IS AN INDIVIDUALLY SUPPORTED MISSIONARY SOCIETY AUTHORIZED IN SCRIPTURE?

By Bob Myhan

T

he English word, "church," is used by most, if not all, modern versions of the Bible to translate the Greek word, "ecclesia," in certain contexts. The word, "ecclesia," has no peculiarly religious significance. Neither does it imply organizational structure. In Acts 19:24-41 it is used both of a "lawful assembly" and of a "disorderly gathering." While “ecclesia” is not the word translated, "gathering," in verse 40, it is the word translated, "assembly," in verse 41, and both refer to the same thing--a collectivity of persons with no organizational framework.

The English word, "church," translates the Greek word, "ecclesia," only when the translators viewed the ecclesia under consideration to be an ecclesia "of or pertaining to the Lord" [kuriokos], whether it is "all saints everywhere" or "saints in a given locality." No organizational framework is given in Scripture, through which "all saints everywhere" may function collectively. Saints in a given locality, however, are authorized to organize as a collectively functioning unit. They are also expected to develop such qualities in a plurality of men that will qualify them to serve as elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11).

The universal church, again, is a collective unit but not a "collectively functioning" unit. There is specific authority for the collective functioning of the “local body” but there is no authority for the collective functioning of the “universal body.”

The difference between individual action and collective action is not whether individuals are acting but whether there is common oversight. By “common oversight,” is simply meant that each person is under the oversight of the same person or persons.

The Lord has certainly authorized "saints in a given locality" to function collectively under common oversight [a plurality of elders] in the areas of edification and evangelism, but has He given "all saints everywhere" that authority? If so, where is it? Where is the direct statement, approved apostolic example or implication that "all saints everywhere" may function collectively, that is under common oversight?

Organizing the universal body by putting "all saints everywhere" under common oversight is just as lacking in scriptural authority as organizing the universal body by putting "all congregations everywhere" under common oversight. If one claims generic authority for the former, this writer would like to know from what passage such generic authority is obtained.

The only scripturally authorized framework [of which this writer is aware] for Christians to function collectively in the areas of edification and evangelism is the local church with its elders, deacons and saints (Phil. 1:1). If, therefore, a given collectivity of Christians is engaged in edification and evangelism under common oversight, it is either a local church of Christ or it is unscriptural. &

10 Reasons Why You Should Investigate the Church of Christ

By Kenneth E. Thomas

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).

1

. The body of Christ, His universal church, is of Biblical Origin.

It began in Jerusalem Palestine on the Day of Pentecost following the death burial, resurrection, and coronation of Christ (Luke 24:45-49; Acts 1:6-8; Acts 2:1-47).

2

. It was founded by Christ Himself (Matthew 16:13-19; Psalms 127:1; Matthew 15:13).

3

. It wears and Honors the Name of Christ. We accept every scriptural designation found in the Bible for this one relationship, the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33; Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:28).

4

. Christ is our only creed. The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice, especially Christ’s last will and testament (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 12:48; Acts 3:22-23; Matthew 24:35; Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:6-11).

5

. It is scriptural in organization: Note: The Universal body of Christ has no earthly organization. It is made up of individual Christians and not all of the local congregations.

Local congregations are ruled by a group of elders who are also referred to as “pastors, bishops, presbyters, shepherds, and overseers” in New Testament language (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-16; Hebrews 13:7.17). Elders are assisted by deacons to whom they delegate various functions (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-10). As seen in the cited passages these men’s family members also must be what they should be for these men to serve in this capacity.

There are no synods, hierarchies, district superintendents, Popes, etc. known to the New Testament. There is no such thing as a “sponsoring eldership:” Each congregation under its own eldership answers directly to Christ (1 Peter 5:1-7; Revelation 2:5). The autonomy of each local church must be respected to please Christ.

6

. Local churches worship according to the New Testament pattern as set when inspired men lead them: On the first day of the week, we meet to partake of the Lord’s supper, sing, pray, study, and contribute a free will offering as the New Testament commands (Acts 20:6-7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; Luke 18:1).

We reject methods of attempted worship that are not prescribed in the New Testament such as mechanical instruments of music, speaking in tongues, transubstantiation, consubstantiation, the mass, etc. since all are inventions of uninspired men. Things like tongue speaking was unique to first century assemblies before the New Testament scriptures were completed (1 Corinthians 13:8-13; Hebrews 2:1-3). Too, for folks to attempt to worship who aren’t in the right relationship with God through Christ is impossible (Ephesians 2:13-17; 3:21). For unfaithful ungodly unrepentant members to attempt to worship is also unacceptable (Isaiah 59:1-2; 66:1-6; 1 Peter 3:12; John 9:31). [To engage in unauthorized activities in worship renders worship vain (Matthew 15:8-9; Colossians 2:8)]

[To be continued]

I AM DISTURBED

By Jewell W. Norman

I

 am disturbed beyond measure at the let up in scriptural proof for what is preached today over the radio and from the pulpits both locally and nationally. It is evident that some preachers either cannot or will not give the scriptures to prove [what] they are preaching (1 Peter 4:11; Titus 2:1; 1 Ths. 5:21).

It is becoming more evident every week that the brethren in some parts of our country are clamoring for the Billy Graham and Oral Roberts type of preaching. We should keep in mind the statement of Isaiah 30:10. Why would anyone be required to take what we say without Bible proof any more than what a denominational preacher might preach without scriptural proof? The day of proof texts is rapidly passing from the pulpits.

I am disturbed at the catering to the pleasure seekers in the church (2 Tim. 3:4). The desire to entertain the young in order to hold them is alarming as any casual observer well knows. The youth of our day should be taught the place and purpose of the Lord’s church. The place for entertainment should be the home and not the church.

The building of “fellowship” halls and recreational rooms for entertainment is sapping the spirituality from the church. There is a difference between the material and the spiritual building. The world and some members cannot see the difference. We need to see the church in its proper perspective. The true church is as much dedicated to preach the gospel today as it ever was. It takes the same gospel in the 20th [now the 21st] century to save as it did in the 1st century. The church is required to worship and work today as did the church in the beginning. The time has always been for the church to be the church.

I am disturbed at the current teaching in reference to the all-sufficiency of the church by some of our brethren. I firmly believe the church is able to do the Lord’s work without the extra organization we find in many places. Brethren are going crazy over boards and projects. There are as many projects in our day as spots on a leopard. Why can’t we [all] be satisfied with the Lord’s arrangements? (Col. 2:10; 3:17)

May we never reduce the church to the level of a human institution! It is with difficulty for many people of our number to see the church without human attachments. & [Tidings of Truth, Vol. 7; No. 25]