Introduction
- Romans 16:16 – These were groups “of Christ.”
- I Corinthians 1:2
Jesus was the authority
- Acts 11:20-26
- Romans 6:3 – People were baptized into Christ – not into a church or a denomination.
- Christians are primarily loyal to Christ – not to their local church.
- I Corinthians 5:1-2 – Local churches can make mistakes!
- II John 1:9 – We must abide in Christ’s teaching.
- John 12:48
Sin was dealt with
- II Thessalonians 1:1; 3:6, 14-15 – Keep away from unruly brethren.
- Galatians 1:2; 6:1-2 – Try to restore a brother that is caught up in sin.
- Acts 20:17, 28-32
- I Timothy 1:3
- II Timothy 4:1-5
The church was a spiritual team
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We can read about New Testament local churches:
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Getting organized with elders and deacons (Philippians 1:1)
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Praying in a crisis (Acts 12:5)
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Taking up collections of money (I Corinthians 16:1-2)
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Sending money to gospel preachers (Philippians 4:16)
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Trying to get a brother in sin to repent (Matthew 18:17)
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Providing for its needy members (Acts 6:1)
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Coming together to worship (I Corinthians 14)
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There was lots of teaching and study
- Jerusalem: Acts 2:41-42; 4:2; 5:21, 28, 42; 6:7
- Antioch: Acts 11:20, 26; 13:1; 15:35
- Acts 17:11
Members were simply Christians
- “Christian” – I Peter 4:16; Acts 11:26; 26:28
- “Saints” – Acts 26:10
- “Brethren” – Hebrews 3:1