So Great Salvation S11E4 Church Pt 4: Government / Ecclesiastical Polity

From the earliest pages of the New Testament, the church is portrayed not as a religious institution divided into spiritual elites and passive observers, but as a living, functioning body—animated by Christ Himself and sustained through the shared ministry of all believers. Yet history tells a different story. Somewhere between the apostolic age and the modern church, a profound shift occurred—one that reshaped church polity, redefined leadership, and introduced a division that Scripture never clearly authorizes: the separation of clergy and laity.

In this episode, we examine that departure through the lens of Pagan Christianity, authored by Frank Viola. Viola argues that many of the structures and practices now assumed to be “Christian” are not rooted in the New Testament at all, but were gradually imported from Greco-Roman culture, pagan religious systems, and post-apostolic institutional developments. Chief among these, he contends, is the elevation of a professional clergy class distinct from—and functionally superior to—the rest of the body.

The New Testament presents leadership as real, necessary, and authoritative, yet consistently relational, plural, and servant-oriented. Elders shepherd; teachers equip; gifts operate for mutual edification. Ministry is not centralized in one figure nor restricted to a spiritual caste. Over time, however, fluid functions hardened into fixed offices, and shared responsibility gave way to hierarchical control. What began as practical organization evolved into theological assumption.

Viola’s work challenges the church to ask uncomfortable but necessary questions: When did “pastor” become a singular, ruling office rather than a shared shepherding function? When did preaching replace participatory ministry? When did the gathered church shift from a body that functions to an audience that observes? And perhaps most importantly, are these developments faithful outworkings of biblical teaching—or departures from it?

This episode is not an attack on faithful leaders nor a dismissal of sincere churches. Rather, it is an invitation to examine history honestly and Scripture carefully. If the clergy–laity divide is not explicitly taught in the New Testament, then it deserves re-evaluation—no matter how long it has been normalized. Reform does not begin with dismantling structures, but with recovering biblical understanding.

Join us as we explore how early church polity gave way to institutional hierarchy, how pagan patterns subtly replaced apostolic ones, and whether Scripture calls the church not to innovate—but to recover what was lost.

So Great Salvation Podcast⁠ S11E3 Church Pt 3. Biblical Church Polity

From the earliest pages of the New Testament, the church is presented not as a religious institution divided into spiritual elites and passive observers, but as a living body—each member functioning, each part contributing, all under the headship of Christ. Yet somewhere along the way, that simplicity was lost. This episode addresses a pivotal shift in church history: the gradual departure from early church polity and the rise of a formal separation between clergy and laity.

In the apostolic era, leadership existed, authority was real, and order was essential—but these realities functioned within a framework of shared spiritual responsibility. Elders shepherded, teachers taught, and gifts operated for the edification of the whole body. Ministry was not centralized in a professional class; it was distributed among the saints. Over time, however, patterns began to emerge that fundamentally altered this model. Roles hardened into offices, service gave way to status, and participation narrowed into spectatorship.

This separation—often justified as a safeguard for order or doctrinal purity—eventually became normalized. A distinct clergy class assumed exclusive authority to teach, administer, and govern, while the laity were increasingly defined by what they did not do. What began as functional distinction slowly transformed into spiritual division. The result was not merely a structural change, but a theological one—reshaping how believers understood calling, gifting, and responsibility within the body of Christ.

In this episode, we examine whether this division reflects biblical teaching or represents a departure from it. We will ask hard but necessary questions: Did the New Testament envision a permanent clergy–laity divide? Or did it present leadership as a servant role within a participatory community? When Scripture speaks of “the priesthood of believers,” what did that mean in practice for the life of the church?

Our aim is not to dismiss faithful leaders nor to sow distrust, but to return to Scripture with humility and honesty. We believe that truth is not threatened by examination, and that genuine reform begins not with reaction, but with repentance and renewed understanding. If Christ alone is the Head of the church, then all authority, structure, and ministry must flow from Him and conform to His Word.

Join us as we explore how the church moved from shared ministry to divided classes—and whether Scripture calls us to recover something precious that was never meant to be lost.

Open your Bible and join us as we explore this foundational question—seeking not novelty, but faithfulness to the Word of God.

For additional resources, visit: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Sogreatsalvation⁠

So Great Salvation Podcast S11E2 Church Pt 2. They Met in Houses!

“How is it then, brethren? when ye come together…” With these words in 1 Corinthians 14:26, the apostle Paul paints a striking picture of early Christian assembly. Each believer arrives not as a passive spectator, but as a participant—bringing a psalm, a doctrine, a revelation, an interpretation. Yet this vibrant participation is not chaotic. It is governed by one overarching principle: “Let all things be done unto edifying.” The gathering of the church was purposeful, relational, and mutually strengthening.

In this episode, we explore an important and often overlooked dimension of early church life: where and how believers met. The book of Acts records that the earliest disciples gathered both in the temple courts and from house to house. But as the gospel moved outward into Gentile regions, we find a consistent pattern emerging—assemblies meeting in homes. Paul’s letters repeatedly reference “the church in their house.” In Romans 16:5, he greets the church in the house of Priscilla and Aquila. In 1 Corinthians 16:19, again we see a church meeting in their home. Colossians 4:15 mentions the church in Nymphas’ house, and Philemon 1:2 speaks of the church in Philemon’s home. These references are not incidental; they are woven naturally into the fabric of New Testament life.

The question before us is this: Was this house-church model prescriptive—intended as a normative pattern for all generations? Or was it merely descriptive—a historical snapshot of how the early church functioned during a transitional period? In other words, are we looking at divine design or historical circumstance?

We approach this subject humbly and prayerfully. Our goal is not to romanticize the past nor to criticize present expressions of church life. Rather, we seek to examine Scripture carefully, comparing passage with passage, asking whether the New Testament presents a theological rationale for the home-based assembly or simply records it as a practical reality of its time.

As we open the Scriptures together, we invite you to listen thoughtfully and weigh the evidence carefully. The structure of the church is not a peripheral matter; it shapes participation, leadership, discipleship, and mission. If the early gatherings reflect divine wisdom, then they deserve our serious attention.

Open your Bible and join us as we explore this foundational question—seeking not novelty, but faithfulness to the Word of God.

For additional resources, visit: https://linktr.ee/Sogreatsalvation

So Great Salvation Podcast S11E1 Church Pt 1 Is the One Pastor System Biblical?

Season 10: Is the One-Pastor System Biblical?

In this episode, we turn our attention to an often-assumed, yet rarely examined, doctrine of the church: its leadership, governance, and spiritual oversight. The subject before us is ecclesiology and polity—not as abstract theory, but as revealed practice within the pages of Scripture itself. Our central question is a simple one, though its implications are far-reaching: Does the Bible teach that a local church is to be governed by a single pastor, or by a plurality of elders?

As with all doctrinal study, we begin not with tradition, denominational inheritance, or modern church structures, but with humility and prayer. We approach this subject hopeful rather than adversarial, asking God for wisdom, clarity, and restraint. The goal of this season is not to dismantle churches or disparage faithful men who labor sincerely, but to ask whether our assumptions align with the biblical pattern laid down by Christ and His apostles.

Scripture repeatedly presents church leadership in collective terms. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas “ordained them elders in every church,” committing these assemblies to the Lord through prayer and fasting. In Titus 1:5, Paul instructs Titus to “ordain elders in every city,” again emphasizing plurality and order. James 5:14 assumes the normal presence of multiple elders within a single congregation, called upon to shepherd, pray, and care for the flock. These passages invite careful consideration, not quick conclusions.

Throughout this episode, we will examine the biblical offices and titles commonly used within the church—pastor, bishop, and elder. Are these distinct roles, or are they different facets of the same office? Do they describe function, authority, maturity, or responsibility? And if they are synonymous, how did the modern concept of a singular ruling pastor come to dominate church life?

We will study these questions prayerfully, line upon line, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. We will consider historical development without granting it authority over the text. And we will seek to maintain a posture of charity, recognizing that truth is not threatened by examination.

This season is an invitation to return to first principles—to listen carefully to the Word of God and trust that He has not left His church without instruction. Our confidence rests not in systems, but in the wisdom of Christ, the Head of the Church, who governs His body through His Word. Whether our conclusions affirm or challenge what is familiar, our aim is faithfulness, clarity, and obedience to what the Scriptures actually teach.

So Great Salvation Podcast --S10E4 How to Study the Bible Pt. 4 Chaistic StructuresWelcome to Season 10 of the podcast, where we begin a new journey together—one that is intentionally slow, reverent, and hopeful. This season is devoted to the foundational question every believer must eventually face: How should we properly study the Word of God? Not merely to accumulate information, but to grow in wisdom, faith, and obedience.Scripture itself reminds us that understanding does not begin with intellect alone, but with humility. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” The study of the Bible is first an act of prayer. Before methods, tools, or systems, we come as dependent learners, trusting that the God who breathed out His Word is both willing and able to communicate clearly to those who seek Him. This season emphasizes approaching Scripture prayerfully—asking for wisdom, listening with faith, and expecting God to speak.We will also explore the biblical principle of letting Scripture interpret Scripture—comparing spiritual things with spiritual, line upon line and precept upon precept. The Bible is not a collection of disconnected writings, but a unified revelation, internally consistent and self-interpreting. As we learn to read patiently and contextually, patterns begin to emerge, and meaning unfolds with remarkable clarity.One of the great joys of this season will be uncovering the beauty and poetry woven throughout the inspired text. Far from being random or merely human, Scripture bears marks of divine craftsmanship. We will introduce listeners to the widespread use of chiastic structures—carefully ordered literary patterns found ubiquitously throughout the Bible. These structures are not superficial curiosities; they serve to highlight meaning, emphasize central truths, and reveal intentional design across centuries of authorship.This is a fascinating study because it exposes what can only be described as God’s fingerprint upon His Word—patterns hidden in plain sight, discoverable not by speculation, but by careful, humble observation. They are treasures for seekers, rewards for those willing to slow down, listen closely, and trust that God has spoken with purpose and precision.

Season 10E3 : So Great Salvation Podcast --How to Study the Bible Pt. 3 This episode is devoted to the foundational question every believer must eventually face: How should we properly study the Word of God? Not merely to accumulate information, but to grow in wisdom, faith, and obedience.Scripture itself reminds us that understanding does not begin with intellect alone, but with humility. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” The study of the Bible is first an act of prayer. Before methods, tools, or systems, we come as dependent learners, trusting that the God who breathed out His Word is both willing and able to communicate clearly to those who seek Him. This season emphasizes approaching Scripture prayerfully—asking for wisdom, listening with faith, and expecting God to speak.We will also explore the biblical principle of letting Scripture interpret Scripture—comparing spiritual things with spiritual, line upon line and precept upon precept. The Bible is not a collection of disconnected writings, but a unified revelation, internally consistent and self-interpreting. As we learn to read patiently and contextually, patterns begin to emerge, and meaning unfolds with remarkable clarity.One of the great joys of this season will be uncovering the beauty and poetry woven throughout the inspired text. Far from being random or merely human, Scripture bears marks of divine craftsmanship. We will introduce listeners to the widespread use of chiastic structures—carefully ordered literary patterns found ubiquitously throughout the Bible. These structures are not superficial curiosities; they serve to highlight meaning, emphasize central truths, and reveal intentional design across centuries of authorship.This is a fascinating study because it exposes what can only be described as God’s fingerprint upon His Word—patterns hidden in plain sight, discoverable not by speculation, but by careful, humble observation. They are treasures for seekers, rewards for those willing to slow down, listen closely, and trust that God has spoken with purpose and precision.Season 10 is not about mastering the Bible, but about learning how to sit under it. Whether you are new to Scripture or seeking to return to first principles, this season invites you to study with humility, hope, and confidence—believing that the living God still speaks through His living Word.

So Great Salvation Podcast S10E2-How to Study the Bible Pt. 2

This episode is devoted to the foundational question every believer must eventually face: How should we properly study the Word of God? Not merely to accumulate information, but to grow in wisdom, faith, and obedience.Scripture itself reminds us that understanding does not begin with intellect alone, but with humility. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” The study of the Bible is first an act of prayer. Before methods, tools, or systems, we come as dependent learners, trusting that the God who breathed out His Word is both willing and able to communicate clearly to those who seek Him. This season emphasizes approaching Scripture prayerfully—asking for wisdom, listening with faith, and expecting God to speak.We will also explore the biblical principle of letting Scripture interpret Scripture—comparing spiritual things with spiritual, line upon line and precept upon precept. The Bible is not a collection of disconnected writings, but a unified revelation, internally consistent and self-interpreting. As we learn to read patiently and contextually, patterns begin to emerge, and meaning unfolds with remarkable clarity.One of the great joys of this season will be uncovering the beauty and poetry woven throughout the inspired text. Far from being random or merely human, Scripture bears marks of divine craftsmanship. We will introduce listeners to the widespread use of chiastic structures—carefully ordered literary patterns found ubiquitously throughout the Bible. These structures are not superficial curiosities; they serve to highlight meaning, emphasize central truths, and reveal intentional design across centuries of authorship.This is a fascinating study because it exposes what can only be described as God’s fingerprint upon His Word—patterns hidden in plain sight, discoverable not by speculation, but by careful, humble observation. They are treasures for seekers, rewards for those willing to slow down, listen closely, and trust that God has spoken with purpose and precision.Season 10 is not about mastering the Bible, but about learning how to sit under it. Whether you are new to Scripture or seeking to return to first principles, this season invites you to study with humility, hope, and confidence—believing that the living God still speaks through His living Word.

So Great Salvation Podcast --S10E1: The Beginner’s Guide for Studying and Understanding the Scriptures pt 1

Welcome to Season 10 of the podcast, where we begin a new journey together—one that is intentionally slow, reverent, and hopeful. This season is devoted to the foundational question every believer must eventually face: How should we properly study the Word of God?

Not merely to accumulate information, but to grow in wisdom, faith, and obedience.Scripture itself reminds us that understanding does not begin with intellect alone, but with humility. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.”

The study of the Bible is first an act of prayer. Before methods, tools, or systems, we come as dependent learners, trusting that the God who breathed out His Word is both willing and able to communicate clearly to those who seek Him. This season emphasizes approaching Scripture prayerfully—asking for wisdom, listening with faith, and expecting God to speak.

We will also explore the biblical principle of letting Scripture interpret Scripture—comparing spiritual things with spiritual, line upon line and precept upon precept. The Bible is not a collection of disconnected writings, but a unified revelation, internally consistent and self-interpreting. As we learn to read patiently and contextually, patterns begin to emerge, and meaning unfolds with remarkable clarity.

Season 10 is not about mastering the Bible, but about learning how to sit under it. Whether you are new to Scripture or seeking to return to first principles, this season invites you to study with humility, hope, and confidence—believing that the living God still speaks through His living Word.

So Great Salvation Podcast S9E12 The Perfection of the Living Word of God Pt 12In this climactic episode, we punctuate our discussion on the doctrine of preservation—both in general and as it specifically relates to Holy Scripture. From the moment the serpent asked Eve, “Yea, hath God said?”, a great war began: a war against confidence in God’s words. That conflict continues today, often in subtle and sophisticated forms.We contend that much of what is taught—both directly and indirectly—in seminaries and pulpits has undermined faith in the Scriptures. While the Bible clearly reveals how God preserves what He has spoken, the prevailing views presented in many churches bear little resemblance to the biblical model of preservation.This episode calls believers back to the certainty, purity, and enduring authority of God’s Word, as testified throughout Scripture:2 Timothy 3:14–16But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of… All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.Psalm 12:6The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.#Bible #Preserved #PurifiedSevenTimes #KingJamesVersion #Scripture #Resurrection

So Great Salvation Podcast S9E11 The Perfection of the Living Word of God Pt11In this episode, we continue our discussion on the doctrine of preservation—both in general and as it specifically relates to Holy Scripture. From the moment the serpent asked Eve, “Yea, hath God said?”, a great war began: a war against confidence in God’s words. That conflict continues today, often in subtle and sophisticated forms.We contend that much of what is taught—both directly and indirectly—in seminaries and pulpits has undermined faith in the Scriptures. While the Bible clearly reveals how God preserves what He has spoken, the prevailing views presented in many churches bear little resemblance to the biblical model of preservation.This episode calls believers back to the certainty, purity, and enduring authority of God’s Word, as testified throughout Scripture:2 Timothy 3:14–16But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of… All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.Psalm 12:6The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.#Bible #Preserved #PurifiedSevenTimes #KingJamesVersion #Scripture #Resurrection