The duty of a Pastor

 👨‍🏫The True Work and Responsibility of a Pastor

Theme:

Pastoring is preaching God’s Word, rebuking, and teaching, because God will judge every pastor for his doctrine, preaching, and life.

👨‍🏫I. A Pastor’s Primary Duty Is to Preach God’s Word

2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

A true pastor’s main focus is the Word of God—not entertainment, politics, or personal opinion.

1 Corinthians 1:17–18 – “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel… for the preaching of the cross is… the power of God.”

Preaching must center on Christ and His Word, not human philosophy or motivation.

👨‍🏫II. A Pastor Must Rebuke and Correct in Love

Titus 2:15 – “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”

Proverbs 27:5–6 – “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend.”

A faithful pastor must confront sin and error lovingly, for the sake of souls and the purity of the church.

👨‍🏫III. A Pastor Must Teach Sound Doctrine

Titus 1:9 – “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

1 Timothy 4:16 – “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

Teaching must be biblical, clear, and consistent with the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

👨‍🏫IV. A Pastor’s Life Must Match His Message

1 Timothy 3:2–7 – “A bishop then must be blameless… of good behaviour… apt to teach.”

Titus 2:7–8 – “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.”

The pastor’s character and testimony should reflect the holiness and integrity of Christ.

👨‍🏫V. God Will Judge Pastors by Their Faithfulness

James 3:1 – “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”

Hebrews 13:17 – “They watch for your souls, as they that must give account.”

Every pastor will one day stand before the Lord and give account—not for popularity or numbers, but for faithfulness in preaching and shepherding.

👨‍🏫VI. A Pastor Must Shepherd the Flock Faithfully

1 Peter 5:2–4 – “Feed the flock of God which is among you… being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory.”

The pastor is not a lord but a shepherd—feeding, guiding, and protecting God’s people until the Chief Shepherd returns.

Conclusion

Pastoring is not a profession—it is a sacred calling.

It demands faithful preaching, biblical teaching, loving rebuke, and a holy life.

The pastor must live in the fear of God, for one day he will stand before the Great Shepherd and give account of his ministry.

> 2 Timothy 4:5 – “But watch thou in all things… do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

CTTO

Why Jesus Called His Church a Little Flock?

 📖 Luke 12:32 (KJV)

> “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

🕊️ Why did Jesus call His Church a “little flock”?

1. Because of its small number in a world that rejects Him.

Jesus was not speaking of the size of the flock as a matter of failure, but as a matter of faithfulness.

Throughout Scripture, God’s true people have often been a remnant, a small group who truly believe and obey Him (see Matthew 7:13–14).

> “Enter ye in at the strait gate... few there be that find it.” — Matthew 7:13–14

So, “little flock” means few in number, but great in value to God.

God’s people are not many because the world loves darkness rather than light (John 3:19).

2. Because it shows humility and dependence.

Sheep are gentle, dependent creatures.

By calling His followers a “flock,” Jesus emphasizes that He is the Shepherd (John 10:11) — the one who feeds, leads, and protects.

“Little” shows humility — not weakness — because the strength of the Church is not in its size, but in its Shepherd.

> “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” — John 10:11

3. Because true believers will always be a minority.

Jesus forewarned that the world would hate His disciples (John 15:18–19).

The true church — those who are born again and obedient to Christ — will never be the majority.

Many profess Christ, but few truly follow Him.

So the “little flock” is the faithful minority among a vast number of religious and unbelieving people.

4. Because God delights to work through the few.

God often chooses the small, humble, and despised things to show His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).

A “little flock” led by the Almighty Shepherd can do far greater things than a multitude without His Spirit.

> “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

This shows assurance and divine favor — God is pleased to give eternal inheritance to those few who truly follow His Son.

Why PREMILLENNIALISM

Why Missionary Baptists (and most Bible-believing Baptists) are Premillennial — not Amillennial or Postmillennial:

Why We Are Premillennial and Not Amillennial or Postmillennial

1. We interpret the Bible literally, not allegorically.

Premillennialism believes that the prophecies of Christ’s second coming, the tribulation, and the thousand-year reign (Revelation 20:1–6) are to be understood literally, not symbolically.

God means what He says. The prophecies given to Israel and the Church are distinct and must not be spiritualized.

Revelation 20:4–6 clearly states Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years—not figuratively, but literally.

2. We believe God still has a future plan for national Israel.

Israel has not been replaced by the Church (Romans 11:1–2, 25–29).

God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are everlasting and await literal fulfillment during the millennial kingdom (Genesis 17:7–8).

Premillennialism recognizes that the Church and Israel are distinct, and God will restore Israel when Christ returns.

3. We believe Christ will return before the millennium (Pre-millennial).

Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return to earth to establish His millennial kingdom (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11–16).

His second coming will precede the thousand-year reign, bringing judgment upon unbelievers and reward to the faithful.

4. We reject Amillennialism because it denies the literal kingdom.

Amillennialism teaches there is no future, literal thousand-year reign of Christ, claiming the “millennium” is symbolic of the Church Age.

It spiritualizes prophecies and often aligns with Covenant and Replacement Theology, blurring the distinction between Israel and the Church.

It contradicts the plain sense of Scripture in Revelation 20 and Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 11 and Zechariah 14.

5. We reject Postmillennialism because it wrongly assumes man will bring in the kingdom.

Postmillennialism teaches the world will gradually become better through Christian influence until Christ returns after the millennium.

This view is unbiblical because Scripture teaches the world will grow worse, not better, before Christ returns (2 Timothy 3:1–5; Matthew 24:12).

Only Christ Himself, not human effort, can establish true peace and righteousness on earth.

6. We believe the Pre-tribulational Rapture aligns with Scripture.

The Church will be caught up before the Tribulation period (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 3:10).

The Rapture and the Second Coming are two separate events—the Rapture for the Church, and the Second Coming for judgment and kingdom establishment.

7. We hold to the Blessed Hope of Christ’s imminent return.

Premillennialism gives believers hope, urgency, and faithfulness in service—knowing Christ could return at any moment.

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” — Titus 2:13

Conclusion

We are Premillennial because it is the only view that:

Takes the Bible literally,

Keeps Israel and the Church distinct,

Exalts Christ—not man—as the builder of His kingdom, and

Upholds the imminent, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ before the Millennium.

Reformed Baptist

 📖 Differences Between Reformed Baptists and Missionary Baptists

1. Doctrinal Foundation

Reformed Baptists base their beliefs on Reformed or Calvinistic theology, particularly the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. They uphold the five points of Calvinism and interpret Scripture through Covenant Theology.

Missionary Baptists, on the other hand, are rooted in traditional Landmark Baptist theology. They hold to a Biblicist and often dispensational(not hyperdispensationalism) interpretation of Scripture, rejecting Calvinism’s doctrines of limited atonement and unconditional election.

2. View of Salvation

Reformed Baptists believe in particular redemption—that Christ died only for the elect. They teach that regeneration precedes faith, meaning a person believes because they are first born again by the Spirit. They also hold to the perseverance of the saints.

Missionary Baptists believe in general atonement—that Christ died for all, and salvation is offered to whosoever will believe. They emphasize human responsibility and free will as God requires, teaching that faith precedes regeneration. They affirm the eternal security of the believer but reject the Calvinistic definition of perseverance.

3. Doctrine of Grace

Reformed Baptists embrace what are known as the “Doctrines of Grace,” summarized in the acronym TULIP: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.

Missionary Baptists reject most of these points, emphasizing that God’s grace can be resisted and that salvation is available to all who will receive Christ by faith. They stress God’s love for the entire world and the believer’s responsibility to respond to the gospel.

4. View of the Church

Reformed Baptists recognize both the universal church (the spiritual body of all believers) and local congregations. Their churches are often linked through associations or fellowships.

Missionary Baptists, however, maintain that the true church is always local and visible. They reject the concept of a universal invisible church, holding instead that each local, autonomous body of baptized believers constitutes a true New Testament church.

5. Church Polity

Reformed Baptist churches are congregational in structure but usually led by a plurality of elders along with deacons who handle practical matters.

Missionary Baptists practice a congregational and democratic form of government led by a single pastor under Christ’s headship. Each church is autonomous and independent, without any external authority.

6. Ordinances

Both groups observe two ordinances—baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Reformed Baptists practice believer’s baptism by immersion and often have open or close communion, allowing baptized believers from other churches to partake.

Missionary Baptists also practice baptism by immersion, but they hold to strict closed communion, permitting only members of the same local church to partake. They recognize baptism only if it is administered by a scriptural New Testament church of like faith and order.

7. Covenant Theology vs. Landmarkism

Reformed Baptists interpret the Bible through Covenant Theology, seeing continuity between the Old and New Covenants. They often hold amillennial or postmillennial eschatological views.

Missionary Baptists follow Landmark ecclesiology, emphasizing the perpetuity of Baptist churches from Christ to the present. They are commonly premillennial and dispensational, rejecting Covenant Theology and the concept of replacement theology.

8. Philosophy of Missions

Reformed Baptists support missions through cooperative associations or mission boards under elder oversight, emphasizing theological education and church planting.

Missionary Baptists teach that missionaries should be sent and supported directly by local churches, not by mission boards or denominations. They prioritize soul winning, evangelism, and local church-planting as the heart of their mission work.

9. Evangelism and Soul Winning

Reformed Baptists focus on preaching and teaching as the means by which God calls His elect to salvation. They avoid emotional or manipulative appeals.

Missionary Baptists strongly emphasize personal soul winning, gospel invitations, altar calls, and revival meetings. They see evangelism as the duty of every believer and every church.

10. Worship and Music

Reformed Baptist worship is marked by reverence, doctrinal depth, and simplicity. Services are often quiet, reflective, and centered on Scripture, psalms, and hymns.

Missionary Baptist worship is joyful and evangelistic. They favor congregational singing of traditional hymns and gospel songs, aiming to glorify God while stirring the heart toward obedience and witness.

11. Position on Modernism and Ecumenism

Reformed Baptists are cautious toward ecumenical movements but may maintain limited fellowship with other conservative Reformed groups.

Missionary Baptists are strongly separatist. They reject modernism, liberalism, and all forms of ecumenical compromise, standing firmly on the command to “come out from among them” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

12. View of the Great Commission

Reformed Baptists teach that the Great Commission is to be fulfilled through the ongoing ministry of local churches and missionary societies under church oversight.

Missionary Baptists teach that the Great Commission was given specifically to the local New Testament church and not to denominations or general Christian organizations. They see evangelism, baptism, and teaching as the exclusive work of Christ’s true churches throughout all ages.

✝️ Summary

Reformed Baptists emphasize God’s sovereignty, confessional theology, and doctrinal depth. 

Missionary Baptists emphasize evangelism, church perpetuity, local autonomy, and the responsibility of believers to carry out the Great Commission.

While both are Baptist in name and share belief in believer’s baptism and biblical authority, their theological foundations and ecclesiastical practices reflect distinct traditions within Baptist history.

Martyrdom

📖 Martyrdom and the Reward of Those Who Die for Christ

1. The Meaning of Martyrdom

• The term martyr comes from the Greek μάρτυς (martys), meaning witness.
• In Scripture, martyrs are those who bear witness to Christ even unto death (e.g. Acts 22:20; Revelation 2:13).
• Martyrdom is not merely dying, but dying because of faith in Jesus and refusing to deny Him (cf. Matthew 10:32–33).

2. Biblical Examples of Martyrs (beyond Christ)

• John the Baptist — He courageously rebuked Herod Antipas for his illicit marriage. As Scripture says, “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:18). At Herod’s banquet, Herodias’ daughter—at her mother’s prompting—asked for John’s head, and it was granted. (Mark 6:27, etc.)
• Stephen — Considered the first Christian martyr, stoned for proclaiming Christ before the council (Acts 7:54–60).
• James, son of Zebedee — Put to death by sword under King Herod (Acts 12:1–2).
• Antipas of Pergamos — Referred to in Revelation as “my faithful martyr” (Rev. 2:13).
• Unnamed martyrs — Hebrews 11:35–38 speaks of many who were tortured, imprisoned, or slain, not receiving the fullness of deliverance in this life.

3. The Certainty of Persecution

• Jesus warned His disciples, “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20)
• Paul states, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
• Thus, martyrdom (or at least suffering) is not accidental but integral to Christian witness.

4. The Reward of Martyrs

a. The Crown of Life

• “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
• This promise is especially directed to those who endure persecution and even death for Christ.

b. White Robes and Heavenly Honor

• In Revelation 6:9–11, martyrs are pictured under the altar, clothed in white robes, crying for God’s justice.
• White robes symbolize purity, victory, and divine approval.

c. Special Nearness to Christ

• Revelation 7:13–17 describes those who “came out of great tribulation,” serving before the throne; the Lamb will shepherd them and wipe away their tears.
• Martyrs enjoy an honored proximity and intimacy with the Lord in eternity.

d. Resurrection and Vindication

• Jesus said, “Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
• Paul emphasizes that nothing—not even death—can separate believers from Christ (Romans 8:35–39).
• At the final resurrection, martyrs will be raised in glory and vindicated before all (see 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10).

5. Historical Testimony: Early Church & Later Confessions

• Tertullian famously declared, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
• Anabaptist martyrs such as Felix Manz (1527) faced death singing psalms, trusting in Christ’s promises.
• Other Anabaptist martyrs include Michael Sattler, Balthasar Hubmaier, George Blaurock, Dirk Willems, etc.
• In modern times, evangelical and Baptist martyrs in places like Nigeria, Uganda, Laos, and Sri Lanka continue the testimony that dying for Christ is gain (Philippians 1:21).

6. Application for Believers Today

• Martyrdom reminds us that the Christian life is costly. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
• While not every believer is called to literal martyrdom, all are called to faithfulness, courage in witnessing, and readiness to suffer for Christ.
• We must pray for persecuted Christians (Hebrews 13:3) and resolve to stand firm even if it costs us anything—including our lives.

• Modern Example (Contested): Charlie Kirk

In September 2025, Charlie Kirk, a Christian-conservative activist, was fatally shot while speaking at a university event. Supporters argue he died as a martyr—victim of hatred toward his Christian convictions and for publicly witnessing truth.

Whether his death qualifies as biblical martyrdom depends on motive: Was he murdered because of his faith in Christ, or because of political/ideological opposition? Some evidence points to his faith being integral to his public stance, but definitive proof remains debated.

This case underscores the importance of careful discernment before labeling modern deaths as martyrdom: we must weigh motives, circumstances, and consistency with scriptural patterns.

Are you a Lord over a New Testament Church? (You are building your own kingdom?

 

📖 Biblical Warning Against Such Control

> “Neither as being lords over God's heritage...”

— 1 Peter 5:3

> “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth…”

— 1 Corinthians 1:2

(Paul wrote directly to the local church, not to a hierarchy or association.)

🛑 When Associations, fellowship Go Beyond Their Biblical Role:

They:

Become unscriptural in function.

Destroy the independence of local churches.

Risk becoming hierarchical and political, like denominations.

✅ Right Role of an Association and fellowship (Baptist View):

Fellowship of equals — no church above another.

Helps in missions, education, disaster response, etc.

Cannot command, only recommend.

Local church remains the highest authority under Christ.

🧭 Baptist Principle:

> "Each local New Testament church is autonomous and accountable only to Christ."

This is a foundational truth of Missionary Baptists, Landmark Baptists, and many others.

New Testament Church

 🤔WHAT IS A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH? 

    Is it a BUILDING? NO. Is it a DENOMINATION? NO. Is it something INVISIBLE? NO. Is it something UNIVERSAL? NO. Then what is it? 

    ✅It is an "ASSEMBLY." The word "church" (or churches") is found 114 times in the New Testament, and is rendered from the greek word "ekklesia" which means only one thing: "A COMPANY OF PEOPLE CALLED OUT" or an "ASSEMBLY". 

☝️THERE ARE THREE IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE WORD "ASSEMBLY." 

1. IT IMPLIES #LOCALITY.

    Think about it...an "assembly" can only be local. People cannot "come together" and yet be all over the world! For example, a motor car is an assembly of various parts, but there is no such thing as a "universal car"!

    This fact is in harmony with the New Testament. In all but about 15 instances, where it is used in a "generic" or "institutional" sense, (that is, "any church in general - no church in particular), the word "church" or "churches" is always used in connection with definite, geographical localities.

    The New Testament specifically names 20 cities and regions where churches were located, and implies many more. 

ASIA    ANTIOCH    SMYRNA    THYATIRA    LAODICEA    CILICIA    CENCHREA   EPHESUS    SAMARIA    JERUSALEM    GALILEE    SARDIS    THESSALONICA    CORINTH    JUDEA    CAESARIA    GALATIA    BABYLON    PHILADELPHIA    MACEDONIA    PERGAMOS 

IF THE PLAIN SENSE MAKES COMMON SENSE, SEEK NO OTHER SENSE, OR IT ALL BECOMES NONSENSE! 

☝️2. IT IMPLIES #VISIBILITY.

    An "assembly" can only be visible. People cannot "come together" and not be seen! All the churches mentioned in the New Testament were visible, local, assemblies. THE MYSTICAL, INVISIBLE, UNIVERSAL CHURCH THEORY IS THE INVENTION OF MEN!

   The unscriptural teaching began to develop very early in post-apostolic times when ambitious pastors assumed positions God did not intend for them.

    The 2nd century saw the rise of 'sacerdotalism' or 'priestly' assumption. The unnatural elevation of pastors above their congregation divided God's people into a 'clergy' and a 'laity'. Then came the elevation of pastor above pastor which by the 3rd century had developed into an ordered clergy or a hierarchy.

    Some pastors, because of their prominence or geographical location, began to exert influence, then control over other churches. From this developed the "Metropolitans", the "Primates", the "Patriarchs", and finally the universal idea. 

    Theologically all of this was 'justified" by equating 'church' and 'kingdom'. This blatant error suited the proponents of this new theory since the Kingdom of God is the rule of God in the hearts of willing subjects (believers), and as such is spiritual, invisible, and universal.

    Politically this was accomplished during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (306 - 337) who adopted Christianity as the state religion of Rome. This 'christianizing' of his empire also paganized many churches, and what resulted from this 'church-kingdom-empire' wedding was a VISIBLE, universal (catholic) church with a universal pastor that has continued on down through the centuries to this day.

    The 16th century protestant reformation did not change this universal church idea - but to account for the various number of new denominations, it was altered to read an INVISIBLE, universal church. 

3. IT IMPLIES #ORGANIZATION.

    An 'assembly' is not a 'rabble'! The Bible likens each New Testament church to: 

(1) A  BODY.

    With Christ as the Head. A pile of flesh, organs, bones, etc. does not constitute a body -- It must be put together according to a plan!

(2) A BUILDING.

    With Christ  as the 'Chief cornerstone'. A pile of bricks, timber, plaster, etc. does not constitute a building-- It must be put together according to plan!. 

    The greek word 'ekklesia' was not strange to the people of New Testament times. The idea of an 'assembly' was well understood, and in Matthew 16:18, when Jesus first mentioned His church, He did not invent a new meaning or a modification of it in any way. In fact, to distinguish His church from the other assemblies of the day, He used the term "MY church."

    Apart from this church that Jesus established, the New Testament also mentions two other 'ekklesia's': Acts 7:38 - where the word is rendered 'church', and Acts 19:39 - where it is translated 'assembly'. In both cases, there is conformity to the 3 important Facts Concerning An Assembly, namely:  

[Yes] LOCAL✅

[Yes] VISIBLE✅

[Yes] ORGANIZED✅ 

    Whilst journeying from Egypt to Canaan, the nation of Israel could properly be called a 'church'. Even though they numbered perhaps 2 million souls, they were all together in one place and pitched their camps in definite localities (ex. Num. 12:16).  They were visible too (Num. 22:41). Of course,  when they crossed the Jordan and dispersed into the promised land, they were no longer a 'church', but in due course, a kingdom.

    The Greek citizens' assembly had a definite location in the theatre at Ephesus, and quite obviously was a real and visible (Acts 19:29, 35 etc.). And, despite the confusion brought about by the leadership of the townclerk (v35) having laws governing its operation (v39). 

    So A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IS AN ORGANIZED ASSEMBLY OF PEOPLE.

......BUT JUST ANY PEOPLE??

...................NO. 

☝️MEMBERSHIP IS EXCLUSIVE!

THERE ARE TWO REQUIREMENTS:

1. SALVATION AND

2. BAPTISM (Acts 2:41). 

✅A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IS  AN ASSEMBLY OF BAPTISED BELIEVERS ORGANISED TO CARRY OUT THE LORD'S WORK. 

☝️HOW IS A CHURCH ORGANIZED? SIMPLE..

    According to the pattern given in the New Testament! Involving: 

1. #GOVERNMENT.

    Each church is an independent, self-governing body with Christ as its Head, and conducts His business through a congregational vote under pastoral leadership. Ephesians 5:23, Acts 1:15-26. 

2. #OFFICERS.

    Pastors (bishops or elders) - who are the undershepherds, in the place of leadership. 

    Deacons - the servants of the church. Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-13. 

3. #ORDINANCES.

    Baptism - the immersion of a believer in water, symbolizing the gospel of Christ.

    The Lord's Supper - the symbolic remembrance of the cross of Calvary. Acts 8:12; Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 11:23-29. 

4. #DISCIPLINE.

    In all church matters, each church member is subject to the church, which is the highest and final authority. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Tim. 3:6-15. 

5. #FINANCES.

    Tithes and Offerings.  - no fetes, bazaars, or cake sales. 1 Cor. 16:2; Mal. 3:10.

✅A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IS  AN ASSEMBLY OF BAPTISED BELIEVERS ORGANISED TO CARRY OUT THE LORD'S WORK. 

☝️WHAT IS THE LORD'S WORK?

MATTHEW 28:19, 20 TELLS US: 

1. EVANGELIZING. Getting folk saved.

2. BAPTIZING. Making them Baptists.

3. STABILIZING. Grounding them in the faith. 

These three acts summarize the work of our Lord. He preached the same gospel we have today (Mark 1:14, 15 John 3:3-7), baptized those who believed (John 3:22; 4:1), and taught them His Word (Matt. 5:1 etc.). His churches have no other mandate but to continue this work!! 

☝️A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IS UNIQUE!

IT IS THE ONLY INSTITUTION ON EARTH THAT... 

A. ....is the temple of the Holy Spirit - God's special dwelling place. 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:19-22. 

B. ....has the scriptural authority to baptize and observe the Lord's Supper. Matt 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:17-20. 

C.  ....is the pillar and ground of the Truth. 1 Tim. 3:15. 

D. ...is the storehouse of God’s money - the tithe. 1 Cor. 16:2; Mal. 3:8-10. 

E.  ....is God's missionary agency. Mark 16:15; Acts 1:4, 8; Acts 13:1-5. 

F. .....has the keys of the kingdom - God's soulwinning agency, Matt. 16:19. 

☝️THIS IS THE ONLY TYPE OF CHURCH THE BIBLE KNOWS! The Bible rejects the universal idea of a church. 

    One stands alone. One is unyielding.  It does not mean two or three. One is one, and the Bible declares in Ephesians 4:4 that there is only one type of church. 

    There is ONE BODY,  and ONE SPIRIT, even as ye are called in ONE HOPE of your calling.

     Before we start thinking that this 'body' is some unorganized, unseen, undisciplined, mystical, universal thing -  

#COLOSSIANS 1:18, 24 defines the body as the church or an assembly (local, visible  organized  etc.) "And He is the Head of the body, the church...for His body's sake, which is the Church." The FACT is, every New Testament church is a Body of Christ, with Christ as it's Head. Hard to grasp?

#1Corinthians 11:3 the Bible says that Christ is the head of the man - but this does not imply a "UNIVERSAL MAN"!!!

☝️THE FIRST NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS STARTED BY JESUS CHRIST - BEFORE PENTECOST!!!!!

CHRIST and His company of disciples were a real New Testament church in every sense - before Pentecost! They were:

* An Assembly (e.g. John 20:19; Acts 1:4, 6).

* Baptized Believers (John 1:35-37; Matt.3:6-7).

* Organized (They had a Shepherd/pastor and    even a treasurer. John 10:11; John 13:29).

 * Constantly doing the Lord's Work (Matt. 11:1; Matt. 10:5-7; John 4:1). 

    They had a membership roll, a prayer meeting, and a business meeting before Pentecost. (Acts 1:13-26).

    The Lord Jesus sang in the church - before Pentecost. (Heb. 2:12; Matt. 26:30).

    "And on the day of Pentecost  they were "added to" meaning the church was already existing. (Acts 2:41). 

    The Gospel Era began with the preaching of John the Baptist. (Lk. 16:16; Mark 1:1). Jesus built His church out of suitable material (baptized believers) prepared by John the Baptist.

    

☝️TO SAY THAT THE CHURCH WAS BORN ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST BY, WITH, OR IN THE HOLY SPIRIT  IS A MYTH - A THEORY WITH MARGINAL SUPPORT!

    The significance of this great day was three-fold:

    (1) Divine approval was expressed  for this type of church as the New Testament Temple in much the same way as it was shown for the two temples of the Old Testament and will be for the Millennial  temple. (Ex. 40:33, 34).

    (2) The Spirit of God 'took over' as Administrator of the church enabling Christ to be Head over many churches until the end of this age.

    (3) Christ empowered His church to carry out it's task as His body. This power is available and so needed today.  (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31; Ephesians 5:18).

☝️THE 'MYSTICAL, INVISIBLE, UNIVERSAL CHURCH' THEORY PROMOTES:

    *Compromise and Ecumenism

    *Unfaithfulness to Real Churches

    *Unscriptural Substitutes for Church Work

    *Bible Doubting and Disobedience

☝️CHRIST PROMISED HIS CHURCHES PERPETUITY!! 

#Matthew 16:18 gives the direct promise of Jesus to His churches, and He said: ' . . .and the gates of hell SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT. 'The Great Commission of Matthew 28:19, 20 was given to the disciples institutionally rather than individually, (e.g. to the church), and Jesus said, '. . .lo, I am with you ALWAY, even unto the END OF THE WORLD.'

    The Lord's Supper of 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 is a church ordinance (verses 17-20) to be observed as a memorial to symbolize the 'Lord's death TILL HE COME.'

    In Ephesians 3:21 we have the statement, "Unto him be glory in the CHURCH By Christ Jesus THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, world without end." 

☝️THESE VERSES DECLARE WHAT HISTORY CONFIRMS - THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME SINCE THE DAYS OF CHRIST WHEN A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH COULD NOT BE FOUND SOMEWHERE ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH, ALWAYS DESPISED, AT TIMES ALMOST BLOTTED OUT, WITH A TESTIMONY WRITTEN IN BLOOD, THESE LOVED CHURCHES OF THE OF THE LORD HAVE KEPT THE FAITH AND WITNESS TO THE SAVING GRACE OF GOD.

☝️SATAN HAS HIS CHURCH TOO! 

The Devil is the Master Imitator, appearing as an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:4) Wherever God has brought forth something good and beautiful, this one who would be God (Isa. 14:12-15) produces a counterfeit. According to 2 Cor. 11:4, he has 'another Jesus', 'another spirit', and 'another gospel' to delude an unsuspecting world. He has his preachers too and you can BE SURE he has a church system which keeps countless millions from ever knowing Christ and thousands of Christians from ever serving and pleasing God. 

☝️DOES ALL THIS REALLY MATTER?? Yes, it does! However, judging by the attitude and actions of many Christians, this Bible doctrine of the New Testament Church and the practical matters of church membership and work are of little importance. After all, "One church is as good as another, it doesn't  make any difference to what church (denomination) you belong - so long as you are saved!"

    Well, it does make a difference! All churches are not the same, as we have endeavored to show. With what type of church would you think God is more pleased:

    *One established by men - or one founded by the Lord Jesus Christ?

    *One that teaches the Bible plus traditions of men - or one that teaches the Bible alone?

    *One whose allegiance is to councils of men - or one whose only loyalty is to Christ and His Word? 

    Whatever you do about all of this certainly won't affect your eternal destiny - but it will affect your spiritual comfort! You will someday have to give account to God, and He says, "To obey is better than sacrifice: (1 Sam. 15:22). Remember, you cannot 'hide' behind the universal church because it doesn't exist! 

☝️There are three things God expects of His people in relation to the New Testament Church. 

1. GOD EXPECTS HIS PEOPLE TO COME OUT OF UNSCRIPTURAL CHURCHES.

    There is no good excuse for a Christian to be involved or remain in a 'church' that does not conform to the Word of God. Whether it be traditional ties, a beautiful building, friendly fold, a popular pastor, melodious music, or important involvement - nothing can justify it. With reference to the religious system  of the Revelation chapter 17, God says: 'Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.' (Rev. 18:4). 

2. GOD EXPECTS US TO UNIFY WITH A BIBLE BELIEVING NEW TESTAMENT (BAPTIST) CHURCH.

    Baptism and church membership are not 'optional extras' for a child of God - they are an express command, and Jesus said in John 14:15, "if ye love me, keep my commandments. "  There is nothing to pray about it! It should be the first act of every Christian to be scripturally baptized into a New Testament Church. That is the place for real spiritual growth and service. 

3. GOD EXPECTS HIS PEOPLE TO BE FAITHFUL TO THEIR (NEW TESTAMENT) CHURCH.

    It is a wonderful blessing to be a member of a body of Christ, and such a shame that so many take this privilege lightly, often by their actions despising God's house, esteeming it to be of secondary importance.  Every New Testament church is important! The Bible says in Ephesians 5:26 that Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. That makes it important, and every church member ought to love his church and give it a sacred pre-eminence above all other human institutions. This means he will be faithful in giving (1 Cor. 16:2), and be faithful to the soulwinning program both at home and through foreign missions (Matt. 28:19, 20). He will walk together in Christian love with the brethren (John 13:34- 35) and cheerfully submit to the leadership of the pastor (Hebrews 13:17). 

🤔What about you? Are you in the church God would have you? If so, does it hold the place in your heart that God would have it? Your actions will answer for you. 🙏

#copyPaste! #ctto!