HOUSE. It was the believers. It is a body of believers which BELONG TO GOD.
Jesus is the the Beginning of the church, and we are only part of his church when we are his (through acceptance of his sacrifice for the remittance of our sins). Then we become part of his church built on him, and a member of the body which he is the head.
THE NAME OF THE CHURCH IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST OR CHRISTIANS
The church Name should be OF CHRIST ONLY!!!!!
It is Christ's church. We are not the Church of the Lutherans, we are not the church of the Methodists, we are not the church of the Catholics... We are the church of CHRIST.
Matt 18:15-20 "For where two or three are gathered together IN MY NAME, there am I in the midst of them."
"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together,"1 Cor 5:4
1Cor 1:10-13 says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, BY THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; (sects or denominations) but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided?
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I [am] of Apollos; are ye not CARNAL? 1Cor. 1:1-4
Gods church has only one name that that is the Name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
In the bible his followers were often referred to as saints, disciples, brethren. This denoted true followers of Christ. But was not the name of the Church. Christ was the church along with his believers.
Now you can say to your self are all Baptist save... well NO. Are all the friends and workers saved... well No. But all those who BELONG TO CHRIST are saved. Christ knows who are his.
Where ever the meet together whether it be in a home, a building built for worship, by the sea side, on a mountain top, in a convention tent/building (build for worship), in the forest, or in the desert. Where ever the meet together they are still his because they are part of HIS CHURCH which is CHRIST.
CHURCH HIERARCHY
"And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed". Acts 14:23
They appointed elders (plural) in every church (singular).
Elders and Overseers (Often referred to as bishops) were not separate offices but where the same office.
Take Acts 20 for example.
Acts 20:17 was speaking of the elders
Acts 20:28 He was speaking to the same people but called the overseers.
Each church was to have leaders among them who was to oversee the flock. Feed them. Shepard them. Also, to deal with problems when they arisen in the fashion as laid out in Matthews 18.
This was NEVER a singular office with one person in charge, but everywhere it speaks of elders who were overseeing the church.
Acts 15:4
Titus 1:5
James 5:14
1Thes 5:12-13
Many other verses.
There isn't a single church in the bible where a single man was in charge of the whole of the congregation. Nor was there an organized leadership hierarchy with a man at the top e.g. overseer, then workers, then elders, then servants.
The church was to be watched over by those who were ordained to be Shepard's of the flock in that area e.g. elders.
Deacons (Servants) are also mentioned in the new testament but their office is not clear. They would of been in the same line as elders. Living among the congregation in every day to day practice of the church. Spiritually mature in the church endued with the wisdom of God, and
having a wife and a family. Perhaps these were those who worked in accordance with the elders of the church as the had spiritual authority, but not the spiritually authority that led the Holy spirit to ordain the elders their position as overseer and Shepard's of the flock.
Elders were not in control of the church. They were NOT THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH... or the chief Shepard. Only Jesus is the chief Shepard. Elders were suppose to Shepard the flock through Jesus word and guidance, feed the flock, Love the flock, keep the flock safe.
"Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being en samples to the flock". 1Peter 5: 3
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (skip to verse 28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:17-28
If a person is position is doing anything to draw men to themselves or make themselves of more importance among the flock this is AGAINST WHAT GOD HAS PLANNED. God didn't plan one person to have precedence over any other. God said to not be a respecter of persons. (This doesn't mean we do not show respect to those who are watching over our souls through the LORD GUIDANCE, but they are not to think any higher of themselves then anyone else.) He also said that all those in the church would be equal and made as one.
There are to be elders to Shepard the flock, but they should not consider themselves more important then any other.
We are all members of the same body, and no member can exist without all the other members.
We have only ONE CHIEF SHEPARD... and that is our lord Christ Jesus.
thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: Rev 2:1-6 those claiming to be apostles, and trying to draw men after themselves
These are the grevious wolves which were mention in Acts 20.
APOSTLES
Being a apostle was not a functional leadership position. It was a gift given directly by god. A gift is GIVEN by God and not earned by man. It was not a promotion of leadership, but a LIVING FUNCTION.
"For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a pretext for greed, God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become so dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and travail; working night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. " (1 Thessalonians 2:5-12).
Apostles weren't leaders over the flock. If anything they were the ULTIMATE SERVANTS. They were serving god on a specific purpose of being sent out, setting up churches, and giving the churches the nourishment then needed to help them grow.
It should also be noted that the had specific jobs which there gifts entailed. Paul apostle to the gentiles. Peter was an apostle to the Jews. Where ever we step outside our god given authority we will get ourselves into trouble.
God did not appoint men with WORLDLY AUTHORITY to be apostles. He chose the foolish, ordinary men to confound the wise. If someone has given themselves a place of worldly authority over their followers, are they indeed apostles at all? The forceful, domineering and "take charge" leadership that the world looks for in authority is often contrary to the spiritual authority of God Apostolic authority is just the opposite from this hierarchical type authority. It seems that if apostles are wanting to find themselves at the top with men following them, then they are completely contrary to what god has planned.
Apostles have spiritual authority's in looking after the church. They do not have hierarchical authority. The purpose isn't to control the flock, but to give spiritual guidance that the churches which they are planting will grow up healthy. With every commandment which was given being directly based on the scripture and words of the lord.
Now this doesn't mean that someone who is given the gift of the apostle could not be an elder also. But they should not think of themselves as having a authority over. They would consider themselves equal both having the interest of the flock at heart.
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Church membership was based on those who accepted Christ as the lord savior for the remission of their sins. There was no other requirement for membership.
People were baptized immediately after accepting Christ. This way they were endued with the Holy Spirit and could star the journey with in gods kingdom.
There was so waiting period for people to live up to a certain standard or position before becoming church members.
People were not judged by the congregation before coming members to see if they felt they were suitable.
If someone was not a true Christian they would be found out soon enough.
If someone was not living a Christian life they would be dealt with in the manner as set out in Matthew 18.
CHURCH FUNTION
"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. (Sounds like things are out of hand a little) Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints".
Where does it say we come together and that we need to sing a hymn, and then pray, and then sing a hymn, and then give testimony, and thens sing a Hymn, and then communion, and then sing a hymn?
??
Is not the church organization of mainstream and friends and workers church hindering the work of god.
People have so little faith they do not believe it is possible to prophesy and believe speaking in tongues is a sham.
Prophesy is different then interpretation of scripture is different from revelation is not a psalm.
In the true church non would feel hindered to speak anything which the lord has laid on their hearts in fear of being ostracized.
The very organized structure based on man made traditions both in mainstream churches and the friends and workers church is the very hindrance to the spirit of god doing his full work in our lives.
Remember we are CHRISTS not our own. GOD is the one who works with in us to will and do according to HIS PURPOSE.
God does not work according to men standards. God works according to his standards.
Every man should meet together sharing what the lord has laid on their hearts.
If you think you need to find a verse to share in meeting because this is what is expected of you, is this really the lord speaking to you. Are we even standing back enough, letting go enough, listening enough that the lord can speak to us. And why does it have to be a verse out of the bible, what if god has given you a song or a psalm. Would this be looked down on because it is outside of the realm which men have set as acceptable.
There should be praying together, singing spiritual hymns, and songs as god leads.
Not as man has set a schedule to follow.
We all have a part to play in the church. We need to be directed and listen to God so that we know what this is.
Now may think well if you do not have organization would there not be chaos. No. Because if you are being lead by the spirit then there would not be chaos, because God is not the author of chaos.
Take for example the giving of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2.
Every man was speaking in different tongues so that the members of other nations could hear the words of god in their own language.
This could be seen as chaos, could it not. All the apostles talking in different languages at the same time.
But because god was in charge, it worked out perfectly as each man individually heard the word of god in their own language.
CHURCH CHARACTERISTICS
Love the lord they god with all they heart, soul, mind, and body, and love each other as I loved you.
Jhn 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Jhn 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Jhn 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
God people will love one another. They will prefer each other.
This is how the world will know that we are his, because of our love toward one another. This is not some superficial love e.g. seeing each other in meetings, putting on a front, letting the friends stay in your home, or using the church as a social circle.
This is a deep heart rending gut level love for each other.
Sharing your inner most struggles, failures, fears, etc. Helping each other overcome.
Preferring one another.
If we truly had the love of god in us, and loved on another we there would be no divisions, people would help those in need (e.g. those who have more would give to those who have need and not just the workers), we would give the clothes off our back and food from our cub boards even if it was the last food we had, we would lay down our lives for each other.
Love toward one another was SOOOO important and was mention numerous times throughout the new testament.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common.
We are all of the same spirit, and therefore we should have all things in common. We are all equal in god eyes. We were all sinners. We were all forgiven in Christ. We all have the same spirit. We are all on the same journey.
Act 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
No man felt that anything he had was his. There was no respect of persons. The rich man didn't look at what he had and say it was his. The poor did not look up to the rich and see what he has, and think in there hearts that they must be favored by god. The elders did not look at the rich as being in higher position or in the chief seats while the poor sat at the feet of the rich begging for a crumb the masters table. We were all made equal in the spirit of Christ.
Those who had were willing to give to those who had not that no man was found wanting. This was to both those who were apostles, elders (bishops/overseer), and servants (Deacons), and brethren.
It was communal living. A real spiritual family.
I have not found this in any mainstream church or the friends and workers church.
I must say that the friends and workers church speak out against giving any money to the church, though there is no scriptural basis for this.
There is a difference against doings something for filthy lucre. And giving money for service of the lord and for those in need (which is done in love for the church and Christ).
The difference is that there was no salary.
All the money which was given was a gift given from those who had for the well being of the church.
It was not required but a gift of love.
Mar 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Doing this in love for the church and glorification of god. Not because it is a requirement.
SIDE NOTES
MARRIAGE
Also there is no rules against not marrying.
Paul chose not to marry because he said that he would prefer to remain with his first love, but this was not forbidden by Paul but was a chose he made.
1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
HOMELESS/JOBLESS PREACHERS
Again there is not such doctrine in the new testament.
This is a doctrine of men.
It is true that those who were apostles traveling for the spreading of the gospel were to be accepted with open arms of believer or those who would accept them, and fed.
This is the part of a servant and someone who truly loves the Lord and the Church, that they would give of what they have to Gods servants.
On the other hand Apostles had wives, they had homes, and some had jobs.