• Revelation 2-3
  • Introduction
    • Revelation 2:14-16 – Letter to Pergamum
    • Revelation 2:20 – Letter to Thyatira
    • Revelation 3:3 – Letter to Sardis
    • Revelation 3:19 – Laodicea
  • I John 9 – We must stay within God’s authority
  • Practices of New Testament churches
    • Assembled together to worship God and edify each other
      • Acts 2:42; 20:7; I Corinthians 11:18-34; 14:1-40; 16:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25
      • When we do this at Benchley …
        • We honor God, learn His truth, and are encouraged to live it out each day.
    • Appointed men to work as elders and deacons
      • Acts 14:23; 20:28; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:1-3
      • There are several names for the office of elder: overseer, pastor, and bishop
      • When we do this at Benchley …
        • Each member enjoys the oversight of veteran Christians looking out for their souls.
        • The church will function well in its work (deacons).
    • Dealt with sin among members
      • Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5; II Thessalonians 3:6, 10-15
      • When we do this at Benchley …
        • We help save souls!
        • We protect the congregation from the influence of sin.
    • Sounded forth the word
      • I Thessalonians 1:8; Philippians 4:15-16; I Corinthians 9:11-14; II Corinthians 11:7-9
      • When we do this at Benchley …
        • We get people in touch with God’s power for salvation.
    • Used resources to care for needy Christians
      • Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-3; 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-26; I Corinthians 16:1-3; II Corinthians 8-9; I Timothy 5:3-16
      • When we do this at Benchley …
        • We provide a safety net for brothers and sisters who have fallen on hard times.
        • We show our love.
  • Why are there so many different churches today?
    • Because people have strayed in one or more of the areas above.