I. Uniqueness
A. A new historical relation with the Holy Spirit.
1. Given in a new way. John 7:38-39; John 14:16-18; Acts 1:4-5
2. The indwelling of the Spirit. Col. 1:27
B. A new entity: the �body of Christ.� 1 Cor. 1:22-23; Eph. 1:22-23
C. Permanently sealed with the Holy Spirit. [1] 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; Eph. 4:30; John 14:16
D. Not known in ages past. Eph. 3:5; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:26
II. Activities
A. Evangelization. Mat. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15;� Acts 1:8
1. The Message, focus on the essentials.� 1 Cor. 2:1-2
a) Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:31; Acts 5:31; Acts 17:3
b) Jesus died for our sins. Mat. 26:28; Rom. 5:9; Heb. 9:22-28
c) Jesus rose from the dead. Acts 4:33; Acts 13:33; Acts 17:31
d) Jesus will return. Acts 15:16; Acts 15:16; Heb. 9:28
2. Salvation is not by human wisdom or schemes, but by the Spirit drawing men.� John 3:3-7; John 3:3-7; John 6:37-44; Acts 16:14
B. Fellowship of believers. Acts 2:41-42
1. Salvation. Acts 2:41
2. Baptism. Acts 2:41
3. Instruction. Acts 2:42
4. Fellowship. Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25
5. Communion. Acts 2:42
6. Prayer. Acts 2:42
III. Organization
A. Christ the head. 1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:22; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18;
B. Elders - a plural group of leaders. Acts 11:30; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28; Tit. 1:5; Jas. 5:14
1.
Pastors vs. Elders vs.
Bishops: how do they differ?
"Scripture is quite clear that these descriptive titles relate to the same
pastoral office. The terms elder and bishop are synonymous in Acts 1:5-7 and Tit. 1:5-7. The terms elder, bishop,
and shepherd are synonymous in 1Pe. 5:1-2. The
leadership role of elders is also evident in the shepherdly activity of Jas.
5:14. As clearly noted by Lightfoot, in biblical times elder and bishop were
synonymous terms." [MacArthur, John Jr., Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry. (Dallas: Word Publishing: 1995),
p. 39.] The elders of Acts 20:28 are called bishops in Acts 20:28 and are to
feed the flock as shepherds.
2. Qualifications. 1Ti. 3:1-7
C. Deacons. Acts 1:1; Php. 1:1; 1Ti. 3:8
1. Qualifications. 1Ti. 3:8-13
2. Unlike deacons, elders focus their efforts on feeding and tending the flock spiritually.� The office of deacon was initially created so that the elders could give themselves completely to prayer and the Word. Acts 6:2-4; Eph. 4:11; 1Ti. 4:13; 1Ti. 5:17
3. Deacons also were gifted in other ways besides physical service.
a) Stephen perform great wonders and miracles. Acts 6:8
b) Philip took the gospel to Samaria and performed miracles (Acts 8:13; Acts 8:13) and was gifted as an evangelist (Acts 21:8).
D. Gifts.� 1 Cor. 4:11; Eph. 4:11
1. For edification and equipping of the church. Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:11
2. The saints (members of the church) do the work of the ministry! Eph. 4:12
IV. Character
A. United. Acts 4:32; Acts 4:32; Eph. 4:1-7
B. Steadfast. Acts 2:42; Eph. 4:14-16
C. Charitable. Acts 4:34-35; Acts 4:34-35; Eph. 4:28
D. Joyful. Acts 2:46-47; Eph. 5:18-21
[1] �� Just how permanent is this sealing? Examples of the intended permanence of sealing: (1) Mat. 27:66 the tomb (2) John 3:33 Jesus\' testimony (3) John 6:27 Jesus sealed by the Father (4) Rev. 7:3 witnessed during the tribulation (5) Rev. 10:4 what the seven thunders uttered (6) Rev. 20:3 Satan during the millennium. Compare the permanent indwelling of the New Testament believer with the statement of David in Ps. 51:11.