A Simple Guide to Early Church
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Church is very well defined for us in scripture, and there is no secret to starting a new one. All you need are believers, a place to gather, and dedication to what makes us the church.
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What makes us a local church?
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Our shared faith in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15).
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Our love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 4:8; 1 Peter 4:8; John 13:34-35; John 14:15).
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Our unity (Ephesians 4:4-5; Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 2:1).
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Our gathering together(Hebrews 10:24-25).
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Our dedication to scripture, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, to prayer, to praising God, and to equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:10-16).
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Who does what?
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With the bible as our guide, we do what we can and God makes more of it than we ever could.
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Discipleship: Everyone. All Christians are disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20; John 8:31-32), and we're all responsible for our own discipleship (John 6:66-69; Luke 14:25-33). Some are just getting start, others have been at it for a long time, but none of us should be alone in our discipleship. Local churches give us the opportunity to build up the body of Christ in our mutual discipleship to Jesus (Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12:20-34).
Prayer: Everyone.
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Praise and Worship: Everyone.
Shepherding (spirit, soul, body): The elders. Men who are raised up to a maturity of faith, fullness of Christ, and depth of spiritual wisdom and revelation that would allow them to effectively minister to the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as oversee the greater life of the church (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 4:12-5:11; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Hebrews 13:17).
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Preaching and teaching: Certain elders. Those men who have been gifted by God and fear Him (James 3:1-2; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Romans 12:6-8).
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Other gifts: Many. (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:7-11; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13).
Deacons: Anyone capable and Biblically qualified. Deacons take care of any practical needs in the church.
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How do we organize?
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However we want; just don't go beyond what is written.
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A place to gather...
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Content in development...
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