HOUSE CHURCH ARTICLES
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WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
- by Grace Wiebe
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CONTENTS
In order for those of us who sense God moving us in the directions of rediscovering our biblical New Testament Christianity roots, and as we seek the direction of the Holy Spirit in leading us further in the future as He leads us on into maturity, we need to understand what the biblical understanding of the CHURCH is.
In this piece we will look at several aspects which will hopefully help to give us some understanding in this regard. This is far from a comprehensive study!
Over the past generations, the word 'church' has tended to lose most of it's original intent and meaning...
Modern 'church' has become the name of a building or the place where we go...rather than the name of the 'people of God' - who we ARE.
In operation, 'church' has generally been functioning more and more as a business, rather than the Church functioning as a FAMILY. For example, we go to 'business meetings', and growing numbers of pastors are now being given title of 'CEO' of their 'churches', rather than being 'fathers' to God's Family.
Let's look at what the following resources have to say about the definintion of 'church':
Definition (from Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Vine's Dictionary of New Testament Words):
From Answers.com
Dictionary
A building for public, especially Christian worship.
often Church
The company of all Christians regarded as a spiritual body.
A specified Christian denomination: the Presbyterian Church.
A congregation.
Public divine worship in a church; a religious service: goes to church at
Christmas and Easter.
The clerical profession; clergy.
Ecclesiastical power as distinguished from the secular: the separation of
church and state.
tr.v., churched, church·ing, church·es.
To conduct a church service for, especially to perform a religious service
for (a woman after childbirth).
adj.
Of or relating to the church; ecclesiastical.
Thesaurus
noun - Those who accept and practice a particular religious belief:
communion, denomination, faith, persuasion, sect. See religion.
adjective
Of or relating to a church or to an established religion: churchly, ecclesiastical, religious, spiritual. See religion.
Encyclopedia
aggregation of Christian believers
building for Christian worship
church [probably Gr.,=divine], aggregation of Christian believers. The traditional belief has the church the community of believers, living and dead, headed by Jesus, who founded it in the apostles. This is the doctrine of the mystical body of Christ (Eph. 1.22–23). Some divisions speak of the church militant (the living), the church suffering (the dead in purgatory), and the church triumphant (the saints of heaven). The church is said to be recognizable by four marks (as in the Nicene Creed): it is one (united), holy (producing holy lives), catholic (universal, supranational), and apostolic (having continuity with the apostles). In the Orthodox Eastern Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Church of England, crucial importance is attached to the unbroken tradition, as handed down through the Holy Ghost (see apostolic succession); with this doctrine goes the apostolic power to administer grace through the sacraments. Certain men of the Reformation rejected the doctrine of apostolic succession and substituted for the authority of the church the authority of Scripture alone. Protestants generally interpret the oneness of the church in a mystical sense; the true church is held to be invisibly present in all Christian denominations. The ecumenical movement in recent years has stimulated fresh study on the doctrine of the church.
church [Gr. kuriakon=belonging to the Lord], in architecture, a building for Christian worship. The earliest churches date from the late 3d cent.; before then Christians, because of persecutions, worshiped secretly, especially in private houses. In Rome and some other cities Christians worshiped at the martyrs' tombs in the underground cemeteries, or catacombs. The catacomb chapel influenced the furnishing of churches, particularly the crypt. The basilica form came to be standard in Western Europe, while in the East the norm became the square church of Byzantine architecture (see Byzantine art and architecture), derived from the shape of the Greek cross. The interior of the Eastern church is characterized by an image screen (iconostasis) rendering the sanctuary invisible to the lay worshipers, except that the altar may be seen through the doors of the screen. In the West, modifications of the basilica were developed in Romanesque architecture and in Gothic architecture. Renaissance and baroque architecture produced innovations in ecclesiastical design. Western churches in general have an east-west orientation with the altar at the eastern end. In America, Colonial architects developed an austerely beautiful type of spired church, patterned after the works of Christopher Wren and James Gibbs. Churches differ in importance according to their constitution and the position in the hierarchy of their clergy, the cathedral being the bishop's church. See chapel; abbey; Hagia Sophia; Saint Peter's Church; articles on other important churches.
<1,,1577,ekklesia>
from ek, "out of," and klesis, "a calling" (kaleo, "to
call"), was used among the Greeks of a body of citizens "gathered"
to discuss the affairs of state, Acts 19:39. In the Sept. it is used to designate
the "gathering" of Israel, summoned for any definite purpose, or
a "gathering" regarded as representative of the whole nation. In
Acts 7:38 it is used of Israel; in 19:32,41, of a riotous mob. It has two
applications to companies of Christians, (a) to the whole company of the redeemed
throughout the present era, the company of which Christ said, "I will
build My Church," Matt. 16:18, and which is further described as "the
Church which is His Body," Eph. 1:22; 5:23, (b) in the singular number
(e.g., Matt. 18:17, RV marg., "congregation"), to a company consisting
of professed believers, e.g., Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:13; 1 Thess.
1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:5, and in the plural, with reference to churches
in a district.
There is an apparent exception in the RV of Acts 9:31, where, while the AV
has "churches," the singular seems to point to a district; but the
reference is clearly to the church as it was in Jerusalem, from which it had
just been scattered, Acts 8:1. Again, in Rom. 16:23, that Gaius was the host
of "the whole church," simply suggests that the "assembly"
in Corinth had been accustomed to meet in his house, where also Paul was entertained.
See CHURCH.
<2,,3831,paneguris>
from pan, "all," and agora, "any kind of assembly," denoted,
among the Greeks, an assembly of the people in contrast to the council of
national leaders, or a "gathering" of the people in honor of a god,
or for some public festival, such as the Olympic games. The word is used in
Heb. 12:23, coupled with the word "church," as applied to all believers
who form the body of Christ.
<3,,4128,plethos>
"a multitude, the whole number," is translated "assembly"
in Acts 23:7, RV. See BUNDLE, COMPANY, MULTITUDE.
Note: For sunagoge, see ASSEMBLE, Note (2).
WHAT DOES THE NEW TESTAMENT SAY ABOUT WHAT THE CHURCH IS?
To begin with, Some of
our Names Give us Clues
Some Scriptures
About the Church
SOME OF OUR NAMES GIVE US CLUES
Though we may not yet be living up to all of these names, some of them are prophetic and will be fulfilled in God's timing...(not by might or power but by His Spirit...). There are more names that we have in the Bible but these are the ones that came to mind so far...
ADOPTED - Eph 1:4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
AMBASSADORS
- 2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter
but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
CARRIERS OF HIS AUTHORITY - 16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 10: 1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil[a] spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[b]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
COMPETENT MINISTERS
- 2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter
but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
DISCIPLE
- Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because
he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me... 1 John 3:8 -
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 1 John
2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 16Then the
eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them
to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus
came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to
the very end of the age." Matt
10: 1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave
them authority to drive out evil[a] spirits and to heal every disease and
sickness. 7As you go, preach
this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise
the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[b]drive out demons. Freely you have
received, freely give.
From Answers.com
Dictionary dis·ci·ple (di-si'p?l) n. One
who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.
An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.
often Disciple One of the original followers of Jesus.
Disciple A member of the Disciples of Christ.
[Middle English, from Old English discipul and from Old French desciple, both
from Latin discipulus, pupil, from discere, to learn.]
dis·ci'ple·ship' n. -Thesaurus - noun - One who supports and adheres to another: adherent, cohort, follower, henchman, minion, partisan, satellite, supporter. See over/under, precede/follow.
Bible - disciples - The followers of Jesus, who adhered to his his teaching
and transmitted it to others. The Twelve Apostles were the disciples closest
to Jesus.
In general, a disciple is an active follower of a leader or movement, religious
or otherwise.
WordNet - The noun disciple has one meaning:Meaning #1: someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
SONS OF GOD
- Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of
God. Romans 8:14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of
God. Romans 8:19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God
to be revealed. Romans 9:26
and, "It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them,
'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' Galatians
3:26 [ Sons of God ] You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,
Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our
hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, [ Aramaic for Father] Father."
Hebrews 2:10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for
whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation
perfect through suffering.
Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For
what son is not disciplined by his father? Eph 14For he chose us in him before
the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c]
predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance
with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which
he has freely given us in the One he loves.
LIVING STONES - 1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
MINISTERS
OF RECONCILIATION - 2 Corinthians 5:11
[ The Ministry of Reconciliation ] Since, then, we know what it is to fear
the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope
it is also plain to your conscience. 2 Corinthians 5:18 All this is from God,
who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation
OVERCOMERS
- Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, [ Peter means rock.] and
on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades [ Or hell] will
not overcome it. [ Or not prove stronger than it] Luke 10:19 I have given
you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power
of the enemy; nothing will harm you. John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood [ Or
darkness, and the darkness has not overcome] it. 1 John 4:4 You, dear children,
are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater
than the one who is in the world. 1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes
the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus
is the Son of God. Revelation 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to
eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:11
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who
overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelation 2:17 He
who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him
who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him
a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives
it. Revelation 2:26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will
give authority over the nations—Revelation 3:5
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out
his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father
and his angels. Revelation 3:12
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again
will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the
city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from
my God; and I will also write on him my new name. Revelation 3:21 To him who
overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame
and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 17:14
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because
he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called,
chosen and faithful followers.
Revelation 21:7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his
God and he will be my son.
TRIUMPHANT
- 2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ
and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
VICTORIOUS
- Revelation 15:2
And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside
the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over
the number of his name. They held harps given them by God
RADIANT - Psalm 34:5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Ephesians 5:27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
CARRIERS OF HIS FULLNESS - Col 1:19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, Col 2:9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
THE FRAGRANCE OF
CHRIST - MINISTERS OF A NEW COVENANT - 2 Cor 2:14...14But
thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and
through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15For
we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those
who are perishing. 16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the
fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? 17Unlike so many, we do
not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak
before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. 2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter
but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD - Matt 5:14,15 - 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
CHOSEN PEOPLE
- 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging
to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness
into his wonderful light. Eph 1:4For he chose us in him before the creation
of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined
us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his
pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has
freely given us in the One he loves.
ONE BODY
- Romans 12:5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member
belongs to all the others. 1 Corinthians 10:17 Because there is one loaf,
we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. 1 Corinthians
12:12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all
its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians
12:13 For we were all baptized by [ Or with; or in] one Spirit into one body—whether
Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to
drink. 1 Corinthians 12:14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of
many. 1 Corinthians 12:18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body,
every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 1 Corinthians 12:19 If they
were all one part, where would the body be? 1 Corinthians 12:20 As it is,
there are many parts, but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. Ephesians
2:16
and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by
which he put to death their hostility. Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that
through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together
of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians
4:4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope
when you were called— Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off
falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of
one body. Ephesians 5:29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he
feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful.
ONE LOAF
- 1 Corinthians 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one
body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
THE BRIDE OF CHRIST
- Song of Solomon 4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from
Lebanon. Song of Solomon 4:9 You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;
you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your
necklace. Song of Solomon 4:10 How delightful is your love, my sister, my
bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of
your perfume than any spice! Song of Solomon 4:11 Your lips drop sweetness
as the honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance
of your garments is like that of Lebanon. Song of Solomon 4:12 You are a garden
locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.
Song of Solomon 5:1[ Lover ] I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride;
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey;
I have drunk my wine and my milk. Isaiah 49:18 Lift up your eyes and look
around; all your sons gather and come to you. As surely as I live," declares
the LORD, "you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on,
like a bride. Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices
in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me
in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Jeremiah 2:2 "Go and proclaim
in the hearing of Jerusalem: " 'I remember the devotion of your youth,
how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a
land not sown. Jeremiah 2:32 Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her
wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number. Matthew
9:15 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while
he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from
them; then they will fast. Matthew 25:1 [ The Parable of the Ten Virgins ]
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took
their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. John 3:29
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom
waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's
voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice
and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and
his bride has made herself ready. Revelation 21:2 I saw the Holy City, the
new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully
dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:9 One of the seven angels who had the
seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come,
I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." Revelation 22:17 The
Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!"
Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free
gift of the water of life. Ephesians 5:27.. 25Husbands, love your wives, just
as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy,
cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present
her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other
blemish, but holy and blameless.
Significance of Betrothal in Scripture
BRANCHES OF THE VINE - John 15:5"I am the vine; you are the branches.
KINGDOM OF
PRIESTS - Kingdom and Priests - Exodus 19:6
you [ Or possession, for the whole earth is mine. 6 You ] will be for me a
kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak
to the Israelites." Rev 1:6
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made
us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be
glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Rev 5:10 You have made them to be
a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD - 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
KINGDOM CITIZENS - Isaiah 48:2 you who call yourselves citizens of the holy city and rely on the God of Israel— the LORD Almighty is his name: Eph 2:11-13 - 11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
MEMBERS OF GOD'S HOUSEHOLD - Ephesians 2:19 - Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,
CONTENTS
SALT OF THE
EARTH - Matt 5:13 13"You are the salt of the earth.
But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is
no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
FREE PEOPLE - 2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Gal 5:1 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
SHEEP
- Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. John 10:3
The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He
calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:4 When he has brought
out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because
they know his voice. John 10:16
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.
They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
REFLECTOR'S OF GOD'S GLORY - 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
JARS OF CLAY / EARTHEN VESSELS - 2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
CHILDREN OF GOD
- 1 John 3:1 1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we
should be called children of God! And that is what we are! John 1:12
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the
right to become children of God—
BELIEVERS IN HIS
NAME - 1 John 3:23
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,
and to love one another as he commanded us.
IMITATORS OF GOD - Ephesians 5:1,2 1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
A HOLY NATION - 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
PECULIAR TREASURES - (from the Amplified Bible) Mal 3:16,17 - 16Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name. 17And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him
PEOPLE BELONGING
TO GOD - 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging
to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness
into his wonderful light.
BELOVED OF
THE LORD - Deut 33:12 - "Let the
beloved of the LORD rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between
his shoulders." Jer 31: 3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, [a] saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great
delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you
with singing."
GRAFTED IN - Romans 11:17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, Romans 11:19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." Romans 11:23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. Romans 11:24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
WORSHIPPERS
- John 4:23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers
will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers
the Father seeks. John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship
in spirit and in truth."
LOVERS OF GOD - Luke 10:27 He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' [ Deut. 6:5] ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
LOVERS OF OTHERS - Luke 10:27 He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' [ Deut. 6:5] ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
SOME SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE CHURCH
(The following Scriptures are from the NIV version)
Colossians 1:24 [ Paul's Labor for the Church ] Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
Acts 2:37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38Peter replied, "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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42They devoted themselves to the apostles'
teaching and to the fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43Everyone was filled with awe, and
many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All
the believers were together and had everything in common.
45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to
anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued
to meet together in the temple courts. They broke
bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising
God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord
added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 4: 32All the believers were
one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was
his own, but they shared everything they had.
33With great power the apostles continued to testify
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
34There were no needy persons among them. For
from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money
from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed
to anyone as he had need.
36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means
Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put
it at the apostles' feet.
Notice the order/context of the following: talks about the spiritual gifts, how they are a part of the Body and of seeing it built up, that LOVE is crucial in seeing this happen and in seeing the Body grow in a healthy way, and more about the gifts and aspects of their worship/fellowship times together.
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts
1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You
know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led
astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by
the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus
is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different
kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working,
but the same God works all of them in all men.
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27Now you are the body of Christ,
and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in
the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third
teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those
able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking
in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all
teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak
in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire[e]
the greater gifts.
And now I will show you the most excellent way.
1 Corinthians 13
Love
1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am
only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy
and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that
can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess
to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain
nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily
angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but
rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 14Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.[b] 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[c] but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues,[d] unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. 6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
13For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand[e] say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to
evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21In the Law it is written:
"Through men of strange tongues
and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
but even then they will not listen to me,"[f] says the Lord.
22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand[g] or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand[h]comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
Orderly Worship
26What then shall we say, brothers? When you
come together, everyone has a hymn,
or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All
of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27If
anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak,
one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28If there is no interpreter, the
speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully
what is said. 30And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down,
the first speaker should stop. 31For you can all prophesy in turn so that
everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32The spirits of prophets are subject
to the control of prophets. 33For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
As in all the congregations of the saints, 34women should remain silent in
the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as
the Law says. 35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their
own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
(see WOMEN
IN MINISTRY for a helpful understanding of this)
36Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.[i]
39Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Heb 10:24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Unfortunately, the verse above is often used to try to coerce people to go 'to church' and sit in pews, rather than the intent, here, which is to meet (fellowship!!) together (ie. where 2 or 3 are gathered in HIS NAME) and ENCOURAGE each other, which tends not to have much opportunity in traditional services as compared to the vast opportunities in house/simple church fellowship. And, this fellowship/encourgement is to happen ALL THE MORE as we see the Day (of the Lord) approaching! It is much easier to see that happen in house/emerging churches than it is to coordinate this in a traditional church.
Ephesians 4
4There is one body and one Spirit—just
as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith,
one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and
in all. 7But to each one of us grace has been given as
Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it[a] says: "When he ascended
on high, he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men."[b] 9(What does "he ascended" mean except
that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10He who descended
is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill
the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be
apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors
and teachers, 12to prepare God's
people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13until we all reach unity in the faith
and in the knowledge of the Son of God and
become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
1 John 1:6,7 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
I John 2:3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
Ephesians 3
16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Philippians 2:1 (NIV) If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
1 Corinthians 3:11
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one
already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
HE is the Cornerstone - the True Foundation - for what??
19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens,
but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built
on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21In him the whole building is joined together
and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in
him you too are being built together
to become a
dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Romans 15:20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation
1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building
1 Timothy 3:15 if I am delayed, you will know how people
ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the
living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Hebrews 11:10 For he was looking forward to the city with
foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Revelation 21:14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations,
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH?
Ephesians 1:22 And God placed all things under his feet
and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, Ephesians 5:23
for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is
the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Colossians
1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church; he
is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything
he might have the supremacy.
To be REFLECTOR'S OF GOD'S GLORY - 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Ephesians 4
4There is one body and one Spirit—just
as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith,
one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and
in all. 7But to each one of us grace has been given as
Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it[a] says: "When he ascended
on high, he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men."[b] 9(What does "he ascended" mean except
that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10He who descended
is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill
the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be
apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors
and teachers, 12to prepare God's
people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13until we all reach unity in the faith
and in the knowledge of the Son of God and
become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 1:9And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Col 1: 19, 20 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Ephesians 3:10
10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
HOW IS THIS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED?
By preaching and demonstrating the GOOD NEWS OFTHE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM! An Introduction to the Kingdom of God, which is the larger context for Discipling the Nations, which in itself is the larger context of CHURCH PLANTING, which is the larger context of invididuals/households becoming disciples of Jesus.
All of this is brought about through FREEDOM IN CHRIST, as we are set free from the lies and deception of the enemy! - It is the TRUTH THAT SETS US FREE!!
Gal 5:1 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
I John 1:6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
In order to get free, we need to follow the example of the Bereans and EXAMINE the Scriptures for OURSELVES and not just accept what we are being taught by others without checking things out.
Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
We can be assured that Jesus, our Teacher and Wonderful Counsellor, and the Holy Spirit, will teach us, as we remain in HIM and keep in fellowship with His disciples.
I John 2:26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he
will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak
only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come..."
APOSTOLIC TRADITION VS RELIGIOUS/HUMAN TRADITION
There is a big difference between apostolic tradition, which we as the Church ARE to follow, and religious or human tradition!!
APOSTOLIC
1 Corinthians 11:2 [ Propriety in Worship ] I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, [ Or traditions] just as I passed them on to you.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and
hold to the teachings [ Or traditions] we passed on to you, whether by word
of mouth or by letter.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 [ Warning Against Idleness ] In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching [ Or tradition ] you received from us.
Philippians 4:9Whatever you have learned or received or
heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace
will be with you.
RELIGIOUS
Galatians 1:14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews
of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Matth 15:1Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law
came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2"Why do your disciples break
the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!"
3Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake
of your tradition? 4For God said, 'Honor your father and mother'[a] and 'Anyone
who curses his father or mother must be put to death.'[b] 5But you say that
if a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever help you might otherwise
have received from me is a gift devoted to God,' 6he is not to 'honor his
father[c]' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your
tradition. 7You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
8" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.'[d]"
Mark 7:8 You have let go of the commands of God and are
holding on to the traditions of men." Mark
7:9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands
of God in order to observe [ Some manuscripts set up] your own traditions!
Mark 7:13
Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down.
And you do many things like that."
HUMAN
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather t than on Christ.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
So in view of the above, What
is Legalism?
CONTENTS
Still to come....
Foundations
Sacraments
Back to the Basics - Three days rose again
Elders and Deacons training/setting apart
One anothering
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