chapter 3
foundational doctrines, then maturity
Once we gather the new disciples into the simple house church, we must begin to teach them to obey the foundational doctrines. Healthy babies are great blessings in the local church, but all babies will eventually grow up! The New Testament church also faced the problem of immaturity. Unless we master the foundational doctrines how can we move on to maturity? Paul addressed the Corinthian church about their immaturity. In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, the Word of God makes it clear that Spiritual immaturity is a huge problem. Whenever you see carnal divisions in the church it is a baby church. Whenever one church leader is exalted over another it is an unspiritual church. The Word of God clearly reveals that church leaders are simply servants who work together to glorify God by each doing his part. But only God can make the church grow! But we must clearly understand that our work is very important, and our eternal rewards depend upon the quality of our work as we build the church on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Church leaders are simply God’s coworkers, and the disciples are God’s field, God’s building.
Only the Grace of God empowers us to do this work of building the church properly on the foundation of Jesus Christ. We must be careful how we build upon that foundation! It is possible to be a true believer, yet build improperly. On the Day of Judgment each one will be tested for the quality of his work for the Kingdom. The Consuming Fire of the Lord will burn up all of the carnal results of our ministries. Only the fruit of our obedience to the Word of God will survive as our eternal inheritance. Many will enter into Heaven with very little inheritance because they did not build the church correctly (1 Cor. 3: 1-15).
In Revelation we see a beautiful City coming down from Heaven. The Word of God tells us this City is The Bride of Christ, the eternal church. The City is very beautiful with massive walls and 12 gates that represent the Redeemed from the 12 tribes of Israel. The city wall has 12 foundations that represent the 12 apostles. The gates are 12 large pearls, the foundation stones are 12 beautiful precious gems, and the streets are made of gold. But you will find no inferior building materials in that City; no wood, hay, or straw (Rev. 21:9-21). This Scripture confirms the message that Paul gave to the Corinthian church. We must build the church God’s Way or forfeit our eternal inheritance.
Therefore it is easy to see that the modern church leadership is in deep trouble. What kind of inheritance will those workers receive who have built the church on the traditions and teachings of men? The churches of today are full of Spiritual babies, and entertaining and babysitting the immature has become the priority of the modern church.
But we must all appear before the Tribunal of Christ to be repaid for what we have done in our bodies whether good or worthless. This reality should produce the fear of God in each of us. We should be persuading people to realize the importance of their obedience to the Word of God (2 Cor. 5: 9-11). The church today is a lazy church. Even though we know the Word of God, we prefer to remain immature. However the New Testament does not support Spiritual immaturity (Heb. 5: 11-14). We must leave the elementary teachings and go on to maturity by the Grace of God (Heb. 6: 1-3).
Only the Grace of God empowers us to do this work of building the church properly on the foundation of Jesus Christ. We must be careful how we build upon that foundation! It is possible to be a true believer, yet build improperly. On the Day of Judgment each one will be tested for the quality of his work for the Kingdom. The Consuming Fire of the Lord will burn up all of the carnal results of our ministries. Only the fruit of our obedience to the Word of God will survive as our eternal inheritance. Many will enter into Heaven with very little inheritance because they did not build the church correctly (1 Cor. 3: 1-15).
In Revelation we see a beautiful City coming down from Heaven. The Word of God tells us this City is The Bride of Christ, the eternal church. The City is very beautiful with massive walls and 12 gates that represent the Redeemed from the 12 tribes of Israel. The city wall has 12 foundations that represent the 12 apostles. The gates are 12 large pearls, the foundation stones are 12 beautiful precious gems, and the streets are made of gold. But you will find no inferior building materials in that City; no wood, hay, or straw (Rev. 21:9-21). This Scripture confirms the message that Paul gave to the Corinthian church. We must build the church God’s Way or forfeit our eternal inheritance.
Therefore it is easy to see that the modern church leadership is in deep trouble. What kind of inheritance will those workers receive who have built the church on the traditions and teachings of men? The churches of today are full of Spiritual babies, and entertaining and babysitting the immature has become the priority of the modern church.
But we must all appear before the Tribunal of Christ to be repaid for what we have done in our bodies whether good or worthless. This reality should produce the fear of God in each of us. We should be persuading people to realize the importance of their obedience to the Word of God (2 Cor. 5: 9-11). The church today is a lazy church. Even though we know the Word of God, we prefer to remain immature. However the New Testament does not support Spiritual immaturity (Heb. 5: 11-14). We must leave the elementary teachings and go on to maturity by the Grace of God (Heb. 6: 1-3).
chapter 4
appoint multiple, god-called, servant elders
The new church is not complete without the appointments of multiple, God-called, and gifted elders. Yet this can only be done after a time of observation of the new disciples and their fruit. The elders must be the best examples of Jesus Christ in that local church. These men are gifts from God, and the only thing we can do is to confirm God’s choice. Godly character is the reason they are chosen, not their level of education or credentials with the organizations of men.
Acts makes it clear that elders were always a team of more than one (Acts 14: 21-23; 15: 22; 20: 17, 28; 1 Peter 5: 1-4; 1 Tim. 5: 17-20; Titus 1: 5-9; 1 Tim. 3: 1-7; James 5: 14-15). After preaching the Gospel and gathering the disciples into the church family with basic doctrinal instruction, the apostles would go away for a time before returning to appoint the elders. They needed to allow the new disciples to grow in Grace until the elders were clearly revealed by their fruit. Once the elders were appointed, the apostles would continue their work in other places, and the elders would oversee the local churches according to the Grace of God even as they remained in fellowship with the founding apostles.
There was no hierarchy among the elders of the New Testament church. These men were servants, not lords. The same elders (presbuteros) were also the overseers (episkopos) as well as the pastors (poimen) (Acts 20: 17; 28; I Pet. 5: 1-4). The equipping ministers of Ephesians 4 were first elders (1 Pet. 5: 1). Afterwards the Holy Spirit called them to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Acts 13: 1-3). These qualified elders were to be financially supported (1 Tim. 5: 17-18) and held accountable by the local church (1 Tim. 5: 19-20; Gal. 2: 11-21; James 3: 1). They were given specific instructions about how to choose the elders (Titus 1: 5-9; 1 Tim. 3: 1-7). Both of these lists of qualifications confirmed the good fruit of mature disciples who were good examples of the life and character of Jesus. These elders had special Grace to pray for the disciples (James 5: 14-15).
The modern church operates much differently concerning elders! Educational and organizational credentials qualify the elders, not God’s gifting and character. Only one person is appointed over the church, not a team of elders. This individual becomes the ruler over the church and expects a special title and treatment by others. A hierarchy of leadership exists with the local church elder under the regional leader who is under the national leader who is under the international leader. The Roman Catholic Church from the third century adopted this institutional system as they copied the Old Testament order of Levites, priests, and high priest. The Reformation did little to change this for Protestants, for non-Catholics embrace very similar practices. But the church of the New Testament was a family of brothers and sisters under the authority and direction of Jesus Christ, the only Head of the Church (Matt. 23: 1-12)!
Acts makes it clear that elders were always a team of more than one (Acts 14: 21-23; 15: 22; 20: 17, 28; 1 Peter 5: 1-4; 1 Tim. 5: 17-20; Titus 1: 5-9; 1 Tim. 3: 1-7; James 5: 14-15). After preaching the Gospel and gathering the disciples into the church family with basic doctrinal instruction, the apostles would go away for a time before returning to appoint the elders. They needed to allow the new disciples to grow in Grace until the elders were clearly revealed by their fruit. Once the elders were appointed, the apostles would continue their work in other places, and the elders would oversee the local churches according to the Grace of God even as they remained in fellowship with the founding apostles.
There was no hierarchy among the elders of the New Testament church. These men were servants, not lords. The same elders (presbuteros) were also the overseers (episkopos) as well as the pastors (poimen) (Acts 20: 17; 28; I Pet. 5: 1-4). The equipping ministers of Ephesians 4 were first elders (1 Pet. 5: 1). Afterwards the Holy Spirit called them to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Acts 13: 1-3). These qualified elders were to be financially supported (1 Tim. 5: 17-18) and held accountable by the local church (1 Tim. 5: 19-20; Gal. 2: 11-21; James 3: 1). They were given specific instructions about how to choose the elders (Titus 1: 5-9; 1 Tim. 3: 1-7). Both of these lists of qualifications confirmed the good fruit of mature disciples who were good examples of the life and character of Jesus. These elders had special Grace to pray for the disciples (James 5: 14-15).
The modern church operates much differently concerning elders! Educational and organizational credentials qualify the elders, not God’s gifting and character. Only one person is appointed over the church, not a team of elders. This individual becomes the ruler over the church and expects a special title and treatment by others. A hierarchy of leadership exists with the local church elder under the regional leader who is under the national leader who is under the international leader. The Roman Catholic Church from the third century adopted this institutional system as they copied the Old Testament order of Levites, priests, and high priest. The Reformation did little to change this for Protestants, for non-Catholics embrace very similar practices. But the church of the New Testament was a family of brothers and sisters under the authority and direction of Jesus Christ, the only Head of the Church (Matt. 23: 1-12)!
chapter 5
radical devotion
The overseers of the new church need to be good examples for all. Radical devotion should be modeled by the church elders and taught as the priority for all disciples. The Jerusalem church was perhaps the most powerful church in history. After Pentecost there were thousands of new disciples in that city who radically devoted themselves to obey the Word of God, to daily, intimate fellowship, to eating meals together (including Communion), and to prayer (Acts 2: 41-42; 46-47). The Supernatural blessings of the Lord were upon that church!
I am amazed at the lack of knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures in both USA and international church leaders where I serve! It is obvious that personal study of the Word of God is not a priority. Yet since the Holy Spirit is our Teacher, He will primarily use the Scriptures to teach and confirm His will among all disciples. When a disciple is a student of the Word, he will not be easily deceived! Yet ignorance of the Scriptures makes a person vulnerable to double-mindedness and doctrinal confusion. Faith comes by hearing the Word! The Word of God was so important to those first disciples in Jerusalem that every day they would assemble to receive the teaching ministry of the apostles!
The Greek word for fellowship or communion (koinonia) is used 20 times in the New Testament after Pentecost. It means to have a common purpose with other disciples in doing the will of God. It was used to describe the sharing of material goods in the Jerusalem church (Acts 2: 42-47), the sharing in the mystery of the revelation of Jesus Christ (Eph. 3: 8-11); contributions to the poor (Rom. 15: 26; 2 Cor. 8: 4; 9: 13; Heb. 13: 16); our intimacy with the Father, Son, and Spirit (1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Cor. 13: 14; Phil. 2: 1; 1 Jn. 1: 3; 6-7); sharing the Bread and the Blood of Jesus in Communion (1 Cor. 10: 16); our need to avoid fellowship with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6: 14); fellowship among apostles (Gal. 2: 9; Phil. 1: 5); sharing His sufferings (Phil. 3: 10); participation in the faith (Philemon 1: 6). Modern churches usually fail to experience this kind of intimate fellowship and common devotion to accomplish the will of God due to the impersonal nature of the institutional church that often meets together only once a week.
The early church made eating meals together a third devotion. This was both practical and Spiritual. Sharing food resources together was a practical blessing for the poor and also helped to build stronger relationships among the disciples. And during these fellowship meals, the Lord’s Supper was often practiced (Acts 20: 7-12; 1 Cor. 11; 17-34). Modern churches have infrequent fellowship meals at their church buildings that fail to bear the same kind of fruit.
Prayer must always be a foundational devotion and was so in the early church. Today most believers and churches neglect the practice of passionate prayer! The churches as a result have grown powerless! Instead of radically devoted disciples, we now have lukewarm, compromised, and double-minded meeting attendees!
I am amazed at the lack of knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures in both USA and international church leaders where I serve! It is obvious that personal study of the Word of God is not a priority. Yet since the Holy Spirit is our Teacher, He will primarily use the Scriptures to teach and confirm His will among all disciples. When a disciple is a student of the Word, he will not be easily deceived! Yet ignorance of the Scriptures makes a person vulnerable to double-mindedness and doctrinal confusion. Faith comes by hearing the Word! The Word of God was so important to those first disciples in Jerusalem that every day they would assemble to receive the teaching ministry of the apostles!
The Greek word for fellowship or communion (koinonia) is used 20 times in the New Testament after Pentecost. It means to have a common purpose with other disciples in doing the will of God. It was used to describe the sharing of material goods in the Jerusalem church (Acts 2: 42-47), the sharing in the mystery of the revelation of Jesus Christ (Eph. 3: 8-11); contributions to the poor (Rom. 15: 26; 2 Cor. 8: 4; 9: 13; Heb. 13: 16); our intimacy with the Father, Son, and Spirit (1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Cor. 13: 14; Phil. 2: 1; 1 Jn. 1: 3; 6-7); sharing the Bread and the Blood of Jesus in Communion (1 Cor. 10: 16); our need to avoid fellowship with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6: 14); fellowship among apostles (Gal. 2: 9; Phil. 1: 5); sharing His sufferings (Phil. 3: 10); participation in the faith (Philemon 1: 6). Modern churches usually fail to experience this kind of intimate fellowship and common devotion to accomplish the will of God due to the impersonal nature of the institutional church that often meets together only once a week.
The early church made eating meals together a third devotion. This was both practical and Spiritual. Sharing food resources together was a practical blessing for the poor and also helped to build stronger relationships among the disciples. And during these fellowship meals, the Lord’s Supper was often practiced (Acts 20: 7-12; 1 Cor. 11; 17-34). Modern churches have infrequent fellowship meals at their church buildings that fail to bear the same kind of fruit.
Prayer must always be a foundational devotion and was so in the early church. Today most believers and churches neglect the practice of passionate prayer! The churches as a result have grown powerless! Instead of radically devoted disciples, we now have lukewarm, compromised, and double-minded meeting attendees!
chapter 6
every disciple a holy minister
The New Testament church expected every disciple to participate fully during each gathering of the church. The gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit were distributed to every person according to the will of God. Christ was the Head of the church, yet every member’s gift was essential to the entire body. However there were priority gifts in the church, and some were more important for the maturity of the body of Christ. And without love the gifts were meaningless (Rom. 12: 4-9; 1 Cor. 12: 4-26, 27-31; 1 Cor. 13: 1-3; 1 Cor. 14: 1, 26; Eph. 4: 1-7, 11-13).
All disciples were expected to deny worldliness and put off the old nature by Grace to be renewed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4: 21-24; 5: 8-14). Accountability and submission and right relationships to one another were crucial to the success of church fellowship (Eph. 5: 21-27; 6: 1-4, 5-9). Everyone needed to put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6: 14-18). Love, unity, and selflessness were the characteristics of the early church (Phil. 2: 1-4). Each disciple was encouraged to press on to the highest calling and purpose of the Lord (Phil. 3: 12-14) and to focus on holy thinking and behavior (Phil. 4: 8-9). The Word, praise, and worship were always priorities in church gatherings (Col. 3: 16-17). Intimate, transparent relationships were the norm as members prayerfully ministered to one another (James 5: 13-16).
The simple comparison to the life and practice of modern churches will demonstrate the great differences! Commitment levels to love, serve, and build up the body of Christ are extremely low. Only the pastor and a few others ever actually participate in the services! Everyone else is essentially inactive. The greater Spiritual gifts are rarely sought after. Love is often replaced by carnality and worldly wisdom. Leaders are more concerned about themselves than equipping others to do their own ministries. Carnal natures are openly expressed as Spiritual immaturity. Lukewarm behavior and compromise reveal the bad fruit of the church. Submission is rarely practiced. Families are broken with confused relationships. Spiritual warfare is neglected. Selfishness rules. Few seek the highest will of God. The Word of God is neglected. Intimate fellowship is rare.
All disciples were expected to deny worldliness and put off the old nature by Grace to be renewed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4: 21-24; 5: 8-14). Accountability and submission and right relationships to one another were crucial to the success of church fellowship (Eph. 5: 21-27; 6: 1-4, 5-9). Everyone needed to put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6: 14-18). Love, unity, and selflessness were the characteristics of the early church (Phil. 2: 1-4). Each disciple was encouraged to press on to the highest calling and purpose of the Lord (Phil. 3: 12-14) and to focus on holy thinking and behavior (Phil. 4: 8-9). The Word, praise, and worship were always priorities in church gatherings (Col. 3: 16-17). Intimate, transparent relationships were the norm as members prayerfully ministered to one another (James 5: 13-16).
The simple comparison to the life and practice of modern churches will demonstrate the great differences! Commitment levels to love, serve, and build up the body of Christ are extremely low. Only the pastor and a few others ever actually participate in the services! Everyone else is essentially inactive. The greater Spiritual gifts are rarely sought after. Love is often replaced by carnality and worldly wisdom. Leaders are more concerned about themselves than equipping others to do their own ministries. Carnal natures are openly expressed as Spiritual immaturity. Lukewarm behavior and compromise reveal the bad fruit of the church. Submission is rarely practiced. Families are broken with confused relationships. Spiritual warfare is neglected. Selfishness rules. Few seek the highest will of God. The Word of God is neglected. Intimate fellowship is rare.
