Church Establishment

Church Establishment an Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study

Church Establishment a Bible Study introduction background Just before Jesus Christ ascended to heaven He gave final instructions to His disciples. Primary to the mission was: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15) This study is designed to examine ways in which to use your talents to assist in fulfilling this commandment by participating in the establishment of New Testament Christian churches. You will be challenged to examine your role in supporting the Church to fulfill this commission. In the period before Jesus Christ, God chose Abraham for his faith and chose his seed based primarily on family inheritance. He chose people from a specific geographical location to worship Him and identified His chosen people (Gen 17:7&8). They met in temples and synagogues and were expected to live under His law. When He sent Jesus Christ to be a Savior (I Pe 2:24), He paid the ransom for all (I Tim 2:6). He chose Paul and other faithful believers to send His message throughout the World. (1st Cor 1:1) Paul did this by establishing groups of believers, called churches, for mutual support and accountability. This commission was for the apostles and those who follow after (Mat 28:19). As you progress through the study, pause from time to time to consider how the church in which you worship was established and how God would like you to participate in or support the establishment of new churches. Memory Verse Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. - Psalm 127:1 2015. Apostolic Christian Church of America. All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents Fulfilling Christ s Great Commission...4 Building on the True Foundation... 6 Bring Glory to God...8 Avoiding Misguided Ambitions...10 Interaction with Churches...12 Listening and Submitting to the Holy Spirit... 14 Persecution...16 Financial and Spiritual Support...18 Maintaining Fellowship with Believers... 20 Support Missionary Work...22 Called to Service... 24 Conclusion...26

Fulfilling Christ s Great Commission Fulfill - to perform or do, as duty; obey or follow, as commands. Reflection MATT 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 1 TIM 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Fulfilling Christ s Great Commission to spread the Word to all nations necessarily involves believers establishing new churches. Discuss New Testament encouragements found in Matt 28:19, and I Tim 2:4. Establishment of churches resulted from the spreading of the Word to men in the early church. Some examples of this are in Acts (Acts 1:8, Acts 13:4 14:28, Acts 15:40-18:23, Acts 19:1 21:40) and elsewhere in, Isa 52:7, Luke 24:46-47, and Rom 10:15. As you reflect on the verses listed above, how does the new believer benefit as a part of a church? What are the various ways an individual can contribute to spreading the Word in our time? 6 Church Establishment

Scripture References ACTS 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. notes: ACTS 13:4 14:28 ACTS 15:40 18:23 ACTS 19:1 21:40 ISA 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! LUKE 24:46-47 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ROM 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 7

Building on the True Foundation True - being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something, exact; precise; accurate; correct. Reflection I COR 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. In order for a new church to bring lasting salvation to souls, believers must build it on the true foundation of Jesus Christ and Him crucified (I Cor 3:11). New and Old Testament teachings emphasize the importance of building on the true foundation (Ps 40: 2, 118:22, Isa 55:1-7, Matt 7:24&27, Eph 2:17-22). Can you identify other scriptures? Discuss their intent. 8 Church Establishment

Scripture References PS 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. notes: PS 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. ISA 55:1-7 MATT 7:24 & 27 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. EPH 2:17-22 An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 9

Bring Glory to God Glory - adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving. Reflection PS 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. If the establishment of a new church is to bring glory to God, the Holy Spirit must lead the process according to the precepts of His Word. God, not men, deserves all credit for any progress or success. Ps 127:1 Scriptures teach attitudes (Lam 3: 25, 26, Acts 2:47, I Cor 3:7, II Tim 3:16) that will bring the Lord s blessing on this work. Discuss scriptural examples of waiting on the Lord. 10 Church Establishment

Scripture References LAM 3:25-26 25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. notes: ACTS 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. I COR 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. II TIM 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 11

Avoiding Misguided Ambitions Ambition - the object, state, or result desired or sought after. an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment. Reflection LUKE 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Lest we should run ahead of God with misguided ambition, it s important to remember that the Lord Himself appointed those who carried the message of Christ. He was the One Who sent them forth. Luke 10:1 How can we wait upon the Lord when preparing to serve Him? How can Luke 10:1 be our pattern (Acts 13:1-3) as we seek to spread the gospel? Although we are admonished to wait on the Lord and not be forward, we must use the talents He has given and be willing to labor in the Lord s vineyard. I Tim 4:14 12 Church Establishment

Scripture References ACTS 13:1-3 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. notes: I TIM 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 13

Interaction with Churches Interaction - reciprocal action, effect, or influence. Reflection ACTS 11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. ACTS 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. There was interaction between new and established churches (Acts11:22). In turn, each had a readiness to give and receive help. How can we use the interaction between congregations (Acts 9:27) to receive the blessings of spiritual edification and fellowship? The apostle Paul expressed support for such communication in Colossians 4:16 by sharing, And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. What are some of the advantages of communication between groups of believers separated by distance? How can this communication strengthen the church and lead to effective evangelism? Prov 11:14, Acts 15:3, Rom 15: 26, 27, 16:1-16 14 Church Establishment

Scripture References COL 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. notes: PROV 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. ACTS 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. ROM 15:26-27 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. ROM 16:1-16 An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 15

Listening and Submitting to the Holy Spirit Submit - to give over or yield to the power or authority of another. Reflection ACTS 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Listening and submitting to the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2) allows us to be used effectively in the Lord s plans How do we follow the pattern of Scripture in responding to the Word and Spirit? For all involved, (Acts 14:23) what are the benefits of being sent by the Church? Describe the benefits to the sending church, to the receiving church (Eph 4:11, 12) and to the individual being sent. Is anyone not eligible for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ? We must not have prejudice concerning who will desire or be worthy of salvation. Acts: 10 16 Church Establishment

Scripture References ACTS 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. notes: EPH 4:11-12 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ACTS 10 An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 17

Persecution Persecute - to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment. Reflection ACTS 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. ACTS 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Persecution (Acts 8:1, 11:19) is one of the ways the Lord prepares His people through life events. Persecution laid the groundwork (Phil 1:12, 13) for the establishment of churches as believers fled to neighboring countries. Peter implies that enduring persecution will perfect saints and lead to a better witness. I Pet 4:1 Is this because it solidifies commitment or are other reasons also important? Phil 1:12-13 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 18 Church Establishment

Scripture References I Pet 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; notes: An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 19

Financial and Spiritual Support Support - to maintain by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for, to sustain, to uphold. Reflection Phil 4:15-16 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Willing financial and spiritual support (Phil 4:15, 16) was required to cover needs related to spreading the gospel. How can we follow the example of the Philippians when supporting missions? How did the Philippians show continuing support after the apostles departed? What are spiritual benefits of giving to the Lord? Acts 4:34, Rom 15:24, II Cor 9:12 20 Church Establishment

Scripture References ACTS 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, notes: ROM 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. II COR 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 21

Maintaining Fellowship with Believers Fellowship - communion, as between members of the same church. community of interest, feeling. an association of persons having similar tastes. Reflection JOHN 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. I JOHN 4:20-21 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. God calls us to maintain loving fellowship with believers (John 17:15) and relationship with others (Phil 2:4) in this world. This interaction must first be with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We cannot say we have love and commitment with God, if we do not walk in love with men (I John 4:20, 21) on earth. Discuss the mandate of Phil 2:4 and its implication during the establishment of churches. What is required to properly carry out both parts of this encouragement? Matt 7:3-5, 1st John 1:3 The church must act as brotherhood in unity, in purpose, with loving labors. I Cor 12 (esp.) 18, 22, and 26 22 Church Establishment

Scripture References PHIL 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. notes: MATT 7:3-5 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother s eye. I JOHN 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. I COR 12: 18, 22, & 26 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 23

Support Missionary Work Work - the result of exertion, labor, or activity; a deed or performance. Reflection II COR 8:2-8 II COR 11:7-8 7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. In II Corinthian s we see Paul s encouragement to the church at Corinth to support the poor saints in Jerusalem. Paul notes in other of his letters (II Cor 8:2-8, 11:7, 8) the use of funds to support missionary work. How much (I Cor 6:19, 20) of our earthly life is the Lord s? What amount of our time (Deut 14: 22-26), passions, talents and spiritual gifts are we willing (II Cor 9:7) to use to support the establishment of churches? What God-given gifts are you willing to offer to this work? Rom 15:26, 27 24 Church Establishment

Scripture References I COR 6:19-20 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God s. notes: DEUT 14:22-26 I COR 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? ROM 15:26-27 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 25

Called to Service Called - a summons, invitation, or bidding. Reflection I COR 13:4-5 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Jesus Christ is our great example of living selflessly. We are called to His service by His example of love. This love shines forth in meekness (I Cor 13:4-5) by submission to the Father in holy living. Left unchecked, our human nature can easily suspect others of having evil motives even if we have no evidence to justify the mental accusation (John 7:24). Unless we have observed specific concerns, why is it dangerous to assume that others who are willing to let God use them in the mission field automatically have unwholesome ambitions? Job 38:2, John 7:24 How can we follow the selflessness of Christ in our outlook toward the establishment of churches? John 13:15, Rom 12:3 26 Church Establishment

Scripture References JOHN 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. notes: JOB 38:2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? JOHN 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. ROM 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 27

Conclusion I JOHN 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. I COR 1:1-2 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their s and our s: GAL 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? As we consider God s plan for preparing a Bride for His Son (the Church), we remember that His disciples established the pattern of forming groups of believers based on common faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. As believers, God calls us to loving fellowship in a Christian congregation as a means of mutual support and guidance (I John 4:12, I Cor 1:1-2). Establishing churches is a combination of migration and purposeful evangelism. This work frequently requires the support of previously established congregations with selfless labor for both spiritual guidance and physical support. The aid rendered and the methods to supply it depend on the circumstances of the need. As we look at the New Testament examples from Jerusalem to Corinth to the churches in Galatia, we can see different challenges and different methods used to perfect the churches, allowing them to be effective instruments for the salvation of souls. The constant is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. It is wise to approach each culture with wisdom and Spirit-led discernment to keep the message free of distortion and confusion in the heart and minds of the believers. The establishment of a church does not insulate it from challenges, which must be overcome as the church continues to develop into a more mature and effective body (Gal 3:1). Additional Information For further discussion of small church support see www.acmission.org/new-and-small-church 28 Church Establishment

notes: An Apostolic Christian Church Bible Study 29