A Church Built On The Rock
Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 2 viewsNotes
Transcript
18 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.
Upcoming plans:
Next week is Wendall’s church banquet, Stuart and Joe Reynolds preaching here. Joel will be here as well.
No service Wednesday the 31st, service will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning Feb 2-4
Re-election results
Harvey Savage
Danny Ward
Caleb Sarten
David White
Bill Weitkamp
Alan Price
We have all of these offices in the church. (Not just deacons and trustees)
Worship leaders:
Bro. Alan Price
Bro. Joel Pruitt
Bro. David White
Musicians
Sis. Carla, Sis. Mary, Sis. Noley, Sis. Anna, Sis. Sharon
Bro. Joe, Sis. Alison, Bro. Peter, Bro. Stuart, Bro. Bill Pool Sis. Millennia, Bro. Alan
Sound and Video:
Bro. Gabe, Peter and Esther, Bro. Levi and Sis. Noley, Bro. Landon
Cleaning:
Joel and Virginia, Bro. Joe and Sis, Janie, Brittany
Sunday School Superintendent is Bro. Jerome Erskin. We want him to continue in that role until we need him in another role.
Sunday School Teachers: Sis. Sophie, Sis. Rebekah, Sis. Patti Ogden, Bro. Gabe as backup in the older classes.
Treasurer is Bro. David White
Trustees are David White, Bill Weitkamp, Alan Price
Deacons are Bro. Danny Ward, Bro. Harvey Savage, and Bro. Caleb Sarten.
Current Ministers are Bro. Stuart and Bro. Joel
After consultation with the deacons, I’ve asked Bro. Stuart Duckworth to try out as a deacon.
We’ll let him act in that role for 2-3 months, then have the church vote at that time, if he wishes to continue as a deacon, and the other deacons agree as well.
Bro. Joel has been my right hand man ever since moving here from Hot Springs nearly four years ago. I believe it is time to acknowledge officially what is already the case, and I’m appointing him as my Associate, to take my place in my absence, etc. He will be on the ballot with Bro. Stuart, if they both agree at that time.
Introduction
Introduction
This rock is Revelation.
The church is built on Revelation, on the “Thus Saith the Lord.”
An Exposition Of The Seven Church Ages (1 - The Revelation Of Jesus Christ)
This is specifically a revelation of how He works in and through His body, the true church, the Bride, down through the ages.
Why do we do what we do?
(Explain)
We do it because the Scripture mandates it, and the revelation of how that Scripture should be applied in our day came from a prophet with “Thus Saith the Lord”
We don’t run the church on “Thus Saith Ben Pruitt” or anyone else.
7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, But he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
The revelation is a revelation of the Scripture. If you think you have a revelation that is contrary to scripture then you need to send it back where it came from.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
We must say what Paul said.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
“Well,” I said, “I’ve preached the same Gospel that Paul preached.” And the multitude cried, “We’re resting on that.” An Exposition Of The Seven Church Ages (5 - The Pergamean Church Age)
We can have confidence that the way a prophet set up His church is how Paul would have done it, if he lived in this age.
It blends right with the scripture.
Now I want to say that I believe in leadership. But it is not the leadership of men I believe in. I believe in the leadership of the Holy Ghost coming through the Word. I believe also, that God has set men in the church, men who are gifted by the Spirit; and they will keep the church in order.
I believe that. I believe also that the church is ruled over by men that God sends to take charge. But that rule is BY THE WORD, so that it is not men really ruling but the SPIRIT OF GOD, for the Word and Spirit are ONE. An Exposition Of The Seven Church Ages (3 - The Ephesian Church Age)
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
We had a prophet in our day.
I want to highlight the bylaws Bro. Branham had written for his church on how each office in the church was ran, then compare that with the Scripture. this is how we run our church as well.
THE OFFICE OF THE PASTOR
The office of the pastor is to conduct and act upon any program of which he believes to be according to the plan of God, according to the Word of God, for the Branham Tabernacle. He shall assume supreme authority and meet promoting for the spiritual welfare of the church.
He shall be head of the associate pastor, the deacon board, the trustee board, and the church body itself. Acting in wisdom to lead God's saints, manifesting love toward all the saints and their burdens. Conducting himself in perfect servitude, of which God has called and placed him to act upon.
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Qualifications:
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
Striker = Not a bully
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Look how Bro. Branham treated the office of Pastor:
And stay with your pastor. See, he’s the shepherd, and you give him respects. He’ll lead you through, and, ’cause he’s ordained of God to do so. 63-0728 - "Christ Is The Mystery Of God Revealed"
I turn the, this pulpit over to a man that I have the supreme confidence in, as a servant of Jesus Christ, our pastor, Brother Neville. 63-0630E - "Is Your Life Worthy Of The Gospel?"
There is more info in the bylaws about the associate:
THE OFFICE OF ASSOCIATE PASTOR
The associate pastor to the Branham Tabernacle, is to perform and carry out the duties of the pastor, in his absence. To conduct worship services according to the manner of doctrine believed and practiced by the Branham Tabernacle.
He shall be invested with the same power as the pastor is, meeting all responsibility of the church, and acting in full authority to keep the church in order. He is to manifest deep concern to all the burdens of the saints and fulfill the commission of which God has called him to, as a shepherd.
He shall account at various times the progress of the church, spiritual matters present, and problems that may be pressing, to the pastor. He shall not undertake any business transactions without first presenting it to the pastor, the exact transaction.
7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
Paul was the Pastor at Ephesus, Timothy was the Associate. Paul was also an Apostle so he had to be gone, much the way Bro. Branham and Bro. Neville worked together.
THE OFFICE OF THE TRUSTEES The body of men, shall govern the welfare of the church as a business group. They are elected to protect the church in its financial matters, its business investments, the supervision of its properties, and its expenditures.
They shall strongly consider every move of progress, step by step, which involves church funds. For they shall be responsible to keep the church from indebtedness, and the saints from burdens that are too great to bear financially.
In the undertaking of any project, regardless what it is, they are to bring the matter to the pastor, consultation by the pastor, consultation by the pastor only for every financial project the church wishes to invest or engage itself therein is absolutely required.
Trustees are a modern necessity, not a Biblical office, but the early church did designate men for the collection of funds.
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
These were men chosen by the church to handle finances.
THE OFFICE OF THE DEACONS The office of deacons, as elected according to the Word of God and the manner of the Branham Tabernacle, is to act as an office of spiritual assistance to the pastors. They are to assist the pastors on all of his spiritual activities.
They are given free speech in presenting to the pastors any program or benefits that would bless the general and spiritual welfare of the church.
They must be apt to teach, and ready to assist the pastor or associate pastor on every duty if called to do so. They shall assist in serving communion. They shall be acting ushers in all services. They shall police the church, in keeping civil order and conduct.
They shall assist in taking local offerings. They shall oversee the spiritual conduct of the church in working with the pastor and one another on spiritual problems and matters of the saints. They shall be ready at anytime to assist the need of every saint who is burdened and in need of spiritual consultation, or general welfare.
They have not the right to act upon any program or promotion without agreement with one another, the pastors, or the trustees if the program they are considering doing involves church funds.
They will be responsible before God for their conduct and manner of service, according to the Word of God. They shall not have meeting among themselves without the pastor or associate pastor present.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Grave = Worthy of respect. Dress, deportment, timeliness, etc.
Lucre = money
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
He must believe the doctrine of the church.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
And, course, you never want to do a thing like that unless you really know. Put your very best man you can on your board, you see, like that. Brother, don’t never get nothing in there that’s…Test that man, first. A deacon’s got more responsibility than the pastor has. He’s to be blameless, a deacon is. See? 61-0112 - "Questions And Answers"
There is a proving period for deacons before they are ordained.
But first they must be appointed and see how they like it and how the congregation likes it. Then if it’s all right on both sides, then we make these man ordained deacons, just like Trustees are elected the same way. 58-0720E - "The Placing Of Deacons"
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
13 For those who perform well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and also gain much confidence and freedom and boldness in the faith which is [founded on and centers] in Christ Jesus. AMP
THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER The responsibility of the treasurer is to provide an exact account of the financial status of the present funds in the treasury. This report is to made available to the pastor or the board of trustees, upon their request of such a report.
No other office in the church may have access to this information. He may obtain such information from the trustees report given to him by the treasurer. The treasurer shall sit in on every trustee meeting to take notes and minutes of actions taken by the board of trustees.
He has not the authority to convey or acknowledge the financial status information to any acting office in the church but the pastor or board of trustees. He shall not be a consultant in spiritual matters, nor is it of need that he should attend meetings of the deacons. Unless asked to by the pastor.
Another office to handle finances.
THE OFFICE OF SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT The office of Sunday school superintendent is of vital importance to the church. Though his duties are not major, he is responsible to keep the children’s classes with teachers and supplies that pertain to teaching. He shall undertake to appoint teachers to their rooms assigned to them.
He shall, in the absence of a Sunday school teacher, appoint another teacher to take the place of the one absent from duty. He shall watch carefully that the time element of the classes beginning and closing does not interfere with the worship service.
He shall present the needs of Sunday school supplies to the board of trustees, who will advise him concerning the funds needed for supplies. He shall not direct the teachers themselves, only assigning them to their classes. He shall not undertake any program without consulting the pastor, for the Sunday school department solely.
He is not required to sit in on deacon board meetings, nor on trustee meetings. He is free from any responsibility as that pertaining to a deacon or trustee, that all his time may be given to supervise the Sunday school, with devout interest.
Another post-Biblical office, but a necessary one.
THE OFFICE OF MUSIC PROGRAM The music program and all order pertaining to the development of such a program is under the supervision of the pastor only, and the associate pastor. During regular - services, special meetings, or revivals, at all times, the pastors shall advise and conduct this program.
The trustee board shall advise on the purchasing of any musical instruments and the pastor shall be consulted. Any suggestions for musical programs by the saints, deacons, or such parties interested should be presented to the pastor, who will welcome them, and advise on such suggestions.
It is preferred the pastor shall control this program, as he is the leader of the worship service, and confidence is placed in his ability to lead the church in worship that is most pleasing to God.
Music programs, testimony services, addresses by various parties, reports to the church by various offices, or any program that intervene the worship time should be under the pastors supervision.
This is a Biblical Office
4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, and to record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel:
5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;
6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.
A drum playing worship leader.
3 Sing unto him a new song; Play skilfully with a loud noise.
16 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.
Who is in charge?
Christ is the Head of the Church.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
There is nothing higher in the Bible, in the church, than the elder of that church. It’s a sovereign church, and the Holy Spirit works in any way He wants to. He dwells among His people. 63-0127 - "An Absolute"
The vote of the entire body is the will of the Holy Spirit for our church.
And then if one side wants to do this, and the other side wants to do that, and the side wins, the losing side, what do they do about it? Join right in with the rest of them, say, “We were wrong, then. We’ll go right on, ’cause the Holy Ghost has made that choice.” See? That’s exactly right. 57-0922E - "Hebrews, Chapter Seven #2"
We see that in Acts 1. Before they could go to Pentecost they had a business meeting and chose Matthias. He was not God’s choice, Paul was, but someone had to fill that role until the time was right. Then the fire fell.
Conclusion
Conclusion
18 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.
That’s that Divine revelation of the Word made flesh. If It was flesh in that day by the Son, the Groom, It’s the flesh today by the Bride. 65-0418M - "It Is The Rising Of The Sun"
He knows that if the people get the TRUE REVELATION of the TRUE CHURCH and what she is, what she stands for and that SHE CAN DO THE GREATER WORKS, she will be an invincible army. An Exposition Of The Seven Church Ages (1 - The Revelation Of Jesus Christ)