PRINCPLES IN CHURCH PLANTING
LESSON FOUR: PRINCIPLE OF THE CHURCH
PECULIARITIES OF NT CHURCHES. EKKLESIA [Gk] Matt.16:18, speaks of people that Jesus would call out from the world and gather together to be His own, an assembly that He is bringing together for His own eternal purpose. "A group of people united for worship, instruction, fellowship, and service and who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, follow His teachings, and serve Him as Lord." Christ, the Builder has the "blueprints" for the building. In Acts, we see the Church under construction! Many of its details are in the Epistles. What kind of Church should we plant?
A. CHRIST-CENTERED CHURCHES: Relationship with Christ. The NT pictures the Church as united with Jesus Christ. All members are united with Him personally, not just with the church! NT CHURCH GREW because of its relationship with Jesus! His life flowing through each member made the Church an ORGANISM and not just an ORGANIZATION.
B. BIBLE-BASED CHURCHES The NT churches recognized the Scriptures as the very basis of their existence. They recognized the authority of the Scriptures accepting teachings that agreed with the Scriptures and rejecting any that did not! They went everywhere preaching the Word. Sowing the seed patiently, watering it with their tears and their blood, churches sprang up wherever they went! These are Bible-based churches with strong faith in the word of God.
C. SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCHES Just before Jesus went back to heaven He told His followers clearly that they were to wait until they received the power of the Holy Spirit before they attempted to carry out His commission of worldwide evangelism, LUK 24:44-49 ACT 1:1-8. The book of Acts records it: The Spirit gave the church power for service and led it in the organization and carrying out of His work.
D. MISSIONS-MINDED CHURCHES The normal NT church bears the characteristics of being missions oriented. It builds the body within but also reaches out to the unsaved world, and plant other churches. Another way of saying this is: Build for the future. Churches should be built to be a utility to God not just for the present for the future! Its foundation should last.