Church (a body of believers)
The deciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Acts 11:26
Five ministry divisions given by Christ: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors & teachers in preparation for ministry and building the body of Christ. (the church.) Eph.4:11-15
God (through Christ) appointed apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healing, helps, administration and tongues (to build His church.) 1Cor.12:27-28, Ephesians 4:11-12
One body in Christ, individually members of one another, having different gifts according to the grace given us. Romans 12:5-6, 1Cor.12:13-27, Eph.5:29-30
Those sanctified by Christ, called to be saints and who call on Jesus Christ as Lord.
1Corinthians 1:2
Peter becomes the rock for the churches foundation with the promise that Hell (Satan) would not ever overcome it. Matthew 16:18
Purge out any in the church (continuing in sexual immorality), those covetous, worshiping idols, revilers, drunks or extortioners. 1Cor.5:11-12
Seek to edify (build up, encourage) others in the church by scripture, teaching, tongues with interpretation or revelation (new insight revealed by God). 1Cor. 14:26
The body of Christ is (now) the church. Colossians 1:24 Stewards must be faithful. 1Cor.4:2
Elders who are especially honorable and preach or study (Christ’s) words should lead the church and be cared for in their needs, as they have earned a reward. Do not accuse them except by two or three witnesses. Those who do sin shall be rebuked publically in the church. Do all without prejudice or partiality. 1Timothy 5:17-21
Requirements for church leaders. 1Tim.3:1-13, Titus 1:6-9
Church leaders are to lead with authority (following God’s will). 2Thes.3:4,6,9,10,14,15 (Pastors) shepherd the flock of God as willing overseers without dishonest gain, not as lords
over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. When the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1st Peter 5:2-4
Women are not to have authority over men (due to Eve being deceived by Satan). 1 Tim.2:12- 15
Youth to be leaders as examples of godly speech & conduct, in spirit (positive attitude), in faith & purity. 1stTimothy 4:12 They are to submit to their elders. 1st Peter 5:5
Followers described as: Speak things that are proper for sound doctrine. Older men shall be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love and in patience. Older women,
likewise, shall be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, admonishing the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands (unless asked to go against God’s will), that the word of God should not be blasphemed. Young men should be sober minded, showing a pattern of good works in all things, showing integrity in doctrine, reverence, incorruptibility with sound speed that cannot be condemned. Titus 2:2-8
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls as those who must give account (to God). Let them do so with joy, and not grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17
Do not lay hands on (pray too quickly for those you doubt the purity of their request, lest you share in their misguided sin) or (Do not choose a minister too quickly and run the risk of being led astray while giving the appearance of support to wrong doctrine or actions). 1Timothy 5:22
Come to Christ as a living stone, chosen by God as precious, to be built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices. 1st Peter 2:4-5
You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim praises of Him who called you out of darkness into light as a people of God having obtained mercy. 1st Peter 2:9-10
Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet, if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1st Peter 4:15-16