Building A Church

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. The Book of Acts, gives us the instructions on, how a church must be run. The main thing that we see, in a new Church, is singleness of mind and heart. We see this in Acts 4:32-35 and 2:44-47. There is a delegation of authority, that goes threw the leadership of the church as stated in Act 6:2-4; Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. This delegation of positions within the church structure, aid the Pastor in relieving him of the, day by day workings of the church. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.(Act 4:32-35) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Act 2:44-47) In this the end days Church, it would be very difficult to find such faith left within the church. For men to accomplish these acts, there would have to be a complete change of heart, or a sign from heaven, to startle men back to the realization that, God is still watching the works of, the Church members. For a church to grow, there are two important things, that must occur, 1.All that believed were together. This speaking of the singleness of heart and vision. A Church must be a unified body of members, that have the same faith, for the Bible tells us that, we must seek out those of like faith. Any division in faith, or doctrine, will cause not only the church to fail, but also it will loose any faith, that the people of the area may have had, in the church. 2.Having favour with all the people. Kindness, Approval. The church must win the peoples respect, and approval. There-by, we can operate with out any reserve, or hindrance. By the church body showing singleness, and loving kindness to one another, this approval and acceptance of the people will be gained easily. The workings within the church. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (1Co 12:29-30) Here we see that, there should be no devision, or jealousy, within the church body. God calls, and ordains, those to different works with in the church. Not all members can be a minister, prophet, healer, teacher, evangelist, or a worker of miracles. But we must remember that, all parts, all works are equal. For the Minister, needs the grounds keeper, and the grounds keeper, needs the teacher and so on. The least member of the church is just as important as the Pastor, in the sight of God. This remind me of the words of Paul "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." The Apostle, is a director of a church. He sets up the ground work of all the other parts of the Body within the Church. The Apostle doesn't necessarily stay with the church. For he has many churches to aid in building up, faith and membership. The Pastor, is the spiritual director of the Church, preaching the messages, that he receives from the Holy Ghost, building up the faith of all members. The pastors duty's include, but are not limited to, the spiritual guidance, and safety of the congregation, in which God has set him into. The pastor, conducts, weddings, Baptisms and funerals. He is the model member of the church that all must try to imitate. His life is open to all members, night and day. He, and the elders of the church, are required to go to the sick and imprisoned to pray the prayer of healing and comfort, this all according to the commandments of Christ. The Prophet, informs the church of things of the future, to the edification of the body, this threw the enlightenment from the Holy Spirit. The prophet is one of the most useful parts of the church body. This is because, an unbeliever, hearing a prophecy, and it coming to pass, will then be more acceptable to the gift of eternal life threw Jesus Christ. The Teacher, teaches the body, concerning all aspects of the scripture, giving and accepting interpretations from all, this threw love, and understanding. For all men have the right to ask questions, and disagree with one another. There may be more than one teacher within the church, one for the babes and the other for the learned. As spoken by Paul in Hebrews 5:13-14. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. The Evangelist, is a preacher or publisher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, licensed to preach, but not having charge of a particular church. A "publisher of glad tidings;" a missionary preacher of the gospel. (Eph 4:11). (KJD, Webster.) This license is actually an ordination from God, and Man. I myself am an evangelist. I preach, and teach, at different places, not truly aligned with any specific church, or organization. You must remember that, no matter weather you be called a Pentecostal,Church of God, Independent, Northern, Enterprise, or Southern Baptist, we are all one in Christ. Any church, that God has set up, must accept those who go by a different name, for man, made denominations, not God. Denominations were set up by man, because differences in interpretation of scripture, brought about division within the church. Instead of coming together and reasoning together, they decided to part ways, and start their own church under a different name. This is not what God, nor Christ, intended. For if we reject our brother, how can we say that, the Love of God dwells within us? This is reflected in 1Co 3:3-5; For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? All evangelist must be made welcome according to the Word of God. We cannot esteem one over the other, for by doing so we become judges. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.(2Ti 4:5) We also must be careful, not to the point of rudeness, but to the point, that the Pastor of the Church knows, that a man coming into the church to preach, is of God. Evangelist bring into the church a new "Rema" word, a fresh word, a joyful word, that not only the church needs to hear, but also the Pastor. This new word refreshes all that hear. Licensing and Ordinations. The Licensing and Ordinations, of ministers, teachers, evangelist, and other governments within the Church, are ministered by the Apostle, Pastor, Evangelist, and Deacons. The elders of the Church can give witness to any one brought forth before the Church, concerning reasons for or against an individual. The Bishop; The word originally signified an "overseer" or spiritual superintendent. The titles, bishop and elder, or presbyter, were essentially equivalent. Presbyter; In the primitive Christian church, an elder; a person somewhat advanced in age, who had authority in the church, and whose duty was to feed the flock over which the Holy Spirit had made him overseer. Elder; The term elder, or old man as the Hebrew literally imports, was one of extensive use, as an official title, among the Hebrews and the surrounding nations, because the heads of tribes and the leading people who had acquired influence were naturally the older people of the nation. It had reference to various offices. Gen 24:2; Gen 50:7; 2Sa 12:17; Eze 27:9. As betokening a political office, it applied not only to the Hebrews, but also to the Egyptians, Gen 50:7, the Moabites and the Midianites. Num 22:7.(Easton,KJD) Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/