🤔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!
