|
Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.
(John 4:14) |
|
And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev 22:1) |
For His Glory!
|
What is the Church? Part Four ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH The word "church" in Scripture = "Of or belonging to the Lord" Yeshua (Jesus) is building His Church Matt 16:16 (NKJV unless indicated) Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. " 17 Jesus answered and said… 18… on this rock I will build My church…"This series of lessons is based on the definition of "The Church", taken from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia* (ISBE) by J. C. Lambert.* church: (Some slight editing is done to condense article length.) I. PRE-CHRISTIAN HISTORY OF THE TERM (Part I) II. ITS ADOPTION BY JESUS (Part I) III. ITS USE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT (Part II) 1. In the Gospels 2. In Acts 3. In the Pauline Epistles IV. THE NOTES OF THE CHURCH (Part III) 1. Faith 2. Fellowship 3. Unity 4. Consecration 5. Power
Lesson Four V. ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH (Highlighting by MEM) 1. The General and Prophetic Ministry 2. The Local and Practical Ministry
In the first days after Pentecost they had no thought of separating themselves from the religious life of Israel, and would not realize the need of any distinct organization of their own. The temple-worship was still adhered to, though it was supplemented by apostolic teaching, by prayer and fellowship, and by the breaking of bread. Organization was a thing of gradual growth suggested by emerging needs, and the differentiation of function among those who were drawn into the service of the church was due to the difference in the gifts bestowed by God upon the church members. 1Cor 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.At first the Twelve themselves, as the immediate companions of Jesus throughout His ministry and the prime witnesses of the Christian facts and especially of the resurrection, were the natural leaders and teachers of the community. Apart from this, the earliest evidence of anything like organization is found in the distinction drawn by the Twelve themselves between the ministry of the word and the ministry of tables ( Acts 6:2; Acts 6:4)--a distinction which was fully recognized by Paul (Rom 12:6; Rom 12:8; 1Cor 1:17; 1Cor 9:14; 1Cor 12:28), though he enlarged the latter type of ministry so as to include much more than the care of the poor. The two kinds of ministry, as they meet us at the first, may broadly be distinguished as the general and prophetic on the one hand, the local and practical on the other.To sum up: It seems evident from the New Testament that Jesus gave His disciples no formal prescriptions for the organization of the church. Apart from this, the earliest evidence of anything like organization is found in the distinction drawn by the Twelve themselves between the ministry of the word and the ministry of tables ( Acts 6:2; Acts 6:4)-- the general and prophetic on the one hand, the local and practical on the other.
1. The General and Prophetic Ministry:
From Acts 6:1 we see that the Twelve recognized that they were Divinely called as apostles to proclaim the gospel; and Paul repeatedly makes the same claim for himself.1Cor 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.But apostleship was by no means confined to the Twelve (compare Didache*** 11 4); and an itinerant ministry of the word was exercised in differing ways by prophets, evangelists, and teachers, as well as by apostles. Rom 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.1Cor 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,The fact that Paul himself is variously described as an apostle, a prophet, a teacher appears to show that the prophetic ministry was not a ministry of stated office, but one of special gifts and functions. 1Tim 2:7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle -- I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying -- a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.2Tim 1:11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.The apostle carried the good tidings of salvation to the ignorant and unbelieving, the prophet (in the more specific sense of the word) was a messenger to the church; and while the teacher explained and applied truth that was already possessed, the prophet was recognized by those who had spiritual discernment as the Divinely employed medium of fresh revelations (Didache 4 1).1Cor 14:4 … but he who prophesies edifies the church.Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.1Cor 14:30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 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 the churches of the saints.Eph 3:5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:In summary: The Twelve recognized that they were Divinely called as apostles to proclaim the gospel; and Paul repeatedly makes the same claim for himself. But apostle ship was by no means confined to the Twelve; and an itinerant ministry of the word was exercised in differing ways by prophets, evangelists, and teachers, as well as by apostles. The fact that Paul himself is variously described as an apostle, a prophet, a teacher appears to show that the prophetic ministry was not a ministry of stated office, but one of special gifts and functions. The apostle carried the good tidings of salvation to the ignorant and unbelieving the prophet was a messenger to the church; the prophet was recognized by those who had spiritual discernment as the Divinely employed medium of fresh revelations. the teacher explained and applied truth that was already possessed ****
2. The Local and Practical Ministry:
The earliest examples of this are the Seven of Jerusalem who were entrusted with the care of the "daily ministration" ( Ac 6:1 ). With the growth of the church, however, other needs arose, and the local ministry is seen developing in two distinct directions.First there is the presbyter or elder, otherwise known as the bishop or overseer, whose duties, while still local, are chiefly of a spiritual kind. Acts 20:17 From Miletus he (the apostle Paul) sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. … 28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.1Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;Jas 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.1Pet 5:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;Next there are the deacon and the deaconess, whose work appears to have lain largely in house to house visitation and a practical ministry to the poor and needy ( 1Ti 5:8-11).1Tim 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience… 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.The necessities of government, of discipline, and of regular and stated instruction had thus brought it to pass that within New Testament times some of the functions of the general ministry of apostles and prophets were discharged by a local ministry .The general ministry, however, was still recognized to be the higher of the two. Paul addresses the presbyter- bishops of Ephesus in a tone of lofty spiritual authority. And according to the Didache, a true prophet when he visits a church is to take precedence over the resident bishops and deacons (Didache 10 7; 13 3). Acts 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.
J. C. Lambert
*** The Didache, also known as The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations, is a brief anonymous early Christian treatise written in Koine Greek, dated by modern scholars to the first or (less commonly) second century Next issue will be focusing on the "Notes" or the essentials of The "Church" or the body of Messiah. |
|
The LORD An abomination from the LORD… Prov 1:29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,Prov 3:34 The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.Prov 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD…Prov 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud…Prov 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD…Prov 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked…But the Fear of The LORD is… Prov 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.Prov 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.Prov 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life…Prov 20:24 A man's steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?Prov 20:27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.Prov 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.The LORD Vine: (edited for length)[ A-1,Noun,G2962, kurios ] properly an adjective, signifying having power" (kuros) or "authority," is used as a noun, variously translated in the NT, "'Lord,' 'master,' 'Master,' 'owner,' 'Sir,' a title of wide significance… "Christ Himself assumed the title… apparently intending it in the higher senses of its current use, and at the same time suggesting its OT associations. 'God hath made Him, Lord,' Acts 2:36 "Jude, Jude 1:4, speaks of 'our only--Lord, Jesus Christ… "The title 'Lord,' as given to the Savior, in its full significance rests upon the resurrection… [ A-2,Noun,G1203, despotes ] "a master, lord, one who possesses supreme authority," … [ A-3,Noun,G3175, megistan ] akin to megistos, "greatest," the superlative degree of megas, "great," denotes "chief men, nobles… [ B-1,Verb,G2961, kurieuo ] denotes "to be lord of, to exercise lordship over… [ B-2,Verb,G2634, katakurieuo ] a strengthened form of No. 1… [ C-1,Adjective,G2960, kuriakos ] from kurios (A, No. 1), signifies "pertaining to a lord or master;" … |
|
"Lord / LORD" Ps 16:2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You."Ps 38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!Ps 45:11 So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him.Ps 68:11 The Lord gave the word; Great was the company of those who proclaimed it:Ps 68:32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, SelahPs 71:5 For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth.Ps 86:8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.Ps 86:9 All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name.Ps 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.Ps 141:8 But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.Ps 147:5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. |
|
The Lord Have you ever waded across a swift creek? Even if the water only comes to your knees you can still feel its strong force against you. This effect increases with the depth and speed of the water. No man can stand against a neck-deep torrent. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the circumstances of life, offenses, and persistent attacks by your adversary? This can feel as much like a flood as a raging river. The Bible even makes this comparison. Yet it says, when your enemy comes in as a flood, the Spirit of the Lord would raise up a standard against him. The LORD is a strong tower you can run to and be safe. He will provide you with a refuge from the storm. For He promises that He will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can endure, but will provide a way of escape, in Him, that you may be able to bear it, and noting shall by any means harm you, or a hair of your head perish. (Adapted from a Dale Cresap blog) Believe His promises! |
|
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them. For the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave nor forsake you" Deuteronomy 31:6 "When I am with God my fear is gone; in the great quiet of God my troubles are as the pebbles on the road, my joys are like the everlasting hills." Walter Rauschenbusch |
|
I did not know that! The Sinkhole, Guatemala The hole swallowed a dozen homes and killed at least 3 people. |
|
What Love means to a 4-8 year old . . . (Yeshua says unless you become like a little child)
'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.' Rebecca- age 8 ________________________________________ 'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4 ________________________________________ 'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' Chrissy - age 6 ________________________________________ 'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' Terri - age 4 ________________________________________ 'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny - age 7 ________________________________________ 'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,' Nikka - age 6 ________________________________________ 'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.' Tommy - age 6 ________________________________________ 'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.' Cindy - age 8 ________________________________________ 'My mommy loves me more than anybody You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' Clare - age 6 ________________________________________ 'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.' Elaine-age 5 ________________________________________ 'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' Mary Ann - age 4 ________________________________________ 'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.' Lauren - age 4 ________________________________________ 'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' Karen - age 7 ________________________________________ 'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.' Jessica - age 8 ________________________________________ And the final one The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry' ________________________________________ When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need. |
