Organization Of The Church

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Organization Of The Church
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Introduction

• The church is divine in origin
• Mt. 1618
• Christ built his church and it was established on
  Pentecost of Acts 2
• Christ is King over the church/kingdom and has
  determined how the church is to be organized!

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One Head/One King Christ

• Mt. 2818
• Eph. 122-23 44
• The church has no earthly headquarters
• We take our instructions from Christ

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One Head/One King Christ

• In our preaching, work and worship we must follow
  the teaching of Christ
• Jn. 1613
• God the Father ---Christ ---Holy Spirit---
  Apostles and other inspired writers----Word of
  God

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One Head/One King Christ

• There is no pope, council, conference, or group
  of people controlling all the congregations of
  the Lords church
• WE FOLLOW CHRIST OUR KING WHO REIGNS FROM HEAVEN!

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Elders

• Acts 1423
• Titus 15
• They are called pastors, shepherds, overseers,
  bishops, presbyters
• The elders are the PASTORS of the local
  congregation
• Pastor is never used as a title for the preacher
  in the N.T.

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Elders

• The qualifications are given in 1 Tim. 31-7 and
  Titus 15-13
• Must have more than one elder serving in a local
  congregation
• Elders are to guide, guard, feed, disciplne and
  rule the flock

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Elders

• A church with qualified elders is under the
  direction of a group of men who have proven by
  experience that they live the Christian life,
  possess a knowledge of the Bible, and are wise.
  James Meadows

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Deacons

• Phil. 11
• Their qualifications are listed in 1 Tim. 38-13
• The general meaning of the word deacon is
  attendant, servant, or minister

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Deacons

• Only men can serve as deacons
• They are assigned scriptural work by the elders
• Benevolence, teaching, seeing to the building,
  VBS, etc.
• The deacons do not run the affairs of the church

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Deacons

• The church is not under elders and deacons
• The deacons serve the Lord, his church, assist
  the elders etc.

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Preachers

• All members are under the eldership, including
  the preacher
• The responsibility of the preacher is to is to
  preach the word
• 2 Tim. 42, 5 22
• In the N.T. preachers are never called by the
  title Pastor, Doctor, Reverend or Father

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Members

• These are individuals who have heard the word of
  God and have obeyed the gospel
• Acts 237-38, 47
• Every member is to serve God to the best of their
  ability---GIVING GOD THE GLORY

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Members

• Rom. 124-5
• There is a work each member is to do, and which
  each must do.the work of each member is
  essential, and is for the benefit of the whole
  body. Roy Deaver as quoted by James Meadows

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Members

• Members are to
• Obey the elders
• Heb. 1317
• Teach the lost
• Acts 84
• Practice pure religion
• Js. 127

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Conclusion

• The organization of the N.T. church is made up of
  both a divine side and a human side
• GodChrist---Holy SpiritApostlesWritten Word of
  God
• Eldersdeaconspreachers and members

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References

• Tract from Truth For The World entitled The
  Organization of the Church
• Chart by Donnie Barnes
• Article by James Meadows