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. Living
Hope Fellowship Church
Church Study Course
GENERAL INFORMATION
Lesson 1
CHURCH (#1)
GENERAL INFORMATION
A church is a building for Christian worship. "The Church,"
according to the KJV Bible, is the Christians who are the
"body of Christ".
We call the body of Christian believers the church.
Location, buildings, or signs do not make a church. God's
people can meet in barns, garages, store buildings, tents,
brush arbors, the open air, or any where. The structure, or
lack of one, is not important, as long as it is a meeting
between Christ and Christians.
1. BELIEVERS CAN GATHER ANYWHERE
2. PREACH TO FEW AND MANY
3. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
4. WHY HAVE A CHURCH "BUILDING?"
5. THE BODY OF CHRIST
6. PLAY CHURCH
7. WHY DO WE GO TO CHURCH?
8. THE LOCAL CHURCH
9. I CAN'T FIND A DECENT CHURCH!
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1. BELIEVERS CAN GATHER ANYWHERE and worship God. John
preached in the wilderness.
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the
wilderness of Judaea, Matthew 3:1.
People had "church" in their houses in the New Testament
early church a lot of times because of persecution. You can
have church any where. You can have church with just you and
Jesus, but don't forget Hebrews 10:25 that tells us not to
forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Jesus
commanded to preach everywhere. Read Acts 8:4, Colossians
4:15, Acts 12:12, and Philemon 1:2.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15.
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not
to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts 5:42.
(1) And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and
it was noised that he was in the house. (2) And straightway
many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room
to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he
preached the word unto them. Mark 2:1-2. (This was Jesus
that preached.)
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute
you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their
house. 1 Cor. 16:19. Read also Romans 16:5.
2. PREACH TO FEW AND MANY. Jesus preached sometimes to few
and at other times to multitudes. He preached to
individuals. He taught in the synagogue (John 18:10). Jesus
taught by the side of the sea. God's power is not limited by
people or by places. Read Luke 12:1 (multitude). Jesus
preached to the woman at the well (one) (John 4:4-42). There
are other examples. Therefore, whether in preaching,
witnessing, gathering as a "church," or in other work for
God, there is no requirement of "many."
And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was
gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into
a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by
the sea on the land. Mark 4:1.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20.
3. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. Church membership will NOT save you.
Some churches dominate their people by membership rules, and
sometimes the reverse is true, where the people think they
can rule because they are members.
It is good to be established in a church and to be both a
partaker of the work and the benefits of a church. God's
Word is what we will be judged by. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13.
The name of each of God's children is written in heaven.
True and faithful believer's names are in the book of life.
Read Revelation 20:12. Read Colossians 1:18 how Jesus is the
first begotten from the dead. Jesus is the "firstborn" of
Hebrews 12:23. That makes us the "church of the firstborn."
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which
are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to
the spirits of just men made perfect, Hebrews 12:23.
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that
defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh
a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of
life. Revelation 21:27.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let
every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from
iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19.
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are
sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all
that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our
Lord, both theirs and ours: 1 Corinthians 1:2.
4. THE BODY OF CHRIST. First Corinthians, Chapter 12, gives
an outline about how the body of Christ operates. Each child
of God has a place in this "body of Christ." Read Ephesians,
Chapter 4. Read all of 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one
members one of another. Romans 12:5.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the
members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also
is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12.
Read Ephesians 3:8-21. Paul said that God gave him the grace
to preach, and that by him the church would know the
manifold wisdom of God. This CHURCH has a body, and Jesus is
the head.
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. Colossians 1:18.
5. WHY HAVE A CHURCH "BUILDING?" If we can worship God any
where, why have a church building? When there is no other
"place" available, you are to worship God "somewhere." It is
good when God provides and establishes a church building as
a separate and sanctified place of worship to God. There was
the temple in the wilderness. There was the temple in
Jerusalem. After Jesus ascended, there were new testament
churches established (Acts 16:5). Our bodies are temples for
God to dwell in.
Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth
is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me?
and where is the place of my rest? Isaiah 66:1.
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye
are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16.
(19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellow-citizens 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. Ephesians 2:19-22.
6. PLAY CHURCH. Study the New Testament. Read Jude 1:3. Our
God is supernatural. Jesus intends for the church to possess
and demonstrate the power of God. He wants you to STAY alive
and not go to a dead church that denies the supernatural
manifestations of the power and majesty of God. Playing
church is hypocritical! Be careful what doctrine you listen
to. There are doctrines of devils that will cause you to go
to hell. You must seek God and learn the TRUTH so that you
will not be deceived. Read 2 Peter 1:16. Read also 2
Corinthians 11:13-15 and Ephesians 4:14. God requires that
his church be holy.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5.
(4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing
words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit
and of power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the
wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times
some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:1.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not
having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it
should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no
man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14.
7. WHY DO WE GO TO CHURCH? Jesus is our example. He went to
the synagogue and the temple (churches).
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever
taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews
always resort: and in secret have I said nothing. John
18:20.
We go to church to hear the Word of God, to pray, to worship
the Lord, and to fellowship with other believers.
a. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing the Word of
God. We should listen and accept what godly leaders say when
we are sure it is backed up by the TRUE Word of God. God
uses preachers and all believers who are yielded to him to
edify other believers and to lead souls to Christ. Read
Titus 1:3 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-21.
Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever
I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him
that sent me. John 13:20.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did
beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20.
(13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord
shall be saved. (14) How then shall they call on him in whom
they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of
whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a
preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be
sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of
good things! (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel.
For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God. Romans 10:13-17.
We attend church to be taught the principles of the Bible so
we can obey them and please God. We are to do our own Bible
study also. The Word helps to establish us.
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And
it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves
with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples
were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 11:26.
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as
ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:7.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin
against thee. Psalms 119:11.
b. God commands us to assemble together.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much
the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25.
c. We assemble as a church to have united prayer to God for
needs of the saints and for lost souls to be saved, and
other needs. Acts 4:24 says they lifted up their voices to
God with one accord.
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made
without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5.
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the
church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord: James 5:14.
d. We assemble for exhortation and testimonies. In this way
you encourage each other. Revelation 12:10-11 tells us that
we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our
testimony. Read Acts 15:3.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:2.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To-day;
lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of
sin. Hebrews 3:13.
e. When we gather as a church we have fellowship with Jesus
Christ, and we have fellowship with others who believe in
Christ. Read Ephesians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, and 1
Corinthians 15:33.
I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them
that keep thy precepts. Psalm 119:63.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship
of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9.
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars,
perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me
and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should
go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Galatians 2:9.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7.
f. We go to church to take communion with the saints. Read 1
Corinthians 11:23-26. Verse 26 is given.
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do
shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Corinthians 11:26.
g. Shepherds and the flock. Read 1 Peter 5:1-10. Jesus is
the chief Shepherd to all true believers in God's flock.
True preachers of the gospel are chosen by God as shepherds
to lead the flock.
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved
with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not
having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Mark 6:34.
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto
the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a
crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4.
8. THE LOCAL CHURCH: the body of believers where you are.
One cannot expect to receive all the blessings and benefits
of going to a church, whether open air, in a building, or
where ever, if you are not willing to be committed to some
responsibility toward it.
Spiritually we give of ourselves to God with fasting,
prayer, and reading the Word, etc. Physically we give to God
with labor, tithes, offerings, etc. (Read Malachi 3:8-11.)
We are to give of ourselves for the kingdom of God's sake,
for souls to be saved. Jesus is the Son of God. He is our
example and he gave his all.
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though
he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye
through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9.
(6) I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the
increase. (7) So then neither is he that planteth any thing,
neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
(8) Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and
every man shall receive his own reward according to his own
labour. (9) For we are labourers together with God: ye are
God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 1 Cor. 3:6-9.
Jesus died to save the lost. The Bible teaches us to be his
witnesses to the uttermost part of the earth. We are to be
soul winners, as individuals and as a church body. Let's get
busy and each do our part in the body of Christ.
9. I CAN'T FIND A DECENT CHURCH! It is a great blessing to
be able to fellowship with and work with a body of Holy
Ghost filled believers in a church.
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience
void of offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:16.
Let there be no overthrow of authority of Godly pastors and
true believers that God has established in a place.
Confusion is not of God (1 Cor. 14:33).
Warning: don't leave a church in your self-will, destroying
the unity of the Spirit in a place (Ephesians 4:3).
Following the footsteps of Christ we will prayerfully make
decisions, until we have prayed "through" and are sure of
His will, fasting when necessary to receive the answer. What
you do affects others.
IF you can't find a church with the power of God in it, or
God speaks to you to leave the church you are in, then pray
that God will open a door for you. Let God lead you (by
fasting and prayer). Godly counsel is helpful (Proverbs
11:14). Mighty things happen when God's people get in one
accord. Read the first 5 Chapters of Acts. God can lead you
and you can win souls to God whether you are a preacher or
not. ALL Christians are called to be witnesses of God's
saving power.
Let us press toward God and lead others to God on our way.
We will have to quit playing church and redeem the time.
Read Philippians 3:14 and Ephesians 5:16.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the
common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you,
and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the
faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 1:3.
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