08/11/21 SHARPEN YOUR VIEW OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

08/11/21 SHARPEN YOUR VIEW OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

I just recently posted the following eight paragraphs. I am adding an article I wrote and have posted in the past. TRUST ME, you better know what God says about His Church and His churches.

The church is people, not buildings. This is not jargon. Christian people meet in houses, stores, libraries, conference rooms, prisons, catacombs, caves, meadows, forests, online, buses, camp grounds, barns, offices, school auditoriums, but no, buildings are not churches.

There are buildings that people refer to as churches but all of the bricks, mortar, steel, glass, steeples, baptistries in the world do not make a church. Programs, pulpits, pews, are not parts of the church.

Religious people, even God haters, BIBLE haters, Christian haters love buildings, organizations, programs. Even the State, (American, Chinese, Russian) loves religious buildings. They control them, they approve them, they condemn them if they disagree with what is being taught in them, then they take them over to be used for secular purposes.

Until people understand what a church is they will refer to "Steeple Houses and Brick Piles," as churches and they will avoid the gathering of God's people.

The world and the State have a warped view of what a church is and they may hate, resist and reject the true church.

Jesus isn't going to rapture real estate. People would rather put their soul, money, energy, friends, family in a fancy building than meet with the church. Jesus didn't die for buildings, didn't send His Holy Spirit to purify buildings, didn't give the Gifts of the Spirit to buildings, didn't send buildings into the world to make disciples.

Buildings do not get saved, get born of the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, led by the Spirit.

Buildings do not have faith, do not confess or deny Jesus. Buildings are not the Bride of Christ, or Building of Christ or Body of Christ.

We do a disservice to the Bible, salvation, God, fellow believers when we refer to any material building as a church. In fact, we paganize and idolize our faith by denying that a church is a spiritual body of believers, but refer instead to any meeting place as a church. We, as Christians, should be willing to lay down our lives for fellow believers but not for a physical structure.

My out building is my own property, and just like the rest of my property, i will use it for my wife and myself for family, friends, fun, feasts, faith, fellowship.

DLG POST ON THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF THE CHURCH
05/03/21 A BIBLICAL VIEW OF THE CHURCH

There is only One Lord, One Head of the Church.

Any usurper is a liar, thief and murderer.

The Church is the Body of Christ.

The Church has only One Bride Groom.

Any other "lover" or master is a loathsome paramour.

The Church is the Bride of Christ.

The Church has only One Cornerstone.

Any other is a false foundation.

The Church is the Building of Christ.

I hope you take the time to read my article below (which I posted 2010 and re-posted on February 19 of this year).

02/19/21 THE CHURCH...
THE CHURCH...
an article I wrote and posted in 2010
In this article, from several years ago, I expressed my view of the CHURCH throughout my ministry. As we have passed through Philadelphia and as we are crossing into Laodicea, the reality of these truths becomes even more vital to personal salvation.

THE CHURCH IS GOD'S PLAN TO REACH THE WORLD.
THERE IS NO CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT THE CHURCH.

A. THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH is the most powerful, important wonderful body of people in the world.
The Church is only mentioned two times in the four Gospels of the New Testament. Jesus said He would build His Church on the fact that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and then said that when there is dissension between followers of Christ, they should eventually bring the problem to the Church. But notice, when He said that He would build His Church, He said, “...the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
The Church is magnificent because it is His Church and it is built upon Christ and it is will prevail against the gates (the power, wisdom, resources) of hell.

B. THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH was God's idea from before the foundation of the world, though it was not known for four thousand years.

Basically, the Church is a BODY of people who have a saving faith in Jesus Christ and follow the teachings of the Holy Bible.

The body is universal, regional and local. In the Old Testament the people of God were distinguished by being part of the Jewish faith, practicing Jewish religious ritual, but God had always planned to include people of all racial backgrounds in a saving relationship with Himself.

This plan is called The Church. The Church is not obligated to observe Jewish laws of sacrifice, diet or ceremony. The Church is comprised of people who trust in the sacrificial death and physical resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ, as the only acceptable way to find God's approval. However, this plan did not become evident until after Jesus Christ came into the world.

(I emphasize portions in this comment by using all caps, since I could not bold face in earlier formats).

Ephesians 3:3-9
(3) HOW THAT BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,
(4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
(5) WHICH IN OTHER AGES WAS NOT MADE KNOWN UNTO THE SONS OF MEN, AS IT IS NOW REVEALED UNTO HIS HOLY APOSTLES AND PROPHETS BY THE SPIRIT;
(6) THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOW HEIRS, AND OF THE SAME BODY, AND PARTAKERS OF HIS PROMISE IN CHRIST BY THE GOSPEL:
(7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
😎 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
(9) AND TO MAKE ALL MEN SEE WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, WHO CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST:

THE CHURCH was a MYSTERY (a secret) in the Old Testament, revealed to Paul in the New Testament. A Biblical Mystery is a secret that can only be discovered, understood, when God explains it or reveals it.
The Church has been God's plan from the beginning, but was kept hidden from the human history until the coming of Christ and the teaching of Paul the apostle.

C. THE MASTER OF THE CHURCH
Remember, when Peter identified Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus said,
Matthew 16:17-18
(17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
(18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

1. THE CHURCH belongs to Jesus
The Bible says Jesus is the Head of the Church.
Ephesians 1:22-23
(22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
(23) Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.

Colossians 1:18-19
(18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
(19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;

2. Jesus Died for THE CHURCH
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.

Ephesians 5:25-27
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT;
(26) THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY AND CLEANSE IT with the washing of water by the word,
(27) THAT HE MIGHT PRESENT IT TO HIMSELF A GLORIOUS CHURCH, NOT HAVING SPOT, OR WRINKLE, OR ANY SUCH THING; BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH.

Jesus is the only Head of THE CHURCH, on earth and in heaven. In fact, the Biblical models of the Church recognize the Authority of Jesus over the Church.

D. THE MODELS OF THE CHURCH
1. THE CHURCH is the BODY OF CHRIST
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.

1 Corinthians 12:27
(27) NOW YE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular.

Ephesians 4:12
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:

Colossians 1:24
(24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the AFFLICTIONS OF CHRIST IN MY FLESH FOR HIS BODY'S SAKE, WHICH IS THE CHURCH:

2. THE CHURCH is the BRIDE OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 11:3
(3) But I would have you know, that THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST; AND THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN IS THE MAN; and the head of Christ is God.

2 Corinthians 11:2
(2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: FOR I HAVE ESPOUSED YOU TO ONE HUSBAND, THAT I MAY PRESENT YOU AS A CHASTE VIRGIN TO CHRIST.

Ephesians 5:23
(23) FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: and he is the savior of the body.

3. THE CHURCH is the BUILDING OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 3:9
(9) For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, YE ARE GOD'S BUILDING.

Ephesians 2:20-22
(20) AND ARE BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNER STONE;
(21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:
(22) In whom YE ALSO ARE BUILDED TOGETHER FOR A HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT.

4. THE CHURCH is the ARMY, THE SOLDIERS OF CHRIST
Philippians 2:25
(25) Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, AND FELLOW SOLDIER, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

2 Timothy 2:3-4
(3) Thou therefore endure hardness, AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST.
(4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER.

Philemon 1:2
(2) And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus OUR FELLOW SOLDIER, and to the church in thy house:

5. THE CHURCH is the HOUSEHOLD, FAMILY OF CHRIST
Galatians 6:10
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH.

Ephesians 2:19
(19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD;

Ephesians 3:15
(15) Of whom THE WHOLE FAMILY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH IS NAMED,

6. THE CHURCH is the PILLAR AND GROUND (SUPPORT) OF THE TRUTH
1 Timothy 3:15
(15) But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the HOUSE OF GOD, WHICH IS THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH.

E. THE MINISTRIES AND MINSTERS OF THE CHURCH

1. The GIFTS of the Spirit are given to and for THE CHURCH
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
(27) Now ye are THE BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular.
(28) And GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH, first APOSTLES, secondarily PROPHETS, thirdly TEACHERS, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
(29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
(30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
(31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

All of 1 Corinthians 14.

Ephesians 4:11-12
(11) AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; AND SOME, PROPHETS; AND SOME, EVANGELISTS; AND SOME, PASTORS AND TEACHERS;
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:

Ephesians 4:15-16
(15) But speaking the truth in love, MAY GROW UP INTO HIM IN ALL THINGS, which is the head, even Christ:
(16) From whom THE WHOLE BODY FITLY JOINED TOGETHER and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh INCREASE OF THE BODY UNTO THE EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE.

2. THE CHURCH sent the APOSTLES TO PLANT CHURCHES
(The apostles not only made converts, they established fellowships, churches, and appointed elders for those churches).

Acts 13:1-3
(1) Now there were IN THE CHURCH THAT WAS AT ANTIOCH CERTAIN PROPHETS AND TEACHERS; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
(2) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, THE HOLY GHOST SAID, SEPARATE ME BARNABAS AND SAUL FOR THE WORK WHEREUNTO I HAVE CALLED THEM.
(3) AND WHEN THEY HAD FASTED AND PRAYED, AND LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM, THEY SENT THEM AWAY.

Those converted to Christ became THE CHURCH

Acts 2:47
(47) Praising God, and having favor with all the people. AND THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH DAILY SUCH AS SHOULD BE SAVED.

3. The Origin of THE CHURCH at Antioch
Acts 11:19-26
(19) Now THEY WHICH WERE SCATTERED ABROAD upon the persecution that arose about Stephen TRAVELED as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, PREACHING THE WORD to none but unto the Jews only.
(20) AND SOME OF THEM were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, WHEN THEY WERE COME TO ANTIOCH, spake unto the Grecians, PREACHING THE LORD JESUS.
(21) And the hand of the Lord was with them: and A GREAT NUMBER BELIEVED, AND TURNED UNTO THE LORD.
(22) THEN TIDINGS OF THESE THINGS CAME UNTO THE EARS OF THE CHURCH WHICH WAS IN JERUSALEM: AND THEY SENT FORTH BARNABAS, THAT HE SHOULD GO AS FAR AS ANTIOCH.
(23) Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
(24) FOR HE WAS A GOOD MAN, AND FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST AND OF FAITH: AND MUCH PEOPLE WAS ADDED UNTO THE LORD.
(25) Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
(26) AND WHEN HE HAD FOUND HIM, HE BROUGHT HIM UNTO ANTIOCH. AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT A WHOLE YEAR THEY ASSEMBLED THEMSELVES WITH THE CHURCH, AND TAUGHT MUCH PEOPLE. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

4. Converts, CHURCHES and CHURCH Elders
Acts 13:48; 14:1, 4, 22-23, 27; 15:3, 22-23, 36, 41;16:5; 18:22; 20:17, 28; 21:18
5. God gave Officers and Offices to THE CHURCH
Elders, Deacons, Shepherds, Bishops, Presbyters,

F. The MESSAGE of THE CHURCH
1. CHURCH EPISTLES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to specific CHURCHES.
Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

2. CHURCH PASTORS...
God gave His instructions and revelation to Pastors of local CHURCHES.
Timothy and Titus.

3. SCATTERED CHURCHES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to the CHURCH in various regions or scattered abroad.
Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter.

4. HOUSE CHURCHES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to CHURCHES meeting in homes.
1 and 2 and 3 John.

5. SEVEN CHURCHES...
The Book of Revelation was sent to seven specific LOCAL CHURCHES.

II. NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHMANSHIP...
Acts 2:42-47
(42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
(43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
(44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
(45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
(46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
(47) Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

A church is not successful because it is big or because it is small. A church is successful because it is Faithful.

This passage gives us profile of a healthy church.
The church is made up of the saved people (going back to vs. 41).

The church is made up of the committed people; People of One Mind, Single Eye, Self Denial (vs. 42).

The church is made up of Biblically trained people; dedicated to know the teaching of the Apostles (vs. 42).

The church is made up of people in fellowship (2 men in a ship), communion, partnership (vs. 42).

The church is made up of people who eat together, whether rich or poor (vs. 42).

The church is made up of people who seek God in prayer (vs. 42, 46).

The church is made up of people who unselfishly bear each others burdens, producing enough for themselves and others (vs. 44, 45).

The church is made up of people who praise God privately and corporately (vs. 47).

The church grows because God gives the increase. It is not programs or gimmicks or formulas, but God Who causes real growth in the church (vs. 47).

A church without the characteristics in verses 42-46 may have numbers but they do not have God's growth.

A church that has these characteristics is growing in grace and knowledge, even if they are not having all of the numerical growth they would like to have.