The Church - Teaching Series:"The Church An Organism or Organization"

Thought to consider...

“Study to shew yourself approved to God a worker who does not need to be ashamed (abashed or confused by guilt or a conviction of some criminal action or indecorous conduct, or by the exposure of some gross errors or misconduct, which the person is conscious must be wrong, and which tends to impair his honor or reputation), rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Paul instructed Timothy to study (be diligent to present yourself) to shew (stand beside, substantiate) himself approved a workman (laborer, toiler, teacher) that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing (dissect, expound, correctly the divine message) the word of truth.

Keep in mind that Paul was in prison when he wrote this exhortation to Timothy. There wasn't a bible for Timothy to study. However Timothy could follow the example of Paul’s life and the lives of his faithful mother and grandmother. He had received the divine message, the gospel of Jesus Christ and was born again. Timothy was told to expound (defend with argument) correctly (to change something so it is right, true, and proper) the divine message.

Therefore, I have these questions for you. What is the divine message that you received? Has the divine message remained the same or do you need to rightly divide the word of truth?

Remember that all the working out is within ourselves. Therefore studying that we would not be ashamed, where our honor and reputation is tarnished by our gross error and misconduct NOT that we must prove ourselves to God. For God knows all.

Don't Be Afraid to Study

This brief video post is in response to the many requests we received on how to study.  In considering how to respond, we realized that studying as a disciple of Jesus Christ is individualized endeavor. Therefore, instead of providing specific steps to studying, this video is intended remove the fear of studying for those that may not have developed good study habits while in school or for those who have been out of school for many years. What we would like you to take away from this video post is not to be afraid to apply yourself to studying as a disciple of Christ.  Use whatever tools that will be beneficial in helping you not only retain information but to walk in what you learn.  It is not the length of time or the volume of material you study, but it is applying what you learn that will make a difference in your life.

2. Outline for topic Teaching Series "The Church" Organism or Organization?

Now that I have provided a teaching defining doctrine and the necessity of being aware of the impact of doctrines on our lives, I will continue this series with a teaching on “the church". The church is simply the collection of believers in Christ Jesus, His body. The literal definition is a combination of two thoughts -- the point where motion or actions proceed and to call. Therefore, the definition of church is combined as a calling out. However you will note that most translations/definitions will refer to the church as a building, a religious service, a particular group, community or assembly. Although I understand the intent to classify the church in such a manner; however, those descriptions undermine the spirit, heart and intent of what Jesus our Lord revealed to us when He told Peter saying, “Upon this rock I will be build my church.”

With understanding we realize that Jesus referred to the revelation that God our Father had given Peter. That revelation is that Jesus is the Christ. The church is built, constructed upon the revelation that Jesus is the Christ. He is the anointed one. Jesus is the one appointed and consecrated by God as Savior and Redeemer of the world. Jesus is the Christ and He is the Head of the Church. Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone in whom the whole building fits framed together. This building is His body and His church.

In this teaching on the church, I will examine who is the church, how we become the church and what the function of the church is. I will provide evidence that the church and body of Christ are one in the same. I will expound upon the attributes of the church described in the epistles in stark contradiction with the attributes of the church today. You will then have the opportunity to decide if you are indeed the church, the body of Christ and if you are functioning or walking as such. Our purpose is always that we would walk in the light and in the liberty that Christ Jesus has given us.  Please review the attached document containing definitions and preparatory scripture. Click here to download.  The video teaching on the Church will be uploaded on Friday, November 21, 2014.

If you have not done so, please watch the video teaching on doctrines and review the definitions provide in the preparatory outline from the blog post on doctrines as the definition will prove useful as we continue throughout this series.