Reference: Church
American
The Greek word translated church signifies generally an assembly, either common or religious; and it is sometimes so translated, as in Ac 19:32,39. In the New Testament it usually means a congregation of religious worshippers, either Jewish, as Ac 7:38, or Christians, as Mt 16:18; 1Co 6:4. The latter sense is the more common one; and it is thus used in a twofold manner, denoting,
1. The universal Christian church: either the invisible church, consisting of those whose names are written in heaven, whom God knows, but whom we cannot infallibly know, Heb 12:23; or the visible church, made up of the professed followers of Christ on earth, Col 1:24; 1Ti 3:5,15.
2. A particular church or body of professing believers, who meet and worship together in one place; as the churches of Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, etc., to which Paul addressed epistles.
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And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
This is he, who was with the church in the wilderness with the angel who spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the oracles of life to give unto us:
So they were crying out some one thing and some another: for the assembly was a scene of confusion, and the greater part knew not on what account they were collected together.
And if ye have any dispute about other matters, it shall be terminated in a lawful assembly,
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh the measure of afflictions for Christ which remains to be endured for his body, which is the church,
not for works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and by renovation of the Holy Spirit;
All that are with me salute thee. Salute those who love us with fidelity. Grace be with you all. Amen.
and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
Easton
Derived probably from the Greek kuriakon (i.e., "the Lord's house"), which was used by ancient authors for the place of worship.
In the New Testament it is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal of the Old Testament, both words meaning simply an assembly, the character of which can only be known from the connection in which the word is found. There is no clear instance of its being used for a place of meeting or of worship, although in post-apostolic times it early received this meaning. Nor is this word ever used to denote the inhabitants of a country united in the same profession, as when we say the "Church of England," the "Church of Scotland," etc.
We find the word ecclesia used in the following senses in the New Testament: (1.) It is translated "assembly" in the ordinary classical sense (Ac 19:32,39,41).
(2.) It denotes the whole body of the redeemed, all those whom the Father has given to Christ, the invisible catholic church (Eph 5:23,25,27,29; Heb 12:23).
(3.) A few Christians associated together in observing the ordinances of the gospel are an ecclesia (Ro 16:5; Col 4:15).
(4.) All the Christians in a particular city, whether they assembled together in one place or in several places for religious worship, were an ecclesia. Thus all the disciples in Antioch, forming several congregations, were one church (Ac 13:1); so also we read of the "church of God at Corinth" (1Co 1:2), "the church at Jerusalem" (Ac 8:1), "the church of Ephesus" (Re 2:1), etc.
(5.) The whole body of professing Christians throughout the world (1Co 15:9; Ga 1:13; Mt 16:18) are the church of Christ.
The church visible "consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children." It is called "visible" because its members are known and its assemblies are public. Here there is a mixture of "wheat and chaff," of saints and sinners. "God has commanded his people to organize themselves into distinct visible ecclesiastical communities, with constitutions, laws, and officers, badges, ordinances, and discipline, for the great purpose of giving visibility to his kingdom, of making known the gospel of that kingdom, and of gathering in all its elect subjects. Each one of these distinct organized communities which is faithful to the great King is an integral part of the visible church, and all together constitute the catholic or universal visible church." A credible profession of the true religion constitutes a person a member of this church. This is "the kingdom of heaven," whose character and progress are set forth in the parables recorded in Mt 13.
The children of all who thus profess the true religion are members of the visible church along with their parents. Children are included in every covenant God ever made with man. They go along with their parents (Ge 9:9-17; 12:1-3; 17:7; Ex 20:5; De 29:10-13). Peter, on the day of Pentecost, at the beginning of the New Testament dispensation, announces the same great principle. "The promise [just as to Abraham and his seed the promises were made] is unto you, and to your children" (Ac 2:38-39). The children of believing parents are "holy", i.e., are "saints", a title which designates the members of the Christian church (1Co 7:14). (See Baptism, Christian.)
The church invisible "consists of the whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head thereof." This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the body of Christ. it is called "invisible" because the greater part of those who constitute it are already in heaven or are yet unborn, and also because its members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who "searches the heart." "The Lord knoweth them that are his" (2Ti 2:19).
The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and promises appertaining to Christ's kingdom belong, is a spiritual body consisting of all true believers, i.e., the church invisible.
(1.) Its unity. God has ever had only one church on earth. We sometimes speak of the Old Testament Church and of the New Testament church, but they are one and the same. The Old Testament church was not to be changed but enlarged (Isa 49:13-23; 60:1-14). When the Jews are at length restored, they will not enter a new church, but will be grafted again into "their own olive tree" (Ro 11:18-24; comp. Eph 2:11-22). The apostles did not set up a new organization. Under their ministry disciples were "added" to the "church" already existing (Ac 2:47).
(2.) Its universality. It is the "catholic" church; not confined to any particular country or outward organization, but comprehending all believers throughout the whole world.
(3.) Its perpetuity. It will continue through all ages to the end of the world. It can never be destroyed. It is an "everlasting kindgdom."
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And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptised every one of you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off; even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added the saved ones daily to the church.
BUT Saul was delighted with his execution. Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.
NOW there were at Antioch, according to the established church, prophets and teachers; such as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger the black, and Lucius a Cyrenian, and Manaen, Herod the tetrarch's foster-brother, and Saul.
So they were crying out some one thing and some another: for the assembly was a scene of confusion, and the greater part knew not on what account they were collected together.
And if ye have any dispute about other matters, it shall be terminated in a lawful assembly,
boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Wilt thou say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in? read more. Admitted; by unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear: for if God spared not the native branches, tremble lest he spare not thee. Behold therefore the kindness and severity of God: to those indeed who fell, severity; but unto thee, kindness, if thou continuest in that kindness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. But they also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou hast been cut out of the naturally wild olive, and contrary to nature hast been grafted into the good olive: how much more shall these, which are native branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
and the church which is in their house. Salute Epinetus my beloved, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, sanctified in Christ Jesus, to the called saints, with all those who invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both their's and our's:
For the husband that believeth not is sanctified by the wife, and the wife who believeth not is sanctified by the husband: else indeed your children were unclean, but now are they holy.
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
For ye have heard of my former manner of life, when I professed Judaism, that in the most outrageous manner I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Wherefore remember that ye in time past were Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that called circumcision made by hands in the flesh; that ye were at that time without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and atheists in the world: read more. but now in Christ Jesus, ye who formerly were far off, are become nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of separation, destroying the enmity in his flesh, even the law of precepts, in ordinances, that he might from the two create in himself one new man, making peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; and coming, hath preached peace to you who were afar off, and to those who were nigh: for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. So then ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; built up on the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom the whole building exactly cemented together groweth into a holy temple in the Lord: by whom also ye have been built up together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and is himself the saviour of the body.
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable.
For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is at his house.
Nevertheless the stable foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal, the Lord knoweth those who belong to him. And, let every man who mentions the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
TO the angel of the Ephesian church write; These things saith he who grasps the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh round in the midst of the seven golden lamps;
Fausets
From the Greek kuriakee, "house of the Lord," a word which passed to the Gothic tongue; the Goths being the first of the northern hordes converted to Christianity, adopted the word from the Greek Christians of Constantinople, and so it came to us Anglo-Saxons (Trench, Study of Words). But Lipsius, from circus, from whence kirk, a circle, because the oldest temples, as the Druid ones, were circular in form. Ekkleesia in the New Testament never means the building or house of assembly, because church buildings were built long AFTER the apostolic age. It means an organized body, whose unity does not depend on its being met together in one place; not an assemblage of atoms, but members in their several places united to the One Head, Christ, and forming one organic living whole (1 Corinthians 12). The bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-32; 1:22), the body of which He is the Head.
The household of Christ and of God (Mt 10:25; Eph 2:19). The temple of the Holy Spirit, made up of living stones (Eph 2:22; 1Co 3:16; 1Pe 2:5). Ekkleesia is used of one or more particular Christian associations, even one small enough to worship together in one house (Ro 16:5). Also of "the whole church" (Ro 16:23; 1Co 12:28). Ekkleesia occurs twice only in Matthew (Mt 16:18; 18:17), elsewhere called "the kingdom of the heavens" by Matthew, "the kingdom of God" by Mark, Luke and John. Also called Christ's "flock," never to be plucked out of His hand (Joh 10:28), "branches" in Him "the true Vine." Founded on the Rock, "the Christ the Son of the living God," the only Foundation (Mt 16:16,18; 1Co 3:11).
Constituted as Christ's mystical body on Pentecost; thenceforth expanding in the successive stages traced in ACTS. Described in a beautiful summary (Ac 2:41,47). (On its apostasy (See BABYLON .) Professing Christendom numbers now probably 80 million of Greek churches, 90 million of Teutonic or Protestant churches, and 170 million of Roman Catholic churches. The Church of England's definition of the church is truly scriptural (Article xix): "a congregation of faithful men in the which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordinance in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same." The church that shall reign with Christ is made up of those written in heaven, in the Lamb's book of life, the spirits of just, men made perfect (Heb 12:22-23; Re 21:27).
The faultless perfection and the glorious promises in Scripture assigned to the church (election, adoption, spiritual priesthood, sure guidance by the Spirit into all truth, eternal salvation) belong not to all of the visible church, but to those alone of it who are in living union with Christ (Eph 5:23-27; Heb 12:22-23). The claim for the visible church of what belongs to the invisible, in spite of Christ's warning parable of the tares and wheat (Mt 13:24-30,36-43), has led to some of Rome's deadliest errors. On the other hand, the attempt to sever the tares from the wheat prematurely has led to many schisms, which have invariably failed in the attempt and only generated fresh separations. We must wait until Christ's manifestation for the manifestation of the sons of God (Ro 8:19; Col 3:4).
The true universal church is restricted to "them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours" (1Co 1:2). They are visible in so far as their light of good works so shines before men that their Father in heaven is glorified (Mt 5:16). They are invisible insofar that it is God alone who can infallibly see who among professors are animated by a living, loving faith, and who are not. A visible community, consisting of various members and aggregations of members, was founded by Christ Himself, as needed for the extension and continuation of Christianity to all lands and all ages. The ministry of the word and the two sacraments, baptism, and the supper of the Lord, (both in part derived from existing Jewish rites, Mt 26:26-28; 1Co 5:7-8).
Baptism, the Lord's Supper were appointed as the church's distinctive ordinances (Mt 28:19-20, Greek text): "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and (only on condition of your doing so) I am with you always," etc. (See BAPTISM; LORD'S SUPPER.) The professing church that neglects the precept forfeits the promise, which is fatal to Rome's claims. No detailed church government is explicitly commanded by Jesus in the New Testament. The Old Testament ministry of high priest, priests, and Levites necessarily ended with the destruction of the one and only temple appointed by God. That the Christian ministry is not sacerdotal, as the Old Testament ministry, is proved by the title hiereus, the Greek of the Latin sacerdos, never once being used of Christian ministers.
When used at all as to the Christian church it is used of the whole body of Christians; since not merely ministers, as the Aaronic priests, but all equally, have near access to the heavenly holy place, through the torn veil of Christ's flesh (Heb 10:19-22; 13:15-16; 1Pe 2:19; Re 1:6). All alike offer "spiritual sacrifices." For a minister to pretend to offer a literal sacrifice in the Lord's supper, or to have the sacerdotal priesthood (which pertains to Christ alone), would be the sin which Moses charged on Korah: "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation to bring you near to Himself, ... to stand before the congregation to minister to them; and seek ye the priesthood also?" The temple then not being the model to the Christian church, the synagogue alone remained to be copied.
In the absence of the temple during the captivity the people assembled together on sabbaths and other days to be instructed by the prophet (Eze 14:1; 20:1; 33:31). In Ne 8:1-8 a specimen is given of such a service, which the synagogues afterward continued, and which consisted in Scripture reading, with explanation, prayers, and thanksgivings. The synagogue officers consisted of a "ruler of the synagogue," the "legate of the church" (sheliach tsibbur), corresponding to the angel of the church (Revelation 1-3), a college of elders or presbyters, and subordinate ministers (chazzan), answering to our deacons, to take care of the sacred books. Episcopacy was adopted in apostolic times as the most expedient government, most resembling Jewish usages, and so causing the least stumbling-block to Jewish prejudices (Ac 4:8; 24:1).
James, the brother of our Lord, after the martyrdom of James, the son of Zebedee and the flight of Peter (Ac 12:17), alone remained behind in Jerusalem, the recognized head there. His Jewish tendencies made him the least unpopular to the Jews, and so adapted him for the presidency there without the title (Ac 15:13-19; 21:18; Ga 2:2,9,12). This was the first specimen of apostolic local episcopacy without the name. The presbyters of the synagogue were called also (See BISHOPS, or overseers. "Those now called 'bishops' were originally 'apostles.' But those who ruled the church after the apostles' death had not the testimony of miracles, and were in many respects inferior, therefore they thought it unbecoming to assume the name of apostles; but dividing the names, they left to 'presbyters' that name, and themselves were called 'bishops'" (Ambrose, in Bingham Ecclesiastes Ant., 2:11; and Amularius, De Officiis, 2:13.)
The steps were apostle; then vicar apostolic or apostolic delegate, as Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete, temporarily (1Ti 1:3; 2Ti 4:21; Tit 3:12; 1:5), then angel, then bishop in the present sense. Episcopacy gives more of centralized unity, but when made an absolute law it tends to spiritual despotism. The visible church, while avoiding needless alterations, has power under God to modify her polity as shall tend most to edification (Mt 18:18; 1Co 12:28-30; 14:26; Eph 4:11-16). The Holy Spirit first unites souls individually to the Father in Christ, then with one another as "the communion of saints." Then followed the government and ministry, which are not specifie
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Just so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
Just so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
It is sufficient if the disciple be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the family Beelzebub, how much more his domestics?
It is sufficient if the disciple be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the family Beelzebub, how much more his domestics?
Another parable proposed he to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man who sowed good seed in his field:
Another parable proposed he to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man who sowed good seed in his field: and while the men were asleep, his enemy came and sowed zizane among the wheat, and departed.
and while the men were asleep, his enemy came and sowed zizane among the wheat, and departed. But when the blade was shot up, and produced fruit, then appeared also the zizane.
But when the blade was shot up, and produced fruit, then appeared also the zizane. The servants of the proprietor came, and said to him, Master, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence then hath it the zizane?
The servants of the proprietor came, and said to him, Master, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence then hath it the zizane? He saith unto them, Some man, an enemy, hath done this. Then the servants said to him, Wilt thou that we go and weed them out?
He saith unto them, Some man, an enemy, hath done this. Then the servants said to him, Wilt thou that we go and weed them out? he replied, No; lest perhaps in weeding out the zizane, we root up the wheat with them.
he replied, No; lest perhaps in weeding out the zizane, we root up the wheat with them. Let them both grow together till the harvest: and at the harvest-time I will say to the reapers, Gather out first the zizane, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Let them both grow together till the harvest: and at the harvest-time I will say to the reapers, Gather out first the zizane, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Then Jesus dismissing the multitudes, went into a house; and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the zizane of the field.
Then Jesus dismissing the multitudes, went into a house; and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the zizane of the field. And he replying said to them, He that sowed the good seed, is the Son of man;
And he replying said to them, He that sowed the good seed, is the Son of man; the field is the world: and the good seed are those who are the children of the kingdom; but the zizane are the children of the wicked one;
the field is the world: and the good seed are those who are the children of the kingdom; but the zizane are the children of the wicked one; the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the zizane are gathered, and burned in the fire; just so shall it be at the end of this world.
As therefore the zizane are gathered, and burned in the fire; just so shall it be at the end of this world. The Son of man shall send out his angels, and shall gather together out of his kingdom all things offensive, and those who practise iniquity;
The Son of man shall send out his angels, and shall gather together out of his kingdom all things offensive, and those who practise iniquity; and will cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
and will cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Then Simon Peter answering said, Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
Then Simon Peter answering said, Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
But if he disregard them, inform the church: and if he disregard the church, let him be to thee as a heathen, or a publican.
But if he disregard them, inform the church: and if he disregard the church, let him be to thee as a heathen, or a publican.
But if he disregard them, inform the church: and if he disregard the church, let him be to thee as a heathen, or a publican.
But if he disregard them, inform the church: and if he disregard the church, let him be to thee as a heathen, or a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever things ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever things ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever things ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever things ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Then as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessing, brake, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
Then as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessing, brake, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And taking the cup, and giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this:
And taking the cup, and giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this: for this is my blood, that [blood] of the new testament, which is shed for many, for the remission of sins.
for this is my blood, that [blood] of the new testament, which is shed for many, for the remission of sins.
Go therefore, make disciples among all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Go therefore, make disciples among all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo! I am with you at all times even to the end of the world. Amen.
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo! I am with you at all times even to the end of the world. Amen.
and I give unto them everlasting life and they shall never perish to eternity, and no person shall pluck them out of my hand.
and I give unto them everlasting life and they shall never perish to eternity, and no person shall pluck them out of my hand.
And now no longer am I in this world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father! preserve them for thy name's sake whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
And now no longer am I in this world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father! preserve them for thy name's sake whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
I entreat not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest preserve them from the wicked one.
I entreat not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest preserve them from the wicked one.
They therefore who gladly received his discourse were baptised: and there were added to them that day about three thousand souls.
They therefore who gladly received his discourse were baptised: and there were added to them that day about three thousand souls.
praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added the saved ones daily to the church.
praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added the saved ones daily to the church.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Then beckoning with the hand that they should be silent, he informed them in what manner the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Tell James and the brethren these things. And departing thence he went into another place.
Then beckoning with the hand that they should be silent, he informed them in what manner the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Tell James and the brethren these things. And departing thence he went into another place.
Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me:
Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon [the Gentiles], to take from them a people for his name.
Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon [the Gentiles], to take from them a people for his name. And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written,
And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again:
"After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again: that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things."
that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things." Known unto God from the beginning are all his works.
Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God:
Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God:
But Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house: and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptised.
But Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house: and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptised.
And on the morrow Paul went in with us unto James: and all the presbyters were present.
And on the morrow Paul went in with us unto James: and all the presbyters were present.
SO after five days Ananias the high-priest went down with the elders, and a certain rhetorician, Tertullus, who made their appearance before the governor against Paul.
SO after five days Ananias the high-priest went down with the elders, and a certain rhetorician, Tertullus, who made their appearance before the governor against Paul.
For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revelation of the children of God.
For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revelation of the children of God.
and the church which is in their house. Salute Epinetus my beloved, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.
and the church which is in their house. Salute Epinetus my beloved, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, sanctified in Christ Jesus, to the called saints, with all those who invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both their's and our's:
to the church of God which is at Corinth, sanctified in Christ Jesus, to the called saints, with all those who invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both their's and our's:
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ye being assembled together and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ye being assembled together and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
On the first day of the week let every one of you set apart with himself, treasuring it up, whatsoever he may please to give, that when I come there may be then no gatherings.
On the first day of the week let every one of you set apart with himself, treasuring it up, whatsoever he may please to give, that when I come there may be then no gatherings.
And I went up then by revelation, and laid before them that gospel which I preach among the Heathen, but in private conference with those who were of the first importance, that haply I might not run, nor had run in vain.
And I went up then by revelation, and laid before them that gospel which I preach among the Heathen, but in private conference with those who were of the first importance, that haply I might not run, nor had run in vain.
And when they knew the grace which was bestowed on me, James and Cephas and John, who appeared to be the pillars [of the church], gave unto me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision:
And when they knew the grace which was bestowed on me, James and Cephas and John, who appeared to be the pillars [of the church], gave unto me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision:
For before certain persons came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles, but when they were come, he withdrew, and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision.
For before certain persons came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles, but when they were come, he withdrew, and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision.
and hath put all things under his feet, and hath appointed him head over all to the church,
and hath put all things under his feet, and hath appointed him head over all to the church,
So then ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
So then ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
by whom also ye have been built up together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
by whom also ye have been built up together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
careful to preserve unity of spirit, in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye have been called to one hope of your calling;
There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye have been called to one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
one God, and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers;
And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers; for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ:
for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ: until we all attain in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a state of complete manhood, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
until we all attain in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a state of complete manhood, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we should be no longer infants, floating on the waves, and carried about with every wind of novel doctrine, by the juggling of men, by their craftiness after the delusive wiles of error;
that we should be no longer infants, floating on the waves, and carried about with every wind of novel doctrine, by the juggling of men, by their craftiness after the delusive wiles of error; but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ:
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ:
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ:
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.
From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.
From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.
From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.
For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and is himself the saviour of the body.
For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and is himself the saviour of the body. As then the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
As then the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify it, purifying it in the laver of water by the word,
that he might sanctify it, purifying it in the laver of water by the word,
that he might sanctify it, purifying it in the laver of water by the word,
that he might sanctify it, purifying it in the laver of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable.
that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable.
that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable.
that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable. So ought husbands to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself.
So ought husbands to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are the members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
for we are the members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this reason shall a man forsake his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and the two shall be as one flesh.
For this reason shall a man forsake his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and the two shall be as one flesh. This mystery is great: but I am speaking with regard to Christ, and with regard to the church.
This mystery is great: but I am speaking with regard to Christ, and with regard to the church.
When Christ shall appear, who is our life, then shall you also with him be manifested in glory.
When Christ shall appear, who is our life, then shall you also with him be manifested in glory.
Where there is no difference whether a man be Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or Scythian, slave or freeman: but Christ is all and in all.
Where there is no difference whether a man be Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or Scythian, slave or freeman: but Christ is all and in all.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing with grace in your heart unto the Lord.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing with grace in your heart unto the Lord.
As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine,
For this purpose I left thee behind me at Crete, that thou mightest direct the regulations which remained to be executed, and that thou shouldest appoint presbyters in every city, as I charged thee to do:
For this purpose I left thee behind me at Crete, that thou mightest direct the regulations which remained to be executed, and that thou shouldest appoint presbyters in every city, as I charged thee to do:
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, hasten to come to me unto Nicopolis: for there I have determined to pass the winter.
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, hasten to come to me unto Nicopolis: for there I have determined to pass the winter.
Having therefore, brethren, entire liberty of entrance into the holies by the blood of Jesus??20 a way, which he hath consecrated for us, newly opened, and giving life, through the vail, that is, his flesh;
Having therefore, brethren, entire liberty of entrance into the holies by the blood of Jesus??20 a way, which he hath consecrated for us, newly opened, and giving life, through the vail, that is, his flesh;
and having a great priest over the house of God, let us come to him with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and the body washed with pure water:
let us come to him with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and the body washed with pure water:
but ye are come unto mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
but ye are come unto mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
but ye are come unto mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
but ye are come unto mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
By him therefore let us offer a sacrifice of praise perpetually to God, that is the fruit of our lips confessing his name.
By him therefore let us offer a sacrifice of praise perpetually to God, that is the fruit of our lips confessing his name. But of beneficence, and liberal distribution, be not unmindful: for such sacrifices God accepts with delight.
But of beneficence, and liberal distribution, be not unmindful: for such sacrifices God accepts with delight.
For if there come into your congregation a man with a gold ring, and in splendid apparel, and there come in also a poor man in a sordid garb;
For if there come into your congregation a man with a gold ring, and in splendid apparel, and there come in also a poor man in a sordid garb;
and made us kings and priests to his God and Father; to him be glory and might for ever and ever. Amen.
and made us kings and priests to his God and Father; to him be glory and might for ever and ever. Amen.
I know thy works, and thy tribulation, and thy poverty (though thou art rich), and the calumnies of those who say they are Jews, yet are not, but are Satan's synagogue.
I know thy works, and thy tribulation, and thy poverty (though thou art rich), and the calumnies of those who say they are Jews, yet are not, but are Satan's synagogue.
And there shall no more enter into it any thing unclean, or that practises abomination and lying; but only those who are written in the book of life of the Lamb.
And there shall no more enter into it any thing unclean, or that practises abomination and lying; but only those who are written in the book of life of the Lamb.
Hastings
1. The word ecclesia, which in its Christian application is usually tr 'church,' was applied in ordinary Greek usage to the duly constituted gathering of the citizens in a self-governing city, and it is so used of the Ephesian assembly in Ac 19:39. It was adopted in the Septuagint to tr a Heb. word, q
See Verses Found in Dictionary
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire:
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is approaching.
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast into the outer darkness: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
hath not really root in himself, but is merely temporary: and when tribulation or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately he is stumbled.
Another parable proposed he to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man who sowed good seed in his field:
which indeed is among the smallest of all seeds; but when it is grown, it is among the greatest of herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make their nests in the branches of it.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: which when a man findeth, he hideth, and for joy thereof, goeth away and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchantman in search of beautiful pearls:
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and colleting fish of every kind:
Then Jesus coming into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, questioned his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I am? The Son of Man? But they replied, Some, that thou art John the Baptist; but others, Elias; and others again, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. read more. He saith unto them, But who do ye say that I am? Then Simon Peter answering said, Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God. And Jesus replying, said to him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed this to thee, but my Father, who is in heaven. And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then he commanded his disciples, that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Messiah.
Then he commanded his disciples, that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Messiah.
But if he disregard them, inform the church: and if he disregard the church, let him be to thee as a heathen, or a publican.
Then said Jesus unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
and the multitudes who went before, and who followed after, cried, saying, Hosanna, to the son of David; blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
Then as he was sitting upon the mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall there things be? and what is the sign of thy coming, and of the consummation of the age?
When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, erected in the holy place, (let him that readeth, mark this,)
But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:
Then shall the King say to those on his right-hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
Jesus saith to him, Thou hast spoken [the fact]. Moreover I tell you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
But after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God: and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God draweth nigh: repent, and believe the gospel.
But if with the finger of God I cast out devils, then, verily the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Fear not, little flock! for your Father takes delight in giving you the kingdom.
And being asked by one of the Pharisees, When cometh the kingdom of God? he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Jesus therefore said to them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in yourselves.
For John indeed baptised with water; but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days after the present.
And in those days arose Peter in the midst of the disciples, and said, (there was a number of persons together, about an hundred and twenty,)
to take a part in this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, to go to his own place.
And there was an appearance to them of divided tongues, as of fire, and it rested on every one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.
And they persevered stedfastly in the doctrine of the apostles, and in communion, and in breaking bread, and in prayers.
And daily continuing with one mind at the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of their food with great joy and simplicity of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added the saved ones daily to the church.
And in the multitude of those that believed there was one heart and soul: and not one person said, that any part of his substance was his peculiar property; but all things were in common among them.
And great awe fell on all the Church, and on all who heard these things.
NOW in those days, when the disciples were multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian proselytes against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution.
Then rose up certain men of the synagogue of the freed-men, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.
This is he, who was with the church in the wilderness with the angel who spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the oracles of life to give unto us:
This is he, who was with the church in the wilderness with the angel who spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the oracles of life to give unto us:
BUT Saul was delighted with his execution. Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.
BUT Saul was delighted with his execution. Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.
BUT Saul was delighted with his execution. Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.
BUT Saul was delighted with his execution. Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.
But Saul ravaged the church, entering into the houses, and dragging men and women, cast them into prison.
But when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
But when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
BUT Saul, still breathing out threatenings and murder against the disciples of the Lord, applying to the high-priest,
Then had the churches peace through all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, being edified; and walking in the fear of God, and in the consolation of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Then had the churches peace through all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, being edified; and walking in the fear of God, and in the consolation of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Then beckoning with the hand that they should be silent, he informed them in what manner the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Tell James and the brethren these things. And departing thence he went into another place.
NOW there were at Antioch, according to the established church, prophets and teachers; such as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger the black, and Lucius a Cyrenian, and Manaen, Herod the tetrarch's foster-brother, and Saul.
Then appointing them presbyters in every city, by prayer with fastings they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
There being therefore no small contention and dispute maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this question.
Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me:
Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; writing a letter by their hand, in these words: The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting: read more. Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge: it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things. For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity; that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell.
And if ye have any dispute about other matters, it shall be terminated in a lawful assembly,
So he sent to Ephesus from Miletus, and called the presbyters of the church to attend him.
So he sent to Ephesus from Miletus, and called the presbyters of the church to attend him.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.
And on the morrow Paul went in with us unto James: and all the presbyters were present.
Now after many years absence I was returned bringing alms to my countrymen, and oblations [to the temple].
Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and by sin death; even so death passed into all men through him, in whom all have sinned. For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed if there be no law. read more. But death reigned from Adam unto Moses, even over those who have not sinned after the similitude of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of him that was to come. But not as the transgression, so also [is] the gift. For if by the transgression of one the many became dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is in that one man, Christ Jesus, hath abounded unto many. And the gift [is] not as for one who sinned: for the judgment indeed [came] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [leads] to justification from many offences. For if by the offence of one, death reigned by that one; much more they who receive the abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Christ Jesus. Well then, as by the offence of one, [judgment issued] against all men unto condemnation; so also by the righteousness of one, [the gift came] to all men for justification unto life. For as by the disobedience of one man the many were constituted sinners; so also by the obedience of one shall the many be constituted righteous. But the law was introduced, that the offence might be more abundant. But where sin had abounded, there hath grace abounded more exceedingly: that as sin had reigned by death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto life eternal by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Do ye not know, that as many as have been baptised into Christ Jesus have been baptised into his death? We have been buried therefore with him by baptism into death: that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life.
and the church which is in their house. Salute Epinetus my beloved, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Salute one another with the holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, sanctified in Christ Jesus, to the called saints, with all those who invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both their's and our's:
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man prophane the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new mass, as ye are unleavened. For our passover hath been sacrificed for us, even Christ. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one loaf, one body; for we all partake of that one loaf. read more. Behold Israel after the flesh. Are not they who eat of the sacrifices partakers with the altar?
When therefore ye assemble in the same place, it is not to eat the Lord's supper. For one in the eating it taketh before another his own supper: and one is hungry, and another drinks to excess. read more. What! have ye not houses to eat in and to drink? or despise ye the church of God, and make those ashamed who have none? What shall I say unto you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
What! have ye not houses to eat in and to drink? or despise ye the church of God, and make those ashamed who have none? What shall I say unto you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I received of the Lord what also I delivered to you, That the Lord Jesus, in the night in which he was betrayed, took a loaf: read more. and when he had blessed it, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: do this in remembrance of me. In like manner also he took the cup, after they had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew forth the death of the Lord till he come. Wherefore, whosoever eateth of this bread, or drinketh the cup of the Lord unworthily, he is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh condemnation to himself, not distinguishing the Lord's body. For this cause many are diseased and infirm among you, and some asleep [in death]. For if we thoroughly judged ourselves, we should not be judged of the Lord. But being judged, we are corrected by the Lord, that we might not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, when ye meet together to eat the Lord's supper, wait for one another. And if any man be hungry, let him eat at home; that ye meet not together for condemnation. And the other matters I will regulate when I come.
For to one man by the Spirit is given wise discourse; but to another speech [communicative] of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing [diseases] by the same Spirit; read more. to another miraculous powers; to another prophecy; to another discernments of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these things worketh that one and the same Spirit, distributing peculiar gifts to every one even as he wills.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And these also hath God placed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, directors, different kinds of tongues.
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
And when they knew the grace which was bestowed on me, James and Cephas and John, who appeared to be the pillars [of the church], gave unto me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision:
For before certain persons came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles, but when they were come, he withdrew, and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision.
For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ, have been invested with Christ. There is no more Jew or Gentile, there is no more slave or freeman, there is no more male or female: but ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And as many as shall walk after this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
at the dispensation of the fulness of the appointed times to gather together under one head all things in Christ, whether they be things in heaven or things in earth, in him: in whom also we have obtained our inheritance, predestinated according to the purpose of him who effectually worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will:
which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the final redemption, acquired by him, come, to the praise of his glory.
and hath put all things under his feet, and hath appointed him head over all to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
that ye were at that time without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and atheists in the world:
that ye were at that time without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and atheists in the world: but now in Christ Jesus, ye who formerly were far off, are become nigh by the blood of Christ.
but now in Christ Jesus, ye who formerly were far off, are become nigh by the blood of Christ.
but now in Christ Jesus, ye who formerly were far off, are become nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of separation, read more. destroying the enmity in his flesh, even the law of precepts, in ordinances, that he might from the two create in himself one new man, making peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby;
for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. So then ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote unto you before briefly; wherein when ye read, ye may be able to perceive my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, read more. which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it hath been now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be co-heirs, and of the same body, and sharers with them of his promise in Christ by the Gospel: of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which was given unto me by the effectual working of his power. To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what the communication of that mystery means, which was hid from the beginning in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church, according to the purpose from everlasting, which he formed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers;
And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers; for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ:
for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ:
for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ: until we all attain in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a state of complete manhood, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable.
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first begotten from the dead, that he might be in all things pre-eminent.
and by him to reconcile all things to himself, making peace by the blood of his cross: by him, I say, whether they be things on earth, or things in the heavens. And you who in time past were all aliens, and enemies in mind by wicked works, hath he now reconciled, read more. by the body of his flesh, through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreprehensible in his presence:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh the measure of afflictions for Christ which remains to be endured for his body, which is the church,
Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is at his house. And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it also be read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read that from Laodicea.
And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it also be read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read that from Laodicea.
PAUL, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ: grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
PAUL, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ: grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
And confessedly great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen of angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
saying, "I will declare thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the church I will sing hymns to thee."
For by one oblation he hath made those perfect for ever who are sanctified.
and having a great priest over the house of God, let us come to him with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and the body washed with pure water:
let us come to him with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and the body washed with pure water:
and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected, and to Jesus the mediator of the new testament, and to the blood of sprinkling, which speaketh better things than that of Abel.
We have an altar, of which they have no right to eat, who perform the service in the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts are burnt without the camp, whose blood for a sin offering is brought into the holy of holies by the high-priest. read more. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Therefore let us go forth to him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have not here an abiding city, but we earnestly seek that which is to come. By him therefore let us offer a sacrifice of praise perpetually to God, that is the fruit of our lips confessing his name. But of beneficence, and liberal distribution, be not unmindful: for such sacrifices God accepts with delight.
For if there come into your congregation a man with a gold ring, and in splendid apparel, and there come in also a poor man in a sordid garb;
Perhaps a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith by thy works, and I will shew thee by my works my faith.
ye also, as living stones, are built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, well pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.
But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people acquired by purchase; that ye should publish abroad the excellencies of him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people acquired by purchase; that ye should publish abroad the excellencies of him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
She who is co-elect at Babylon, saluteth you, and my son Mark.
TO the angel of the Ephesian church write; These things saith he who grasps the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh round in the midst of the seven golden lamps;
Morish
This English word is said to be derived from the Greek ???????? , which signifies 'pertaining to the Lord,' and is commonly used both for an association of professing Christians, and for the building in which they worship. It is the scriptural use of the word ????????, or 'assembly,' that is here under consideration.
The word is used in reference to Israel in the N.T. on one occasion in Ac 7:38, and to a Gentile throng in Ac 19:32,41. Its first occurrence in relation to Christianity is in Mt 16:18, where upon Peter's confession that Jesus was the Son of the living God, the Lord rejoins, "upon this rock I will build my assembly," etc. Historically this spiritual building, (for 'building' never refers to a material edifice) was begun after His death and resurrection, when the Holy Ghost descended at the day of Pentecost. In this aspect of the church there is no room for any failure
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And I tell thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat falling on the earth undergo a deathlike change, it abideth single: but if it [thus] die, it beareth abundant produce.
This is he, who was with the church in the wilderness with the angel who spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the oracles of life to give unto us:
So they were crying out some one thing and some another: for the assembly was a scene of confusion, and the greater part knew not on what account they were collected together.
For by one Spirit we all have been baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free men; and we have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
and hath put all things under his feet, and hath appointed him head over all to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
That he might shew forth in the ages to come the transcendent riches of his grace, in the kindness shewed to us in Christ Jesus.
for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, for which God hath before prepared us, that we should walk therein.
and to make all men see what the communication of that mystery means, which was hid from the beginning in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church,
that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church,
There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye have been called to one hope of your calling;
that he might sanctify it, purifying it in the laver of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any man hath a complaint against another: even as Christ hath freely forgiven you, so also do ye. read more. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God set up its throne in your hearts, whereunto also ye have been called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing with grace in your heart unto the Lord. And everything that ye do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
For this I say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent those who are fallen asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: read more. then we who are alive, who remain, shall be caught up together with them into the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we be ever with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
but should I be delayed, that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the pedestal of truth.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and pottery; and some for an honourable use, and others for baser service.
But flee youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.
Whom approaching, as the living stone, rejected indeed of men, but elect of God, and honourable, ye also, as living stones, are built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, well pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.
Smith
Church.
1. The derivation of the word is generally said to be from the Greek kuriakon (kuriakon) "belonging to the Lord." But the derivation has been too hastily assumed. It is probably connected with kirk, the Latin circus, circulus, the Greek kuklos (kuklos) because the congregations were gathered in circles.
2. Ecclesia (ekklesia) the Greek word for church, originally meant an assembly called out by the magistrate, or by legitimate authority. It was in this last sense that the word was adapted and applied by the writers of the New Testament to the Christian congregation. In the one Gospel of St. Matthew the church is spoken of no less than thirty-six times as "the kingdom." Other descriptions or titles are hardly found in the evangelists. It is Christ's household,
the salt and light of the world,
Christ's flock,
Mt 26:31; Joh 10:15
its members are the branches growing on Christ the Vine, John 15; but the general description of it, not metaphorical but direct, is that it is a kingdom,
From the Gospel then we learn that Christ was about to establish his heavenly kingdom on earth, which was to be the substitute for the Jewish Church and kingdom, now doomed to destruction
The day of Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church. Before they had been individual followers Jesus; now they became his mystical body, animated by his spirit. On the evening of the day of Pentecost, the 3140 members of which the Church consisted were -- (1) Apostles; (2) previous Disciples; (3) Converts. In
we have indirectly exhibited the essential conditions of church communion. They are (1) Baptism, baptism implying on the part of the recipient repentance and faith; (2) Apostolic Doctrine; (3) Fellowship with the Apostles; (4) The Lord's Supper; (5) Public Worship. The real Church consists of all who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ as his disciples, and are one in love, in character, in hope, in Christ as the head of all, though as the body of Christ it consists of many parts.
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Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt become insipid, with what can it be salted? it is of no farther use for any purpose, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men.
Neither do men burn a lamp, and set it under a bushel, but on its stand; and it sheds light on all that are in the house.
It is sufficient if the disciple be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the family Beelzebub, how much more his domestics?
And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Therefore I tell you, That the kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation, producing the fruits thereof.
Then saith Jesus unto them, Ye all will be offended at me this night: for it is written, "I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad."
As the Father knoweth me, so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Watsons
CHURCH. The Greek word ????????, so rendered, denotes an assembly met about business, whether spiritual or temporal, Ac 19:32,39. It is understood also of the collective body of Christians, or all those over the face of the earth who profess to believe in Christ, and acknowledge him to be the Saviour of mankind; this is called the visible church. But, by the word church, we are more strictly to understand the whole body of God's true people, in every period of time: this is the invisible or spiritual church. The people of God on earth are called the church militant, and those in heaven the church triumphant. It has been remarked by Dr. John Owen, that sin having entered into the world, God was pleased to found his church (the catholic or universal church) in the promise of the Messiah given to Adam; that this promise contained in it something of the nature of a covenant, including the grace which God designed to show to sinners in the Messiah, and the obedience which he required from them; and that consequently, from its first promulgation, that promise became the sole foundation of the church and of the whole worship of God therein. Prior to the days of Abraham, this church, though scattered up and down the world, and subject to many changes in its worship through the addition of new revelations, was still but one and the same, because founded in the same covenant, and interested thereby in all the benefits or privileges that God had granted, or would at any time grant. In process of time, God was pleased to restrict his church, as far as visible acknowledgment went, in a great measure, to the seed of Abraham. With the latter he renewed his covenant, requiring that he should walk before him and be upright. He also constituted him the father of the faithful, or of all them that believe, and the "heir of the world." So that since the days of Abraham, the church has, in every age, been founded upon the covenant made with that patriarch, and on the work of redemption which was to be performed according to that covenant. Now wheresoever this covenant made with Abraham is, and with whomsoever it is established, with them is the church of God, and to them all the promises and privileges of the church really belong. Hence we may learn that at the coming of the Messiah, there was not one church taken away and another set up in its room; but the church continued the same, in those that were the children of Abraham, according to the faith. It is common with divines to speak of the Jewish and the Christian churches, as though they were two distinct and totally different things; but that is not a correct view of the matter. The Christian church is not another church, but the very same that was before the coming of Christ, having the same faith with it, and interested in the same covenant. Great alterations indeed were made in the outward state and condition of the church, by the coming of the Messiah. The carnal privilege of the Jews, in their separation from other nations to give birth to the Messiah, then failed, and with that also their claim on that account to be the children of Abraham. The ordinances of worship suited to that state of things then expired, and came to an end. New ordinances of worship were appointed, suitable to the new light and grace which were then bestowed upon the church. The Gentiles came into the faith of Abraham along with the Jews, being made joint partakers with them in his blessing. But none of these things, nor the whole collectively, did make such an alteration in the church, but that it was still one and the same. The olive tree was still the same, only some branches were broken off, and others grafted into it. The Jews fell, and the Gentiles came in their room. And this may enable us to determine the difference between the Jews and Christians relative to the Old Testament promises. They are all made to the church. No individual has any interest in them except by virtue of his membership with the church. The church is, and always was, one and the same. The Jewish plea, is, that the church is with them, because they are the children of Abraham according to the flesh. Christians reply, that their privilege on that ground was of another nature, and ended with the coming of the Messiah: that the church of God, unto whom all the promises belong, are only those who are heirs of the faith of Abraham, believing as he did, and are consequently interested in his covenant. These are Zion, Jerusalem, Israel, Jacob, the temple, or church of God.
2. By a particular church we understand an assembly of Christians united together, and meeting in one place, for the solemn worship of God. To this agrees the definition given by the compilers of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England: "A congregation of faithful men, in which the true word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered according to Christ's ordinances, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same," Ac 9:31; 20:17; Ga 1:2,22; 1Co 14:34; Col 4:15. The word is now also used to denote any particular denomination of Christians, distinguished by particular doctrines, ceremonies, &c, as the Romish church, the Greek church, the English church, &c.
3. On the subject of the church, opinions as opposite or varying as possible have been held, from that of the Papists, who contend for its visible unity throughout the world under a visible head, down to that of the Independents, who consider the universal church as composed of congregational churches, each perfect in itself, and entirely independent of every other. The first opinion is manifestly contradicted by the language of the Apostles, who, while they teach that there is but one church, composed of believers throughout the world, think it not at all inconsistent with this to speak of "the churches of Judea," "of Achaia," "the seven churches of Asia," "the church at Ephesus," &c. Among themselves the Apostles had no common head; but planted churches and gave directions for their government, in most cases without any apparent correspondence with each other. The Popish doctrine is certainly not found in their writings; and so far were they from making provision for the government of this one supposed church, by the appointment of one visible and exclusive head, that they provide for the future government of the respective churches raised up by them in a totally different manner, that is, by the ordination of ministers for each church, who are indifferently called bishops, and presbyters, and pastors. The only unity of which they speak is the unity of the whole church in Christ, the invisible head, by faith; and the unity produced by "fervent love toward each other." Nor has the Popish doctrine of the visible unity of the church any countenance from early antiquity. The best ecclesiastical historians have showed, that, through the greater part of the second century, the Christian churches were independent of each other. "Each Christian assembly," says Mosheim, "was a little state governed by its own laws, which were either enacted, or at least, approved, by the society. But in process of time, all the churches of a province were formed into one large ecclesiastical body, which, like confederate states, assembled at certain times in order to deliberate about the common interests of the whole." So far indeed this union of churches appears to have been a wise and useful arrangement, although afterward it was carried to an injurious extreme, until finally it gave birth to the assumptions of the bishop of Rome, as universal bishop; a claim, however, which, when most successful, was but partially submitted to, the eastern churches having, for the most part, always maintained their independence. To very large association of churches of any kind existed till toward the close of the second century, which sufficiently refutes the papal argument from antiquity. The independence of the early Christian churches does not, however, appear to have resembled that of the churches which, in modern times, are called Independent. During the lives of the Apostles and Evangelists they were certainly subject to their counsel and control,
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And they persevered stedfastly in the doctrine of the apostles, and in communion, and in breaking bread, and in prayers.
Then had the churches peace through all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, being edified; and walking in the fear of God, and in the consolation of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
So they were crying out some one thing and some another: for the assembly was a scene of confusion, and the greater part knew not on what account they were collected together.
And if ye have any dispute about other matters, it shall be terminated in a lawful assembly,
So he sent to Ephesus from Miletus, and called the presbyters of the church to attend him.
Let us therefore no more judge one another; but judge this rather, that no one put a stumbling-block or offence before his brother.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new mass, as ye are unleavened. For our passover hath been sacrificed for us, even Christ.
But now I have written unto you not to associate with him, if any man, professing to be a brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such a one not even to eat.
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not profitable; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own gratification, but every one another's good. read more. Every thing which is sold in the shambles eat, asking no question for conscience sake; "for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." And if any one of those, who do not believe, invite you, and ye incline to go, eat every thing set before you, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any person say unto you, This is an idol's sacrifice, eat not of it, for his sake who pointed it out, and for conscience sake. For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. Conscience indeed I say, not merely thine own, but that of the other person. For why is my liberty abridged by another's conscience? If I truly with thanksgiving am a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all things to the glory of God. Give no occasion of stumbling either to the Jews or the Gentiles, or the church of God: even as I please all men, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, that they may be saved.
Wherefore if any person be in Christ, he is a new creation: the old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
"Wherefore go forth from the midst of them, and be ye separated, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you,
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith exerting its energy by love.
BRETHREN, if a man also be surprised into any act of offence, ye that are spiritual, replace such a one in the spirit of meekness; keeping an attentive eye on thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
BRETHREN, if a man also be surprised into any act of offence, ye that are spiritual, replace such a one in the spirit of meekness; keeping an attentive eye on thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers;
praying at every opportunity with all prayer and supplication in Spirit, and watching for this very purpose with perseverance and intercession for all the saints;
Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is at his house.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother who walketh disorderly, and not according to the injunction which he hath received from us.
and let us attentively observe one another, to excite an ardour of love and of good works: not deserting the assembling of ourselves together, as is the custom with some, but exhorting to it; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. read more. For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no more sacrifice for sins remaineth; but a certain terrible expectation of judgment, and a burning indignation, ready to devour these enemies.
Remember your presidents, who have spoken to you the word of God: the ultimate issue of whose conduct attentively observing, be imitators of their fidelity.
What is the advantage, my brethren, if a man profess to have faith, but hath not works; can faith save him?
For as the body without breath is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the quickening word of God, and which abideth for ever.