1. Universal, comprehensive sense including all saved of the earth (Matt. 16:18; 1Tim. 3:15; Eph. 1:22-23). In this sense the family of God, Body of Christ, kingdom of God, are the same.... No organization in universal sense; knows no authority but Christ and His word. Whoever does the will of God and obeys the Gospel belongs to it (Ac 2:41, 47).
2. Local Churches, limited sense including all God's people in one community. (1Cor. 1:2; Rom. 16:16; Acts 14:23; 5:11; 8:1), "In Jerusalem" (Acts 13:1; 15:22). "In Antioch."
1. An established order (Acts 14:23) "In every church" (Titus 1:5) "Set in order the things that are lacking."
a. "appointed"CceirotonewCfrom ceirC"hand" & tonewC"to stretch"; thus, "to vote by stretching out the hand" (TH).
b. "wanting"C"lacking" (TH), or "remain" (ATR).
c. "appoint"CkaqisthmiCbasically, "to set in place" (TDNT-3:444).
2. An independent self‑governing unit, always spoken of as separate units (Gal. 1:2) "Churches of Galatia" (Gal. 1:22), "Churches of Judea." Several independent Churches in one district, but no district organization. (1Cor. 14:33, 40). In this comprehensive injunction, given to a Church, is implied control of its affairs by the Church.
3. A plurality of elders in every Church. Acts 14:23, "Ordained elders in every Church." Acts 20:17, elders of the Ephesian Church.
4. Deacons. (Phil. 1:1), Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons
5. Members (Rom. 12:4; 16:1, 2; 1Cor. 12:27). Identification with a local Church was a practice of New Testament days.
1. New Testament mentions no other.
2. Every good work done thru local organization (Eph. 3:10).
(1) Missions (Acts 13:1‑3) Sent out by local church; (Acts 14:25‑28). Reported to local church. Error of the Missionary Society.
(2) Charity (Acts 11:29-30). Funds for poor saints in Judea were placed in hands of elders of Judean churches to be administered by them (yet, autonomy maintained).
(3) Various scriptural methods may be used in carrying on the work of the local Church, but other organizations either within or without, such as Ladies' Aid Societies or Young Peoples' Societies were unknown then and are therefore unscriptural now. CBible classes!!
1. Local Churches co‑operated in doing their work, but such work was always under the supervision of a local church and its eldership (Rom. 15:25‑26; 2Cor. 8:1‑6; Acts 11:28‑30).
2. Church autonomy may be maintained while co-operating with other congregations; sadly, it can also be relinquished.
a. ILLC"Neither Smaller or Larger": "What organization <larger, smaller, or other than the local congregation> is created If churches A and B voluntarily send $100 each to church C and church C uses that money to preach the gospel?" (J. Brewer, 6/25/97).
b. ILLC"W. Price's Example of Verses Written on Toilet Paper"