First Principles

The Church

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  1. Colossians 1:15-18
    1. The church is the body of Christ. The church is essential to Christianity.
    2. The body needs the head.
    3. The church is essential to Christianity.
  1. Ephesians 2:19-21
    1. The church is the family of God.
    2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 teaches we are baptized into the body of Christ, the church.
    3. Romans 6:3-4 teaches we are also baptized into Christ. Baptism is when we become a Christian, a son of God, and at this same point, we become members of the church — the family of God.
  1. Ephesians 2:20
    1. Cornerstone: Christ
    2. Foundation: Apostles and Prophets
      1. Apostles = New Testament Bible
      2. Prophets = Old Testament
    3. The church is based on the Word of God only.
  2. Have you ever wondered why there are so many denominations? (1200 or more exist in the U.S. alone.)
    1. The Bible teaches there is one church.
      1. Ephesians 4:4-6 — One Body
      2. Romans 12:4-5 — One Body
      3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 — One Body
    2. Divisions in Christendom may be of Satan or of God.
      1. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13: Division is sin, when following personalities and in time their writings (traditions of men that contradict the Word — false doctrines). Matthew 15:6-9
      2. Luke 12:51-53; John 10:19-21: Division will occur and is righteous, when an individual, church or movement aligns themselves with the Word of God. The Jews considered themselves "God's people," yet Jesus' words (the truth) divided them into two groups — those who opposed Him and those who obeyed Him.
    3. The following are the major historical divisions in Christendom — some were formed by a noble stand for the truth (though not a complete return), while others were departures from the truth.
      1. Through the centuries the church was corrupted by traditions of men — false doctrines, such as: infant baptism, original sin, perpetual virginity of Mary, priests as clergy, papal infallibility, etc. This becomes the Catholic Church. In 364 AD the Roman Empire is split into two parts. This division leads to a split in Christianity — the eastern portion becomes the Eastern Orthodox Church and the western section becomes the Roman Catholic Church. Practices diverge. For example: The Orthodox Church has married priests, while Roman Catholic priests are celibate. The "Great Schism" occurs in 1054 AD, as the leaders of "each church" excommunicate each other.
      2. 1500's Reformation Movement — Martin Luther (Lutheran Church) takes a stand against the Roman Catholic Church on these convictions: Bible authority over church authority, salvation by faith not works, and the priesthood of all believers, yet still baptizes infants. Other noted reformers were John Calvin (Presbyterian Church), and Ulrich Zwingli (Reformed Church), as well as Conrad Grebel (Anabaptists). The Anabaptists were heavily persecuted by Catholics and by some reformers, because of their stand for adult baptism. Henry VIII (Anglican Church / Church of England) broke from the Catholic Church over his right to divorce his wife. He appoints himself head of the church. Later in the United States, the Anglican Church becomes the Episcopalian Church since members will not follow the king of England.
      3. 1700's Great Awakening Movement — John and Charles Wesley (Methodist Church) divide from Church of England over: Personal transforming decision for Christ not state religion, high accountability of members, and preaching to the "unchurched;" but continued to practice infant baptism.
      4. 1800's Restoration Movement — Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone (Mainline Church of Christ and Conservative Christian Church) Take a stand against both Catholic and Protestant doctrines of salvation. They preached that to be saved one must have personal faith in Christ, repentance and baptism (immersion) for the forgiveness of sin to receive the Holy Spirit. In reaction to Catholicism, their congregations are autonomous — self-governing. (In 1906 was the formal split between Mainline Church of Christ, which is non-instrumental, and the Conservative Christian Church, which is instrumental.) Joseph Smith (Mormon Church) divides from Restoration Movement in 1830 over his "new revelation" — the Book of Mormon.
      5. 1967 Crossroads Movement (Total Commitment Movement) was initiated by Chuck Lucas. Controversial, though never departing from the Mainline Church of Christ, the Crossroads Church near the University of Florida pioneers evangelizing the secular campuses of United States, "counting the cost" with each person that desires to be baptized, and the shepherding of new converts.
      6. 1979 Boston Movement (International Church of Christ) was formed by Kip McKean. He was baptized at the University of Florida in 1972. In time, the Boston Movement divided from not only the Mainline Church of Christ but also the Crossroads Movement over these Five Biblical Core Convictions:
        1. Bible Church not just New Testament Church (2 Timothy 3:16-17);
        2. Speak where the Bible is silent and be silent where the Bible speaks; in other words, we are "free" to practice and name anything as long as it does not conflict with Scripture (Genesis 2:19);
        3. Only baptized disciples are true Christians, members of God's church, and should be in discipling relationships (Matthew 28:19-20).
        4. God's plan is for a central leadership of His people, as autonomy for a local congregation is sin (Numbers 27:12-18).
        5. God's will is for the evangelization of the nations in this generation (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
        In 2002, the International Churches of Christ returned to Mainline Church of Christ theology. Of note: Each congregation became autonomous (self-governing), discipling called "optional," central leadership was labeled "unbiblical," and the vision for the evangelization of the nations in this generation "impossible." Around the world, thousands fall-away.
      7. 2006 SoldOut Movement (Portland Movement / International Christian Church) officially began in Portland, Oregon based on the same distinguishing Five Biblical Core Convictions preached by Kip McKean that initiated the Boston Movement in 1979. This preaching initiated a revival movement within what was left of the International Churches of Christ. The International Churches of Christ separated from the International Christian Churches, because of the SoldOut Movement's stand on these distinguishing Five Biblical Core Convictions.
  3. What is the "one church?"
    1. Acts 11:25-26: Church = Disciples = Christians — When God looks down from Heaven, He sees one church — all the baptized disciples around the world, who are "sold-out" in obeying His Word. This is called the "church universal" — the one true church (Ephesians 4:4-6).
    2. A local congregation is called the "visible church." In the first century, all the "visible churches" made up the "church universal." However, since so many "visible churches" have departed from true doctrine and because all sold-out baptized disciples are not in one fellowship, we should strive to be a member of a local congregation where everyone is sold-out and under central leadership.
    3. The Greek word for church is "ekklesia" which means "assembly" or "called out." ("Ek" meaning "out" and "kaleo" meaning "to call.") To be a disciple is to be "called out" from the world. Therefore, the church in the Bible was the "assembly" of the "called out."
    4. There are several names in the Bible for God's Church: Disciples, Christians, Church of God, Church of Christ, The Way, Church of the Firstborn, Saints, etc... Since we are free to choose any name for our fellowship and our fellowship goes around the world, we call ourselves the "International Christian Church."
  4. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
    1. We need the body. The body needs us (v. 21).
    2. Be involved on a "relationship level" in the church (v. 26).
  5. Hebrews 10:23-25
    1. Do not miss church.
    2. The fellowship helps us to be unswerving in our commitment (v. 23).
    3. Another purpose of fellowship is to encourage each other so we will remain faithful (v. 24).
    4. A disciple will joyfully come to all meeting of the body: i.e. Sunday and Midweek Services, Devotionals, Jubilees, Retreats, Seminars, etc. Begin to rearrange your schedule to come to all the meetings of the body.
  6. Contribution
    1. Malachi 3:6-12: Do not rob God by not giving your offerings. On Sundays, we give to meet the local ministry needs. Benevolent offerings are given at Midweek Services. Annual Missions Contributions support the planting of new churches, as well as the ongoing support for third world congregations.
    2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: Giving should be from a "cheerful heart" — not under compulsion. God blesses you when you generously sacrifice.