The Assembly Of The Saints

Transcription

1 The Assembly Of The Saints Hebrews 10:25 Prologue This series of lessons deals with various aspects of the assembling of Christians in a local congregation. Though most of the duty of a Christian will be exercised and fulfilled individually, God has nonetheless commanded regular assembling of Christians in church and He has much to say about what it is to entail. It is therefore important that attention be given to this particular facet of a Christian s life and what the Bible teaches on it.

2 Lesson 1 How God Communicates His Will To Us In The Bible About Church Matters Introduction: Before we begin discussing specific local congregational matters, a few lessons are in order to provide the basis for deciding what is acceptable to the Lord, lay the groundwork for proving anything and establish the foundation for a local church. It is assumed that all students believe the Bible, and the New Testament in particular, is the sole revealed authority of Jesus Christ; but HOW one determines the Lord s will from that Word needs establishing, so as to settle congregational issues. As we shall notice, God has used rules of communication that are applicable to all human communication and techniques or devices which man uses in everyday speech or writing. In other words, there is no unique theological language or mystical means of communication used by God, but rather that which is common to man. I) Generic And Specific Instructions A) Same as human communications (eg. boss-employee or parent-child) B) Illustration: Parent to child Go buy some bread (Very general, few specifics) 2. John, go in my car, now, to the corner grocery store and buy with this money, one loaf of Brownberry whole wheat bread. C) Specifics usually answer questions of: Who, what, when, where, how, how often, how many, etc. D) Specifics restrict choices. The more specifics given, the less prerogatives left to the one instructed. E) Some Bible Examples Of Generic And Specific Instructions 1. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs - Eph. 5 & Col. 3 a. Things specified: Type of music - vocal; kind of songs - p, h, ss b. Some things not specified: tempo, harmony, number of songs, etc. 2. Lord s Supper - Do this in remembrance of Me. (I Cor. 11) a. Things specified: elements, each Christian, in assembly, etc. b. Things not specified: quantity, time of day, time of service, etc. 3. Assemble - Heb. 10:25 a. Things specified: activities and purpose b. Things not specified: Time, place, etc. II) When We Have A Choice A) Expediency is required - I Cor. 6:12 B) Edification also required - I Cor. 14:26 C) This then will limit choices - illust. me preaching to you in German 2 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

3 D. Warnings: 1. Clearly recognize as a choice - no specific authority required 2. Do not bind a choice as if specifically required 3. All choices must first be lawful 4. Any choice must not change the thing generally authorized III) Application Of Principles Or Statements A) Heb. 5:14 - senses must be exercised to discern good and evil B) 101 different areas of application where the Bible has not been explicit C) Eg. What about artificial insemination, drug use, gambling, etc.? D) In this way God is allowing us a lot of room to decide for ourselves, all the while being guided by Biblical principles IV) The Use Of Inferences A) There will necessarily be some things implied on occasion, eg. assembling implies some sort of place and time has to be arranged. The Lord s Supper frequency (weekly) is determined by inference. B) Mt. 22: Jesus argues the reality of a resurrection by inference C) Acts 10:28 - Peter deduced that God was showing him by the vision of animals, that no man was to be considered unclean. V) Learning By Example A) The Bible definitely teaches this way - I Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9 B) Biblical Examples Of Learning By Example 1. Day of observing communion - Acts 20:7 2. Elders in every church - Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5 3. Prayers of thanksgiving before each item at the Lord s Table C) Some examples and instructions may allow for changes in custom, time or place - eg. manner of greeting (kiss); way to show hospitality and humble service (washing feet); medicinal aids (oil and wine); while others may not. VI) Faithful Admonitions A) Man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. - Matt. 4:4 B) If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. - I Pet. 4:11 C) Respect God s silence - Heb. 7:14; 1:5; Rev. 22:18-19; Deut. 4:2 1. Is specific authority needed for everything in religion? 2. If God has generally authorized something, but left the specifics to us, what guidelines need to be followed in the choices we make? 3 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

4 3. Does God expect us to use personal judgment when applying Biblical principles to various matters? 4. How do you think Christians ought to regard other brethren who s personal judgments may differ in the application of principles? 5. Does God s Word spell out everything, in no uncertain terms, or do we sometimes have to put 2 and 2 together and draw a conclusion? 6. Does God use examples to teach us? 7. Are examples binding? 8. Is the silence of the Bible on something, permission to do it? Lesson 2 The Uses Of The Word Church - Universally Introduction: There are basically two uses of the word "church" in the Bible (illust. "tractor" to a farmer or semi driver). Jesus had a similar thing happen to him in John 2: It is necessary to have a common understanding of the word church when talking with others, so as to avoid problems. Definition: "Ekklesia" (Greek) - "called out" ie. assembly, congregation I) Universal Use Called Out: 1) of darkness - I Peter 2:9 2) by God - I Pet. 5:10 3) through the Gospel - II Thessalonians 2: ) into fellowship with Christ - I Corinthians 1:9,2 II) Other Terms of Reference: A) Body of Christ - Colossians 1:18 B) Household of God - I Timothy 3:15 C) Kingdom of God's dear Son - Col. 1:13-14 D) Temple of God - Ephesians 2:19-22 E) Others 4 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

5 III) One True Church - Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23 A) Head - Christ (Owner & Director) Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28 B) Body - all the members - Romans 12:4-5 C) A Spiritual Body (church) - Hebrews 12:22-23 IV) Undenominational Character of the Church A) "Denomination means division, fraction of a whole, dividing by name. B) The church belonging to Christ claims to contain ALL the saved. C) No division permissible - I Corinthians 1:10-13 D) All of Christ's church are ONE Faith. - Ephesians 4:5. NO allowance for many "faiths" E) All are subject to Christ's sole authority - Head - Body relationship. 1) The word "church" is most often used in two different ways in the Bible. T - F 2) The word "church" means 3) All members of the church belonging to Christ are called out of 4) Into what are they called?. 5) What can be learned by the different terms referring to the church? 6) There is more than one church owned by Christ [universal sense). T - F 7) The church (body of Christ) is made up of different denominations. T - F 8) The church of Christ is divided. T - F 9) There is only one faith. T - F 5 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

6 Lesson 3 The Uses Of The Word Church - Locally I) Gathering Together A) Christians are required to assemble - Heb. 10:25 B) No specific place required - John 4:19-24 C) Factors determining local assembling: 1) Faithfulness of the congregation to Christ 2) Geographical location 3) Needs of the church 4) Needs of the individual 5) Possibility of choice - obviously this is assuming that there is already a congregation of Christians in the community. II) Local Development A) Beginning through efforts of evangelism - Phillip (Acts 8) B) Beginning through relocation of saints - scattering at persecution (Acts 8) 1) Jerusalem - Samaria - World (Acts 2:44-46; 8 & 9) 2) Ephesus - Sardis - Laodicea (Revelation 1:11) 3) Today: Appleton - New York - London C) All belong to Christ - Rom. 16:16 III) Purpose of Assembling A) Lord s Supper - Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20 B) Pooling of resources for common work - Acts 4:34-35; I Cor. 16:1-2 C) To encourage other Christians - Heb. 10:23-25 D) To be edified - Eph. 4:11-16 E) Collective worship - Eph. 5:18-19 F) Discipline - I Cor. 5:1-5; Heb. 13:17 Conclusion: Once a person has become a Christian, he is immediately added to the body (church) of Christ, made up of all the saved ones of God the world over. Then he needs to join himself to a local assembly (church) of such Christians, who are patterning the congregation after the blueprint revealed in the New Testament. This is in order to fulfill his obligation to God, fellow Christians, and the world in a collective way. 1) Is assembling with the saints optional? 6 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

7 2) Is there solely one place for gathering together? Yes - No 3) What are some of the factors determining a Christians local affiliation? 4) Thought Question: At what time was the church (universal) and the church (local), one and the same? 5) Assembling with the saints is wholly for the good you receive. T - F 6) Why is church discipline important? Addendum: The Difference Between The Church Universal and Local (from a lesson by Bob Bolton) THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL: 1. Is composed of all Christians -- Matthew 16:18; 1 Timothy 3:15; Acts 2;47, 2. Men enter through forgiveness -- Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12: God removes & He makes no mistakes -- Exodus 32:32-33; Revelation 20:15 4. Is composed of only the saved -- Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23; 1: Death does not sever membership -- Philippians 3:20; Revelation 14: Has no human organization -- Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:23; etc. 7. Has no collective work to do -- Matthew 25; Acts 8:4 (Individual not collective) THE CHURCH LOCAL: 1. Is composed of certain Christians only -- Revelation 1,2,3; 1 Corinthians 1:2. 2. Men join the local church & may be refused membership -- Acts 9: Men withdraw & they make mistakes -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5: Is composed of both saved & lost -- 1 Corinthians 5:1-8; Revelation 2:14-25; Revelation 3: Death severs membership -- removed from the roll & number is diminished. 6. Is organized to function collectively -- Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3; Titus Has collective work to do -- Acts 2:42; Philippians 4: The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

8 Lesson 4 DETERMINING LOCAL MEMBERSHIP Introduction: After a person becomes a Christian, there is an obligation to God fulfilled in him joining a congregation of fellow Christians. The search for such may be short or long, but here are some guidelines that need to be followed. I) Find a church that belongs to Christ - Rom. 16:16 A) It is not a church without weakness of individual members - eg. Rom. 14. One must distinguish between church and individual action. They are not the same. Eg. childrearing and voting obviously not the work of the congregation. There may be hypocrites, new converts and weak members. B) It is not a church in name only - eg. The N.T. has much to say about false Christ's, apostles, teachers, Jews, etc. Name alone is not sufficient. The designation "church of Christ" (Romans 16:16) is not a proper noun name anyway, but a term of reference and ownership, with the emphasis being on belonging to Christ. The same congregation may be designated as a church of God (II Corinthians 1:1) or a house of God (I Timothy 3:15), etc. C) It is not a church simply by reputation. Recognition by Christ is not always guaranteed (Rev. 2:5) D) It may not even be a church without fault collectively - almost all the congregations addressed in the Bible had faults...the human failings of the church. E) But, a church seeking to be subject to Christ collectively - Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17; seeking to hold up the truth - I Tim. 3:15 II) Things To Look For A) Dedication To Christ - Rev. 3:8 1) Christ - Object of service 2) Christ - Authorized practices B) Scriptural Organization - Phil. 1:1 C) Approved Worship Activities 1) Lord's Supper - Acts 20:7 2) Singing - Col. 3:16 3) Praying - I Tim. 2:8 4) Bible Study - I Cor. 14: ) Contributions - I Cor. 16:1-2 D) Authorized Work 1) Preaching the Gospel - Phil. 4: ) Helping Needy Saints - II Cor. 9:1, 12 8 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

9 3) Edification of the members - Eph. 4:11-16 includes provisions for the assemblies III) Obligations to a Church A) Submission to overseers - Heb. 13:17 B) Pooling resources to the common good - ie. becoming an active, participating, working member C) Encourage others - Heb. 10:23-25 D) Serve others - Gal. 5:13 E) Assemble for collective worship - Heb. 10:25 IV) What A Congregation Ought to Be...the people...all the members of the congregation. It is not the building. It is not some entity or institution separate and apart from the members. It needs to be viewed more as a family or household (Ephesians 2:19-22), than an organization. There is no separate clergy or priesthood. All Christians are priests (I Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6)....a mutual edification society, providing discipline, encouragement, exhortation and instruction for all. (Romans 15:14)....a giving place; not just in offerings on the Lord's Day, but in all that is done (Acts 20:35). If services are approached as an opportunity to give in worship to God and in edifying (building up) other brothers and sisters in Christ, one is far more likely to go away fulfilled and saying it was good to "go to church" today....a school, a sort of "one room schoolhouse". It is a place for learning (I Corinthians 14:26), for education in all that is God's Word....a "service station". As with cars, spiritual batteries need recharging from time to time. The assemblies of the saints provide such an opportunity to stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:23-25), to renew commitment to the faith, and recreate spiritually. Just as a car is not meant for the service station, but the service station for the car, so is the church. The congregations activities are not an end, but a means to an end. It is to assist Christians in being what they ought to be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day....a haven and shelter from the storms of life. It is a place to go and be with those of like precious faith and comfort and console one another (I Thessalonians 5:14)....a house of worship and prayer. 1) Local congregation membership is optional. T - F 9 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

10 2) Is a congregation of Christians going to be perfect in every regard? Yes - No 3) Does the name church of Christ make it truly such? Yes - No 4) I Timothy 3:15 indicates that the church is the 5) Simply going through the right acts of worship makes a church pleasing to God. T - F 6) Must the organization of a congregation follow the N.T. pattern? Yes - No 7) Is a work of a church acceptable simply because it appears to be good? Yes - No 8) List some of the reasons Christians are to continue assembling regularly? Lesson 5 Organization - congregational autonomy (independence) Introduction: The New Testament pattern is one of congregational independence, similar to families. I) Scripture References A) N.T. emphasizes "every" church. - Acts 14:23 Titus 1:5 B) Elders are to rule over those "among them" - I Pet. 5:2; I Thess. 5:12 * All examples in the N.T. are of elders over a single church C) Responsibility placed on each church. - I Cor. 16:3,4; II Cor. 8:18-24 D) The 7 churches of Asia (Rev. 2-3) all in very close proximity, but each dealt with by Christ independently. II) No Authorization For Any Other Plan -????? A) No mention of district, diocese, regional or even worldwide oversight B) No mention of a linking of churches together organically 10 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

11 C) No mention of sponsoring churches, mother churches, metro churches with attached satellite congregations D) No mention of a separate organization to tie churches together * A linking together of churches for a common cause demands oversight of some sort...another plan develops. III) Christian Ties A) Christians are linked ONLY in Christ, apart from a local assembly of saints. * There is no functioning of the entire universal body of Christ. B) Churches are linked only in independently engaging in similar work through their union with Christ. * Illustration: Mankind is not a functioning body...but the family unit is. Many family units may engage in the same work, share in a common cause and associate with one another, but the units remain autonomous and self-governing. C) The wisdom of God is seen in avoidance of chain reactions in case of apostasy (one bad apple not spoiling the whole bunch). 1) The Bible emphasizes each church needing oversight. T - F 2) Elders are to rule over all the churches in a district. T - F 3) What can be a problem with congregations being linked together? 4) Did Paul dictate to the churches the procedure they were to use in the sending of relief to the needy saints? Yes - No 5) Is there any way that congregations can co-operate? Explain. 6) How is the wisdom of God seen in church autonomy? 7) Is there a need to follow the pattern of N.T. church organization? 11 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

12 Lesson 6 Organization - Bishops Introduction: The N.T. teaches two qualified positions of appointment in a congregation. Bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-13) I) Other Names For Elders A) Bishops or overseers (Titus 1:7) B) Shepherd or Pastors (I Pet. 5:1-4 Eph. 4:11) C) Presbyters or Elders (I Timothy 4:14) D) Not different offices, but terms used interchangeably (Acts 20:17,28) II) A Pattern A) A Plurality of Bishops - Always spoken of plurally in the Scriptures when appointed - Titus 1:5, etc. B) Elders In Every Church - Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5 C) Restricted to Congregation among them - I Pet. 5:1-4 * No jurisdiction outside local assembly III) Qualifications - I Tim. 3:2-7; Titus 1:6-9 A) Must be qualified B) Some of the qualifications are relative and are ongoing qualities of growth. C) Others are absolute eg. married, with children, etc. IV) A Pastor s Work A) Feed the church (spiritual food) - Acts 20:28 B) Guard the church from false teachers - Acts 20:29-31 C) Rule the congregation - I Tim. 5:17 D) Watch on behalf of souls - Hebrews 13:17 E) Congregation s duty toward the shepherds 1) Honor and reward - I Tim. 5: ) Obey and respect - Heb. 13:17 3) Receive no accusation against them, except verifiable - I Tim. 5:19 1) Are elders to be desired in every church? Yes - No 2) Give some of the different terms that refer to an elder. 3) Is there a distinction between a bishop and a pastor in the N.T.? Yes - No 12 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

13 4) A single (one) shepherd can rule a flock. T - F 5) How far is the jurisdiction of an eldership extended? 6) What is wrong with a group of bishops ruling over many churches? 7) Can anyone be a pastor? Yes - No 8) Are women eligible to be bishops? Yes - No 9) Is perfection a qualification of an elder? Yes - No 10) Is a congregation better off with or without Scripturally qualified elders? Why? 11) What is a shepherd s job primarily? 12) May a congregation pay an elder for his labor? Yes - No Lesson 7 Organization - Deacons I) Deacon Means Minister, Waiter, Servant A) Every Christian is to be a deacon (servant) in one sense B) But, deacon is also referred to in an official sense - Phil. 1:1 & I Tim. 3:8-13 II) Work of a Deacon A) To minister or serve (derived from the meaning of the word ''deacon") B) Tend to business, sometimes more physical aspects of the church s work, leaving the elders free for the spiritual. - Acts 6:1-6 III) Qualifications A) I Tim. 3:8-13 B) Deacon's wives - I Tim. 3:11-1) Dignified 2) Not malicious gossips 3) Temperate 4) Trustworthy 13 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

14 IV) Differences Between Bishops and Deacons A) Deacon not necessarily an older man B) Deacon not necessarily having believing children C) Deacons may be relatively young in the faith 1) Every Christian is to be a deacon in a sense. T - F 2) Does the deacon's work seem to be primarily spiritual or temporal? 3) Name some present day duties of a deacon. 4) Can a woman be a deacon in the official sense? 5) May deacons be young men relatively speaking? Yes - No 6) A deacon must be only worldly wise, to be a good deacon. T - F 7) Is perfection in conduct a qualification of deacons? Yes - No 8) What are the characteristics given of a deacon's wife? 9) Why do you think the deacon s wife is said to have to be of a certain character? 10) Deacons and elders are qualified alike with what exceptions? 11) Do you see deacons as potential elders in many cases? Lesson 8 Worship Activities - The Lord s Supper I) Background A) Instituted BY Christ 1) On the night on which He was betrayed - I Cor. 11:23 2) As a memorial - I Cor. 11:24-26 B) Outgrowth of the Passover - Luke 22:14-16 & I Cor. 5:7 14 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

15 II) Scriptural Designations A) Lord's Supper - I Cor. 11:20 B) Lord's Table - I Cor. 10:21 C) Breaking of Bread - Acts 2:42 20:7 D) Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ - I Cor. 10:16 III) Proper Procedure A) Right Elements 1) Unleavened bread - Luke 22:1,7 2) Fruit of the vine - Luke 22 :18 B) Time and Frequency of Observance 1) Regularly - Acts 2:42 2) Weekly - Acts 20:7 C) Where Observed? 1) In the Assembly - I Cor. 11 & Acts 20 2) If possible D) Manner of Partaking - I Cor. 11: ) Giving of thanks (23-24) 2) Breaking of the bread (23-24) 3) Thanks and fruit of the vine (25) 4) In memory (24-26) 5) Worthy manner (27) 6) Personal inspection (28-29) 7) In full fellowship with all the members partaking (33-34) 1) The Lord's Supper is an outgrowth of the. 2) What are some similarities of the Passover and Lord's Supper? 3) The term Eucharist" is a scriptural designation of the Lord's Supper. T - F 4) The Lord's Table is a memorial feast. T - F 5) May grape Kool-Aid be substituted for fruit of the vine, if no grape juice is available? Yes - No Why? 6) Is the bread and wine literally the body and blood of Christ? Yes - No 7) If weekly observance is unnecessary, which of the following has Scriptural authorization? Monthly, quarterly, annually, every decade, once in a lifetime? 8) Where is the Communion to be partaken of? 15 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

16 9) The Lord's Table is a feast to satisfy hunger. T - F 10) The church (local) only has power to provide for the supper. T - F Lesson 9 Worship Activities - Giving I) Background of Contributions A) Old Testament foreshadowed - tithing (tenth) B) Local church work demands financing - eg. Acts 4:34,35; II Cor. 11:8 Phil. 4:15,16 II) Proper Procedures A) Every first day of the week - I Cor. 16:1,2 B) Individual responsibility - I Cor. 16:1,2 1) Separated into a treasury 2) As prospered - proportionately 3) Voluntarily - II Cor. 9:7 4) Purposefully 5) Cheerfully C) An Equality - II Cor. 8:8-15 1) All needs supplied 2) According to your prosperity III) Unauthorized Practices A) Tithing B) Collections on any day other than Sunday C) By means other than freewill offerings, to raise money D) Contributing only when expenses arise IV) Blessings in Giving A) Approved of God - Mark 12:41-44 B) More happiness - Acts 20:35 C) Bountiful reaping - II Cor. 9:6 16 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

17 1) Tithing is authorized of Christ. T - F 2) May a local church pool its monies to do a common work? Yes - No 3) May a preacher receive wages from a church for the spiritual work he does? Yes - No 4) Is there authorization for the raising of funds any way other than through freewill contributions? Yes - No 5) Why are Christians restricted to Sunday collections only? 6) Is each member of the church to contribute? Yes - No What if a member is very poor? 7) The case in I Cor. 16:1-2 is for needy saints. Is there authorization for the raising of money for the other works of the church? Yes - No Explain. 8) Is a contribution of 100 dollars more pleasing to God than that of 1 cent? Yes - No Explain. 9) Is a Christian held responsible for what he has or what he does not have? 10) What are some of the blessings from giving? Lesson 10 Worship Activities - Music I) Background of Music In Worship A) Use in the Old Testament - Psalms 149 & 150 B) Some have questioned God s approval of instruments even in OT II) New Testament Music in Worship A) Singing - Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; I Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; James 5:13 B) Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs - Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 17 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

18 III) Purpose A) Praise and thanksgiving to God - Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; Heb. 13:15 B) Teaching and encouraging one another - Col 3:16; Eph. 5:19 C) Wholesome release of merriment - James 5:13 IV) Manner of Musical Worship A) Unto God B) With the Heart C) With Understanding D) Scriptural V) Benefits of Singing A) Approved repetition - Good for learning B) Melody attached to the teaching promotes learning C) Source Or great Joy, encouragement, comfort, exhortation, admonition, etc. 1) Any type of uplifting song is acceptable to God. T - F 2) In every N.T. example of church music, it is what sort? 3) What are the purposes of singing in the assembly? 4) To sing with our lips, but not with our hearts is sinful. T - F 5) Which is the more important, the lyrics or the tune? 6) Singing with instrumental accompaniment and/or band performances are very popular in most churches today. Where is the New Testament authority for this? 7) What do you say to a person who advocates instrumental music in the assembly worship on the grounds of it being an aid? 8) Must instrumental music be expressly condemned for it to be wrong? Yes - No. Explain. 9) If a congregation has a chorus of singers to sing for the church, is this right or wrong? Why? 10) What are some of the benefits of singing? 18 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

19 Lesson 11 Worship Activities - Prayer Introduction: The Bible authorizes prayer in every place (I Tim. 2:8) thus making the church's prayers appropriate, as well as many others. I) Examples of Prayer in an Assembly A) Pentecost gathering - Acts 1:13-14 B) Early church practice - Acts 2:42 C) Jerusalem example - Acts 4:23-31 D) Acts 12:5.12 E) Corinthian church - I Cor. 14:13-17 F) Lord's Supper thanksgiving - I Cor. 11:24,25 II) Purposes (I Timothy 2:1) A) Praise (prayers) B) Supplications C) Intercessions D) Thanksgiving III) Benefits of Collective Prayer A) Avails much more - James 5:13-18 B) One for another expedited - James 5:13-18 C) Intensifies fervency (if not in vain) - same passage D) Edification - I Cor. 14:16-17 E) Reduces oversight due to memory IV) Suggestions for Public Prayer A) Pray loud enough to be heard and understood B) Remember you are praying in behalf of the whole church (not privately) C) Keep subject matter appropriate for all D) Do not use prayer as a platform to preach to someone E) Be aware of the time span of your listeners F) Mention the mediation of Jesus (advisable in public) G) Specifics are good eg. Pilate and Herod - Acts 4:27 H) Amen if you agree - I Cor. 14:16 1) The early Christians practiced collective prayer. T - F 19 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

20 2) The church in Corinth had a problem with prayer. What was it? 3) Can each member in the congregation be praying aloud at the same time? 4) Is mediation through Jesus the only way to God? Must we mention it every time we pray? Explain. 5) Can prayer collectively be vain and empty repetition? Explain. 6) If one saint praying fervently to God accomplishes much (James 5), what do you think the effect of 100 would be? 7) What are your thoughts on gatherings specifically to pray? 8) Give some benefits of public prayer. 9) Are specifics appropriate in assembly prayers? Why? Lesson 12 Worship Activities - Teaching God s Word Introduction: In this lesson we conclude our examination of worship activities in the assemblies by looking at the teaching (doctrine) within a congregation. I) Authorization A ) Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:26 B) Method - Discretionary (pulpit, classroom, reading, time, length, etc.) C) Manner - Decently and in Order - I Cor. 14:33,40 C) What Taught? - Acts 20:18-21,25-27 II) Why Needed? A) To prevent apostasy - II Tim. 4:2-5 B) To perpetuate the Gospel - II Tim. 2:2 C) Expose false teaching - I Tim. 1:3-4; 4:1-6 D) For salvation - I Tim. 4:16 E) Edification of the saints - Eph. 4: The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

21 III) Warnings! A) Must remain true to the original teaching - Gal. 1:6-10 B) Beware of preeminence - Acts 20:30; III John 9-11 C ) No "clergy"-"laity" distinction (Where authorized?) - I Cor. 3:18-4:1 D) No creed but Christ's word - Col 3:17 E) All manuals, catechisms, creeds of men, are without authority F) I Cor. 4:6 G) Tolerating false teaching is condemned - Rev. 2:14,15,20 1) Teaching in the church is a man-made tradition. T - F 2) Are congregations left to their own discretion regarding the methods employed to do the teaching? If so what are some of the methods? 3) Is it a necessity to have teaching in the church? 4) Must a church have pulpit preaching? Why? 5) What is the requirement for that which is taught? 6) Thought Question: May a woman teach in the congregation? 7) Is the increase of knowledge the only reason for teaching? If not, what are some other purposes of teaching? 8) May there be a distinction between the teachers and the other members of the church? Why? 9) A congregation receiving it's authorized lessons and teaching materials from an outside source is permissible. T - F 10) Is there such a thing as "church of Christ" doctrine? Explain. 21 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

22 Lesson 13 Supported Works Of The Congregation - Preaching the gospel I) Authorization - Phil. 1:3-5; 4:15-17 A) To both Christians and non-christians B) Only the original gospel to be taught - Gal. 1:6-10 C) Both collectively and individually an obligation and authorization. II) Responsibility A) Pillar and ground of the Truth - I Tim. 3:14,15 B) Sounding forth the Word - I Thess. 1:7-1 C) Early example - Acts 8:1,4,5 D) Individual praise - III John 5-8 III) Means and Methods A) Support of a Preacher Approved - I Cor. 9:7-14 B) Church paying preachers wages - II Cor. 11:7-9 C) Money not a necessity - Acts 8:4 D) Tools used in preaching is left to expediency, opportunity and discretion. eg. written page, radio, T.V., word of mouth, newspapers, door to door, mass mailing, gospel meetings, tracts, etc. E) Warning: Be certain all congregational evangelistic work is done in a way that does not compromise autonomy. 1) Proclaiming the gospel is an optional work of a church. T - F 2) The local church is given complete instructions regarding the work of I preaching. T - F 3) If a preacher is being supported, the rest of the congregation is relieved of it's obligation to teach others. T - F 4) Is there a right to receive wages for the preaching of the gospel expressed in the N.T.? Or is it only a privilege? Explain. 5) Can a congregation send funds to a missionary society for the support of preachers in other places? Why? 6) A church may provide the necessary tools for preaching. T - F 22 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

23 7) In light of Romans 10:14-15, must a preacher be "sent" in order to preach the gospel to others? Explain. 8) What should a church do about evangelism, if it finds itself poor or ill equipped to do a big job? 9) Doctrinally, teaching should change to fit the times. T - F Lesson 14 Supported Works of the Congregation - Benevolence Introduction: Though in a limited fashion, the church is authorized to care for certain temporal needs that may arise. I) Responsibility Of The Individual Christian A) Every opportunity...especially to saints - Gal. 6:10 B) Imitation of Christ 1) Good Samaritan - love thy neighbor 2) Washing the disciples' feet - humble servitude 3) Laying down your life for friends - John 15:13 C) The love of God in our hearts constrains us - I John 3:16-18 II) Responsibility Of the Congregation A ) Early Instruction - Rom. 12:13; 15:25-27 B) Early church examples - Acts 11:29-30; 2:44-45; 4:34-37 C) A church is not to help every need that arises - I Tim. 5:3,4,9,10,16 D) Bible examples of church benevolence are ALWAYS for needy SAINTS. III) Procedure - I Cor. 16:1,2 A) Collection on the first day of the week B) Individual obligation to contribute to the treasury - "lay by in store" C) Done proportionately "as prospered" 23 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

24 IV) Purposes (II Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15) A) Ministering v.4 B) Abound in grace - v.7 C) Acceptable to God - v.12 D) Equality - vs E) Prove love - v.24 F) Thanksgiving- 9: ) The responsibility to care for the needy begins with the individual. T - F 2) Why should a Christian be concerned about doing benevolent works? 3) If a Christian has been blessed spiritually, what should be his attitude regarding repayment materially? 4) How soon did the early churches encounter problems of benevolence? 5) The key to liberality in giving is 6) May various means be used by the church to raise funds for the needy? 7) Satisfying a need is the only real benefit of giving. T - F 8) Must a church only relieve needy saints? Why? 9) Is there a N.T. example of a need being refused by the church? Where? 10) The work of a congregation is primarily social. T - F 24 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

25 Lesson 15 Supported Works Of A Congregation - Edification Introduction: This lesson examines the need for a church to build itself up in love and in the most holy faith. I) Necessity (II Peter 1:2-11) A) Partakers of the Divine nature - vs.2-4 B) Assuring our calling and election - v.10 C) Bearing fruit for Christ - v.8 D) Avoid falling - v.10 E)To go to heaven - v.11 II) Church Provision of Edification A) Bishops to "shepherd the flock" - Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:2-3 B) Deacons to serve - Acts 6 C) Assemblies to edify - Heb. 10:23-25 D) Singing in the congregation - Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 E) Provides atmosphere for service to another - I Thess. 5:12-14; Phil. 2:1-4 Heb. 3:12-14 F) Lord's Supper - I Cor. 11:17 G) Teaching - I Cor. 14:26 H) Opportunity for Giving - Phil. 4:16,17 I) Prayer together - I Cor. 14:12,16,17 * Tools to AID in these works of edification are in the realm of expediency. * Other works of edification become ADDITIONS. eg. recreation, health and social services, education, entertainment, etc. Conclusion: The work of a congregation is primarily spiritual. Anytime the secular activities of a congregation become predominant, a correction is in order. What the individual Christian can do (and has an obligation to do) and what a church can do, are not one and the same. Because an individual is authorized to do something, is not authorization for it to become a collective action. Because a work can be classified as "good", does not make it part of of the church's mission. "Good" must be with permission of Jesus Christ. ''Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God..." (II John 9) 25 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

26 1) The word "edification" means 2) Through the building up of a church we prevent backsliding. T - F 3) Jesus indicated that all branches which bear not fruit will be destroyed. T - F 4) Name some of the ways in which the congregation can be involved in edification. 5)What is wrong with a church providing entertainment, recreation, etc. for edifying itself? 6) Everything an individual can do a church can do. T - F Lesson 16 The Purity of the Church Introduction: In this lesson we begin a look at church discipline, by examining the need for purity in the church. The local congregation, seeking to follow the precepts of Christ, will make a concerted effort to keep itself spotless from the world. I) The Individual Requirement A) Separated, touching nothing unclean - II Cor. 6:14-7:1 B) Non-conformity to the world - Rom. 12:1,2 C) Pure religion - James 1:27 D) Walking in the Light - I John 1:5-7 II) The Church Requirement A) Rev. 2:4;14-16; B) Praise for purity - Rev. 3:4 C) "A chaste virgin" - II Cor. 11:2-3 III) Purpose A) Little leaven leavens the whole lump - I Cor. 5:6 B) To remain identified with Christ - Rev. 2:5 C) To retain a good influence - Matt. 5: The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

27 IV) Purity In What? A) Conduct B) Teaching C) Beliefs D) Motives Conclusion: A Christian and a congregation truly pleasing to God are always making sure that they remain pure and undefiled before Him. 1) Discipline among brethren begins with the individual. T F 2) God has promised to be a Father to us if we. 3) Can a Christian walk in darkness and have fellowship with God? Explain. 4) In the seven churches of Asia ( Revelation) was toleration of false teachers viewed by Christ as a blessing or curse? 5) A congregation has no right to discipline erring members, as that is an individual matter between a man and his God. T - F Explain. 6) May a congregation blend in with the world so as to win more to Christ? Why? 7) If a Christian is to be as salt to the world about him, may he refuse to have any contact with them so as to remain pure himself? Explain. 8) In what areas must there be purity? 9) Salt cut with sand is worthless. What about goodness cut with evil? Lesson 17 Congregational Discipline Introduction: In our last lesson we noticed the need for church purity. To achieve such and to keep it, disciplinary action will regularly have to be taken. A fellow Christian who persists in sin, though efforts have been made to restore him, may be judged by the church and withdrawn from. 27 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

28 Definition: fellowship = joint participation, partnership, communion, sharing, togetherness I) Why Exercise Discipline Of Any Kind? A) The Bible says we should B) Rooted in need for purity (holiness) so as to have fellowship with God - I John 1:5-7; II Cor 6:14-7:1 C) Part of being holy is being separate (not fellowshipping) D) Individual purity is a must - Rom 12:1-2; James 1:27 E) Individuals are also not to fellowship evil in others - Eph 5:11-12; Rom 1:32 F) Congregations have the same responsibility - Rev 2:14-16; 20-23; 3:4 II) Who Should Be Disciplined? A) False teachers - Rev. 2:14-16, 20; II John 9-11 B) Those causing divisions - Rom 16:17-18; Titus 3:10-11 C) Immoral and unrepentant Sinners - I Cor 5:9-13 D) Private unresolved wrongdoing - Matt 18:15-17 E) Disorderly manner Of living - II Thess 3:6-15 III) What Is The Purpose Of Discipline? A) To obey Christ - Matt 18 B) Keep purity - I Cor 5:7 C) To restore - I Cor 5:5 (II Cor. 2:6-8) D) To be a lesson to others - I Tim 5:20 E) Keep identified with Christ - Rev 2:5 F) To retain good influence in community - Matt 5:13-16 IV) What Should Precede A Severing Of Fellowship? A) Individual effort, if possible - Matt 5:23-24; 18:15; Jam 5:19-20; Gal 6:1-2 B) Mutual admonitions, exhortations, warnings, etc. (positive and negative) REGULARLY - Heb 10:23-25; 3:12-13; Rom 15:14; I Thess 5:11,14; 5:12; I Tim 5:17; Heb 13:17 V) Withdrawing Fellowship (II Thess 3:6) A) Deliver to Satan - I Cor 5:4-5; I Tim 1:18-20 B) Putting away - I Cor 5:13 C) Involves marking, taking note, identifying as guilty - Rom 16:17; II Thess 3:14 D) Attitudes and Actions: 1. Love them - II Cor 2:8 2. Admonish as brethren, not enemies - II Thess 3:15 3. Note and mark - Rom 16:17; II Thess 3:14 4. Treat as Jews did publicans and sinners - Matt 18:17 28 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

29 5. No social acceptance - I Cor 5:9-11; II Jn 9-11; II Thess 3: Remember sole objective for brother is to save him 7. Refuse and reject - Titus 3: Without partiality - James 2:1 9. By whole church preferably - I Cor 5:4 10. Consistently 11. Wisely - not all case dealt with the same 12. Prayerfully - I Jn 5:16 1) An individual may leave the discipline of an erring brother to the church. T - F Explain. 2) Should the church even be involved if a settlement can be reached between two brethren? 3) Who has primary responsibility for ruling a church? 4) May a member live in any sin, refusing to confess such, and the church tolerate it? Why? 5) Who are in need of discipline in the church? 6) If a member leaves the church, is this grounds for discipline? Explain. 7) Withdrawal should be done hastily so as to be most effective. T - F Explain. 8) What should a church do if the government forbids a type of authorized discipline? What if it means being sued? 9) Is the whole church to administer discipline to an erring brother? 10) A disfellowshipped member must be bodily kept from being in the assemblies of the saints. T F 11) How many times at least must restoration be sought before publicly, going before the church with a problem? 12) A withdrawn from brother, is to be no longer recognized as a brother. T - F 13) What are the purposes of delivering a member over to Satan? 14) Is it wrong to tell the whole congregation of a brother's fault once efforts have been made to restore him and they have failed? 29 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)

30 15) Should new members be made aware early on, of the practice of church discipline? Why? 16) Are religious ties the only one severed in rejecting an erring member? If not, what others are to be? 17) How did the Jews regard publicans and sinners? 18) May just a few influential members withdraw fellowship and it be pleasing to God? Explain. 19) Once a brother is disfellowshipped, should future efforts be made to restore him? 20) Thought Question: What should a Christian do or not do when it is a close family member who is disfellowshipped? Series Conclusion: It is an awesome, humbling responsibility which God has placed upon members of His Son s church in tending to the operation of a local assembly of saints. The faithful child of God will seek to contribute to it truly being a church of Christ, not only in word, but in deed. 30 The Assembly Of The Saints (Hebrews 10:25)