Nature of the Church according to Scripture!

[1689Dave]

“Likewise greet the church that is in their house." Romans 16:5 (KJV 1900)


church. A word generally used to translate the generic Greek word ekklēsia, which variously means “gathering,” “assembly” or “congregation.”
Grenz, S., Guretzki, D., & Nordling, C. F. (1999). Pocket dictionary of theological terms (p. 26). InterVarsity Press.

Also used as the worldwide body of believers in Christ.

However, the NT tends to use the word to refer to all those who by faith in the person and work of Christ as the fullest revelation of God have entered into a new relationship with God and with one another (1 Cor 1:9–10), who are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit on earth (1 Cor 3:16)

A Church (Gathering) can be where two or more believers meet in Christ's name. “For where two or three are gathered (churched) together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 (KJV 1900)

The New Testament concept of the Church: “Now from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.” (Acts 20:17) (HCSB)

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock that the Holy Spirit has appointed you to as overseers [Bishops], to shepherd [pastor] the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28) (HCSB) Elders, Pastors, and bishops are the same office in the NT Church.

monarchical bishops history

The church exists where two or more meet in Jesus' name. They met in houses that were independent of each other. From within those meetings, God raised Pastors (aka Bishops) elders, and teachers to prepare the saints for the ministry. Each believer was a priest and a minister. The church was for teaching, the street for preaching. With the rise of the monarchical bishops near the second century, a false system of church government began. In time it morphed into the two Catholic Churches. And the visible institutional church denominations, none are found in scripture. The murderous rampages of the Western Catholic Church began around 606 and the Reformational Churches began the murder of Christians soon after Luther undertook his efforts at reform. Mennonites in Europe by John Horsch Chapter 34

It's best to follow the scripture model for church and meet even at a restaurant or a home if necessary.

 

[1689Dave]

We used to have a house church and attended others. It is like a "cottage prayer meeting" without formalities.

 

[Albion]

A Church (Gathering) can be where two or more believers meet in Christ's name. “For where two or three are gathered (churched) together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 (KJV 1900)

I know you don't care, but as you've been advised before, there is NOTHING in that verse and NOTHING in the wording that says the reference is to a church service.

The verse is referring to God being faithful, not abandoning his people, that he'll be "with" them even when as few as two of them are involved. He will not depart from them, although he be ascended to his Father in Heaven.

The church exists where two or more meet in Jesus' name. They met in houses that were independent of each other. From within those meetings, God raised Pastors (aka Bishops) elders, and teachers to prepare the saints for the ministry.

Presbyters and bishops were of the same order of ministers, but they were not identical or interchangeable, nor is there anything in Scripture which says that they are.

EaEach believer was a priest and a minister.

and a bishop, according to you.

This notion of course flies in the face of the facts of history, and we do know how the early church operated.

It's best to follow the scripture model for church and meet even at a restaurant or a home if necessary.

As I recall, you steadfastly oppose ALL denominations and even congregations of Christians of any kind, and do not participate with any of them. I conclude that your role is just to tell all of them whether or not they are doing things right.

 

[1689Dave]

I know you don't care, but as you've been advised before, there is NOTHING in that verse and NOTHING in the wording that says the reference is to a church service.

The verse is referring to God being faithful, not abandoning his people, that he'll be "with" them even when as few as two of them are involved. He will not depart from them, although he be ascended to his Father in Heaven.

Presbyters and bishops were of the same order of ministers, but they were not identical or interchangeable, nor is there anything in Scripture which says that they are.

and a bishop, according to you.

This notion of course flies in the face of the facts of history, and we do know how the early church operated.

As I recall, you steadfastly oppose ALL denominations and even congregations of Christians of any kind, and do not participate with any of them. I conclude that your role is just to tell all of them whether or not they are doing things right.

How can you have faith in your religion if faith comes by hearing the word? And if your institutional Church style is not found in scripture? And whatever is not of faith is sin?