DEACONS

The Church that Jesus started during his personal ministry on earth has two officers. The officers of the Lord’s Church are Pastors and Deacons. The Bible makes reference to pastors as bishops or elders. This article deals with deacons. Deacons are to be servants of the Church and not rulers of the Church; however, Deacons are to be be leaders. Without leadership in any organization, whether in a church, club or athletic program, we usually find chaos. Deacons are first mentioned in Acts 6:1-6.

MARKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

1. Its Head and Founder—CHRIST. He is the lawgiver, the Church is only the executive. (Matt. 16:18; Col. 1:18)
2. Its only rule of faith and practice—THE BIBLE. (II Tim. 3:15-17)
3. Its name–”CHURCH,” “CHURCHES.” (Matt. 16:18; Rev. 22:16)
4. Its policy—CONGREGATIONAL,—all members equal. (Matt. 20:24-28; Matt. 23:5-12)
5. Its members–only saved people. (Eph. 2:21; I Peter 2:5; Acts 2:47)
6. Its ordinances—BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM, FOLLOWED BY THE LORD’S SUPPER. (Matt. 28:19-20)
7. Its officers–PASTORS AND DEACONS. (I Tim. 3:1-16)
8. Its work–getting folks saved, baptizing them (with a baptism that meets all the requirements of God’s Word), teaching them (“to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”). (Matt. 28:16-20)
9. Its financial plan “Even so (TITHES and OFFERINGS) hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (I Cor. 9:14)
10. Its weapons of warfare–spiritual, not carnal. (II Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-20)
11. Its independence—separation of Church and State. (Matt. 22:21)

CHRIST IN THE NEW

The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.

Manifest Part 2

In Matthew He is “the King of Israel.”

In Mark He is “the Suffering Servant.”