This page contains abstracts on the church, explaining the significance of the various names by which the church is known. Click on a hyperlink to view entire article.
Administration
It is necessary to understand some aspects of administration in the church, lest we give too great or too little weight to the authority of church leaders. There are three administrative offices in the church: apostle, pastor and deacon. (2,100 words)
Body of Christ
On earth, Christ, the head of the body the church, does not perform all the work associated with its nourishment and growth. He wishes every Christian to be His co-labourer. For this purpose He gives spiritual gifts to all those who are prepared to exercise them in obedience. All are told, not only to seek spiritual gifts, but to desire the best gifts. So there is great scope to advance spiritually for those that seek God with all their heart. (8,900 words)
Bride of Christ
The church is likened to the bride of Christ because of Christ’s love for the church. But just as two cannot walk together except they be agreed, all of Christ’s sheep must be seek to live righteously as He is. Otherwise they are guilty of spiritual adultery. (1,900 words)
Church Gatherings
Church services should not be dominated by the preacher, or be for the participation of only the men. There should usually be several preachers, and there should be many who say prayers. Women, whilst they should not preside over the service, should be free to say prayers aloud in church, but obviously only at an allocated group prayer time. (1,200 words)
Family of God
The saints and angels, together with Jesus Christ, comprise the family of God their Father. They have fellowship with each other and with God. They have a duty of care to each other. But they must separate themselves from evil companions to enjoy the richness of God’s fellowship. (3,400 words)
Flock of God
Jesus, the good shepherd protects His sheep from wolves. He also leads them to pasture. This refers to that which satisfies the soul. God never intended the joy of Christians to be barren. After resisting temptation for a time, it is His will that joy should be received. But a failure to appreciate God’s gifts may hinder our receiving the goodness of God. (4,500 words)
God’s City, the Church
The purpose of a city is to bring people together for trade with each other and with those outside. There is much business in a city. The business of the church, the city of God, should not of course be commercial. It should be God’s business. We should not be lazy or unconcerned with the things of the kingdom of God. Haggai the prophet told the Jews that God’s blessing or curse depended on whether or not they laboured on God’s temple, which symbolises the church. And Jesus tells us that heavenly rewards are given to those who labour for God. Speaking of redemption is a way to work for God. But so also is singing in the open, speaking one to another of God, or even giving a cup of cold water to a disciple. By looking outwardly the church fulfils its role as the salt of the earth. (3,700 words)
House of God
The congregation of the church is God’s house. A house is a person’s dwelling place. The church is called God’s house because God dwells there. Christians are living stones and when they assemble for worship they make a house into which God comes. The Old Testament house of God had a room called the Holy of Holies, where two gold cherubim surrounded God’s throne. When Christ died the veil to this room was opened. This signifies that today the church meets in the presence of the God who dwells between the cherubim. For God’s glory to fill the church, the church must not commit abomination, and must be obedient. (3,400 words)
Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God on earth today is the church. It does not use the sword to establish God’s kingdom, but concentrates upon prayer and obedience. (1,500 words)
Roman Catholicism
Only God’s word is perfect. Man’s interpretations are imperfect. The Protestants, realising this can continually improve their doctrine, by rejecting past mistakes. But Roman Catholics, believing their leaders are almost infallible, accumulate error. They think the blessed Mary is a mediator, not knowing that Paul wrote: There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5) (2,700 words)
Tongues
The word ‘Tongues’ in the Bible always refers to languages, not to unintelligible mutterings. (3,800 words)
Validity of Denominations
Scripture supports the concept of independence between different branches of the church. In the days of the early church, the Gentile churches led by Paul seemed to operate relatively independently from the Jewish churches led by Peter and others. Although it would be good if all churches had the same doctrine, if that doctrine were the correct doctrine, it would not be good if all denominations merged, as this would give one leader too much power. Overseeing so many believers could also prove an unwieldy hierarchy. (900 words)
Vineyard of God
Jesus uses the picture of a vine to illustrate our dependence upon Him for fruitfulness. Christ is the vine and we are the branches. As the purpose of a vine is to bear fruit, so is this God’s purpose for us. To bear fruit a vine must be clean. So must we be clean from sin. As the branches draw sap from the vine, so must we rely upon Christ for power. This involves prayer and meditation upon God’s word and learning of God’s ways. To teach us reliance the Father prunes us by putting us into difficult and sometimes painful situations. This pruning perfects us, but is only for those who seek to bear fruit. (4,600 words)
Water Baptism
Jesus was baptised by immersion. There are several concepts illustrated when a person is baptised by immersion, namely, cleansing of their life, escape from perishing, and resurrection power. In contrast to the Old Covenant into which one was born, the New Covenant is entered into by choice. It is not appropriate to baptise until this choice has been made. (1,900 words)
Women’s Church Ministry
God has given man authority over the woman. But this does not imply the superiority of the man, any more than the fact that politicians have superiority over scientists, implies the superiority of the politician. The authority was given to man because Eve was deceived on a moral matter. This implies that a woman cannot morally supervise a man. But it does not forbid technical supervision in the workplace. The authority being given to man, also means that a woman cannot teach a man moral laws. But this should not hinder her from teaching a man, or the whole church, about God spiritually. Nor should it hinder a woman from praying in church. (She can, however be a good influence.) (2,900 words)