The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum HowWouldYouAnswerThis?

The Apostles were sent out to establish and increase the Church, first and foremost, through the preaching of the Word and to disciple (teach) those who responded in faith. In those new churches (remember now that the purpose of the Apostles was to lay the foundation upon the cornerstone of Christ and thus their work was temporary)... see Eph 2:19-22. The remaining structure of the Church was accomplished through their appointing Elders in the various churches (cf. Acts 15:41; 16:4f 20:17ff; Titus 1:5).

I think it not expedient to include an entire biblical defense of the biblical teaching concerning the Eldership, their qualifications and duties. There are many good books that have been written on this subject, e.g., D. Douglas Bannerman's The Scripture Doctrine of the Church and James Bannerman's The Church of Christ.

The Apostles established the churches and set in place the government, the order of the Church everywhere they went. This order did not vary according to location, circumstances, etc. for it was Christ through His Spirit Who instructed the Apostles in these matters. The government of the Church was therefore an organic entity which perpetuated itself after it was giving life. Elders and Deacons were to be continually ordained after the Apostles had gone. Paul says as much here, Acts 20:25-38. But it must be remembered that the offices of Elder and Deacon were not something which the Apostles conjured up but rather they simply started what Christ Himself had established for and in His own Church. For it is He, the Head of the Church Who appointed those offices (cf. Eph 4:11, 12).

to all of this. The problem is not baptism; i.e., how we differ on how we understand what Scripture teaches concerning it. Secondly, I do consider it to be a sacrament for through both baptism and the Lord's Supper the Holy Spirit is active in the hearts of true believers; i.e., grace. But I totally reject any notion of "merit"... shame on you!!

Let me give you some brotherly advice. You should cease and desist from formulating your personal views (doctrine) based upon your own experience. It makes no difference, does it, that the liberal churches deny the deity of Christ as to the truthfulness of that doctrine? That Christ is God incarnate, was born, crucified dead and buried and rose the third day is not true because the majority say it is. Nor is its verity demolished because some/many deny it. It's truthfulness is based upon God's infallible written Word. Okay, so in this matter of the ordination of the Eldership and its role and responsibilities, it doesn't matter one iota how corrupt your church or denomination is. They do not define truth. And their abuse, neglect or denial of truth, either in word or in practice is NOT TO BE that which we formulate doctrine. It is CHRIST'S Church and He has sent in order how it is to governed, its worship, membership, etc..... And we are simply to gladly submit to what HE has written by His Spirit.

In His grace,