The Church Calendar

What Church?

Since Jesus established his Church and the New Testament describes the church, do you think could be a good idea to follow Biblical example: the organization of the church? in doctrine? Worship in the church? This is what the Scriptures say about the church.

1. New Testament authorizes three positions in the church of Christ

Seniors

Seniors (Also called priests, bishops, bishops, pastors or ministers, without distinction of rank or office) were men (always men) chosen from the members to monitor and give the example of the congregation. Moreover, they urge the congregation to sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (1 Peter 5:1-4) (Titus 1:9 a) For the requirements for this position, see 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

Deacons

The men deacons were elected to serve the Congregation (ignore the daily distribution of food or serve at tables.) (Acts 6:1-7) to the needs of both the deacon and his wife, see 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Paul also mentioned in his speech of deacons of the church of Philippi. (Philippians 1:1) At least two men, Stephen and Philip, elected as a deacon in the church of Jerusalem also has preached and evangelized.

Evangelists

Evangelists (preachers, ministers) are the preachers of the Gospel. (Ephesians 4:11) (1 Timothy 4:13-16) (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

These three positions have been created for the sole Church of Christ. Note that no person has been put in charge of any congregation. And it was not superior to the organization of the local congregation. Synods, councils, conventions, potatoes, ecclesiastical legislative bodies, associations or conferences with delegates from various congregations are nowhere in the Bible. There are not in the church you read in the New Testament.

2. Christ instituted two sacraments of the church

Baptism

Jesus commanded His apostles to make disciples of all nations "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

Jesus said baptism is necessary for salvation. (Mark 16:16) And Peter said it is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38)

Who was baptized? Simon Magus (Acts 8:13), the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38), Saul, who was later named Paul (Acts 9:18), Lydia, a dealer purple (Acts 16:14-15), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33), Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue (Acts 18:08) (1 Corinthians 1:14), twelve disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-5), and men and women in the city of Samaria. (Acts 8:5-12)

What all these people have in common? They were all adults believe. Children are baptized? Some say it was, and cite these passages to support their position. Acts 4:15 states that "[Lydia] and members of his family were baptized." Acts 4:33 pm, said: "[the jailer] and his entire family were baptized." Acts 6:08 pm Crispus and said "his family" were baptized.

Do "Members of his family," his family "and" whole family "means that children and babies have been baptized? Note that the jailer and his entire family "had come to believe God. (Acts 16:34) Similarly, Crispus and his family believed in the Lord." (Acts 18:08)

In both cases, all believed, and all were baptized. It is clear that we are not talking about babies or very young children, in this context. Those who were baptized were mature enough to believe in Christ.

How do you think that "adult" baptized? Romans 6:3-4 speaks of baptism as a burial symbolic Christ. Acts 8:38 And Philip took the eunuch of Ethiopia "in water" to baptize. The baptism was and emersion. During the baptism of the first century and emergence were synonymous.

Lord's Supper, Eucharist, Holy Communion

In Matthew, we read: "For eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: "Take, eat, this is my body."

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered to them saying: Drink ye all. This is my blood of covenant which is shed for many forgiveness of sins. "(Matthew 26.26-28)

In the Gospel John, the meaning of this law is clear. Jesus "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh I will give for the life of the world. "(John 6:51)

He repeated and emphasized his words: "If you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink their blood will not have no life in you. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise the final day. "(John 6:53-54)

Paul, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, where this custom has explained the source. He said: "The tradition I handed on arrival by the Lord Himself on the night of his arrest the Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks to God, broke it and said: "This is my body which is for you, do this in remembrance of me.

Similarly, he took the cup after supper saying, This cup is the new covenant sealed with blood. Whenever you drink, do this in remembrance of me. "Because each Once you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till he come. "(1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ERC)

Paul tells us that early church continued this tradition and told us that when they did. "The first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to people, because he had intend to leave the next day, he began talking until midnight. "(Acts 20:7)

The apostle speaks again of the Lord's Supper he warned the Corinthians: "A man must check before eating bread and drinking from the cup. he who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks the Lord's Judgement about himself. "(1 Corinthians 11:28-29)

These historians such as Eusebius of Caesarea respected and Johann August Wilhelm Neander tell us that early Christians centuries of the church took the Lord's Supper every Sunday.

3. New Testament teaches us to love:

Prayer

Paul tells us that we should thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) the help of God (1 Timothy 5:5) for another (Jacques 5:16) for all we want on demand, (Philippians 4:6) for the leaders, Officials and worldwide. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

James says we do not get what we want, because we do not pray for him. Or if you do not pray for her, our request is rejected due to our bad reasons. (James 4:2-3) pray when you are ill or in distress, advises James. (Jacques 5:14)

The prayer was a part of the worship of the Church of the New Testament. (Acts 2:42) (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Give

Paul tells us in the collection to catch people of God in the churches of Galatia and Corinth. "The first day of each week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money proportional to their income, savings, so when I come no collections will be made. "(1 Corinthians 16:2)

Scripture Reading

Since the first century Jews had established tradition reading of the law and the prophets in the synagogue services. Paul tells Timothy to devote himself to reading "Public scripture preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:13) Therefore, the Jewish custom was transferred to the worship of the church.

In Colossians we find Paul and Colossians teach change of Laodicea of letters he had written and read so much. (Colossians 4:16) And in Thessalonians, the church told to read his letter to all the brothers. (1 Thessalonians 5:27) So What would parts of the New Testament was being played in the church with the law and the prophets of the Old Testament.

Singing

Here, all references to New Testament hymns, songs and hymns.

After Jesus and the apostles of the Passover meal, "had sung a hymn, they went Mount of Olives. "(Matthew 26:30 KJV)

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening." (Acts 16:25)

Paul: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19)

Paul: "I will sing with my mind, but also sing with my spirit." (1 Corinthians 14:15)

Paul: "What shall we say, brothers? "When you come together, everyone has a hymn or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation." (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Paul encourages us to "admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts God. "(Colossians 3:16)

James: "One of you afflicted? We must pray. Is anyone happy? We'll sing songs of praise." (James 5:13)

Notices musical instruments, choirs and solos are not mentioned in the cult. They were later additions not authorized by the Scriptures. Historically the first appearance of instrumental music in church worship was not until the century of our era, and was not widely accepted until the eighth century.

A number religious leaders, including John Calvin, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon and firmly opposed the use of instrumental music in worship because of their absence in the New Testament.

Sermons

"The first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to people, because he intended leaving the next day, begin to speak until midnight. "(Acts 20:7) See also the teaching of Paul to Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

4. The miraculous gifts of the primitive Church

These gifts of the early church lists Paul's wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues and interpretation of different languages have been necessary for the revelation and confirmation of the gospel message not yet written. When the Gospel has been fully revealed and confirmed, the purpose of miracles, tongues, healing and prophecy have ceased.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul gives us this explanation: "With regard to the prophecies, which will, in terms of languages, they will cease; for knowledge, will happen. We know in part and prophesy in part, but when is perfect, the partial will pass. "(1 Corinthians 13:8-10)

In the original Greek "perfect" in this verse means to respect "the integrity" or "." Thus, these miraculous gifts completed in the early Church where the revelation of the Word of God is complete or fulfilled. So do not see the real facts miraculous in churches today.

5. Other religious practices:

Fasting

Luke speaks of the worship of the Church of Antioch Lord and fasting. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said," Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I called. "(Acts 13:2) In the next chapter, we read:" Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church [Lystra, Iconium and] Antioch, prayer and fasting, committed to the Lord. "(Acts 14:23)

No command found in the New Testament fasting. However, in Chapters 13 and 14 acts, we find cases in which the early church was quick.

Enema feet

"[Jesus] got up from the table, took off his robe, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, drying with a towel that was around him. (John 13:4-5)

"When he had washed their feet, put on his clothes and returned to his place." You know what I did for you? They requested. "You call me Master and Lord ", and rightly so, because that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also wash the feet about a. I have given an example to do as I did for you. "(John 13:12-15)

"Washing the feet of the saints" is also is a good writing skill lists for widows Paul is seeking the support of the church. (1 Timothy 5:9-10)

Despite this, the washing of the feet is part nowhere stated worship service of the Church.

Creed Recitation

A belief is a state compact of faith recited by the faithful during worship. Credo, however, are nowhere to be found in the New Testament. No common belief that man, catechism, confession of faith are not allowed in the Scriptures. All have been added later.

It is true that the Lord's Prayer is frequently cited word for word. Did Jesus intend to become a prayer of faith? Obviously it has not. Jesus gave his prayer by saying: "Pray then in this way." (Matthew 6:9, NIV) It is general guidance – "Do so" instead of "I want to repeat every word of this word for word."

Alter Call
Means "just accept Jesus into your heart"
Test of "The Sinner's Prayer"

These three practices are in some modern churches, but are nowhere found in Scripture.

Since Jesus established his Church and the New Testament describes the church, Is not it might be a good idea to follow the biblical example: the organization of the church? in doctrine? Worship in the church? Why Lucas, Paul Peter, Jean Jacques and give you the detail of the original church did not intend to follow this trend?

What church do you attend? Christ established and that Paul preached? or a substitute for man? What is the difference? We follow the Scriptures, the other not.

About the Author

Jerry Boone, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States webmaster@merechristianity.us Mr. Boone is a sailor, author, and webmaster of http://merechristianity.us with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Georgia State University. His works include: Mere Christianity.us and SAFETY LINE – EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN, an apologetic study published 1998.

T-pain – Church

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