How the church function?
Theme scripture: 1 Peter 4:11
1. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
2. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides.
3. So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
4. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever.
A. Social service! Acts 6:1-7
1. In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained
against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
2. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said: It would not be right for us to neglect the
ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Acts 6:2
3. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.
We will turn this responsibility over to them. Acts 6:3
4. We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4
5. This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose 7 men who are full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.6:5
6. Ac 6:6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their
hands on them. (NIV)
7. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number
of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7
B. Evangelized the world. Acts 13:1-3
1. In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius
of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. Acts 13:1
2. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: Set apart for me Barnabas and
Saul for the work to which I have called them. Acts 13:2
3. So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:3
C. Building up people in the church! Eph.11-13
1. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be
pastors and teachers, Eph.4:11
2. to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up Eph.4:12
3. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,
attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph.4:13
C. Appoint elders for every church. Acts 14:23
1. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed
them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23
2. Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that you should set in order the things that were wanting,
and appoint elders in every city, as I gave you this charge. Titus 1:5
3. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not
open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Titus 1:6
4. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless-- not overbearing, not quick-
tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Titus 1:7
5. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and
disciplined. Titus 1:8
6. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others
by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:9
7. For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision
group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they
ought not to teach-- and that for the sake of dishonest gain. Titus 1:10-11
D. Earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3
1. Elders must keep watch over themselves and all Christians in the church. Acts 20:17, 28
2. Elders must keep spiritual savage wolves away from the church. Acts 20:29
3. Exercise authority according to what is in the New Testament Bible. Acts 20:30-32
May the Lord bless us and keep us always! Preach this December 20, 2015.
Ac 20:29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and
will not spare the flock. (NIV)
Part 1