New Testament Church Multiplication
By Chuck King
September 18, 2017
September 18, 2017
Preface
The reason I am writing this booklet is because of my life experiences as a local church pastor since 1975 and my work in short-term missions overseas since 1984. I have seen with my own eyes the immaturity of the church where I have ministered, for I have traveled to over 50 nations on nearly 160 trips. I have worked on five continents, and wherever I have ministered, I have seen the Spiritual immaturity of the church as compared to the standard of New Testament church doctrine and practice.
The Holy Spirit has taught me to identify the addiction of the contemporary church to dead traditions and the teachings of men. I became a Christian in October 1970, and my life was radically changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Word of God completely transformed my behavior and thinking. I believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Grace of God turned me into a new person. The Christian life is supernatural! But since the third or fourth century, the church has gone in the wrong direction to follow the teachings of men whom rejected the simple church of the New Testament. Grace and faith and obedience have been replaced by dead religion! The Reformation did little to change anything, and today we still see the influence of the Roman Catholic Church structure that is contradicted by a simple reading of the New Testament.
This booklet is my attempt to solve the problem. What you will read here are the simple messages the Holy Spirit gave me directly from the Scripture in the New Testament. I have been teaching them during three-day leadership seminars in many nations. The response from the church leaders has been phenomenal! The vast majority of those in every seminar have repented numerous times as they compared the New Testament doctrine in these messages with their current church’s practices.
I am now 66 years old, and I don’t know how much longer I can travel so extensively. I sense the need to write these things down to pass on to the future generations. So my prayer is that this material will inspire the readers to make the necessary changes both in their thinking and practice. My burden is to see the body of Christ return to the simple teachings of the New Testament church. May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit supply the Grace to change your lives! And may the Lord be glorified!
The Holy Spirit has taught me to identify the addiction of the contemporary church to dead traditions and the teachings of men. I became a Christian in October 1970, and my life was radically changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Word of God completely transformed my behavior and thinking. I believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Grace of God turned me into a new person. The Christian life is supernatural! But since the third or fourth century, the church has gone in the wrong direction to follow the teachings of men whom rejected the simple church of the New Testament. Grace and faith and obedience have been replaced by dead religion! The Reformation did little to change anything, and today we still see the influence of the Roman Catholic Church structure that is contradicted by a simple reading of the New Testament.
This booklet is my attempt to solve the problem. What you will read here are the simple messages the Holy Spirit gave me directly from the Scripture in the New Testament. I have been teaching them during three-day leadership seminars in many nations. The response from the church leaders has been phenomenal! The vast majority of those in every seminar have repented numerous times as they compared the New Testament doctrine in these messages with their current church’s practices.
I am now 66 years old, and I don’t know how much longer I can travel so extensively. I sense the need to write these things down to pass on to the future generations. So my prayer is that this material will inspire the readers to make the necessary changes both in their thinking and practice. My burden is to see the body of Christ return to the simple teachings of the New Testament church. May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit supply the Grace to change your lives! And may the Lord be glorified!
Introduction
The Lord has given me a simple, life message. He led me to read the New Testament every month, and by doing so, I have gained great insights concerning the teachings therein. The disciplines of life and ministry of the New Testament church were radically different from our modern church and its traditions of men. So in this booklet I intend to simply develop a seven-part plan to multiply disciples and churches according to the New Testament.
Jesus commands us to go! We are to go to all nations preaching the gospel, making disciples, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus taught us. But we must not add to his Word or subtract from it. It is time for us to examine ourselves! When we do so we will discover the tremendous differences between the church of the first century and our church. Then we will have to make a huge decision. Are we going to continue in this form of religious exercise known as the modern church, or are we going to repent and change our thinking and our behavior to become like the church of the first century.
Jesus never taught us to preach seeker-friendly messages from our pulpits in order to simply fill our sanctuaries and offering plates. We are to teach repentance and obedience. He never taught us to continue with disobedient people, but to minister among true disciples of Jesus Christ who behave like the family of God. Church leaders are commanded to teach the foundational doctrines in order to equip the people to grow to maturity. But instead we keep feeding the people milk, and they remain immature like babies indefinitely. The modern church has a leadership problem! Instead of Holy Spirit-qualified, called, and gifted teams of elders, we have appointed one leader over each church chosen by men for his educational qualifications and organizational affiliations. So instead of the radical disciples of the New Testament church, we have lukewarm, double-minded, and compromised meeting attendees. In the New Testament church meeting, every person participated according to their Spiritual gifting. But in the modern church service, the pastor controls everything while everyone else sits and watches. The outreach of the first century church turned the world upside down. They rapidly multiplied disciples and workers and churches. The modern church has a building-centered, program-driven ministry. The vast majority of tithes and offerings received are invested into church buildings, land, equipment, unnecessary staff, and programs.
Radical changes must take place or the modern church will continue to be ineffective, disobedient, and subject to the judgment of God. The Lord blesses those who seek Him and walk in obedience. However the discipline of the Lord is upon those who proudly insist upon going their own way.
Let us become disciples! Let us examine the Word of God and rediscover the New Testament church!
Jesus commands us to go! We are to go to all nations preaching the gospel, making disciples, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus taught us. But we must not add to his Word or subtract from it. It is time for us to examine ourselves! When we do so we will discover the tremendous differences between the church of the first century and our church. Then we will have to make a huge decision. Are we going to continue in this form of religious exercise known as the modern church, or are we going to repent and change our thinking and our behavior to become like the church of the first century.
Jesus never taught us to preach seeker-friendly messages from our pulpits in order to simply fill our sanctuaries and offering plates. We are to teach repentance and obedience. He never taught us to continue with disobedient people, but to minister among true disciples of Jesus Christ who behave like the family of God. Church leaders are commanded to teach the foundational doctrines in order to equip the people to grow to maturity. But instead we keep feeding the people milk, and they remain immature like babies indefinitely. The modern church has a leadership problem! Instead of Holy Spirit-qualified, called, and gifted teams of elders, we have appointed one leader over each church chosen by men for his educational qualifications and organizational affiliations. So instead of the radical disciples of the New Testament church, we have lukewarm, double-minded, and compromised meeting attendees. In the New Testament church meeting, every person participated according to their Spiritual gifting. But in the modern church service, the pastor controls everything while everyone else sits and watches. The outreach of the first century church turned the world upside down. They rapidly multiplied disciples and workers and churches. The modern church has a building-centered, program-driven ministry. The vast majority of tithes and offerings received are invested into church buildings, land, equipment, unnecessary staff, and programs.
Radical changes must take place or the modern church will continue to be ineffective, disobedient, and subject to the judgment of God. The Lord blesses those who seek Him and walk in obedience. However the discipline of the Lord is upon those who proudly insist upon going their own way.
Let us become disciples! Let us examine the Word of God and rediscover the New Testament church!
Chapter 1
True Repentance
True Repentance
What does true repentance look like? What is a false convert? In this chapter we will answer these questions. From the Gospel (John 16: 7-11) we understand that the Holy Spirit is essential in the work of the ministry. When we preach the Gospel the Holy Spirit convicts the people. Only He can reveal to the sinner the need for repentance. It is the kindness of the Lord that leads a person to repentance (Romans 2: 4). When a gifted servant of God preaches the Gospel, the Holy Spirit begins to work. God uses the foolishness of preaching to save the lost (1 Cor. 1: 21), for the power of God to save the lost resides in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1: 18; Rom. 1: 16).
With your simple reading of the New Testament, you will discover that John the Baptist preached repentance (Luke 3: 7-10), Jesus Christ preached repentance (Matt. 4:17), and all of the apostles and workers of the first century church preached repentance (Acts 2: 26-38; 8: 26-39; 9: 3-6; 10: 44-47; 16: 25-30). The doctrine of repentance is the first foundational teaching (Heb. 6 :1). If you do not begin with true repentance, you will not make disciples, but rather false converts. Repentance means to stop and reverse your direction in life, and it means to change your thinking. It requires humility and brokenness and desperation for forgiveness of sins (James 4: 7-10). On the day of Pentecost more than 3,000 people became Christians upon hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They cried out, “What shall we do?” They were commanded to repent, be baptized in water, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This pattern of ministry became the apostolic doctrine (Acts 2: 37-40). When a person truly repents, there is an instantaneous transformation of their lives (John 3: 5-8). Jesus said that we would always know them by their fruit (Matt. 7: 16-20). You will see the fruit of repentance that is obedience to the word of God (2 Cor. 7: 8-11). This was the experience of those thousands on the day of Pentecost as well as Saul of Tarsus, Cornelius the centurion, the jailer in Philippi, the Ethiopian eunuch, and every other person who became a true disciple in the New Testament. When we are in Christ we become a new creation. Old things pass away and all things become new. The message and ministry of reconciling men to God is the work of the church (2 Cor. 5: 17-21)! Every disciple is to become a living sacrifice by the mercy of God and must submit all behavior and thinking to the Lord. This is the only way to know the will of God (Rom. 12:1-2).
When we preach seeker-friendly messages and only require people to say a simple prayer to receive Jesus, many false converts result. Jesus warned us about false teachers. He said that many would come dressed like sheep but would actually be wolves. We will know them by their fruit. If they simply talk about their religion, but their behavior remains lawless, they are false converts (Matt. 7: 15-23). Judas Iscariot was such a person. Yet the other disciples never understood that he was the traitor until the day the betrayal happened (Mark 14: 17-21). Paul taught the elders from Ephesus that upon his departure some of those leaders would become false teachers (Acts 20: 29-31). So sometimes it is difficult to discern the difference between a true disciple and a false convert. But by examining the fruit of a person’s life on a regular basis through accountable relationships, we will know (Matt. 13: 24-30). Our preaching must be passionate and truthful and loving to get the correct results of true repentance in order to multiply disciples and churches (2 Tim. 4: 1-5)!
With your simple reading of the New Testament, you will discover that John the Baptist preached repentance (Luke 3: 7-10), Jesus Christ preached repentance (Matt. 4:17), and all of the apostles and workers of the first century church preached repentance (Acts 2: 26-38; 8: 26-39; 9: 3-6; 10: 44-47; 16: 25-30). The doctrine of repentance is the first foundational teaching (Heb. 6 :1). If you do not begin with true repentance, you will not make disciples, but rather false converts. Repentance means to stop and reverse your direction in life, and it means to change your thinking. It requires humility and brokenness and desperation for forgiveness of sins (James 4: 7-10). On the day of Pentecost more than 3,000 people became Christians upon hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They cried out, “What shall we do?” They were commanded to repent, be baptized in water, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This pattern of ministry became the apostolic doctrine (Acts 2: 37-40). When a person truly repents, there is an instantaneous transformation of their lives (John 3: 5-8). Jesus said that we would always know them by their fruit (Matt. 7: 16-20). You will see the fruit of repentance that is obedience to the word of God (2 Cor. 7: 8-11). This was the experience of those thousands on the day of Pentecost as well as Saul of Tarsus, Cornelius the centurion, the jailer in Philippi, the Ethiopian eunuch, and every other person who became a true disciple in the New Testament. When we are in Christ we become a new creation. Old things pass away and all things become new. The message and ministry of reconciling men to God is the work of the church (2 Cor. 5: 17-21)! Every disciple is to become a living sacrifice by the mercy of God and must submit all behavior and thinking to the Lord. This is the only way to know the will of God (Rom. 12:1-2).
When we preach seeker-friendly messages and only require people to say a simple prayer to receive Jesus, many false converts result. Jesus warned us about false teachers. He said that many would come dressed like sheep but would actually be wolves. We will know them by their fruit. If they simply talk about their religion, but their behavior remains lawless, they are false converts (Matt. 7: 15-23). Judas Iscariot was such a person. Yet the other disciples never understood that he was the traitor until the day the betrayal happened (Mark 14: 17-21). Paul taught the elders from Ephesus that upon his departure some of those leaders would become false teachers (Acts 20: 29-31). So sometimes it is difficult to discern the difference between a true disciple and a false convert. But by examining the fruit of a person’s life on a regular basis through accountable relationships, we will know (Matt. 13: 24-30). Our preaching must be passionate and truthful and loving to get the correct results of true repentance in order to multiply disciples and churches (2 Tim. 4: 1-5)!
Chapter 2
Gather the Family of God
Gather the Family of God
We must behave like the New Testament church and multiply disciples and churches (Matt. 28: 16-20)! So after preaching the Gospel of repentance we need to look for good fruit in the hearers who are calling upon the Lord (Rom. 10: 14-17). The next step is to gather these new disciples into a simple house church. For the first 300 years of the early church the primary place of church gatherings was in the home. There is no command in the New Testament by Jesus or His apostles to build or use special church buildings to gather the church! Only when the Catholic church of the fourth century abandoned simple house churches did public buildings for worship become the norm.
The first century church gathered in small groups in homes like a large family (Acts 2: 46-47). They were devoted to one another in intimate, accountable fellowship (Acts 2: 42). The Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ led this Kingdom family. Church doctrine often addressed husbands, wives, and children (Eph. 5: 22-33; 6: 1-4; Titus 2: 1-8; Col. 3: 18-21). In fact, earthly marriage was defined as the type of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church, the Bride of Christ! The leaders were Spiritual fathers and mothers to the new believers (1 Cor. 4: 15; 1 Thess. 2: 7-12; 1 Tim. 5: 1-2). Everyone participated in church gatherings using their Spiritual gifts led by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12: 3-8; 1 Cor. 12: 7-11; 12-31; Eph. 4: 7-16). Jesus was truly the Head of the church!
But the modern church model of large gatherings of believers in cold, institutional organizations and buildings simply does not describe the New Testament church! There is virtually no accountability for those who participate in these organizations. And people barely know each other; so intimate fellowship is nearly impossible. Only the priest or pastor leads the services while everyone else quietly sits in their seats without sharing their important gifts and ministries. So he becomes the head of the church, not Jesus Christ.
Jesus taught us to go to everywhere to preach repentance and minister to the people, and we must find those who are willing to repent and follow Jesus. These are the folks we will gather together to plant the house church. But those who reject the Gospel must be addressed in a totally different way and must be clearly warned of the coming Judgment! You cannot establish the New Testament church with unbelievers (goats). We must not invest our time and resources among a flock of goats. The church leaders must keep reaching out to more and more places to preach and multiply disciples and simple churches (Matt. 10: 11-15; 11: 20-24; Luke 10: 5-6; 10-12; Acts 13: 45-46; 50-51; 16: 13-15; 18: 5-7; 19: 8-10; 28: 24-28).
However, the modern church settles down in one place in a public church building with program-centered, man-centered ministries (Acts 7: 48-50; 1 Cor. 3: 9; 16-17). Missions become much lower priorities as few resources are used for outreach, because the home ministry requires so much financial support. The rush to fill the seats and offering plates becomes the priority. Believers (sheep) and unbelievers (goats) alike are welcomed (2 Cor. 6: 14-18)! Programs and human organization replace the leading of the Holy Spirit. Direct preaching and warning against sin are very rare (Eph. 4: 15). Avoiding offense becomes the norm, not speaking the Truth in Love and requiring lifestyles of true disciples (Matt. 18: 15-20; Mark 12: 38-40). You cannot pour new wine into old wineskins!
The first century church gathered in small groups in homes like a large family (Acts 2: 46-47). They were devoted to one another in intimate, accountable fellowship (Acts 2: 42). The Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ led this Kingdom family. Church doctrine often addressed husbands, wives, and children (Eph. 5: 22-33; 6: 1-4; Titus 2: 1-8; Col. 3: 18-21). In fact, earthly marriage was defined as the type of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church, the Bride of Christ! The leaders were Spiritual fathers and mothers to the new believers (1 Cor. 4: 15; 1 Thess. 2: 7-12; 1 Tim. 5: 1-2). Everyone participated in church gatherings using their Spiritual gifts led by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12: 3-8; 1 Cor. 12: 7-11; 12-31; Eph. 4: 7-16). Jesus was truly the Head of the church!
But the modern church model of large gatherings of believers in cold, institutional organizations and buildings simply does not describe the New Testament church! There is virtually no accountability for those who participate in these organizations. And people barely know each other; so intimate fellowship is nearly impossible. Only the priest or pastor leads the services while everyone else quietly sits in their seats without sharing their important gifts and ministries. So he becomes the head of the church, not Jesus Christ.
Jesus taught us to go to everywhere to preach repentance and minister to the people, and we must find those who are willing to repent and follow Jesus. These are the folks we will gather together to plant the house church. But those who reject the Gospel must be addressed in a totally different way and must be clearly warned of the coming Judgment! You cannot establish the New Testament church with unbelievers (goats). We must not invest our time and resources among a flock of goats. The church leaders must keep reaching out to more and more places to preach and multiply disciples and simple churches (Matt. 10: 11-15; 11: 20-24; Luke 10: 5-6; 10-12; Acts 13: 45-46; 50-51; 16: 13-15; 18: 5-7; 19: 8-10; 28: 24-28).
However, the modern church settles down in one place in a public church building with program-centered, man-centered ministries (Acts 7: 48-50; 1 Cor. 3: 9; 16-17). Missions become much lower priorities as few resources are used for outreach, because the home ministry requires so much financial support. The rush to fill the seats and offering plates becomes the priority. Believers (sheep) and unbelievers (goats) alike are welcomed (2 Cor. 6: 14-18)! Programs and human organization replace the leading of the Holy Spirit. Direct preaching and warning against sin are very rare (Eph. 4: 15). Avoiding offense becomes the norm, not speaking the Truth in Love and requiring lifestyles of true disciples (Matt. 18: 15-20; Mark 12: 38-40). You cannot pour new wine into old wineskins!
Chapter 3
Foundational Doctrines, Then Maturity
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
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
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
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.
Chapter 7
Multiply Disciples, Workers, and Churches
Multiply Disciples, Workers, and Churches
The New Testament church was a multiplying church! They believed that everything that the Word said must be fulfilled, and that their righteousness by Grace must surpass that of the Jews who obeyed the Old Testament Law (Matt. 5: 17-20). Jesus declared Himself to be the Lord of the Harvest. He said that the Harvest was ready but the workers were few (Matt. 9: 35-38). The Great Commission clearly sent them to the nations to make disciples and to teach them to obey everything Jesus taught (Matt. 28: 16-20). Those early disciples realized they would eventually give an account to Jesus at the Judgment Seat. So in the fear of God, their goal was to please him always (2 Cor. 5: 9-11).
Jesus had commanded them to send and support the workers so they could go to the Harvest (Matt. 10: 10; 1 Tim. 5: 17-18). The New Testament teaches that God loves a cheerful giver, and that it is better to give than to receive (2 Cor. 9: 6-7; Acts 20: 35). Jesus also rebuked the Jews for neglecting justice and mercy even though they would meticulously give their tithes. Yet He encouraged them to continue tithing (Luke 11: 42). Hebrews tells us that Abraham gave the tithe to Melchizedek (Heb. 7: 1-10). And Jacob promised his tithe to God (Gen. 28: 11-22). Both cases were before the Law of Moses. So these patriarchs had the revelation of the importance of giving the tithe to God.
Moses was commanded to collect the tithe from the people in order to support the full time workers in Israel, the Levites. The Lord told Moses that the tithe of the people was God’s and it was holy. The Jews had to give their tithes on everything that produced income for them. If they tried to withhold part of the tithe they were penalized for doing so. The tithe was given to the Levites and priests to support them (Lev. 27: 30-33; Num. 18: 21-28). When the Jews refused to tithe, they came under the judgment of God. The only solution for the Jews was repentance and obedience. When they were obedient, the blessings of the Lord came abundantly upon them. The Lord promised the faithful ones an eternal inheritance (Mal. 3: 6-12; 16-18).
Paul the apostle gives us an important teaching in the New Testament concerning the support of elders. He makes it clear that the one who sows Spiritually into the lives of people should receive material support from them. Then he makes a direct comparison between the support of the Old Testament Levites and priests in the temple to financial support for those who preach the Gospel. He tells us that those elders who preach the Gospel should be supported in the same way as the Old Testament full time workers. This is a clear command to support New Testament elders with tithes and offerings (1 Cor. 9: 1-14; Gal. 6: 6-10).
So a key to being successful in multiplying disciples and churches is the faithful financial support of elders by the church through the giving of tithes and offerings. This is not legalism, but the means to fulfilling the work of the church. There are more than 7 billion people living on earth today. There were probably less then 1 billion people living during that time Jesus ministered on the earth. There is a greater need for workers today than ever before in history. The need to send (finance) workers to make disciples and plant churches was not fulfilled through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore the principle from the Law concerning tithing to support workers has not been fulfilled.
I have much experience teaching church leaders in many nations. After I teach this lesson about sending workers, the vast majority of the church leaders come forward to repent because they are robbing God. Experts tell us that the international church gives an average of less then 2% of our income to the work of the Lord! My experience confirms this. This lack of generosity is one of the big reasons why the church is not successful. The modern church misuses most of their tithes and offerings on church buildings, land, equipment, programs, and unnecessary staff. God is still calling his workers to go to the Harvest! But the modern church neglects to send the necessary workers who are called and gifted of God.
Another God-called priority of the early church was ministry to the poor. The Bible commands us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We should defend the rights of the poor and the needy (Prov. 31: 8-9). Jesus taught us that the poor are blessed, but the rich are in danger of judgment (Luke 6: 20-26; James 2: 5; 5: 1-6). We are to send our treasure in Heaven by serving the poor (Luke 14: 12-14; Matt. 25: 31-46). The Grace of God will lead us into ministry to the poor (2 Cor. 8: 1-15; 9: 6-15). Jesus was our example (1 John 3: 16-18).
Yet the modern church does little to minister to the desperately poor among the nations as a percentage of their church income. Once again the investment in local church buildings, land, equipment, programs, and unnecessary staff consumes the majority of the church finances.
There is no teaching in the New Testament concerning church buildings, for sending workers, making disciples and multiplying churches were the priorities of the early church. In the Old Testament tithes were used to support the Levites and priests. Tithes were never used for either the tabernacle or the temples. Only the free will offerings of the people were used to build those buildings (Ex. 25: 1, 2, 8; 30: 11-16; 1 Chron. 29: 1-9; 2 Kings 12: 1-16; Ezra 6: 1-10; 7: 11-23).
Yet in the modern church both tithes and offerings are used for church buildings. We have two unbiblical problems in the modern church concerning finances. First of all, most of the people are robbing God of tithes and offerings. Therefore there is not enough money to send out workers, as we should. Secondly the tithes and offerings that are received are misused on traditional, not Biblical priorities.
Jesus had commanded them to send and support the workers so they could go to the Harvest (Matt. 10: 10; 1 Tim. 5: 17-18). The New Testament teaches that God loves a cheerful giver, and that it is better to give than to receive (2 Cor. 9: 6-7; Acts 20: 35). Jesus also rebuked the Jews for neglecting justice and mercy even though they would meticulously give their tithes. Yet He encouraged them to continue tithing (Luke 11: 42). Hebrews tells us that Abraham gave the tithe to Melchizedek (Heb. 7: 1-10). And Jacob promised his tithe to God (Gen. 28: 11-22). Both cases were before the Law of Moses. So these patriarchs had the revelation of the importance of giving the tithe to God.
Moses was commanded to collect the tithe from the people in order to support the full time workers in Israel, the Levites. The Lord told Moses that the tithe of the people was God’s and it was holy. The Jews had to give their tithes on everything that produced income for them. If they tried to withhold part of the tithe they were penalized for doing so. The tithe was given to the Levites and priests to support them (Lev. 27: 30-33; Num. 18: 21-28). When the Jews refused to tithe, they came under the judgment of God. The only solution for the Jews was repentance and obedience. When they were obedient, the blessings of the Lord came abundantly upon them. The Lord promised the faithful ones an eternal inheritance (Mal. 3: 6-12; 16-18).
Paul the apostle gives us an important teaching in the New Testament concerning the support of elders. He makes it clear that the one who sows Spiritually into the lives of people should receive material support from them. Then he makes a direct comparison between the support of the Old Testament Levites and priests in the temple to financial support for those who preach the Gospel. He tells us that those elders who preach the Gospel should be supported in the same way as the Old Testament full time workers. This is a clear command to support New Testament elders with tithes and offerings (1 Cor. 9: 1-14; Gal. 6: 6-10).
So a key to being successful in multiplying disciples and churches is the faithful financial support of elders by the church through the giving of tithes and offerings. This is not legalism, but the means to fulfilling the work of the church. There are more than 7 billion people living on earth today. There were probably less then 1 billion people living during that time Jesus ministered on the earth. There is a greater need for workers today than ever before in history. The need to send (finance) workers to make disciples and plant churches was not fulfilled through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore the principle from the Law concerning tithing to support workers has not been fulfilled.
I have much experience teaching church leaders in many nations. After I teach this lesson about sending workers, the vast majority of the church leaders come forward to repent because they are robbing God. Experts tell us that the international church gives an average of less then 2% of our income to the work of the Lord! My experience confirms this. This lack of generosity is one of the big reasons why the church is not successful. The modern church misuses most of their tithes and offerings on church buildings, land, equipment, programs, and unnecessary staff. God is still calling his workers to go to the Harvest! But the modern church neglects to send the necessary workers who are called and gifted of God.
Another God-called priority of the early church was ministry to the poor. The Bible commands us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We should defend the rights of the poor and the needy (Prov. 31: 8-9). Jesus taught us that the poor are blessed, but the rich are in danger of judgment (Luke 6: 20-26; James 2: 5; 5: 1-6). We are to send our treasure in Heaven by serving the poor (Luke 14: 12-14; Matt. 25: 31-46). The Grace of God will lead us into ministry to the poor (2 Cor. 8: 1-15; 9: 6-15). Jesus was our example (1 John 3: 16-18).
Yet the modern church does little to minister to the desperately poor among the nations as a percentage of their church income. Once again the investment in local church buildings, land, equipment, programs, and unnecessary staff consumes the majority of the church finances.
There is no teaching in the New Testament concerning church buildings, for sending workers, making disciples and multiplying churches were the priorities of the early church. In the Old Testament tithes were used to support the Levites and priests. Tithes were never used for either the tabernacle or the temples. Only the free will offerings of the people were used to build those buildings (Ex. 25: 1, 2, 8; 30: 11-16; 1 Chron. 29: 1-9; 2 Kings 12: 1-16; Ezra 6: 1-10; 7: 11-23).
Yet in the modern church both tithes and offerings are used for church buildings. We have two unbiblical problems in the modern church concerning finances. First of all, most of the people are robbing God of tithes and offerings. Therefore there is not enough money to send out workers, as we should. Secondly the tithes and offerings that are received are misused on traditional, not Biblical priorities.
Conclusion
We are not commanded to preach seeker-friendly messages in order to fill the seats and increase offerings, but are called to preach the Gospel of repentance. The church must be comprised of true disciples, not religious goats. All teaching is to be first foundational (milk), then instructions for maturity (meat), not perpetual entertainment and babysitting. A team of multiple, God-called, and gifted elders must be appointed in each church, not one traditional pastor who lords it over the flock. We should see the fruit of radical devotion to the Word, fellowship, breaking of bread (including Communion), and prayer in the church, not lukewarm, compromised, and double-minded meeting attendees. Every disciple should participate in ministry when the church meets together, not just one or two as everyone else observes. Finally, the finances of the church (tithes and offerings) should be used to send out God-called and gifted elders into the Harvest to multiply disciples and churches, not to support buildings, land, equipment, programs, and unnecessary staff.
My prayer is that Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Harvest, will use this simple message to challenge you and change you to become the radically devoted disciple that He wants you to be for His Glory! Please share this complete booklet freely! May God bless you as you seek first His Kingdom!
Chuck King
Frontier Harvest Ministries of Ford City, PA
757 Prospect St.
Ford City, PA 16226 USA
charlesjking.com
[email protected]
My prayer is that Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Harvest, will use this simple message to challenge you and change you to become the radically devoted disciple that He wants you to be for His Glory! Please share this complete booklet freely! May God bless you as you seek first His Kingdom!
Chuck King
Frontier Harvest Ministries of Ford City, PA
757 Prospect St.
Ford City, PA 16226 USA
charlesjking.com
[email protected]