Its Head and Founder—CHRIST. He is the lawgiver, the Church is only the executive. (Matt. 16:18; Col. 1:18)
Its only rule of faith and practice—THE BIBLE. (II Tim. 3:15-17)
Its name–”CHURCH,” “CHURCHES.” (Matt. 16:18; Rev. 22:16)
Its policy—CONGREGATIONAL,—all members equal. (Matt. 20:24-28; Matt. 23:5-12)
Its members–only saved people. (Eph. 2:21; I Peter 2:5; Acts 2:47)
Its ordinances—BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM, FOLLOWED BY THE LORD’S SUPPER. (Matt. 28:19-20)
Its officers–PASTORS AND DEACONS. (I Tim. 3:1-16)
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)
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)
Its weapons of warfare–spiritual, not carnal. (II Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-20)
Its independence—separation of Church and State. (Matt. 22:21)
WHO SHOULD GO?
THE CALLED- “Seperate me Barnabas and Saul for the work unto which I have called them.” Acts 13-2b.
Paul and Barnabas were sent out from the church in Antioch to reach the Gentile world. They began what is known as the first missionary journey. They proceeded across the Mediterranean Sea to the area known as Galatia. They came to another town called Antioch, and there preached Christ, created a riot, and were thrown out of town. But they didn’t quit. They proceeded father into Asia Minor (Galatia in particular) to a town called Iconium. In Iconium they were using their spiritual gifts. (See Acts 14) The Exhibition of Spiritual Gifts:Read the rest of this entry »
