Our Spiritual Family

VII.THE CHURCH: We believe in the one true Church, the body and bride of Christ (Eph.1:22-23; 5:25-32), composed of all true believers of the present age (1 Cor. 12:12-13); and the organization of its members in local churches for worship, for edification of believers, and for world-wide gospel witness, each local church being autonomous but cooperating in fellowship and work (Eph. 4:11-16). We believe confession of faith and triune immersion to be the two essential scriptural requirements for membership in the local church (Matt.28:16-20; Acts 2:38). Each local church shall determine its own additional membership requirements (Acts 2:42-47), and the discipline of its own members (1 Cor. 5:3-5). Triune immersion may not be circumvented except for medical reasons of a physical nature.

1. There is Only One True Church

Ephesians 4:4–6 NASB95

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

1.There is only {one} {true} Church: Ephesians 4:4-6 {evkklhsi,a, evk+ kale,w citizens called out from their homes into some public place Acts 19:39; an assembly; church}

A. We Are Christ’s Body

Ephesians 1:22–23 NASB95

22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

a.This one true church is described as the {body} of Christ: Eph. 1:22-23{cf Eph. 2:16; 3:6; 4:4,12,16; 5:30; Rom. 12:5 “one body in Christ”: we’re the body,Christ is the Head – He is on top, the brains & boss; all eyes look to the face/Head}]

B. We Are Christ’s Bride

Ephesians 5:25–32 NASB95

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

b.This one true church is described as the {bride} of Christ: Eph. 5:25-32{What did the Husband do for His bride? Died for her because of His love for her (v25).What is the Husband doing for His bride? Sanctifying her, with the aim of glorifying her}

C. We Are All Included

1 Corinthians 12:12–13 NASB95

12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

c.This one true church is comprised of {all} true believers: I Cor. 12:12-13{1 Cor. 12:27; 1 Jn. 5:1 – whoever believes in Christ is born again & Spirit baptized}

i.It is comprised of all true believers “of this {present} age”: i.e. from theDay of Pentecost in Acts 2 until the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:13-17). {This group includes all the ‘sleeping’ (deceased) NT saints now residing in heaven; excludes OT saints.}

ii.This one true Church is referred to as the invisible or {universal} Church.{This is the church as God sees it, on earth and in heaven; 2 Tim 2:19. We can’t see people’s hearts and view their spiritual state as God does.}

Conclusion: We believe in the one true Church, the body and bride of Christ, composed of all true believers of the present age.

2. There Are Many Local Churches

2.The one true church is organized in {local} assemblies: Eph 4:11-16

A. We Like to Get Together

a.In the Book of Acts, saved disciples {congregated} in local assemblies.

Acts 2:41–47 NASB95

41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

i.Three examples: (1)Acts 2:41-47 {the local church at Jerusalem}

Acts 11:19–26 NASB95

19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

(2)Acts 11:19-26 {the local church at Antioch}

Acts 14:21–23 NASB95

21 After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

(3)Acts 14:21-23 {the local churches in Galatia}{the NT letters to the Churches and Rev. 2-3}

ii.So while there is only one universal Church, there are {many} local churches. These are the visible manifestation of the invisible body of Christ.

B. We Have Leaders

b.There are two Biblical {offices} for leadership in local churches: Phil. 1:1

Philippians 1:1 NASB95

1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

1. Elders

i.The office of {Elder}

acts 14 23

Acts 14:23 NASB95

23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

(1)Acts 14:23 {note: plural ‘elders’ singular ‘church’ – plurality of Elders}

1 Timothy 3:1–7 NASB95

1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

(2)1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 {Spiritual qualifications for Eldership}

2. Deacons

Acts 6:1–6 NASB95

1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

Acts 6:1–6 NASB95

ii.The office of {Deacon} (1)Acts 6:1-6 {Deacons serve in practical areas to free Elders for prayer & ministry of the Word (v4); note the Spiritual qualifications for deacon in v3 & v5}(2)1 Tim. 3:8-13 {Spiritual qualifications for Deacon & Deaconness; cf Rom. 16:1 }

Romans 16:1 NASB95

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;

C. We Have a Purpose

c. What are the {purposes} of the local church?

1. Worship

i. {Corporate & private worship} : Heb. 10:23-25 “23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” ;

Rom. 12:1-2 “1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” {Sunday worship; esp. practicing Baptism & Communion; Mid-wk; daily devotions}

2. Discipleship

ii. {Edification of believers} :

1 Cor. 14:12 “12 So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.” ,26 “26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” ;

Eph 4:11-16 “11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

{keyword: oivkodomh.n ; men are given to the church to equip saints to build the body}

3. Evangelism

iii. {Evangelism of the lost} : Mark 16:15 “15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

; Acts 1:8 “8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.””

{this GreatCommission is world-wide in scope: begins at home & aims to the ends of the earth}

4. Starting New Churches

iv. {Reproduction of itself} : Acts 11:19-26 “19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; …” {the mother church in Jerusalem reproduced herself in a daughter church in Antioch: missionaries/Elders}v. {Fellowship and Missions work} :

Rom. 15:25-27 “25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.” ;

Phil. 4:16-18 “16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” {Done with other like-minded assemblies; there is power in Fellowship support}

Conclusion: We believe in the organization of its members in local churches for worship, for edification of believers, and for world-wide gospel witness, each local church being autonomous but cooperating in the fellowship and work.

3.How does one become a {member} of the Church? {how do I belong?}

a.To become a member of the {universal} {body} of Christ:

i.Christ is the {builder} of His church: Mat. 16:18; Acts 2:47; 2 Thess. 2:13{Jesus elects, saves, and sanctifies those who are His; He causes all growth: 1Co 3:6}

ii. {Faith} in Christ places us into the body of Christ: Acts 16:31; 1 Cor. 12:13{the moment one is saved is when he becomes part of the Church; no works needed}

b.To become a member of a {local} {assembly} of believers:

i.There must be an outward {confession} of faith in Christ as one’s per-sonal Savior: Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10 {we should witness this act of faith}

ii.There must be the outward act of obedience to Christ’s command to be baptized bytriune immersion {for membership in a CGBCI church}: Matt 28:16-20 Conclusion: We believe confession of faith and triune immersion to be the two essentialscriptural requirements for membership in the local church.

4.The local church is {autonomous} yet interdependent with other churches:

a.Autonomous means {self-governing} with no outside hierarchy. {there isno human authority structure over the local Church. Christ is Head of each church}

i.Each local church shall determine it’s own specific membership {requirements} :{such as requiring consent to the church constitution; membership course; etc.}Acts 2:42-47 {each church can set it’s own meeting times (daily, v46), place (temple,houses, v46), & program; care for its own property; determine it’s own staff, etc.}

ii.Each local church is responsible for the {discipline} of it’s own members:1 Cor 5:3-5 {Paul rebukes the Corinthians for not disciplining a sinning member,implying that they were responsible to do so; cf. Gal 6:1; Mt.18:15-20 (restoration)}Conclusion: We believe that each local church shall determine its own additional mem-bership requirements (Ac. 2:42-47), and the discipline of its own members (1 Cor. 5:3-5).

b.Interdependent means a local church needs to {cooperate} with other like-minded churches in order to fulfill the world-wide scope of the Great Commission. {theCGBCI are united in conviction in our Statement of faith; co-working in church-planting}Conclusion: We believe that triune immersion may not be circumvented except for medical reasons of a physical nature.Chart illustrating the balance between autonomy and interdependence of local churches:2