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 also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
This is he who became in the congregation in the wilderness with the heavenly agent who spoke to him on the mount Sinai, and of our fathers who received living oracles to give to us.
Indeed therefore some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was confused, and most had not seen why they had come together.
And if ye seek anything about other things, it will be decided in the assembly within law.
I now rejoice in sufferings for you, and make complete in my flesh things lacking of the afflictions of the Christ for his body, which is the church.
he saved us, not of works in righteousness that we did, but according to his mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
All those with me salute thee. Salute those who love us in faith. Grace is with all of you. Truly.
to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn sons who were enrolled in the heavens, and to God, a Judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men who were made fully perfect,
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, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, even every beast of the earth. read more. And I will establish my covenant with you. Neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of the flood, nor shall there be a flood any more to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the sign of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud. And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud, and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said to Noah, This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
Now LORD said to Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, to the land that I will show thee. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and be thou a blessing. read more. And I will bless those who bless thee, and he who curses thee I will curse. And in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to thee and to thy seed after thee.
Thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them, for I, LORD thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation of those who hate me,
Ye stand this day all of you before LORD your God--your heads, your tribes, your elders, and your officers, even all the men of Israel, your little ones, your wives, and thy sojourner who is in the midst of thy camps, from the hewer of thy wood to the drawer of thy water-- read more. that thou may enter into the covenant of LORD thy God, and into his oath, which LORD thy God makes with thee this day, that he may establish thee this day to himself for a people, and that he may be to thee a God, as he spoke to thee, and as he swore to thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Sing, O heavens, and be joyful, O earth, and break forth into singing, O mountains. For LORD has comforted his people, and will have compassion upon his afflicted. But Zion said, LORD has forsaken me, and LORD has forgotten me. read more. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, these may forget, yet I will not forget thee. Behold, I have engraved thee upon the palms of my hands. Thy walls are continually before me. Thy sons make haste. Thy destroyers and those who made thee waste shall go forth from thee. Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold. All these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, says LORD, thou shall surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and gird thyself with them, like a bride. For, as for thy waste and thy desolate places, and thy land that has been destroyed, surely now thou shall be too narrow for the inhabitants, and those who swallowed thee up shall be far away. The sons of thy bereavement shall yet say in thine ears, The place is too narrow for me. Give a place to me that I may dwell. Then thou shall say in thy heart, Who has begotten these for me, seeing I have been bereaved of my sons, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering to and fro? And who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone, these, where were Thus says lord LORD: Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and set up my ensign to the peoples. And they shall bring thy sons in their bosom, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers. They shall bow down to thee with their faces to the earth, and lick the dust of thy feet. And thou shall know that I am LORD, and those who wait for me s
Arise, shine, for thy light has come, and the glory of LORD has risen upon thee. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples. But LORD will arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. read more. And nations shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see. They all gather themselves together. They come to thee. Thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be carried in the arms. Then thou shall see and be radiant, and thy heart shall thrill and be enlarged, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to thee. The wealth of the nations shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee. The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praises of LORD. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to thee. The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to thee. They shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, for the name of LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified thee. And foreigners shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister to thee. For in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favor I have had mercy on thee. Thy gates also shall be open continually. They shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring to thee the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive. For that nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish. Yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. The glory of Lebanon shall come to thee, the fir tree, the pine, and the box tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary. And I will make the place of my feet glorious. And the sons of those who afflicted thee shall come bending to thee. And all those who despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet. And they shall call thee The city of LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
And I also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
And Peter said to them, Repent ye, and be immersed each of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all those in afar, as many as Lord our God may call.
praising God, and having favor with the whole populace. And the Lord was adding to the church daily those being saved.
And Saul was approving the killing of him. And on that day there developed a great persecution against the church at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Now there were some men from the congregation that was in Antioch, prophets and teachers, including Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen reared with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Indeed therefore some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was confused, and most had not seen why they had come together.
And if ye seek anything about other things, it will be decided in the assembly within law.
do not boast against the branches. But if thou boast, thou do not bear the root, but the root thee. Thou will therefore say, Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. read more. Correct! They were broken off for their unbelief, and thou stand by thy faith. Be not high-minded but fear, for if God spared not the natural branches, perhaps neither will he spare thee. Behold therefore the goodness and the severity of God. Indeed toward those who fell, severity, but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness, otherwise thou too will be cut off. And also those, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural ones, be grafted into their own olive tree.
Salute Epaenetus my beloved who is the first fruit of Achaia for Christ.
to the congregation of God that is at Corinth, to called men, to holy men who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus with all in every place who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--both ours and theirs.
For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified by the husband, then otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy.
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
For ye heard of my former behavior in Judaism, that I persecuted the church of God to extraordinariness, and ravaged it.
Remember therefore that once ye, the Gentiles in flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision (in flesh, made by hands), that ye were at that time independent of Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and alien of the covenants of the promise, having no hope and godless in the world. read more. But now in Christ Jesus ye, being formerly far off, became near in the blood of the Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the dividing wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity--the law of the commandments in ordinances--so that he might create in himself the two into one new man, making peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity by it. And after coming he preached good-news, peace to you, to those far off and to those near, because through him we both have the access in one Spirit to the Father. So then ye are no more alien and foreign, but fellow citizens of the sanctified, and belonging to the household of God. Which was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner, in whom the whole building joined together grows into a holy temple in Lord, in whom ye also are built together in Spirit into a habitation of God.
Because a husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church, and himself the savior of the body.
Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
so that he might present it to himself, the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and unblemished.
For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as also Christ the church,
Salute the brothers in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly associated with his house.
Nevertheless the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, Lord knows those who are his, and, Let every man who names the name of Lord keep away from unrighteousness.
to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn sons who were enrolled in the heavens, and to God, a Judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men who were made fully perfect,
To the agent of the congregation in Ephesus write, These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
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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And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate. And they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which LORD had commanded to Israel.
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate. And they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women, and all who could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
And Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women, and all who could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read in it before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were [attentive] t
And he read in it before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were [attentive] t And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand, and on his left hand, Pedaiah, a
And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand, and on his left hand, Pedaiah, a And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people), and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people), and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands. And they bowed their heads, and worshipped LORD with their faces to the ground.
And Ezra blessed LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands. And they bowed their heads, and worshipped LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law. And the people [stood] in their place.
Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law. And the people [stood] in their place. And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly, and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.
And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly, and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.
And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth [month], the tenth [day] of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of LORD, and sat before me.
And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth [month], the tenth [day] of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of LORD, and sat before me.
And they come to thee as the people come, and they sit before thee as my people. And they hear thy words, but do not do them. For with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain.
And they come to thee as the people come, and they sit before thee as my people. And they hear thy words, but do not do them. For with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain.
Thus your light should shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in the heavens.
Thus your light should shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in the heavens.
It is enough for the pupil that he becomes like his teacher, and the bondman like his lord. If they have called the house-ruler Beelzebub, how much more those of his household.
It is enough for the pupil that he becomes like his teacher, and the bondman like his lord. If they have called the house-ruler Beelzebub, how much more those of his household.
He set forth another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man sowing good seed in his field.
He set forth another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man sowing good seed in his field. But while the men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares in the midst the wheat, and went away.
But while the men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares in the midst the wheat, and went away. And when the blade sprouted and produced fruit, then the tares also appeared.
And when the blade sprouted and produced fruit, then the tares also appeared. But the bondmen of the house-ruler having come, they said to him, Sir, did thou not sow good seed in thy field? From where then does it have tares?
But the bondmen of the house-ruler having come, they said to him, Sir, did thou not sow good seed in thy field? From where then does it have tares? And he said to them, A hostile man did this. And the bondmen said to him, Do thou desire therefore, after going, we would gather them up?
And he said to them, A hostile man did this. And the bondmen said to him, Do thou desire therefore, after going, we would gather them up? But he said, No, lest while gathering up the tares, ye uproot the wheat together with them.
But he said, No, lest while gathering up the tares, ye uproot the wheat together with them. Allow both to grow together until the harvest. And at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles in order to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.
Allow both to grow together until the harvest. And at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles in order to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.
Then having sent the multitudes away, Jesus came into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.
Then having sent the multitudes away, Jesus came into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. And having answered, he said to them, He who sows the good seed is the Son of man,
And having answered, he said to them, He who sows the good seed is the Son of man, and the field is the world, and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of evil.
and the field is the world, and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of evil. And the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are heavenly agents.
And the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are heavenly agents. As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned in fire, so it will be at the end of this age.
As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned in fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of man will send forth his agents, and they will gather out of his kingdom all the stumbling-blocks, and those doing lawlessness,
The Son of man will send forth his agents, and they will gather out of his kingdom all the stumbling-blocks, and those doing lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
And Simon Peter having answered, said, Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Simon Peter having answered, said, Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And I also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
And I also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
And I also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
And I also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
And if he is heedless of them, speak to the church. But if he is also heedless of the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the tax collector.
And if he is heedless of them, speak to the church. But if he is also heedless of the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the tax collector.
And if he is heedless of them, speak to the church. But if he is also heedless of the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the tax collector.
And if he is heedless of them, speak to the church. But if he is also heedless of the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the tax collector. Truly I say to you, however many things ye may bind on the earth will be things that are bound in heaven, and however many things ye may loose on the earth will be things that that are loosed in heaven.
Truly I say to you, however many things ye may bind on the earth will be things that are bound in heaven, and however many things ye may loose on the earth will be things that that are loosed in heaven.
And as they were eating, Jesus, having taken bread, having expressed thanks, broke in pieces, and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat, this is my body.
And as they were eating, Jesus, having taken bread, having expressed thanks, broke in pieces, and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat, this is my body. And having taken the cup, having expressed thanks, he gave to them, saying, All ye drink of it,
And having taken the cup, having expressed thanks, he gave to them, saying, All ye drink of it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed on behalf of many for remission of sins.
for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed on behalf of many for remission of sins.
After going, make ye disciples of all the nations, immersing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
After going, make ye disciples of all the nations, immersing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, as many as I commanded you. And lo, I am with you all the days, until the end of the age. Truly.
teaching them to observe all things, as many as I commanded you. And lo, I am with you all the days, until the end of the age. Truly.
And I give them eternal life, and they will, no, not perish into the age, and not any will snatch them out of my hand.
And I give them eternal life, and they will, no, not perish into the age, and not any will snatch them out of my hand.
And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name that thou have given to me, so that they may be one, just as we.
And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name that thou have given to me, so that they may be one, just as we.
I pray not that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil.
I pray not that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil.
Indeed therefore those who received his word gladly, were immersed. And there were added in that day about three thousand souls.
Indeed therefore those who received his word gladly, were immersed. And there were added in that day about three thousand souls.
praising God, and having favor with the whole populace. And the Lord was adding to the church daily those being saved.
praising God, and having favor with the whole populace. And the Lord was adding to the church daily those being saved.
Then Peter being filled with Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Then Peter being filled with Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
But after motioning to them with the hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord brought him out of the prison. And he said, Report these things to James, and to the brothers. And having departed, he went to a different pl
But after motioning to them with the hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord brought him out of the prison. And he said, Report these things to James, and to the brothers. And having departed, he went to a different pl
And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name.
Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written,
And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it,
After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things.
so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works.
Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God,
Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God,
And Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believed in the Lord with his whole household, and many of the Corinthians who heard believed, and were immersed.
And Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believed in the Lord with his whole household, and many of the Corinthians who heard believed, and were immersed.
And on the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
And on the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
And after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders, and a certain orator, Tertullus, who appeared to the governor against Paul.
And after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders, and a certain orator, Tertullus, who appeared to the governor against Paul.
For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Salute Epaenetus my beloved who is the first fruit of Achaia for Christ.
Salute Epaenetus my beloved who is the first fruit of Achaia for Christ.
Gaius my host, and of the whole congregation, salutes you. Erastus, the manager of the city, salutes you, and Quartus the brother.
Gaius my host, and of the whole congregation, salutes you. Erastus, the manager of the city, salutes you, and Quartus the brother.
to the congregation of God that is at Corinth, to called men, to holy men who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus with all in every place who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--both ours and theirs.
to the congregation of God that is at Corinth, to called men, to holy men who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus with all in every place who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--both ours and theirs.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Upon the first day of the week let each of you set something aside near himself, storing up whatever he may prosper, so that when I come no collections may be made then.
Upon the first day of the week let each of you set something aside near himself, storing up whatever he may prosper, so that when I come no collections may be made then.
And I went up according to revelation, and I declared to them the good-news that I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of repute, lest somehow I might be running or ran in vain.
And I went up according to revelation, and I declared to them the good-news that I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of repute, lest somehow I might be running or ran in vain.
and James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, when they understood the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship. So that we were for the Gentiles, and they for me
and James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, when they understood the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship. So that we were for the Gentiles, and they for me
For before certain men came from James he ate together with the Gentiles, but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing men of circumcision.
For before certain men came from James he ate together with the Gentiles, but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing men of circumcision.
And he subordinated all things under his feet, and appointed him head over all things for the church,
And he subordinated all things under his feet, and appointed him head over all things for the church,
So then ye are no more alien and foreign, but fellow citizens of the sanctified, and belonging to the household of God.
So then ye are no more alien and foreign, but fellow citizens of the sanctified, and belonging to the household of God.
in whom ye also are built together in Spirit into a habitation of God.
in whom ye also are built together in Spirit into a habitation of God.
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, one body, and one Spirit. Just as also ye were called in one hope of your calling,
one body, and one Spirit. Just as also ye were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one immersion,
one Lord, one faith, one immersion, one God and Father of all. He is over all, and through all, and in us all.
one God and Father of all. He is over all, and through all, and in us all.
And indeed he gave the apostles, and the prophets, and the evangelists, and the shepherds and teachers
And indeed he gave the apostles, and the prophets, and the evangelists, and the shepherds and teachers for the perfecting of the sanctified, for the work of ministry, for edification of the body of the Christ.
for the perfecting of the sanctified, for the work of ministry, for edification of the body of the Christ. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to a standard of stature of the fullness of the Christ.
Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to a standard of stature of the fullness of the Christ. So that we may no longer be childish, tossed about and carried about by every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men in craftiness with the methodology of error.
So that we may no longer be childish, tossed about and carried about by every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men in craftiness with the methodology of error. But being truthful in love, we may cause all things to grow for him who is the head--the Christ--
But being truthful in love, we may cause all things to grow for him who is the head--the Christ--
But being truthful in love, we may cause all things to grow for him who is the head--the Christ--
But being truthful in love, we may cause all things to grow for him who is the head--the Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined together and united together through every connection of the supply, according to the working of each one part within a standard, makes the growth of the body for the construction of itself by love.
from whom the whole body, joined together and united together through every connection of the supply, according to the working of each one part within a standard, makes the growth of the body for the construction of itself by love.
from whom the whole body, joined together and united together through every connection of the supply, according to the working of each one part within a standard, makes the growth of the body for the construction of itself by love.
from whom the whole body, joined together and united together through every connection of the supply, according to the working of each one part within a standard, makes the growth of the body for the construction of itself by love.
Because a husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church, and himself the savior of the body.
Because a husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church, and himself the savior of the body. But as the church is subject to the Christ, so also the wives to their own husbands in everything.
But as the church is subject to the Christ, so also the wives to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it, so that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with the washing of water by the word,
so that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with the washing of water by the word,
so that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with the washing of water by the word,
so that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with the washing of water by the word, so that he might present it to himself, the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and unblemished.
so that he might present it to himself, the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and unblemished.
so that he might present it to himself, the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and unblemished.
so that he might present it to himself, the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and unblemished. So ought the husbands to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.
So ought the husbands to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as also Christ the church,
For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as also Christ the church, because we are parts of his body, of his flesh and of his bones.
because we are parts of his body, of his flesh and of his bones. Separate from this a man will leave his father and mother behind, and will be bonded with his wife, and the two will be in one flesh.
Separate from this a man will leave his father and mother behind, and will be bonded with his wife, and the two will be in one flesh. This mystery is great, but I speak for Christ and for the church.
This mystery is great, but I speak for Christ and for the church.
When the Christ, our life, is made known, then ye also will be made known with him in glory.
When the Christ, our life, is made known, then ye also will be made known with him in glory.
where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman, but the all and in all, Christ.
where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman, but the all and in all, Christ.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing by grace in your hearts to God.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing by grace in your hearts to God.
As I urged thee, while going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesis, so that thou might command certain men not to teach something different,
As I urged thee, while going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesis, so that thou might command certain men not to teach something different,
I left thee behind in Crete on account of this: That thou should set in order the things lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded thee,
I left thee behind in Crete on account of this: That thou should set in order the things lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded thee,
When I will send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus. Be diligence to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there.
When I will send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus. Be diligence to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there.
Having therefore, brothers, boldness for entrance into the holy things by the blood of Jesus,
Having therefore, brothers, boldness for entrance into the holy things by the blood of Jesus, which he inaugurated for us, a new and living way through the curtain, that is, his flesh,
which he inaugurated for us, a new and living way through the curtain, that is, his flesh, and a great priest over the house of God,
and a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a TRUE heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our body washed in pure water.
let us approach with a TRUE heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our body washed in pure water.
But ye have come to mount Zion, and to the city of a living God, a heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of heavenly agents,
But ye have come to mount Zion, and to the city of a living God, a heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of heavenly agents,
But ye have come to mount Zion, and to the city of a living God, a heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of heavenly agents,
But ye have come to mount Zion, and to the city of a living God, a heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of heavenly agents, to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn sons who were enrolled in the heavens, and to God, a Judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men who were made fully perfect,
to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn sons who were enrolled in the heavens, and to God, a Judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men who were made fully perfect,
to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn sons who were enrolled in the heavens, and to God, a Judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men who were made fully perfect,
to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn sons who were enrolled in the heavens, and to God, a Judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men who were made fully perfect,
Through him therefore, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, fruit of lips acknowledging his name.
Through him therefore, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, fruit of lips acknowledging his name. But do not forget benevolence and fellowship, for God is well pleased with such sacrifices.
But do not forget benevolence and fellowship, for God is well pleased with such sacrifices.
For if a man with a gold ring in bright clothing comes into your synagogue, and also a poor man in dirty clothing comes in,
For if a man with a gold ring in bright clothing comes into your synagogue, and also a poor man in dirty clothing comes in,
and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him is the glory and the dominion into the ages of the ages. Truly.
and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him is the glory and the dominion into the ages of the ages. Truly.
I know thy works and tribulation and poverty (but thou are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say themselves to be Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
I know thy works and tribulation and poverty (but thou are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say themselves to be Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
And there will, no, not enter into it anything profane, and doing an abomination and a lie, since they are not written in the Lamb's book of life.
And there will, no, not enter into it anything profane, and doing an abomination and a lie, since they are not written in the Lamb's book of life.
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
And I will give to thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojourning, all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.
And ye shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at evening.
And Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song, until they were finished:
And they said, Which one is there of the tribes of Israel that did not come up to LORD to Mizpah? And, behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh-gilead to the assembly.
Remember thy congregation, which thou have gotten of old, which thou have redeemed to be the tribe of thine inheritance, [and] mount Zion, at which thou have dwelt.
Remember thy congregation, which thou have gotten of old, which thou have redeemed to be the tribe of thine inheritance, [and] mount Zion, at which thou have dwelt.
Incline your ear, and come to me. Hear, and your soul shall live. And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the {faithful holy things (LXX/NT)} of David.
And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them as at the first.
And in the days of those kings the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty of it be left to another people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it s
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be
In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof. And I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old,
And thou, O tower of the flock, the hill of the daughter of Zion, to thee it shall come. Yea, the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.
I indeed immerse you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He will immerse you in a Holy Spirit.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent ye, for the kingdom of the heavens has approached.
but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
And he who does not take his cross and follow behind me, is not worthy of me.
yet he has no root in himself, instead it is temporary. And when tribulation or persecution develops because of the word, straightaway he is caused to stumble.
He set forth another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man sowing good seed in his field.
Which indeed is smaller than all seeds, but when it is grown, it is greater than the plants, and becomes a tree, so as for the birds of the sky to come and lodge in the branches of it.
Again the kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man having found, he hid. And from the joy of it, he goes and sells all, as many things as he has, and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a man, a merchant, seeking fine pearls.
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered from every kind,
Now when Jesus came into the regions of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say I, the Son of man, am? And they said, Some, John the immerser, others, Elijah, but others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. read more. He says to them, But who say ye, I am? And Simon Peter having answered, said, Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And having answered, Jesus said to him, Blessed are thou, Simon Bar-jonah, because flesh and blood has not revealed it to thee, but my Father in the heavens. And I also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
And I also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever thou may bind on earth will be what is bound in the heavens, and whatever thou may loose on the earth will be what is loosed in the heavens.
And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever thou may bind on earth will be what is bound in the heavens, and whatever thou may loose on the earth will be what is loosed in the heavens. Then he commanded his disciples that they should tell no man that he is Jesus, the Christ.
Then he commanded his disciples that they should tell no man that he is Jesus, the Christ.
And if he is heedless of them, speak to the church. But if he is also heedless of the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the tax collector.
And Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man will sit on the throne of his glory, ye also will sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And the multitudes who went ahead and those who followed, cried out, saying, Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of Lord. Hosanna in the highest!
And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things be? And what is the sign of thy coming, and of the termination of the age?
When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation that was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him who reads understand),
But when the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy agents with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.
Then the King will say to those at his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Jesus says to him, Thou have said. Nevertheless I say to you, Henceforth ye will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming in the clouds of the sky.
Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the good-news of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent ye, and believe in the good-news.
But if by a finger of God I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Fear not, little flock, because your Father is well pleased to give you the kingdom.
And questioned by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God comes, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God does not come with observation, nor will they say, Lo, here! or, Lo, there! For behold, the kingdom of God is inside of you.
nor will they say, Lo, here! or, Lo, there! For behold, the kingdom of God is inside of you.
Jesus therefore said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in yourselves.
Because John indeed immersed in water, but ye will be immersed in Holy Spirit after not many of these days.
And in those days, Peter, having stood up in the midst of the disciples (and there was a multitude of names at the same place, about a hundred twenty), he said
to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas transgressed to go to his own place.
And there appeared to them dividing tongues, as of fire, and they settled upon each one of them. And they were all filled of Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to declare.
And they were continuing steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
And continuing steadfastly, daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of nourishment in gladness and evenness of heart, praising God, and having favor with the whole populace. And the Lord was adding to the church daily those being saved.
And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. And not even one man said that anything of the things that was possessed by him was his own, but all things were common to them.
And great fear developed in the whole church, and in all who heard these things.
Now in those days, the disciples being multiplied, there developed a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily assistance.
But some of those from the synagogue called Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up disputing with Stephen.
This is he who became in the congregation in the wilderness with the heavenly agent who spoke to him on the mount Sinai, and of our fathers who received living oracles to give to us.
This is he who became in the congregation in the wilderness with the heavenly agent who spoke to him on the mount Sinai, and of our fathers who received living oracles to give to us.
And Saul was approving the killing of him. And on that day there developed a great persecution against the church at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was approving the killing of him. And on that day there developed a great persecution against the church at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was approving the killing of him. And on that day there developed a great persecution against the church at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was approving the killing of him. And on that day there developed a great persecution against the church at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
But Saul was ravaging the church, entering from house to house. Dragging both men and women, he gave them over to prison.
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria has received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria has received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
But Saul, still breathing threat and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, after going to the high priest,
Indeed therefore the congregations throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified. And, going in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Indeed therefore the congregations throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified. And, going in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
But after motioning to them with the hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord brought him out of the prison. And he said, Report these things to James, and to the brothers. And having departed, he went to a different pl
Now there were some men from the congregation that was in Antioch, prophets and teachers, including Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen reared with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And having appointed elders for them in every congregation, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
Therefore, no small dissension and debate having developed with Paul and Barnabus against them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some other men from them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about thi
Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. read more. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong.
And if ye seek anything about other things, it will be decided in the assembly within law.
And from Miletus having sent to Ephesus, he summoned the elders of the congregation.
And from Miletus having sent to Ephesus, he summoned the elders of the congregation.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit placed you guardians, to tend the church of the Lord and God, which he purchased by his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit placed you guardians, to tend the church of the Lord and God, which he purchased by his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit placed you guardians, to tend the church of the Lord and God, which he purchased by his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit placed you guardians, to tend the church of the Lord and God, which he purchased by his own blood.
And on the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
Now after more years I came, going to make donations to my nation, and offerings,
Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed to all men, in that all sinned. For until law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. read more. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is a type of the coming man. But in this way also, the gift is not as the transgression. For if by the trespass of the one man the many died, much more the grace of God, and the gift in grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the gift is not as through one man who sinned, for indeed the judgment from one man was for condemnation, but the gift from many offenses is for righteousness. For if, by the offense of the one man, death reigned through the one man, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. So then, as through an offense of one man was for condemnation for all men, so also through a righteousness of one man was for justification of life for all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were led sinful, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be led righteous. And the law entered so that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace was more abundant, so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign, through righteousness, for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Or are ye ignorant that as many as were immersed into Christ Jesus were immersed into his death? We were buried therefore with him through the immersion into death, so that as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, so also we may walk in newness of life.
Salute Epaenetus my beloved who is the first fruit of Achaia for Christ.
Salute each other by a holy kiss. The congregations of Christ salute you.
to the congregation of God that is at Corinth, to called men, to holy men who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus with all in every place who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--both ours and theirs.
Know ye not that ye are a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy this man, for the temple of God is holy, which ye are.
Purge out the old leaven, so that ye may be a new lump, since ye are unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. Therefore we should feast, not by old leaven, nor by leaven of evil and wickedness, but by non-leaven of sincerity and truth.
The cup of the blessing that we bless, is it not a participation of the blood of the Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation of the body of the Christ? Because we, the many, are one bread, one body, for we are all partakers of the one bread. read more. Look at Israel according to flesh. Those who eat the sacrifices, are they not partakers of the altar?
When therefore ye come together in the same place, it is not to eat the Lord's supper. For each man proceeds to eat his own meal, and one is hungry and another is drunken. read more. For have ye no houses to eat and to drink in? Or do ye disparage the church of God, and humiliate those not having? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.
For have ye no houses to eat and to drink in? Or do ye disparage the church of God, and humiliate those not having? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you. For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread, read more. and having expressed thanks, he broke in pieces, and said, Take ye, eat, this is my body broken for you. This do ye for my memorial. Likewise also the cup after the supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. This do, as often as ye drink it, for my memorial. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Therefore whoever may eat this bread or drink the cup of the Lord unworthily of the Lord, will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and let him so eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks condemnation to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. Because of this many are weak and sickly among you, and a considerable sleep. But if we were discerning ourselves we would not be judged. But when we are judged by Lord, we are chastened so that we may not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brothers, when ye come together to eat, await each other. And if any man is hungry, let him eat at home so that ye may not come together for condemnation. And the rest I will set in order as soon as I come.
For to one, the word of wisdom is given through the Spirit, and to another, the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to a different man, faith by the same Spirit, and to another, gifts of healings by the same Spirit, read more. and to another, workings of miracles, and to another, prophecy, and to another, discerning of spirits, and to a different man, kinds of tongues, and to another, the interpretation of tongues. But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each man individually as it wills.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and body-parts individually. And in the church God has placed men who are first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues.
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
and James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, when they understood the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship. So that we were for the Gentiles, and they for me
For before certain men came from James he ate together with the Gentiles, but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing men of circumcision.
For as many as were immersed into Christ have put on Christ. There is no Jew nor Greek, there is no bondman nor freeman, there is no male and female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And as many as will march by this standard, peace upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
for an administration of the fullness of the times. To gather together all things in the Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth, in him in whom also we obtained an inheritance. Having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the deliberation of his will.
which is a pledge of our inheritance for the redemption of the acquired possession, for appreciation of his glory.
And he subordinated all things under his feet, and appointed him head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulfillment of him who fills all in all.
which is his body, the fulfillment of him who fills all in all.
that ye were at that time independent of Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and alien of the covenants of the promise, having no hope and godless in the world.
that ye were at that time independent of Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and alien of the covenants of the promise, having no hope and godless in the world. But now in Christ Jesus ye, being formerly far off, became near in the blood of the Christ.
But now in Christ Jesus ye, being formerly far off, became near in the blood of the Christ.
But now in Christ Jesus ye, being formerly far off, became near in the blood of the Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the dividing wall of partition, read more. having abolished in his flesh the enmity--the law of the commandments in ordinances--so that he might create in himself the two into one new man, making peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity by it.
because through him we both have the access in one Spirit to the Father.
because through him we both have the access in one Spirit to the Father.
because through him we both have the access in one Spirit to the Father.
because through him we both have the access in one Spirit to the Father. So then ye are no more alien and foreign, but fellow citizens of the sanctified, and belonging to the household of God.
that according to revelation he made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. With which reading ye can recognize my understanding in the mystery of the Christ, read more. which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. For Gentiles to be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and fellow partakers of his promise in the Christ through the good-news. Of which I became a helper according to the gift of that grace of God, which was given to me according to the working of his power. To me, a man less than the least of all the sanctified, this grace was given to preach good-news among the Gentiles, the unsearchable wealth of Christ, and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery hidden from the ages in God who created all things through Jesus Christ. So that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principal offices and the positions of authority in the heavenly things, through the church, according to the purpose of the ages, which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord,
And indeed he gave the apostles, and the prophets, and the evangelists, and the shepherds and teachers
And indeed he gave the apostles, and the prophets, and the evangelists, and the shepherds and teachers for the perfecting of the sanctified, for the work of ministry, for edification of the body of the Christ.
for the perfecting of the sanctified, for the work of ministry, for edification of the body of the Christ.
for the perfecting of the sanctified, for the work of ministry, for edification of the body of the Christ. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to a standard of stature of the fullness of the Christ.
from whom the whole body, joined together and united together through every connection of the supply, according to the working of each one part within a standard, makes the growth of the body for the construction of itself by love.
Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your own wives even as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
so that he might present it to himself, the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and unblemished.
And he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might become preeminent in all things.
and through him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross, through him whether things upon the earth or things in the heavens. And you, being formerly alienated and hostile in mind, in works, in things evil. But now he has reconciled read more. in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblemished and unblameable before him.
I now rejoice in sufferings for you, and make complete in my flesh things lacking of the afflictions of the Christ for his body, which is the church.
Salute the brothers in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly associated with his house. And when the letter has been read among you, cause that it be read also in the congregation of Laodiceans, and that ye also read the one from Laodicea.
And when the letter has been read among you, cause that it be read also in the congregation of Laodiceans, and that ye also read the one from Laodicea.
Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the congregation of Thessalonians in God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the congregation of Thessalonians in God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
And without controversy great is the mystery of piety. God was manifested in flesh, justified in spirit, seen by heavenly agents, proclaimed among nations, believed in the world, taken up in glory.
who gave himself for us, so that he might redeem us from all lawlessness, and purify to himself a special people, a zealot of good works.
who gave himself for us, so that he might redeem us from all lawlessness, and purify to himself a special people, a zealot of good works.
saying, I will declare thy name to my brothers. In the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to thee.
For by one offering he has fully perfected forever those being sanctified.
and a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a TRUE heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our body washed in pure water.
let us approach with a TRUE heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our body washed in pure water.
to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn sons who were enrolled in the heavens, and to God, a Judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men who were made fully perfect, and to Jesus a mediator of a new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling that speaks better than Abel.
We have an altar from which they have no right to eat, those officiating at the tabernacle. For of the beasts whose blood is brought into the holy things for sin by the high priest, the bodies of these are burned outside the camp. read more. Therefore Jesus also, so that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Let us therefore go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For here we have no enduring city, but we seek that which is coming. Through him therefore, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, fruit of lips acknowledging his name. But do not forget benevolence and fellowship, for God is well pleased with such sacrifices.
For if a man with a gold ring in bright clothing comes into your synagogue, and also a poor man in dirty clothing comes in,
But some man will say, Thou have faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith from thy works, and I will show thee from my works my faith.
ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
But ye are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for an acquired possession, so that ye might broadly proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
But ye are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for an acquired possession, so that ye might broadly proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
She in Babylon, chosen together, salutes you, and my son Mark.
To the agent of the congregation in Ephesus write, These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
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 also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat that falls into the ground dies, it remains alone, but if it dies it bears much fruit.
This is he who became in the congregation in the wilderness with the heavenly agent who spoke to him on the mount Sinai, and of our fathers who received living oracles to give to us.
Indeed therefore some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was confused, and most had not seen why they had come together.
For also by one Spirit we are all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bondmen or freemen, and we were all made to drink into one Spirit.
And he subordinated all things under his feet, and appointed him head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulfillment of him who fills all in all.
So that in the coming ages he might show the transcending wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God preordained that we should walk in them.
and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery hidden from the ages in God who created all things through Jesus Christ. So that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principal offices and the positions of authority in the heavenly things, through the church,
So that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principal offices and the positions of authority in the heavenly things, through the church,
one body, and one Spirit. Just as also ye were called in one hope of your calling,
so that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with the washing of water by the word, so that he might present it to himself, the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and unblemished.
Put on therefore, as chosen men of God, holy and beloved, bowels of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, longsuffering, forbearing each other, and forgiving yourselves, if any man has a complaint against any, just as also the Christ forgave you, so also ye, read more. and above all these things, love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God umpire in your hearts, for which also ye were called in one body, and become thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing by grace in your hearts to God. And all things, anything whatever ye may do in word or in deed, do all in the name of Lord Jesus, expressing thanks to the God and Father through him.
For this we say to you in the word of Lord, that we who are alive, who remain for the coming of the Lord, will no, not precede those who became asleep. Because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of the arch-agent, and with a trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first, read more. then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up simultaneously with them in clouds to the Lord's gathering in the air. And so we will always be with Lord. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
but if I delay, that thou may know how it is necessary to live in a house of God, which is a congregation of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Now in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wood and earthen, and some for esteem and some for disesteem.
And flee juvenile impulses, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.
Coming to whom, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but with God chosen, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable 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 material of the earth. But if the salt material becomes ineffective, by what will it be salted? It is potent for nothing further, except to be cast outside and to be trodden down by men.
nor do they light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the lampstand, and it shines to all in the house.
It is enough for the pupil that he becomes like his teacher, and the bondman like his lord. If they have called the house-ruler Beelzebub, how much more those of his household.
And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever thou may bind on earth will be what is bound in the heavens, and whatever thou may loose on the earth will be what is loosed in the heavens.
Because of this I say to you, that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and will be given to a nation producing the fruits of it.
Then Jesus says to them, All ye will be caused to stumble by me in this night, for it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.
just as the Father knows me, I also know 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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Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against LORD in ceasing to pray for you. But I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house, and thou will make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
Men who are planted in the house of LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
I will also clothe her priests with salvation, and her sanctified shall shout aloud for joy.
And they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow to the goodness of LORD, to the grain, and to the new wine, and to the oil, and to the young of the flock and of the herd. And their soul shall be as a watered gard
And they were continuing steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
Indeed therefore the congregations throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified. And, going in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Indeed therefore some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was confused, and most had not seen why they had come together.
And if ye seek anything about other things, it will be decided in the assembly within law.
And from Miletus having sent to Ephesus, he summoned the elders of the congregation.
Let us not therefore criticize each other any more, but judge ye this instead, not to place a stumbling block to the brother, or a snare.
Purge out the old leaven, so that ye may be a new lump, since ye are unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us.
But now I write to you not to associate if any man who is called a brother is a fornicator, or a greedy man, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or a predator, not even to eat with such kind.
All things are permitted for me, but not all things are expedient. All things are permitted for me, but not all things are constructive. Let not one man seek that of himself, but each man that of the other. read more. Eat everything being sold in a meat market, inquiring of nothing because of the conscience, for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of it. If any of those unbelievers invites you, and ye want to go, eat everything being set before you, inquiring of nothing because of the conscience. But if any man say to you, This is a sacrifice to an idol, do not eat for the sake of that man who informed, and the conscience, for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of it. And I say conscience, not the one of himself, but the one of the other man. For why is my liberty judged by another conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I maligned about which I express thanks? Therefore whether ye eat, or drink, or anything ye do, do all to the glory of God. Become ye inoffensive both to Jews and to Greeks, and to the church of God, just as I also strive to please in all things for all men, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, so that they may be saved.
So then if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.
Therefore, Come ye out from among them, and be ye separated, says Lord, And touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.
And brothers, if a man is overtaken in some transgression, ye the spiritual, restore such in a spirit of meekness, looking to thyself lest thou also be tempted.
And brothers, if a man is overtaken in some transgression, ye the spiritual, restore such in a spirit of meekness, looking to thyself lest thou also be tempted. Bear the burdens of each other, and so fulfill the law of the Christ.