The people of God are defined by a living faith. n When one trusts God they are motivated by the presence and sight of God. (1 Tim 6:12-14)

The people of God are defined by a The people of God are defined by a living faith.living faith.

When one trusts God they are motivated by When one trusts God they are motivated by the presence and sight of God. the presence and sight of God. (1 Tim 6:12-14)(1 Tim 6:12-14)


1 Timothy 6:12-141 Timothy 6:12-14 - Fight the good fight - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many good confession in the presence of many witnesses. witnesses.


13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and life to all things, and before before Christ Jesus Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this this commandment without spot, blameless until commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing,our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing,


When men know and fear the living God When men know and fear the living God they will be filled with zeal.they will be filled with zeal.


When men know and fear the living God When men know and fear the living God they will be filled with zeal.they will be filled with zeal.

These people do not look to “get by” or to These people do not look to “get by” or to let others do their work.let others do their work.


As we studied last lesson, it the grace of As we studied last lesson, it the grace of God moves us. God moves us. (Titus 2:11-14)(Titus 2:11-14)


Titus 2:11-14Titus 2:11-14 - For the grace of God that - For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Savior Jesus Christ,


14 who gave Himself for us, that He might 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself purify for Himself His His own special people, own special people, zealous for good works.zealous for good works.


We are challenged to maintain that faith We are challenged to maintain that faith over time and over generations.over time and over generations.


We are challenged to maintain that faith We are challenged to maintain that faith over time and over generations.over time and over generations.

The church at Ephesus started with great The church at Ephesus started with great zeal and sacrifice. zeal and sacrifice. (Acts 19:8-10, 17-20)(Acts 19:8-10, 17-20)


Acts 19:8-10Acts 19:8-10 - And he went into the - And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. Tyrannus.


10 And this continued for two years, so that 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.


Acts 19:17-20Acts 19:17-20 - This became known both - This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. and telling their deeds.


19 Also, many of those who had practiced 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and magic brought their books together and burned burned them them in the sight of all. And they in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and counted up the value of them, and it it totaled totaled fifty thousand fifty thousand pieces pieces of silver. 20 So the of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.prevailed.


Paul later warned the Elders about the Paul later warned the Elders about the future. future. (Acts 20:28-30)(Acts 20:28-30)


Acts 20:28-30Acts 20:28-30 - "Therefore take heed to - "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. which He purchased with His own blood. 29 "For I know this, that after my departure 29 "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. sparing the flock.


30 "Also from among yourselves men will 30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.away the disciples after themselves.


Many years later we begin to see the first Many years later we begin to see the first steps away from God. steps away from God. (Rev 2:1-5)(Rev 2:1-5)


Revelation 2:1-5Revelation 2:1-5 "To the angel of the church "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ' These things says He who of Ephesus write, ' These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 "I know your works, your labor, lampstands: 2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; found them liars;


3 "and you have persevered and have patience, 3 "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 4 "Nevertheless I have not become weary. 4 "Nevertheless I have this this against you, that against you, that you have left your first loveyou have left your first love. . 5 "Remember therefore from where you have 5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; fallen; repent and do the first worksrepent and do the first works, or else I , or else I will come to you quickly and remove your will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place -- unless you repent.lampstand from its place -- unless you repent.

God has given us the local church for God has given us the local church for Christians to work togetherChristians to work together

ChurchChurch - (1) in a general sense, as a - (1) in a general sense, as a gathering of citizens gathering of citizens assembly, meeting assembly, meeting (AC 19.32); … (3) as the assembled (AC 19.32); … (3) as the assembled Christian community Christian community church, congregation, church, congregation, meeting meeting (RO 16.5); … (5) as the (RO 16.5); … (5) as the universal body of believers universal body of believers church church (EP (EP 1.22) 1.22)


The common meaning of the word The common meaning of the word translated “church” is an assembly.translated “church” is an assembly.


The common meaning of the word The common meaning of the word translated “church” is an assembly.translated “church” is an assembly.

The Greek word “ekklesia” is from two The Greek word “ekklesia” is from two words: words: ekek – out and – out and kaleokaleo – to call. – to call.


When you read the word “church” in the When you read the word “church” in the Bible always think of people!Bible always think of people!


When you read the word “church” in the When you read the word “church” in the Bible always think of people!Bible always think of people!

The Lord Himself established one churchThe Lord Himself established one church . . (Mt 16:18)(Mt 16:18)


Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18 - "And I also say to you - "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock that you are Peter, and on this rock I will I will build My churchbuild My church, and the gates of Hades , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.shall not prevail against it.


He is head of this church and there is “but He is head of this church and there is “but one.” one.” (Eph 1:22-23; 4:4-6)(Eph 1:22-23; 4:4-6)


Ephesians 1:22-23Ephesians 1:22-23 - And He put all - And He put all things things under His feet, and gave Him under His feet, and gave Him to be to be head head over all over all things things to the churchto the church, 23 , 23 which is which is His bodyHis body, the fullness of Him who fills all , the fullness of Him who fills all in all.in all.


Ephesians 4:4-6Ephesians 4:4-6 - - There is There is one bodyone body and and one Spirit, just as you were called in one one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who who is is above all, and through all, and in above all, and through all, and in you all.you all.


What is the “one true church?” Is it a local What is the “one true church?” Is it a local church? – No!church? – No!


What is the “one true church?” Is it a local What is the “one true church?” Is it a local church? – No!church? – No!

This one true church is a relationship This one true church is a relationship between Jesus and every individual between Jesus and every individual Christian. Baptism is the final step into the Christian. Baptism is the final step into the one body. one body. (1 Cor 12:13)(1 Cor 12:13)


1 Corinthians 12:131 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one bodywe were all baptized into one body -- -- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free -- and have all been made to drink into free -- and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.one Spirit.


This one church is not a functional body it This one church is not a functional body it is comprised only of individuals.is comprised only of individuals.


This one church is not a functional body it This one church is not a functional body it is comprised only of individuals.is comprised only of individuals.

Where is the “headquarters” of the church Where is the “headquarters” of the church of Christ? Where is our head? of Christ? Where is our head?


The Lord also ordained local churches. The Lord also ordained local churches. (1 Cor 1:2; Rom 16:16; Gal 1:2)(1 Cor 1:2; Rom 16:16; Gal 1:2)


1 Corinthians 1:21 Corinthians 1:2 - To - To the church of God the church of God which is at Corinthwhich is at Corinth, to those who are , to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be to be saints, with all who in every place call on saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:theirs and ours:


Romans 16:16Romans 16:16 - Greet one another with a - Greet one another with a holy kiss. holy kiss. The churches of ChristThe churches of Christ greet you. greet you.


Galatians 1:2Galatians 1:2 - and all the brethren who - and all the brethren who are with me, are with me, To the churches of GalatiaTo the churches of Galatia::


How can there be but “one church” and How can there be but “one church” and there be “churches of Christ” at the same there be “churches of Christ” at the same time? Even though the same word is used time? Even though the same word is used (church) the context shows we are talking (church) the context shows we are talking about 2 very different things!about 2 very different things!


The local church is a functional body that The local church is a functional body that has a beginning and over time an end.has a beginning and over time an end.



The assembly of Christians is also called The assembly of Christians is also called “church” or “churches”.“church” or “churches”.



The assembly of Christians is also called The assembly of Christians is also called “church” or “churches”.“church” or “churches”.

Sometimes it can refer to a mob of non-Sometimes it can refer to a mob of non-Christians. Christians. (Acts 19:32)(Acts 19:32)


Acts 19:32Acts 19:32 - Some therefore cried one - Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for thing and some another, for the assemblythe assembly was confused, and most of them did not was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.know why they had come together.


It can mean a specific kind of gathering of It can mean a specific kind of gathering of Christians. Christians. (1 Cor 14:33-37)(1 Cor 14:33-37)


1 Corinthians 14:33-371 Corinthians 14:33-37 - For God is not - For God is not the author the author of confusion but of peace, as in of confusion but of peace, as in all all the churches of the saintsthe churches of the saints. 34 Let your . 34 Let your women women keep silent in the churcheskeep silent in the churches, for they , for they are not permitted to speak; but are not permitted to speak; but they are they are to to be submissive, as the law also says. be submissive, as the law also says.


35 And if they want to learn something, let 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak shameful for women to speak in churchin church. 36 Or . 36 Or did the word of God come did the word of God come originally originally from from you? Or you? Or was it was it you only that it reached? 37 If you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.the Lord.

The historic first steps in apostasy occur in The historic first steps in apostasy occur in organizationorganization

The local church is the only organization The local church is the only organization that God has given us to work together. that God has given us to work together. (Phil 1:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim 3:1, 8; 1 Pt (Phil 1:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim 3:1, 8; 1 Pt 5:1‑2)5:1‑2)


Philippians 1:1Philippians 1:1 - Paul and Timothy, - Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deaconswith the bishops and deacons::


Acts 14:23Acts 14:23 - So when they had appointed - So when they had appointed elders in every churchelders in every church, and prayed with , and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.in whom they had believed.


1 Timothy 3:11 Timothy 3:1 - This - This is is a faithful saying: If a faithful saying: If a man a man desires the position of a bishopdesires the position of a bishop, he , he desires a good work.desires a good work.


1 Timothy 3:81 Timothy 3:8 - Likewise - Likewise deacons deacons must must be be reverent, not double-tongued, not given reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,to much wine, not greedy for money,


1 Peter 5:1-21 Peter 5:1-2 - - The elders who are among The elders who are among youyou I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is Shepherd the flock of God which is among youamong you, serving as overseers, not by , serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;gain but eagerly;


Men have tried to make the universal Men have tried to make the universal church a functional body.church a functional body.


Consider the progression of Catholicism to Consider the progression of Catholicism to eventually having a pope in 606 AD.eventually having a pope in 606 AD.



In the 1800’s brethren tried a partial effort In the 1800’s brethren tried a partial effort to supplant the local church in the to supplant the local church in the missionary society.missionary society.



In the 1800’s brethren tried a partial effort In the 1800’s brethren tried a partial effort to supplant the local church in the to supplant the local church in the missionary society.missionary society.

Those that opposed these things were Those that opposed these things were “quarantined” and labeled as “anti.”“quarantined” and labeled as “anti.”


In the 1900’s another effort was made In the 1900’s another effort was made through the sponsoring church arrangement.through the sponsoring church arrangement.


Brethren took passages where churches sent Brethren took passages where churches sent money to another church during a money to another church during a temporary famine and then use theses temporary famine and then use theses example for a permanent work.example for a permanent work.


In the scriptures churches sending money to In the scriptures churches sending money to another was always on a temporary basis another was always on a temporary basis for the purpose of relieving needy for the purpose of relieving needy Christians. Christians. (Acts 11:27-20; 1 Cor 16:1-3; (Acts 11:27-20; 1 Cor 16:1-3; 2 Cor 8:12-15)2 Cor 8:12-15)


Acts 11:27-30Acts 11:27-30 - And in these days - And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. of Claudius Caesar.


29 Then the disciples, each according to his 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, ability, determined to send relief to the determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judeabrethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they . 30 This they also did, and also did, and sent it to the elderssent it to the elders by the by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.hands of Barnabas and Saul.


1 Corinthians 16:1-41 Corinthians 16:1-4 - Now concerning - Now concerning the collection for the saintsthe collection for the saints, as I have given , as I have given orders to orders to the churches of Galatiathe churches of Galatia, so you , so you must do also: 2 On the first must do also: 2 On the first day day of the week of the week let each one of you lay something aside, let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. no collections when I come.


3 And when I come, whomever you 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by approve by your your letters letters I will send to bear I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalemyour gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting . 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.that I go also, they will go with me.


2 Corinthians 8:12-152 Corinthians 8:12-15 - For if there is first a - For if there is first a willing mind, willing mind, it is it is accepted according to accepted according to what what one hasone has, , and and not according to what he does not not according to what he does not havehave. 13 For . 13 For I do I do not not mean mean that that others should others should be easedbe eased and and you burdenedyou burdened; 14 but ; 14 but by an by an equalityequality, , that that now at now at this timethis time your abundance your abundance may supplymay supply their lack, that their lack, that their abundance also their abundance also may supply your lackmay supply your lack -- that there -- that there may be may be equalityequality. .


15 As it is written, "15 As it is written, "He who He who gathered gathered much much had nothing left overhad nothing left over, and , and he who he who gathered gathered little had no lacklittle had no lack.”.”


Churches began assuming works beyond Churches began assuming works beyond their means to accomplish. One church their means to accomplish. One church

decided to oversee all the preaching decided to oversee all the preaching in Germany while another assumed the in Germany while another assumed the

work of preaching on national radio work of preaching on national radio and TV (Herald of Truth broadcast).and TV (Herald of Truth broadcast).


What would you tell one that “assumed the What would you tell one that “assumed the work” of giving beyond his means?work” of giving beyond his means?



After decades of debate colleges started by After decades of debate colleges started by Christians began to demand that churches Christians began to demand that churches support them.support them.



After decades of debate colleges started by After decades of debate colleges started by Christians began to demand that churches Christians began to demand that churches support them.support them.

Preachers and churches that did not go Preachers and churches that did not go along were marked and avoided.along were marked and avoided.

The fruit of compromises in organizationThe fruit of compromises in organization

It takes away from the work and oversight It takes away from the work and oversight of local churches. of local churches.



When all a church does is give money then When all a church does is give money then it has surrendered its work.it has surrendered its work.



When all a church does is give money then When all a church does is give money then it has surrendered its work.it has surrendered its work.

We can in a local church let another man or We can in a local church let another man or men do our work as well.men do our work as well.


It takes away from the work and oversight of It takes away from the work and oversight of local churches. local churches.

When all a church does is give money then it has When all a church does is give money then it has surrendered its work.surrendered its work.

We can in a local church let another man or men We can in a local church let another man or men do our work as well.do our work as well.

Human institutions come to control local Human institutions come to control local churches. When the institution changes so churches. When the institution changes so do the churches. do the churches.


There is no accountability to local churches.There is no accountability to local churches.


There is no accountability to local churches.There is no accountability to local churches. Men of power often rise to positions of Men of power often rise to positions of

power. It becomes a place to undermine.power. It becomes a place to undermine.



power. It becomes a place to undermine.power. It becomes a place to undermine. How many want a man to preach that is How many want a man to preach that is

trained by a “church college”?trained by a “church college”?



power. It becomes a place to undermine.power. It becomes a place to undermine. How many want a man to preach that is How many want a man to preach that is

trained by a “church college”?trained by a “church college”? What has happened to every college set up What has happened to every college set up

by brethren after 100 years?by brethren after 100 years?


How many preachers have been fired How many preachers have been fired because of a college? Consider the because of a college? Consider the “symbiotic” relationship between local “symbiotic” relationship between local church and a college in the same town.church and a college in the same town.


How many preachers have been fired How many preachers have been fired because of a college? Consider the because of a college? Consider the “symbiotic” relationship between local “symbiotic” relationship between local church and a college in the same town.church and a college in the same town.

It always is the beginning of decline.It always is the beginning of decline.


Which is more powerful, one good preacher Which is more powerful, one good preacher or an entire church filled with faith? or an entire church filled with faith? (Acts 8:3-4; Acts 17:6; Col 1:23)(Acts 8:3-4; Acts 17:6; Col 1:23)


Acts 8:3-4 - As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.


Acts 17:6Acts 17:6 - But when they did not find - But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, ""These who have turned the world upside These who have turned the world upside down have come here toodown have come here too..


Colossians 1:23Colossians 1:23 - if indeed you continue - if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, gospel which you heard, which was which was preached to every creature under heavenpreached to every creature under heaven, of , of which I, Paul, became a minister.which I, Paul, became a minister.


It is very wasteful. Consider the cost of a It is very wasteful. Consider the cost of a typical institution that can only exist by typical institution that can only exist by successful fund raising. (Ex. Member who successful fund raising. (Ex. Member who gave a dollar and then a dime)gave a dollar and then a dime)


Local churches unencumbered by human Local churches unencumbered by human institutions and loyal to them can more institutions and loyal to them can more effectively work together and make needed effectively work together and make needed changes without outside interference. changes without outside interference.


Local churches unencumbered by human Local churches unencumbered by human institutions and loyal to them can more institutions and loyal to them can more effectively work together and make needed effectively work together and make needed changes without outside interference. changes without outside interference.

Consider the Sponsoring churches of the Consider the Sponsoring churches of the 1950’s and the colleges that sought church 1950’s and the colleges that sought church support in the 1950’s. Where are they support in the 1950’s. Where are they now?now?


Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider:


Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider: 1. What happened to the church in Ephesus 1. What happened to the church in Ephesus

over time? What happens when we lose our over time? What happens when we lose our “first love” for the Lord? “first love” for the Lord?




2. Name some differences between a local 2. Name some differences between a local church and the body of Christ.church and the body of Christ.




2. Name some differences between a local 2. Name some differences between a local church and the body of Christ.church and the body of Christ.

3. Why does apostasy often occur in the 3. Why does apostasy often occur in the organization of the church? organization of the church?


4. Did the early church spread the gospel to 4. Did the early church spread the gospel to the whole world with “just” local churches?the whole world with “just” local churches?


4. Did the early church spread the gospel to 4. Did the early church spread the gospel to the whole world with “just” local churches?the whole world with “just” local churches?

5. Why is dependence upon human 5. Why is dependence upon human institutions a sure sign of decay in faith?institutions a sure sign of decay in faith?

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The people of God are defined by a living faith. n When one trusts God they are motivated by the presence and sight of God. (1 Tim 6:12-14)