Back To “The Way” Through
Bible Authority V
Carlos Aguilar

The last lesson concluded with the example of a police officer gathering information so that he could narrow his search and locate the guilty party. We too, like the officer, need to gather information so that we can find the NT church in our day and age. While the officer turns to witnesses, evidence at the scene of the crime, surveillance tapes, etc. we, of course, must turn to the word of God to find the description of the NT church. There we can ascertain the facts about the church through eyewitness testimony, through commands, examples, and necessary inferences. We then can draw the proper conclusion. The NT church is described by its’ name, how it is organized, its’ work, worship and how one becomes a member of it.

The first in our list of categories is the name. What was the church in the NT times called? According to the Bible it was referred to as “the church. ” In Acts 8:3 it says, As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, ” (see also 9:31). The NT church was also referred to during that time as “the church of God” (1 Cor 1:2). In Rom 16:16 Paul writes, “The churches of Christ greet you.” So we find this name used also, “the church of Christ.” The importance of names is obvious. I am identified to others by my name. “Hey you,” would get annoying to anyone after a while. How many newly expecting parents spend a great deal of time picking out just the right name. We often name our children after someone in the family that means a great deal to us. The church also has names by which the Holy Spirit has seen fit to recognize in God’s word. The church in the NT was identified and distinguished by what it was called.

The church during the NT times was organized in a very specific way. Within a congregation certain members were appointed to offices. They needed to meet the qualifications of each office and then appointed to that position. The offices are these---elders and deacons. Men who were qualified (1 Tim 5:17ff; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet 5:1-5) were appointed to the office of elder. It is also important to point out that every time the elders are referred to it is always a plurality of elders. Never do you find a reference to “one elder.” The only exception is a reference to Jesus Christ as the Chief Shepherd in 1 Pet 5:4. See Acts 11:30, 14:23, 20:17 for this point. Another office is that of a deacon. The potential deacon must also meet certain qualifications (1 Tim 3:8ff). They are then appointed. Within the list of qualifications for elders and deacons we learn much about the New Testament church that many today do not practice. For instance elders and deacons were men. Women cannot serve as an elder or deacon (1 Tim 3:1-12). That eliminates a number of modern day “churches.” Another area in which these verses shine some light on is in the subject of authority of these elders. Scripture clearly teaches that elders are to rule over the congregation they are members of. They do not have authority to rule over any other congregation. In other words, the elders of congregation “A” cannot govern over the members of congregation “B” or “C.” They can only rule over the members of congregation “A.” Peter writes, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you…”1 Pet 5:2. They do not have authority to rule over another congregation. Examples such as this one abound when we take time to study what the Bible says on any subject. We can then gather the appropriate abound of information about the NT church a draw a conclusion for ourselves. The final name used to describe all members of a church beside Christians is saints. Paul writes in Phil 1:1, “...To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” Notice he addresses all three groups; elders (bishops), deacons, and saints. See also 1 Cor 1:2. Thus, the church is to be organized in the fashion described under “God’s Organization” in the chart. However, when we look at most human governed churches we see a different method of organization. See chart under “Man’s Organization.” Notice that Christ is not the head. A man is appointed to be head over all the churches thereby removing Christ from his rightful position. From there you would have to look at each different denomination to find their terms for the positions but whatever those names are you will not find positions such as “directors, and “conferences.” You might find, “Cardinal, “Arch Bishop,” “Country Bishop,” and “President” but you will not find those terms in the Bible. You now have more clues to find the true NT church in 2001. 

THE VALUE OF POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE
by Greg Gwin

I wasn't ready to do it yet. I really didn't want to get started at it. But, my neighbor had already mowed his grass two times, and my yard was looking pretty shabby. I figured if he mowed a third time before I mowed the first time, it would really make me look bad. So, even though I wasn't really in the mood, I got the mower out of the garage and went to work.

How often have you been motivated in a similar fashion? Maybe it was at work or school. Perhaps it was a project or chore that you really dreaded. But someone else did something that made you realize that you needed to get to work.

We often talk about "peer pressure." Most often we mention it with a negative connotation. In this regard we are talking about how others can influence us to do evil. We are "pressured" to talk, act and dress like worldly people do. There is great danger in this, and we have rightfully warned about these negative influences. "Evil companions corrupt good morals" 1 Cor 15:33.

But, there is a positive side to "peer pressure" that we may be tempted to overlook. When we are around good people who are doing good things, we are motivated to follow their example. We are urged to get busy in the work of the Lord. We are encouraged to live right. We are moved to imitate them and be like them. This is good and helpful.

We are to "exhort one another daily" Heb 3:13, and to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" Heb 10:24. Christian, are you setting a good example for others? Are you motivating them in positive ways? Are you helping your brothers and sisters to be more like God wants them to be? Think! 

The Providence of God

The question is not does God work today, but how does He work. The answer is through Providence. But, what is Providence? Providence is God working behind the scenes, or indirectly in the affairs of the world. Consider these examples:

Joseph, was sold into slavery by his own family, and yet, the Scriptures record that what was meant to be evil, became good with God (Gen. 50:20).

Esther saved her people from destruction (Esther 4:14), and yet God's name is not found one time in the book of Esther.

Paul tells us that: "---God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

In addition, once God worked directly in the lives and events of the world by miracles, but now, He works indirectly or behind the scenes through Providence. 

“God is not as interested in our ability or inability as He is in our availability.”

We hope you find this bulletin useful in your Bible study.

2 Sam 22:31
 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. NKJV

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