ScriptureStream

The New Testament Church, Part 3

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What is a local church?
There is a difference between an individual and a local church.
  • Matthew 18:15-17 – Three different parties are involved here. One person, a few members, and the entirety of the local church (or a representative thereof).
  • I Timothy 5:16
  • Some say that whatever an individual has authority to do, a local church has authority to do, but …
  • A letter being addressed to a church does not mean that everything in that letter pertains to collective church work.
    • I Thessalonians 1; 4:11
    • I Corinthians 1:2; 7:1-2
    • I Timothy 1:2; 3:1-13; 5:16
    • Titus 1:4-5
      • The Bible uses “church” as a collective noun.
      • Acts 8:1-3
      • Acts 11:26 – “Church” talking about a plurality of disciples.
      • Acts 14:26
      • I Corinthians 1:2
      • Philippians 1:1
      • Hebrews 12:23
      • Acts 2:41
        • Never does the Bible use the word “church” to collect congregations.
        • There is a difference between collecting congregations and collecting individuals.
        • If the universal church is composed of congregations, that would mean you must be a member of a local church to be a member of the universal church.
          • When do you have a local church action?
          When a plurality of Christians act together?
          • Not necessarily.
          • Acts 13:1-3
          • I Corinthians 11:22, 34, 18
          • Philippians 4:15
            • ...more
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            ScriptureStreamBy Mark Watson
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