BI-224
THIS IS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER TO ALL BELIEVERS, AND IS AN EXPERIENCE DISTINCT FROM AND SUBSEQUENT TO SALVATION. THE MANIFESTATION OF SPEAKING WITH OTHER TONGUES IS THE COMMON BIBLICAL PATTERN. WE ARE COMMANDED TO SEEK THIS ENDUEMENT OF POWER FROM HIGH FOR SERVICE.
AFTER SALVATION, THERE ARE MORE, SEPARATE EXPERIENCES, NOT A "PACKAGE DEAL."
PAUL ASKED IF SOME DISCIPLES HAD RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST SINCE THEY BECAME BELIEVERS
He said to them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:2
AS SOME EPHESIANS TRUSTED CHRIST AFTER THEY HEARD THE TRUTH, EVEN SO, THEY WERE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT AFTER THEY BELIEVED
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.
Ephesians 1:13
THE SAMARITANS RECEIVED THE WORD AND WERE BAPTIZED IN WATER UNDER PHILIP'S MINISTRY, LATER THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF PETER AND JOHN.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 8:14-16
THE FATHER PROMISED TO SHED AN ENDUMENT OF POWER UPON THE CHURCH
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:49
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST IS PROMISED TO ALL BELIEVERS
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Acts 2:38, 39
FIVE EXAMPLES OF BELIEVERS RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST.
ALL OF THE 120 DISCIPLES WERE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4
THE SAMARITAN BELIEVERS APPARENTLY DID SOMETHING THAT ARRESTED THE ATTENTION OF SIMON, A SEEKER AFTER THE SUPERNATURAL
See Acts 8:5-25
(In this Scripture, Philip preached in Samaria. Apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria was receiving the Word of God and sent Peter and John to them. They laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost. Simon tried to buy the power to bestow the Holy Ghost.)
AFTER PAUL RECEIVED THE HOLYGHOST HE THANKED GOD THAT HE SPOKE WITH TONGUES MORE THAN OTHERS
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.
1 Corinthians 14:18
CORNELIUS AND OTHER GENTILES HEARD PETER PREACH JESUS AND THE HOLY GHOST FELL ON THEM ALL. PETER AND THE JEWS HEARD THEM SPEAK WITH TONGUES
See Acts 10
(Peter's vision on the housetop at Joppa; Peter's address in Cornelius' house; The Gentiles receive the Holy Ghost.)
WHEN THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THE DOZEN EPHESIAN DESCIPLES, THEY SPOKE WITH TONGUES AND PROPHESIED
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Acts 19:6
PAUL WISHED THAT ALL SPOKE WITH TONGUES AND THE THINGS HE WROTE ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying...If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write are the commandments of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:5, 37
THE BENEFITS AND USES OF SPEAKING WITH OTHER TONGUES.
THE SPIRIT HELPS US PRAY
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26
SPEAKING IN TONGUES EDIFIES US
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that propesieth edifieth the church.
1 Corinthians 14:4
PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST BUILDS UP OUR FAITH
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
Jude 20
WE ARE TO DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:1
WE ARE TO COVET EARNESTLY THE BEST GIFTS
But covet earnestly the best gifts...
1 Corinthians 12:31
WE RECEIVE POWER AFTER THE HOLY GHOST COMES UPON US TO BE WITNESSES
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.
Acts 1:8
TONGUES IS A SIGN THAT FOLLOWS BELIEVERS
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.
Mark 16:17
See also 1 Corinthians 14:22; 1 Corinthians 1:22
TONGUES WITH INTERPRETATION IS A WAY OF GIVING MESSAGES TO THE CHURCH
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1 Corinthians 14:27
THE FOLLOWERS OF CHIRST SHOULD RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST.
JESUS SAID THAT BELIEVERS SHOULD RECEIVE THE SPIRIT
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scriptures hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
John 7:37-39
JESUS COMMANDED HIS DISCIPLES TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and saith unto them, Receive the Holy Ghost.
John 20:22
PAUL SAID TO NOT GET DRUNK, BUT TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
And be not drunk with wine, wherein lies excess; but be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18
HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST
OBEDIENCE BRINGS THE BLESSING
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Acts 5:32
LET US YIELD OURSELVES TO GOD
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Romans 6:13
OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND GOD WILL FILL IT
I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Psalm 81:10
ASK YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN TO GIVE YOU THE HOLY GHOST
And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many has he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Luke 11:5-13 (Compare with Matthew 7:7-11)
JESUS IS THE BAPTIZER WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND FIRE
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
Matthew 3:11
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
A CHRISTIAN CAN NOT EXERCISE THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT UNTIL AFTER HE RECEIVES THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST, BUT AFTER HE HAS BEEN BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, HE CAN SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES. ALL THE GIFTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WILL USE THEM FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND FOR SPIRITUAL EDIFICATION. THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT WAS THE COMMON EXPERIENCE OF THE EARLY CHURCH, AND SIGNS FOLLOW BELIEVERS TODAY TOO. CHRIST GAVE THE CHURCH POWER AND THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT ARE TO OPERATE THROUGH THE MEMBERS WHEN THE BRETHREN COME TOGETHER.
GOD WHO GAVE US HIS SON WILL ALSO FREELY GIVE US EVERYTHING ELSE
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:32
THE FATHER ABOVE GIVES US GOOD GIFTS
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17
THE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT ARE FOR OUR SPIRITUAL PROFIT: WORD OF WISDOM, WORD OF KNOWLEDGE, FAITH, HEALING, MIRACLES, PROPHECY, DISCERNING OF SPIRITS, TONGUES, INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
WE HAVE DIFFERENT GIFT MINISTRIES: PROPHESYING, MINISTERING (SERVING), TEACHING, EXHORTING (PREACHING), GIVING (ALMS, GENEROSITY), RULING (LEADER, ADMINISTRATOR), MERCY (HOSPITALITY)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:6-8
SIGNS THAT FOLLOW BELIEVERS: CASTING OUT DEVILS, SPEAKING WITH NEW TONGUES, ACCIDENTIALLY TAKING UP SERPENTS OR DRINKING DEADLY THINGS, LAYING HANDS ON THE SICK FOR RECOVERY
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16:17-20
WE ALL HAVE SOME GIFT FROM GOD
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
1 Corinthians 7:7
GOD DOESN'T TAKE HIS CALLING AND GIFTS BACK
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Romans 11:29
DON'T NEGLECT THE GIFT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
1 Timothy 4:14
STIR UP THE GIFT THAT IS IN YOU
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:6
COME TOGETHER AND PARTICIPATE WITH A PSALM, DOCTRINE, TONGUE, REVELATION, INTERPRETATION FOR EDIFICATION
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:26
DON'T ATTEMPT TO THWART THE OPERATION OF THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
Despise not prophesying.
1 Thessalonians 5:20
THE SIGNS, WONDERS, MIRACLES, ETC., OF THE EARLY CHURCH ARE FOR US TODAY TOO.
PAUL'S PREACHING WAS WITH DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF GOD
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:4, 5
SIGNS AND WONDERS SHALL ACCOMPANY THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Romans 15:19
THE EARLY CHURCH HAD FAITH, POWER, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Acts 6:8
GOD GIVES SIGNS, WONDERS, MIRACLES, AND GIFTS ACCORDING TO HIS OWN WILL
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.
Hebrews 2:4
WE HAVE POWER OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY
Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19
BELIEVERS SHALL DO GREATER WORKS
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall be do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
John 14:12
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26
GOD IS NO RESPECTOR OF PERSONS
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.
Acts 10:34
THE SUPERNATURAL HEALING OF ALL MANNER OF SICKNESS AND DISEASE OF THE HUMAN BODY IS A PART OF THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST, AS REPRESENTED IN THE TWO ELEMENTS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER (THE BREAD AND THE CUP) AND IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE WHOLE GOSPEL. IT IS THE HERITAGE, PRIVILEGE, AND RIGHT OF EVERY CHILD OF GOD.
JESUS HEALED ALL THE SICK
When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick.
Matthew 8:16, 17
THE UNCHANGING CHRIST
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.
Hebrews 13:8
JESUS BORE OUR SINS ON THE CROSS SO WE COULD LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY AND HE PROVIDED HEALING WITH HIS STRIPES
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Peter 2:24
JESUS HAS ARISEN WITH THE HEALING FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow as calves of the stall.
Malachi 4:2
REMEMBER TO BLESS GOD FOR HIS BENEFITS: HE FORGIVES INIQUITY, HEALS DISEASES, REDEEMS LIFE, CROWNS WITH LOVE AND MERCY, SATISFIES WITH GOOD THINGS, RENEWS YOUTH
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who reedemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5
THE LORD GAVE THE DISCIPLES POWER AGAINTST UNCLEAN SPIRITS AND TO HEAL SICKNESS AND DISEASES
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Matthew 10:1
WHEN THE ELDERS PRAY THE PRAYER OF FAITH THE SICK ARE HEALED
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James 5:14-16
ALL CHRISTIAN ARE TO BE SET APART AND SEPARATED FROM SIN, THE DEVIL, AND THE EVIL OF THE WORLD. THEY ARE TO BEPURE AND HOLY IN SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY. SANCTIFICATION IS A DEFINITE ACT, YET PROGRESSIVE, STARTING AS SALVATION AND CONTINUING UNTIL THE CONSUMATION OF SALVATION.
IT IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU TO BE SANCTIFIED
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.
1 Thessalonians 4:3
BE SEPARATE AND CLEAN SO GOD CAN RECEIVE YOU
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
2 Corinthians 6:17
BE YE HOLY
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:15, 16
WITHOUT HOLINESS WE CANNOT SEE THE LORD
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
THE PURE IN HEART SHALL SEE GOD
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
WE ARE TO BE SANCTIFIED IN SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
THE CARNAL MIND IS AGAINST GOD
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Romans 8:7
LET US CLEANSE OURSLEVES FROM ALL FILTHINESS OF THE FLEASH AND SPIRIT
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
MEANS OF OBTAINING SANCTIFICATION: CHRIST, THE WORD, THE BLOOD, AND THE SPIRIT.
CHRIST IS MADE UNTO US WISDOM, RIGHTEOUSNESS, SANCTIFICATION, AND REDEMPTION
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30
THE CHURCH IS SANCTIFIED AND CLEANSED BY THE WORD
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
Ephesians 5:26
WE ARE SANCTIFIED THROUGH GOD'S WORD
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17
JESUS SANCTIFIES US WITH HIS BLOOD
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Hebrews 13:12
WE ARE SANCTIFIED BY THE SPIRIT
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1 Peter 1:2
THE ENEMIES OF THE CHRISTIAN: THE WORLD, THE FLESH, AND THE DEVIL. THE WOES OF WORLDLINESS; WE ARE IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD.
BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED TO DO GOD'S WILL
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
JESUS WANTS US KEPT FROM THE EVIL OF THE WORLD
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
John 17:15
LOVE NOT THE WORLD, THE THINGS IN THE WORLD, THE LUST OF THE FLESH, THE LUST OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
1 John 2:15-17
BE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH THE WORLD
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD IS SPIRITUAL ADULTERY AGAINST GOD
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
James 4:4
LIVING THE CRUCIFIED LIFE.
THE WORKS OF THE FLESH: ADULTERY, FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS, LASCIVIOUSNESS
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness.
Galatians 5:19
BE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
LET THE OLD NATURE BE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Romans 6:6
CRUCIFY THE FLESH AND THE AFFECTIONS AND LUST THEREOF
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Galatians 5:24
PRESENT YOUR BODY A LIVING SACRIFICE TO GOD
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1
WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN US
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16
THE CHURCH IS THE UNIVERSAL FAMILY OF GOD'S PEOPLE CALLED THE BODY AND BRIDE OF CHRIST. CHRIST HIMSELF IS THE FOUNDATION, BUILDER, AND HEAD OF THE CHURCH WHICH SHOULD BE CALLED BY HIS NAME. IT IS MADE UPOF EVERY BELIEVER AMONG WHOM ALL EARTHLY DISTINCTIONS OF RACE, CLASS, ETC., ARE DISSOLVED. THE CHURCH IS TO BE UNIFIED, BUT AS IT IS OBVIOUSLY IMPRACTICAL FOR ALL CHRISTIANS OF ONE LARGE CITY TO GATHER INDOORS OR OUTDOORS INTO ONE CONGREGATION (AS IN THE DAYS OF THE EARLY APOSTLES), GOD HAS LED USTO FORM LOCAL CONGREGATIONS TO REGULARLY ASSEMBLE FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP, INSTRUCTION, ETC. CHRIST HONORS US WITH HIS PRESENCE WHERE EVEN TWO OR THREE BELIEVERS ARE GATHERED IN HIS NAME. ATTENDANCE IS ENJOINED BY EXAMPLE AND PRECEPT. THE CHURCH SHOULD HAVE AN UNPREACH TO GOD, AN INREACH FOR FELLOWSHIP, AND AN OUTREACH FORWITNESSING. THE CHURCH SHOULD BE GOVERNED BY ELDERS. A DIVINE THEOCRACY IS WORKED OUT BETWEEN THE PASTOR, THE ELDERS, AND OTHER OFFICERS IN MUTUAL SUBMISSION. DENOMINATIONS, ECCLESIASTICAL HIERARCHIES, SECTARIAN-PARTY SPIRIT, AND SCHISMS ARE CONDEMNED.
JESUS CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11
THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, IS THE ROCK UPON WHICH HE BUILDS HIS CHURCH
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:15-18
CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
Ephesians 5:23-25
THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20
WE ARE BUILT TOGETHER AS A HOUSE FOR GOD TO DWELL IN BY HIS SPIRIT
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:22
THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD IS THE PILLAR AND THE GROUND OF THE TRUTH
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1 Timothy 3:15
WE ARE THE MANY MEMBERS OF THE ONE BODY OF CHRIST
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Romans 12:5
ALL EARTHLY DISTINCTIONS ARE DONE AWAY IN CHRIST
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28
WE ARE TO RECEIVE ALL OTHER CHRISTIANS
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
Romans 15:7
THE CHURCH IS TO BE FITLY FRAMED TOGETHER
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.
Ephesians 2:21
JESUS PRAYED THAT ALL TRUE BELIEVERS MIGHT BE ONE
See the 17th Chapter of John
CHURCH GOVERNMENT THROUGH PROPERLY BALANCED SUBMISSION.
GOD SET APOSTLES, PROPHETS, TEACHERS, HELPERS (DEACONS), ETC., IN THE CHURCH
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:28
GIFT MINISTRIES OF CHRIST: PROPHESYING, MINISTERING, EXHORTING, GIVING, RULING, SHOWING MERCY
Having then gifts of differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:6-8
GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF PEACE IN THE CHURCHES
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1 Corinthians 14:33
DO ALL THINGS DECENTLY AND ORDERLY
Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:40
OBEY AND SUBMIT TO THOSE WHO ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR WATCHING OVER YOU
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17
SUBMISSION TO SPIRITUAL SENIORITY, BEING HUMBLE, NOT PROUD
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5
SINNERS EXERCISE DOMINION OVER EACH OTHER; BUT AMONG CHRISTIANS THE GREATEST IS THE MINISTER AND THE CHIEF IS THE SERVANT
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:25-28
THE DAY OF WORSHIP.
ANY DAY IS SUITABLE FOR MEETINGS
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully in his own mind.
Romans 14:5
THE EARLY CHURCH MET TOGETHER DAILY
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.
Acts 2:46
LET NO MAN JUDGE YOU FOR SABBATH DAYS (DAY OF WORSHIP)
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath day.
Colossians 2:16
CHURCH ATTENDANCE ENJOINED BY EXAMPLE AND PRECEPT.
CHRIST HABITUALLY ATTENDED THE SYNAGOGUE ON THE SABBATH
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Luke 4:16
GATHER PEOPLE TOGETHER TO HEAR AND LEARN TO DO
Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 31:12
WE MUST NOT FORSAKE THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, BUT RATHER EXHORT ONE ANOTHER
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
WE SHOULD BE GLAD TO GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
Psalm 122:1
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO DWELL IN GOD'S HOUSE
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah...For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalm 84:4, 10
THE UPREACH TO GOD IN PRAYER AND WORSHIP.
GOD'S HOUSE IS TO BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Isaiah 56:7
THE EARLY CHURCH HAD AN HOUR OF PRAYER
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Acts 3:1
SPIRITUAL WORSHIP IS A MUST
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:24
SING PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SONGS IN THE SPIRIT WITH GRACE IN YOUR HEART
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16
SINGING IN THE SPIRIT
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 Corinthians 14:15
THE INREACH TO FELLOWSHIP, LOVE, UNITY.
THE EARLY CHURCH CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN THE APOSTLES' TEACHING, FELLOWSHIP, COMMUNION, AND PRAYER
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:42
IF WE WALK IN THE LIGHT WE WILL HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND THE BLOOD OF CHRIST CLEANSES US FROM SIN
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
GOD REMEMBERS THOSE WHO FEAR HIM AND THINK HIS NAME AND COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
Malachi 3:16
MOST IMPORTANTLY HAVE GREAT LOVE AMONG YOURSELVES
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8
MUTUAL COMFORT AND EDIFICATION
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
UNITY AMONG BRETHREN IS GOOD AND PLEASANT
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
STRENGTH IN UNITY
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 18:19
THE OUTREACH OF WITNESSING TO LOST SOULS.
BE WITNESSES EVERYWHERE
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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (Compare with Proverbs 11:30)
JESUS SAID THE HARVEST IS GREAT BUT THE LABORERS ARE FEW. PRAY FOR LABORERS TO BE SENT FORTH.
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Luke 10:2
JESUS SAID LIFT UP YOUR EYES, LOOK ON THE FIELDS, THEY ARE READY TO HARVEST
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
John 4:35
THE GREAT COMOSSION OF EVANGELIZATION OF THE WORLD.
GO PREACH THE GOSPEL EVERYWHERE
And said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:15, 16
GIVING AND PROSPERITY
GIVE AS YOU ARE ABLE ACCORDING TO THE BLESSINGS OF GOD
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.
Deuteronomy 16:17
GIVE GOD HIS DUE. BRING AN OFFERING. COME BEFORE HIM. WORSHIP THE LORD
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
1 Chronicles 16:29
HONOR THE LORD WITH YOUR SUBSTANCE AND FIRST FRUITS; YOU SHALL BE FILLED WITH PLENTY
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits if all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9, 10
IF YOU SOW BUOUNTIFULLY OR SPARINGLY, YOU WILL REAP THE SAME WAY. GIVE AS YOU DECIDE, NOT GRUDGINGLY BUT CHEERFULLY
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6, 7
PROSPERITY PROMISED FOR GIVING, TITHES, AND FIRST FRUITS
See Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; 2 John 2
THE EVILS OF DENOMINATIONALISM, DIVISIONS, EXCLUSIVENESS,AND ISOLATIONSIM
THREE BRANDS OF RELIGION PROPOSED: JESUS TABERNACLE (GRACE), MOSES TABERNACLE (LAW), ELIJAH TABERNACLE (PROPHECY)
Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
Matthew 17:4
DIVISIONS, CONTENTIONS, AND PARTY SPIRIT FORBIDDEN
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and there there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
PAUL PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED, BUT GOD GAVE THE INCREASE
For ye are carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by who, ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God gave the increase. Now he that planeth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1 Corinthians 3:3-9
THERE SHOULD BE NO SCHISM (EXCLUSIVE CLIQUES) IN THE BODY OF CHRIST, BUT RATHER MUTUAL EMPATHY
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
1 Corinthians 12:25, 26
JESUS INSTRUCTED HIS DISCIPLES TO NOT REJECT A MAN'S MINISTRY JUST BECAUSE HE WAS NOT A MEMBER OF THEIR PARTICULAR GROUP
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us; and we forbade him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Mark 9:38, 39 (See also Numbers 11:24-29)
NOTE: Questions are based directly on the verses used.