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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her.
This is he having been in the church in the desert with the messenger speaking to him in Mount Sina, and our fathers: who received the living oracles to give to us:
Others truly cried some other things: for the church was confused; and the most knew not for what they had come together.
But if ye inquire anything concerning, other things, it shall be explained in a lawful assembly.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill again the necessities of the pressures of Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the church.
Not of works in justice which we did; but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renovation of the Holy Spirit;
All they with me greet thee. Greet them loving us in the faith. Grace with you all. Amen.
To the assembly of people, and church of the firstborn, transcribed in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and. to the spirits of the just perfected,
Easton
Derived probably from the Greek kuriakon (i.e., "the Lord's house"), which was used by ancient authors for the place of worship.
In the New Testament it is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal of the Old Testament, both words meaning simply an assembly, the character of which can only be known from the connection in which the word is found. There is no clear instance of its being used for a place of meeting or of worship, although in post-apostolic times it early received this meaning. Nor is this word ever used to denote the inhabitants of a country united in the same profession, as when we say the "Church of England," the "Church of Scotland," etc.
We find the word ecclesia used in the following senses in the New Testament: (1.) It is translated "assembly" in the ordinary classical sense (Ac 19:32,39,41).
(2.) It denotes the whole body of the redeemed, all those whom the Father has given to Christ, the invisible catholic church (Eph 5:23,25,27,29; Heb 12:23).
(3.) A few Christians associated together in observing the ordinances of the gospel are an ecclesia (Ro 16:5; Col 4:15).
(4.) All the Christians in a particular city, whether they assembled together in one place or in several places for religious worship, were an ecclesia. Thus all the disciples in Antioch, forming several congregations, were one church (Ac 13:1); so also we read of the "church of God at Corinth" (1Co 1:2), "the church at Jerusalem" (Ac 8:1), "the church of Ephesus" (Re 2:1), etc.
(5.) The whole body of professing Christians throughout the world (1Co 15:9; Ga 1:13; Mt 16:18) are the church of Christ.
The church visible "consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children." It is called "visible" because its members are known and its assemblies are public. Here there is a mixture of "wheat and chaff," of saints and sinners. "God has commanded his people to organize themselves into distinct visible ecclesiastical communities, with constitutions, laws, and officers, badges, ordinances, and discipline, for the great purpose of giving visibility to his kingdom, of making known the gospel of that kingdom, and of gathering in all its elect subjects. Each one of these distinct organized communities which is faithful to the great King is an integral part of the visible church, and all together constitute the catholic or universal visible church." A credible profession of the true religion constitutes a person a member of this church. This is "the kingdom of heaven," whose character and progress are set forth in the parables recorded in Mt 13.
The children of all who thus profess the true religion are members of the visible church along with their parents. Children are included in every covenant God ever made with man. They go along with their parents (Ge 9:9-17; 12:1-3; 17:7; Ex 20:5; De 29:10-13). Peter, on the day of Pentecost, at the beginning of the New Testament dispensation, announces the same great principle. "The promise [just as to Abraham and his seed the promises were made] is unto you, and to your children" (Ac 2:38-39). The children of believing parents are "holy", i.e., are "saints", a title which designates the members of the Christian church (1Co 7:14). (See Baptism, Christian.)
The church invisible "consists of the whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head thereof." This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the body of Christ. it is called "invisible" because the greater part of those who constitute it are already in heaven or are yet unborn, and also because its members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who "searches the heart." "The Lord knoweth them that are his" (2Ti 2:19).
The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and promises appertaining to Christ's kingdom belong, is a spiritual body consisting of all true believers, i.e., the church invisible.
(1.) Its unity. God has ever had only one church on earth. We sometimes speak of the Old Testament Church and of the New Testament church, but they are one and the same. The Old Testament church was not to be changed but enlarged (Isa 49:13-23; 60:1-14). When the Jews are at length restored, they will not enter a new church, but will be grafted again into "their own olive tree" (Ro 11:18-24; comp. Eph 2:11-22). The apostles did not set up a new organization. Under their ministry disciples were "added" to the "church" already existing (Ac 2:47).
(2.) Its universality. It is the "catholic" church; not confined to any particular country or outward organization, but comprehending all believers throughout the whole world.
(3.) Its perpetuity. It will continue through all ages to the end of the world. It can never be destroyed. It is an "everlasting kindgdom."
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I, behold I establish my covenant with you and with your seed after you. And with every breathing thing which is with you, of birds, of cattle, and of every living thing of the earth with you, from all going out of the ark, to every living thing of the earth. read more. And I established my covenant with you; and all flesh shall not be dissipated any more by the waters of a flood and there shall not be any more a flood to destroy the earth. And God will say, This is a sign of the covenant which I give between me and between you, and between every breathing thing living which is with you for future generations. I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between me and between the earth. And it shall be in my giving a cloud upon the earth, and the bow was seen in the cloud. And I remembered my covenant which is between me and between you, and between every breathing thing living of all flesh; and the waters shall not any more become a flood to destroy all flesh. The bow shall be in the cloud; and seeing it to remember the lasting covenant between God and between every breathing thing living of all flesh which is upon the earth. And God will say to Noah, This the sign of the covenant which I established between me and between all flesh which is upon the earth.
And Jehovah will say to Abram, Go for thyself from thy land, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, to the land which I will shew thee. And I will make thee into a great nation, and I will bless thee, and I will make thy name great; and thou shalt be blessed. read more. And I will praise them praising thee, and I will curse him cursing thee, and in thee shall all the families of the earth be praised.
And I set up my covenant between me and between thee, and between thy seed after thee to their generations for a covenant of eternity; to be a God to thee and to thy seed after thee.
Thou shalt not worship to them, and thou shalt not serve them: for I am Jehovah thy God, a jealous God, striking the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons to the third and to the fourth, to them hating me;
Ye stand this day all of you before Jehovah your God; your heads of your tribes, your old men, and your scribes, every man of Israel; Your little ones, your wives and thy stranger which is in the midst of thy camp, from him cutting thy woods to him drawing thy waters: read more. For thy passing into the covenant of Jehovah thy God, and into his oath, which Jehovah thy God made with thee this day: In order to set thee this day to him for a people, and he shall be to thee for God as he spake to thee, and as he sware to thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaak, and to Jacob.
Shout, ye heavens, and rejoice thou earth; and the mountains shall break forth with shouting: for Jehovah comforted his people and he will pity his afflicted. And Zion will say, Jehovah forsook me, and the Lord forgot me. read more. Shall a woman forget her child, from pitying the son of her womb? also these shall forget, and I shall not forget thee. Behold, upon the palms I engraved thee; thy walls before me continually. Thy sons hastened; they destroying thee and laying thee waste shall come forth from thee. Lift up round about thine eyes and see: they all gathered themselves together, they came to thee. I live, says Jehovah, thou shalt put them all on as an ornament, and thou shalt bind them as a bride. For thy wastes and thy desolations, and the land of thy destruction, for now it shall press for the inhabitants, and they swallowing thee up were far away. Yet shall the sons of thy bereavement say in thine ears, The place is strait to me: draw near to me and I shall dwell. And thou saidst in thy heart, Who begat these to me, and I being bereaved and barren, an exile, and departing? and who caused these to grow? Behold, I was left alone; they, where were they? Thus said the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and to the peoples I will raise up my signal: and they brought thy sons in the bosom, and thy daughters shall be lifted up upon the shoulder. And kings were thy supporters, and princesses thy nurses: their faces to the earth they shall worship to thee, and the dust of thy feet shall they lick up; and thou knewest that I Jehovah, that they shall not be ashamed waiting for me.
Arise,shine, for thy light has come, and the glory of Jehovah has risen upon thee. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gloom the nations: and Jehovah shall 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 gathered together, they came to thee: thy sons shall come from far off, and thy daughters shall be supported upon the side. Then thou shalt see and flow together, and thy heart shall fear and be enlarged; for the multitude of the sea shall turn to thee, the strength of the nations shall come to thee. An abundance of camels shall cover thee, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all they from Seba shall come: they shall lift up gold and frankincense; they shall announce good news, the praises of Jehovah. All the sheep of Kedar shall be gathered together to thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall serve thee: they shall go up for acceptance to mine altar and I will adorn the house of my glory. Who are these? they will fly as a cloud, and as doves to their lattices. For the islands shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish among the first to bring thy sons from far off, their silver and their gold with them, to the name of Jehovah thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he honored thee. And the sons Of the stranger built thy walls, and their kings shall serve thee: for in my wrath I struck thee, and in mine acceptance I compassionated thee. And thy gates were opened continually; day and night they shall not be shut; to bring to thee the strength of the nations, and their kings being led on. For the nation and the kingdom which will not serve thee shall perish; and the nations shall be laid waste with the sword. The glory of Lebanon shall come to thee, the cypress, the plane tree, and the box tree together, to adorn my holy place; and I will honor the place of my foot And sons humbling thee came bowing down to thee: and all they despising thee worshiped at the soles of thy feet; and they called thee, The city of Jehovah, Zion, the Holy One of Israel
And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her.
And Peter said to them, Repent, and be each of you immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all afar off, as many as the Lord our God should call.
Praising God, and having favor with the whole people. And in the day the Lord added the saved to the church.
And Saul was assenting to his murder. And in that day was a great expulsion upon the church in Jerusalem; and all were scattered up and down in the countries of Judea and Samaria, except the sent.
And certain prophets and teachers were in the church being in Antioch; as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Others truly cried some other things: for the church was confused; and the most knew not for what they had come together.
But if ye inquire anything concerning, other things, it shall be explained in a lawful assembly.
Act not proudly to the young shoots. And if thou boastest, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, That the young shoots were broken off, that I might be grafted in. read more. Well; for unbelief were they broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but do thou fear: For if God spared not the young shoots according to nature, how will he either spare thee Behold then the goodness and severity of God: truly upon the fallen, severity; and upon thee, goodness, if thou continue in goodness: otherwise shalt thou also be cut off. And they also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in:for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou according to nature wert cut out of the wild olive tree, and against nature wert grafted into the cultivated olive tree: how much more these, according to nature, shall be grafted into their own olive tree
And the church in their house. Embrace my beloved Epenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.
To the church of God being in Corinth, to the consecrated in Christ Jesus, to the Called holy ones, with all calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:
For the unbelieving husband was consecrated in the wife, and the unbelieving wife was consecrated in the husband: for then are our children unclean; and now are they holy.
For I am the least of the sent, who am not fit to be called sent, for I drove out the church of God.
For ye heard of my turning about when in Judaism, that in excess I drove out the church of God, and laid it waste:
Wherefore remember, that ye then the nations in the flesh, being reckoned Uncircumcision by the Circumcision in the flesh reckoned made by hands; That ye were in that time without Christy alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners from the covenants of solemn promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: read more. And now in Christ Jesus ye who then being far off have become near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, having made both one, and having loosed the middle partition wall of the enclosure; The enmity in his flesh, the law of commands in enactments, having left unemployed; that he might create in himself one new man, making peace; And that he might reconcile anew both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the eninity in it: And having come, he announced good news, peace to you afar off, and to those near. For by him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Wherefore then are ye no more foreigners and sojourners, but fellow-citizens of the holy, and the household of God; Built upon the foundation of the sent, and of the prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the corner stone; In whom all the building fitted together increases into a holy temple in the Lord: In whom also ye are builded together for the dwelling of God in the Spirit.
For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it;
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it be holy and blameless.
For none at any time hates his own flesh; but brings it up and cherishes it, as also the Lord the church:
Greet the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house.
Truly the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal, The Lord knows them being his. And, Let every one naming the name of Christ remove from iniquity.
To the assembly of people, and church of the firstborn, transcribed in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and. to the spirits of the just perfected,
To the messenger of the Ephesian church write: Thus says he holding the seven stars in his right hand, he walking about in the midst of the seven golden chandeliers;
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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And all the people will gather together as one man to the broad place that was before the gate of the waters; and they will say to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which Jehovah commanded Israel.
And all the people will gather together as one man to the broad place that was before the gate of the waters; and they will say to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which Jehovah commanded Israel. And Ezra the priest will bring the law before the convocation, from man and even to woman, and all understanding to hear in one day to the seventh month.
And Ezra the priest will bring the law before the convocation, from man and even to woman, and all understanding to hear in one day to the seventh month. And he will read in it before the broad place which is before the gate of the waters, from the light even to the half of the day, before the men and the women, and those understanding; and the ears of all the people will be to the book of the law.
And he will read in it before the broad place which is before the gate of the waters, from the light even to the half of the day, before the men and the women, and those understanding; and the ears of all the people will be to the book of the law. And Ezra the scribe will stand upon a tower of wood which they made for the word; and near him will stand Mattathiah and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, upon his right hand; and his left, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, Meshullam.
And Ezra the scribe will stand upon a tower of wood which they made for the word; and near him will stand Mattathiah and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, upon his right hand; and his left, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, Meshullam. And Ezra will open the book before the eyes of all the people; for he was above all the people; and when he opened it all the people stood:
And Ezra will open the book before the eyes of all the people; for he was above all the people; and when he opened it all the people stood: And Ezra will praise Jehovah the great God: and all the people will answer, Amen, Amen, in lifting up their hands: and they will bow down and worship to Jehovah, with faces to the earth.
And Ezra will praise Jehovah the great God: and all the people will answer, Amen, Amen, in lifting up their hands: and they will bow down and worship to Jehovah, with faces to the earth. And Joshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, causing the people to understand to the law: and the people upon their standing.
And Joshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, causing the people to understand to the law: and the people upon their standing. And they will read in the book in the law of God accurately, and he set up the understanding, and they will cause to understand the reading.
And they will read in the book in the law of God accurately, and he set up the understanding, and they will cause to understand the reading.
And there will come to me men from the old men of Israel, and sit before me.
And there will come to me men from the old men of Israel, and sit before me.
And it will be in the seventh year, in the fifth, in the tenth to the month, men from the old men of Israel came to seek Jehovah, and they sat before my face.
And it will be in the seventh year, in the fifth, in the tenth to the month, men from the old men of Israel came to seek Jehovah, and they sat before my face.
And they will come to thee, according to the coming of the people, and they will sit before thee my people, and they heard thy words, and they did them not: for they making loves with their mouth, their heart went after their plunder.
And they will come to thee, according to the coming of the people, and they will sit before thee my people, and they heard thy words, and they did them not: for they making loves with their mouth, their heart went after their plunder.
So let your light shine before men, that they see your good works, and praise your Father, him in the heavens.
So let your light shine before men, that they see your good works, and praise your Father, him in the heavens.
Sufficient to the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzeboul, how much more those pertaining to his household?
Sufficient to the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzeboul, how much more those pertaining to his household?
Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens was made like a man sowing good seed in his field:
Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens was made like a man sowing good seed in his field: And in men's sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares in the midst of the wheat, and went away.
And in men's sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares in the midst of the wheat, and went away. And when the grass sprouted up and made fruit, then appeared the tares also.
And when the grass sprouted up and made fruit, then appeared the tares also. And the servants of the master of the house having come, said to him, Lord, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field whence therefore has it tares?
And the servants of the master of the house having come, said to him, Lord, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field whence therefore has it tares? And he said to them, A man, an enemy, has done this: and his servants said to him, Wilt thou therefore we, having departed, should gather them
And he said to them, A man, an enemy, has done this: and his servants said to him, Wilt thou therefore we, having departed, should gather them And he said, No; lest gathering the tares, ye root up the wheat together with them.
And he said, No; lest gathering the tares, ye root up the wheat together with them. Suffer both to grow together till harvest; and in time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; and gather the wheat into my barn.
Suffer both to grow together till harvest; and in time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; and gather the wheat into my barn.
Then Jesus having dismissed the crowds, went into the house; and his disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.
Then Jesus having dismissed the crowds, went into the house; and his disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. And he having answered, said to them, He sowing the good seed is the Son of man:
And he having answered, said to them, He sowing 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; and the tares are the sons of the evil one;
And the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; And the enemy having sowed them is the devil; and the harvest is the end of time; and the reapers are the messengers.
And the enemy having sowed them is the devil; and the harvest is the end of time; and the reapers are the messengers. As therefore the tares are gathered together and burnt in fire; so shall it be in the end of this time.
As therefore the tares are gathered together and burnt in fire; so shall it be in the end of this time. The Son of man shall send forth his messengers, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all scandals, and those doing iniquity;
The Son of man shall send forth his messengers, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all scandals, and those doing iniquity; And they shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall there be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
And they shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall there be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the just emit a brilliant light as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He having ears to hear, let him hear.
Then shall the just emit a brilliant light as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He having ears to hear, let him hear.
And Simon Peter having answered, said, Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Simon Peter having answered, said, Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.
And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her.
And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her.
And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her.
And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her.
And if he refuse hearing them, speak to the church: and if he refuse hearing the church, let him be to thee as of the nations and a publican.
And if he refuse hearing them, speak to the church: and if he refuse hearing the church, let him be to thee as of the nations and a publican.
And if he refuse hearing them, speak to the church: and if he refuse hearing the church, let him be to thee as of the nations and a publican.
And if he refuse hearing them, speak to the church: and if he refuse hearing the church, let him be to thee as of the nations and a publican. Truly I say to you, Whatever things ye should bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever things ye should loose upon earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Truly I say to you, Whatever things ye should bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever things ye should loose upon earth shall be loosed in heaven.
And they eating, Jesus, having taken the bread and praised, brake and gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And they eating, Jesus, having taken the bread and praised, brake and gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And having taken the cup, and given thanks, he gave to them, saying, Drink of it all ye.
And having taken the cup, and given thanks, he gave to them, saying, Drink of it all ye. For this is my blood, that of the new covenant, having been poured out for many, for the remission of sins.
For this is my blood, that of the new covenant, having been poured out for many, for the remission of sins.
Therefore, having gone, disciple all nations; immersing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:
Therefore, having gone, disciple all nations; immersing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to keep all things whatever I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you all the days, even to the end of time. Amen.
Teaching them to keep all things whatever I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you all the days, even to the end of time. Amen.
And I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
And I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall 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. O holy Father, keep them in thy name whom thou but given me, that they might be one, as we.
And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. O holy Father, keep them in thy name whom thou but given me, that they might be one, as we.
I ask not that thou take them out of the world, but that thou keep them from the evil.
I ask not that thou take them out of the world, but that thou keep them from the evil.
Then truly they having gladly received his word were immersed: and in that day were added about three thousand souls.
Then truly they having gladly received his word were immersed: and in that day were added about three thousand souls.
Praising God, and having favor with the whole people. And in the day the Lord added the saved to the church.
Praising God, and having favor with the whole people. And in the day the Lord added the saved to the church.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
And having shaken with the hand at them to be silent, he related to them how the Lord brought him out of prison. And he said, Announce these things to James, and the brethren. And having come out, he went to another place.
And having shaken with the hand at them to be silent, he related to them how the Lord brought him out of prison. And he said, Announce these things to James, and the brethren. And having come out, he went to another place.
And after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men, brethren, hear me:
And after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men, brethren, hear me: Simeon related how God first reviewed to take from the nations a people for his name.
Simeon related how God first reviewed to take from the nations a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree: as has been written,
And with this the words of the prophets agree: as has been written, After these will I return, and rebuild the tent of David, having fallen; and its things undermined will I rebuild, and set it upright:
After these will I return, and rebuild the tent of David, having fallen; and its things undermined will I rebuild, and set it upright: So that they remaining of men might seek out the Lord, and all the nations upon whom my name has been called upon them, says the Lord, making all these.
So that they remaining of men might seek out the Lord, and all the nations upon whom my name has been called upon them, says the Lord, making all these. Known to God are all his works from eternity.
Known to God are all his works from eternity. Wherefore I judge, not to molest them, from the nations turning back to God:
Wherefore I judge, not to molest them, from the nations turning back to God:
And Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, believed the Lord with his whole house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptised.
And Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, believed the Lord with his whole house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptised.
And the following day Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
And the following day Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
And after five days the chief priest Ananias came down with the elders, and a certain orator, Tertullus, who exhibited to the leader against Paul.
And after five days the chief priest Ananias came down with the elders, and a certain orator, Tertullus, who exhibited to the leader against Paul.
For the anxious expectation of the creation awaits the revelation of the sons of God.
For the anxious expectation of the creation awaits the revelation of the sons of God.
And the church in their house. Embrace my beloved Epenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.
And the church in their house. Embrace my beloved Epenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.
Gains my guest, and of the whole church, embraces you. Erastus steward of the city embraces you, and Quartus the brother.
Gains my guest, and of the whole church, embraces you. Erastus steward of the city embraces you, and Quartus the brother.
To the church of God being in Corinth, to the consecrated in Christ Jesus, to the Called holy ones, with all calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:
To the church of God being in Corinth, to the consecrated in Christ Jesus, to the Called holy ones, with all calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ye, gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ye, gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
According to one day of the sabbaths let each of you put by himself, treasuring up that which he is prospered in, that when I come there be no collections.
According to one day of the sabbaths let each of you put by himself, treasuring up that which he is prospered in, that when I come there be no collections.
And I went up according to revelation, and placed before them the good news which I proclaim in the nations, but apart to them highly esteemed, lest I run in vain, or ran.
And I went up according to revelation, and placed before them the good news which I proclaim in the nations, but apart to them highly esteemed, lest I run in vain, or ran.
And having known the grace given to me, James, and Cephas, and John, seeming to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hands of communion; that we for the nations, and they for the circumcision.
And having known the grace given to me, James, and Cephas, and John, seeming to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hands of communion; that we for the nations, and they for the circumcision.
For before certain came from James, he ate with the nations: and when they came, he drew down, and separated himself, being afraid of them of the circumcision.
For before certain came from James, he ate with the nations: and when they came, he drew down, and separated himself, being afraid of them of the circumcision.
And placed all things under his, feet, and gave him head over all things to the church,
And placed all things under his, feet, and gave him head over all things to the church,
Wherefore then are ye no more foreigners and sojourners, but fellow-citizens of the holy, and the household of God;
Wherefore then are ye no more foreigners and sojourners, but fellow-citizens of the holy, and the household of God;
In whom also ye are builded together for the dwelling of God in the Spirit.
In whom also ye are builded together for the dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Striving earnestly to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Striving earnestly to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body, and one Spirit, as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;
One body, and one Spirit, 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, who over all, and through all, and in you all.
One God and Father of all, who over all, and through all, and in you all.
And truly he gave the sent; and the prophets; and the bearers of good tidings; and the shepherds, and the teachers;
And truly he gave the sent; and the prophets; and the bearers of good tidings; and the shepherds, and the teachers; For the adjusting of the holy, for the work of the service, for the building up of the body of Christ:
For the adjusting of the holy, for the work of the service, for the building up of the body of Christ: Until we all arrive to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the perfect man, to the measure of age of the filling up of Christ.
Until we all arrive to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the perfect man, to the measure of age of the filling up of Christ. That we be no more babes, tossed about, and carried around by every wind of doctrine, in the playing at dice of men, in craft, with the artifice of deceit;
That we be no more babes, tossed about, and carried around by every wind of doctrine, in the playing at dice of men, in craft, with the artifice of deceit; And speaking the truth in love, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, Christ:
And speaking the truth in love, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, Christ:
And speaking the truth in love, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, Christ:
And speaking the truth in love, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, Christ: From whom all the body fitted together and joined together by every touch of the expenditure, according to the energy in measure of one of each part, makes the increase of the body to the building up of itself in love.
From whom all the body fitted together and joined together by every touch of the expenditure, according to the energy in measure of one of each part, makes the increase of the body to the building up of itself in love.
From whom all the body fitted together and joined together by every touch of the expenditure, according to the energy in measure of one of each part, makes the increase of the body to the building up of itself in love.
From whom all the body fitted together and joined together by every touch of the expenditure, according to the energy in measure of one of each part, makes the increase of the body to the building up of itself in love.
For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. But as the church is subjected to Christ, so also wives to their own husbands in everything.
But as the church is subjected to Christ, so also wives to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it; That he might consecrate it, having cleansed by the washing of water in the word,
That he might consecrate it, having cleansed by the washing of water in the word,
That he might consecrate it, having cleansed by the washing of water in the word,
That he might consecrate it, having cleansed by the washing of water in the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it be holy and blameless.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it be holy and blameless.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it be holy and blameless.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it be holy and blameless. So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies. He loving his wife, loves himself.
So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies. He loving his wife, loves himself. For none at any time hates his own flesh; but brings it up and cherishes it, as also the Lord the church:
For none at any time hates his own flesh; but brings it up and cherishes it, as also the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
For this a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak to Christ and to the church.
This is a great mystery: but I speak to Christ and to the church.
When Christ shall be manifested, our life, then also ye with him shall be made manifest in glory.
When Christ shall be manifested, our life, then also ye with him shall be made manifest in glory.
Where no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, servant, free: but Christ all things, and in all.
Where no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, servant, free: but Christ all things, and in all.
Let the word of Christ dwell in, you richly; teaching and reminding one another in all wisdom, playing with harps, and songs, and spiritual odes, with grace singing in your hearts to the Lord.
Let the word of Christ dwell in, you richly; teaching and reminding one another in all wisdom, playing with harps, and songs, and spiritual odes, with grace singing in your hearts to the Lord.
As I besought thee to remain in Ephesus, going into Macedonia, that thou mightest proclaim to some not to teach another doctrine,
As I besought thee to remain in Ephesus, going into Macedonia, that thou mightest proclaim to some not to teach another doctrine,
For this I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest rectify things left behind, and set elders in the city, as I directed thee:
For this I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest rectify things left behind, and set elders in the city, as I directed thee:
When I shall send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus, be earnest to come to me at Nicopolis: for there have I chosen to pass the winter.
When I shall send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus, be earnest to come to me at Nicopolis: for there have I chosen to pass the winter.
Having therefore, brethren, freedom of speech for the entering in of the holies by the blood of Jesus,
Having therefore, brethren, freedom of speech for the entering in of the holies by the blood of Jesus, A way publicly declared and living, which he consecrated to us, through the veil, that is, his flesh;
A way publicly declared and living, which he consecrated to us, through the veil, 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 complete certainty of faith, having our hearts besprinkled from an evil consciousness, and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us approach with a true heart in complete certainty of faith, having our hearts besprinkled from an evil consciousness, and having our bodies washed with pure water.
But ye have come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
But ye have come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
But ye have come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
But ye have come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, To the assembly of people, and church of the firstborn, transcribed in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and. to the spirits of the just perfected,
To the assembly of people, and church of the firstborn, transcribed in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and. to the spirits of the just perfected,
To the assembly of people, and church of the firstborn, transcribed in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and. to the spirits of the just perfected,
To the assembly of people, and church of the firstborn, transcribed in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and. to the spirits of the just perfected,
By him therefore we should always bring up the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips assenting to his name.
By him therefore we should always bring up the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips assenting to his name. And the doing good and mutual participation forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
And the doing good and mutual participation forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if there come into your synagogue a man wearing gold rings on is fingers, in brilliant clothing, and there come in also a beggar in filthy clothing;
For if there come into your synagogue a man wearing gold rings on is fingers, in brilliant clothing, and there come in also a beggar in filthy clothing;
And he made us kings and priests to God and his Father; to him the glory and strength for the times of times.
And he made us kings and priests to God and his Father; to him the glory and strength for the times of times.
I know thy works, and pressure, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and the blasphemy of them saying themselves to be Jews, and are not, but the synagogue of the adversary.
I know thy works, and pressure, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and the blasphemy of them saying themselves to be Jews, and are not, but the synagogue of the adversary.
And there came not into her anything common, and any doing abomination, and a lie: but they written in the book of life of the Lamb.
And there came not into her anything common, and any doing abomination, and a lie: but they written in the book of life of the Lamb.
Hastings
1. The word ecclesia, which in its Christian application is usually tr 'church,' was applied in ordinary Greek usage to the duly constituted gathering of the citizens in a self-governing city, and it is so used of the Ephesian assembly in Ac 19:39. It was adopted in the Septuagint to tr a Heb. word, q
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I gave to thee and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings with all the land of Canaan for an eternal possession; and I was God to them.
And it shall be to you for a preservation till the fourteenth day of this month; and they shall slaughter it, all the convocation of the assembly of Israel, between the two evenings.
And Moses will speak in the ears of all the gathering of Israel the words of this song till he finished them.
And they will say, What one from the tribes of Israel who came not up to Jehovah to Mizpeh? And behold, not a man came from the camp of Jabesh-Gilead to the gathering.
Remember thine assembly thou didst purchase of old; thou didst redeem the rod of thine inheritance; this mount Zion thou didst dwell in it
Remember thine assembly thou didst purchase of old; thou didst redeem the rod of thine inheritance; this mount Zion thou didst dwell in it
For Jehovah built Zion, he was seen in his glory
Incline your ear, and come to me, and hear, and your soul shall live; and I will cut out with you an eternal covenant, the sure mercies of David.
And I turned back the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel and I built them as at the first.
And in their days that they are kings, the God of the heavens shall set up a kingdom that shall not be destroyed forever: and its kingdom shall be left to another people; it shall beat small and destroy all these kingdoms, and this shall stand forever.
And to him was given dominion, power and honor, and a kingdom; and all peoples and nations and tongues shall serve to him: his power an eternal power that shall not pass away, and his kingdom which shall not be destroyed.
In that day I will raise up the tent of David having fallen, and I walled in their breaches, and I will raise up its destructions, and I built it as the days of old:
And thou, O tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, even to thee shall it come, and the first dominion: came the kingdom to the daughter of Jerusalem.
I truly immerse you in water to repentance; but he coming after me is stronger than I, whose shoes I am not fit to lift up; he shall immerse in the Holy Spirit, and fire
From then Jesus began to proclaim, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.
But the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness; weeping shall be there, and gnashing of teeth.
And whoever takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me.
And has no root in himself, but is for a time; and there being pressure or expulsion for the word, straightly is he offended.
Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens was made like a man sowing good seed in his field:
Which truly is less than all seeds; but when it has grown, it is greater than vegetables, and becomes a tree, so that the flying things of heaven come and lodge in its young shoots.
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like to a treasure hid in the field; which a man finding, concealed, and from his joy, he retires, and all things which he has he sells, and he purchases that field. Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like to a man, a wholesale merchant, seeking beautiful pearls:
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like to a large sweep-net, cast into the sea, and having gathered of every kind:
And Jesus, having come into the parts of Caesarea of Philippi, asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say me to be, the Son of Man? And they said, Some, truly, John the Baptist: and others, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. read more. And he says to them, But whom say ye me to be? And Simon Peter having answered, said, Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus, having answered, said to him, Happy art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed to thee, but my Father, he in the heavens. And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her.
And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her. And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens: and whatever thou shalt bind upon earth shall be bound in the heavens: and whatever thou shalt loose upon earth shall be loosed in the heavens.
And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens: and whatever thou shalt bind upon earth shall be bound in the heavens: and whatever thou shalt loose upon earth shall be loosed in the heavens. Then he enjoined his disciples that they say to none that he is Jesus Christ.
Then he enjoined his disciples that they say to none that he is Jesus Christ.
And if he refuse hearing them, speak to the church: and if he refuse hearing the church, let him be to thee as of the nations and a publican.
And Jesus said to them, Verily I say to you, That ye having followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man should sit upon the throne of his glory, shall be seated ye also upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And the crowds leading before, and following, cried, saying, Osanna to the son of David: he coming in the name of the Lord being praised; Osanna in the highest ones.
And sitting upon the mount of Olives, his disciples came to him apart, saying, Say to us when these shall be, and what the sign of thy arrival, and the termination of the time.
Therefore, when ye see the abomination of devastation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (let him reading, understand:)
And when the Son of man should come in his glory, and all his holy messengers with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
Then shall the king say to them from his right, Come, the praised of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
And Jesus says to him, Thou hast said: but I say to you, from henceforth ye shall see the Son of man, sitting from the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
And after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God, And saying, That the time has been completed, and the kingdom of God has drawn near: repent ye, and believe in the good news.
And if by the finger of God I cast out demons, then has the kingdom of God got beforehand to you.
Fear not, little flock; for your Father was contented to give you the kingdom.
And having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God comes, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God comes not with observation: Neither shall they say, Behold here or, behold there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Neither shall they say, Behold here or, behold there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Then said Jesus to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in yourselves.
For John truly immersed in water; and ye shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit not after these many days.
And in these days Peter having risen in the midst of the disciples, said, (also the crowd of names together was about an hundred and twenty,)
To take the lot of this service and sending forth, from which Judas passed by, to go to his own place.
And seen to them were tongues divided as fire, and it sat upon Each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to utter.
And they were persevering in the teaching of the sent, and in mutual participation, and breaking of bread, and prayers.
And in the day persevering unanimously in the temple, and breaking bread in the house, they partook of food with lively joy and simplicity of heart, Praising God, and having favor with the whole people. And in the day the Lord added the saved to the church.
And the heart and soul of the multitude of them believing were one: and not one said any of the things being to him to be his own; but all were common to them.
And great fear was upon the whole church, and upon all having heard these things.
And in those days, the disciples multiplying, there was a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily service.
And certain of them arose from the synagogue, called Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrian, and of them from Cilicia and Asia, seeking out with Stephen.
This is he having been in the church in the desert with the messenger speaking to him in Mount Sina, and our fathers: who received the living oracles to give to us:
This is he having been in the church in the desert with the messenger speaking to him in Mount Sina, and our fathers: who received the living oracles to give to us:
And Saul was assenting to his murder. And in that day was a great expulsion upon the church in Jerusalem; and all were scattered up and down in the countries of Judea and Samaria, except the sent.
And Saul was assenting to his murder. And in that day was a great expulsion upon the church in Jerusalem; and all were scattered up and down in the countries of Judea and Samaria, except the sent.
And Saul was assenting to his murder. And in that day was a great expulsion upon the church in Jerusalem; and all were scattered up and down in the countries of Judea and Samaria, except the sent.
And Saul was assenting to his murder. And in that day was a great expulsion upon the church in Jerusalem; and all were scattered up and down in the countries of Judea and Samaria, except the sent.
And Saul abused the church, going into houses, and drawing out men and women, delivered to prison.
And the sent in Jerusalem having heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John:
And the sent in Jerusalem having heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John:
And Saul, yet breathing out threatening and murder against the disciples of the Lord, having come to the chief priest,
Then truly the churches through the Whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria, had peace, being built up; and going in the fear of the Lord, and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied.
Then truly the churches through the Whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria, had peace, being built up; and going in the fear of the Lord, and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied.
And having shaken with the hand at them to be silent, he related to them how the Lord brought him out of prison. And he said, Announce these things to James, and the brethren. And having come out, he went to another place.
And certain prophets and teachers were in the church being in Antioch; as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And having chosen them elders in the church, having prayed with fasting, they set them before the Lord, in whom they had believed.
Therefore dissension and no small discussion having been to Paul and Barnabas with them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas to go up, and certain others of them, to the sent and elders in Jerusalem about this question.
And after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men, brethren, hear me:
Then it seemed fitting to the sent and the elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren: Having written by their hand thus; The sent and elders and brethren to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia from the nations, health: read more. Since we heard that certain of us having come out have troubled you with words, destroying your souls, saying, To be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we sent no word: It seemed fitting to us, having been unanimous, to send to you chosen men with our dearly beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men having delivered up their souls for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore have we sent Judas and Silas, and these by the word announcing these things. For it seemed fitting to the Holy Spirit, and to us, for no more burden to be put upon you but the necessities of these; To keep off from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and strangulation, and harlotry: from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, supporting the churches.
But if ye inquire anything concerning, other things, it shall be explained in a lawful assembly.
And having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.
And having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.
Attend therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit set you inspectors, to feed the church of God, which he acquired by his own blood.
Attend therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit set you inspectors, to feed the church of God, which he acquired by his own blood.
Attend therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit set you inspectors, to feed the church of God, which he acquired by his own blood.
Attend therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit set you inspectors, to feed the church of God, which he acquired by his own blood.
And the following day Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
And after many years I was present, going to do alms to my nation, and offerings.
Therefore, as by one man sin came into the world, and by sin death; and so death passed upon all men, in that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: and sin is not charged, being no law. read more. But death reigned from Adam to Moses, and upon them not having sinned upon the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is the type of him about to be. But not as the fall, so also the favor. For if for the fall of one many died, much more the grace of God, and the gift in grace, of one man, Jesus Christ, has abounded to many. And not as by one having sinned, the gift: for truly the judgment of one to condemnation, but the favor of many falls to justification. For if by the fall of one, death reigned by one; much more they receiving the abundance of grace and the gift of justice in life shall reign by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the fall of one for all men to condemnation; so also by the justification of one for all men to justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were constituted sinful, so also by the obedience of one shall many be constituted just. And the law entered, that the fall might abound. And where sin abounded, grace superabounded: That as sin reigned in death, so grace might reign by justice to life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Or know ye not, that as many of us as were immersed in Christ Jesus, we were immersed into his death? Therefore were we buried with him by immersion into death: that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life.
And the church in their house. Embrace my beloved Epenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.
Embrace one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ embrace you.
To the church of God being in Corinth, to the consecrated in Christ Jesus, to the Called holy ones, with all calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the spirit of God dwells in you? If any one destroy the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which ye are.
Therefore cleanse out the old leaven, that ye may be a new mixture, as ye are unleavened. For also our pascha was sacrificed for us, Christ: Therefore let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of vice and wickedness; but with the unleavened of frankincense and truth.
The cup of praise which we praise, is it not the mutual participation of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the mutual participation of the body of Christ? That, one bread, one body, we are many: for we all partake of one bread. read more. See ye Israel according to the flesh: are not they eating the sacrifices mutual participators of the altar?
Therefore ye coming together upon the same, it is not to eat the Lord's supper. For each takes his own supper in eating: and one is truly hungry, and one is intoxicated. read more. For, have ye not houses for eating and drinking? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them not having? What should I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise not.
For, have ye not houses for eating and drinking? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them not having? What should I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise not. For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, That the Lord Jesus, in the night which he was delivered up, took bread: read more. And having given thanks, he brake, and said, Take ye, eat; this is my body, broken for you: this do ye for my remembrance. Likewise the cup also, after supping, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do ye, as often as ye drink, for my remembrance. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye announce the Lord's death till he come. Therefore whoever should eat this bread, and drink the cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be liable to the penalty of the body and blood of the Lord. And let a man try himself, and so eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. For he eating and drinking unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this many among you weak and sick, and enough are asleep. For if we examined ourselves, we should not be judged. And being judged, we are corrected of the Lord, lest we be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brethren, coming together to eat, succeed one another. And if any hunger, let him eat in the house; lest ye come together for judgment. And the rest when I come I will regulate.
For truly to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; And to another faith in the same Spirit; and to another graces of healings in the same Spirit; read more. And to another performances of powers; and to another discriminations of spirits; and to another kinds of tongues; and to another interpretation of tongues: And all these works one and the same Spirit, dividing to each his own things as be will.
And ye are the body of Christ, and members by parts. And whom truly God set in the church, first the sent, second the prophets, third teachers, then powers, then graces of healings, helps, directions, kinds of tongues.
For I am the least of the sent, who am not fit to be called sent, for I drove out the church of God.
And having known the grace given to me, James, and Cephas, and John, seeming to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hands of communion; that we for the nations, and they for the circumcision.
For before certain came from James, he ate with the nations: and when they came, he drew down, and separated himself, being afraid of them of the circumcision.
For as many of you as were immersed into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither servant nor free, there is neither male and female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And as many as walk by this model, place upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
For the arrangement of the completion of the times, to unite in a whole all things in Christ, both the things in the heavens, and the things upon earth; in him: In whom also we were cast by lot, determined beforehand according to the purpose of him performing all things according to the counsel of his will:
Which is the pledge of our inheritance for the redemption of the acquisition, to the praise of his glory.
And placed all things under his, feet, and gave him head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the completion of him completing all things in all.
Which is his body, the completion of him completing all things in all.
That ye were in that time without Christy alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners from the covenants of solemn promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
That ye were in that time without Christy alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners from the covenants of solemn promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: And now in Christ Jesus ye who then being far off have become near in the blood of Christ.
And now in Christ Jesus ye who then being far off have become near in the blood of Christ.
And now in Christ Jesus ye who then being far off have become near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, having made both one, and having loosed the middle partition wall of the enclosure; read more. The enmity in his flesh, the law of commands in enactments, having left unemployed; that he might create in himself one new man, making peace; And that he might reconcile anew both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the eninity in it:
For by him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
For by him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
For by him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
For by him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Wherefore then are ye no more foreigners and sojourners, but fellow-citizens of the holy, and the household of God;
That by revelation he made Known to me the mystery; (as I before wrote briefly, By which ye, reading, can perceive My understanding in the mystery of Christ,) read more. Which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as now has been revealed to his holy sent and to the prophets by the Spirit: For the nations to be co-heirs, and united in one body, and, participators of his solemn promise in Christ by the good news: Of which I Became a servant, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the energy of his power To me, the least of all the holy ones, was this grace given, to announce the good news in the nations, the untraceable riches of Christ. And to enlighten all what the distribution of the mystery, concealed from times immemorial in God, having created all things by Jesus Christ: That it might now be made known to beginnings and powers in the heavenlies by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the purpose of times immemorial which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Striving earnestly to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
One Lord, one faith, one immersion,
And truly he gave the sent; and the prophets; and the bearers of good tidings; and the shepherds, and the teachers;
And truly he gave the sent; and the prophets; and the bearers of good tidings; and the shepherds, and the teachers; For the adjusting of the holy, for the work of the service, for the building up of the body of Christ:
For the adjusting of the holy, for the work of the service, for the building up of the body of Christ:
For the adjusting of the holy, for the work of the service, for the building up of the body of Christ: Until we all arrive to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the perfect man, to the measure of age of the filling up of Christ.
From whom all the body fitted together and joined together by every touch of the expenditure, according to the energy in measure of one of each part, makes the increase of the body to the building up of itself in love.
Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church, and delivered himself up for it;
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it be holy and blameless.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that he might be the first in all
And by him to reconcile all things anew to himself; having made peace by the blood of his cross, by him, whether things upon earth, whether things in the heavens. And you, once being alienated and enemies in mind by evil works, and now has he reconciled read more. In the body of his flesh by death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable before him:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill again the necessities of the pressures of Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the church.
Greet the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house. And when the epistle shall be read among you, make that also it be read to the church in Laodicea; and that ye also read that from Laodicea.
And when the epistle shall be read among you, make that also it be read to the church in Laodicea; and that ye also read that from Laodicea.
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
And manifestly great is the mystery of devotion: God was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed in the nations, was believed on in the world, was received up in glory.
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a distinguished people. zealous of good works.
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a distinguished people. zealous of good works.
Saying, I will announce thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the church will I praise thee.
For by one offering has he perfected forever the consecrated.
And a great priest over the house of God; Let us approach with a true heart in complete certainty of faith, having our hearts besprinkled from an evil consciousness, and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us approach with a true heart in complete certainty of faith, having our hearts besprinkled from an evil consciousness, and having our bodies washed with pure water.
To the assembly of people, and church of the firstborn, transcribed in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and. to the spirits of the just perfected, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, speaking better things than Abel.
We have an altar, of which they serving the tent have no power to eat. for of whom the blood of the living ones is brought for sin into the holies by the chief priest, the bodies of these are burned without the camp. read more. Wherefore also Jesus, that he might consecrate the people by his own blood, suffered without the camp. Therefore we should come to him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no abiding city, but we seek that about to be. By him therefore we should always bring up the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips assenting to his name. And the doing good and mutual participation forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if there come into your synagogue a man wearing gold rings on is fingers, in brilliant clothing, and there come in also a beggar in filthy clothing;
But certain will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith from my works.
And ye yourselves are built, as living stones, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to bring up spiritual sacrifice; acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
And ye a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for acquisition; so that ye should proclaim the excellencies of him having called you out of darkness into his wonderful light:
And ye a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for acquisition; so that ye should proclaim the excellencies of him having called you out of darkness into his wonderful light:
The chosen together in Babylon, greet you; also Marcus my son.
To the messenger of the Ephesian church write: Thus says he holding the seven stars in his right hand, he walking about in the midst of the seven golden chandeliers;
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 say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her.
Truly, truly, I say to you, except a kernel of wheat, having fallen into the earth, should die, it remains alone: and if it should die, it brings forth much fruit.
This is he having been in the church in the desert with the messenger speaking to him in Mount Sina, and our fathers: who received the living oracles to give to us:
Others truly cried some other things: for the church was confused; and the most knew not for what they had come together.
For also in one Spirit were we all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether servants or free; and we have all been given to drink into one Spirit.
And placed all things under his, feet, and gave him head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the completion of him completing all things in all.
That he might show in times coming the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For we are his work, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.,
And to enlighten all what the distribution of the mystery, concealed from times immemorial in God, having created all things by Jesus Christ: That it might now be made known to beginnings and powers in the heavenlies by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
That it might now be made known to beginnings and powers in the heavenlies by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
One body, and one Spirit, as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;
That he might consecrate it, having cleansed by the washing of water in the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it be holy and blameless.
Put on therefore, as the chosen of God, holy and beloved, bowels of compassions, kindnesses, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (Bearing one another, propitiating one another, if any have a complaint against any: as also Christ propitiated for you, so also ye.) read more. And over all these, love, which is the bond of completion. And let the peace of God act as umpire in your hearts, to which also, ye were called in one body: and be grateful. Let the word of Christ dwell in, you richly; teaching and reminding one another in all wisdom, playing with harps, and songs, and spiritual odes, with grace singing in your hearts to the Lord. And all whatever you do in word and in work, all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
For this we say to you in the word of the Lord, that we the living being left at the arrival of the Lord shall not get beforehand with them having slept. For the Lord himself in the word of command, in the voice of the archangel, shall descend from heaven: and the dead in Christ shall be raised first: read more. Then we the living being left shall be snatched up together with them in the clouds, to the meeting of the Lord in the air: and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort ye one another with these words.
And if I delay, that thou shouldest know how thou must be occupied in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.
And in a great house there is not only gold and silver vessels, but also wood and earthen; and some truly for honour, and some for dishonour.
And flee youthful, eager desires: and follow justice, faith, love, peace, with them calling upon the Lord from a pure heart.
To whom approaching, a living stone, truly disapproved of by men, and chosen by God, highly valued, And ye yourselves are built, as living stones, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to bring up spiritual sacrifice; acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Smith
Church.
1. The derivation of the word is generally said to be from the Greek kuriakon (kuriakon) "belonging to the Lord." But the derivation has been too hastily assumed. It is probably connected with kirk, the Latin circus, circulus, the Greek kuklos (kuklos) because the congregations were gathered in circles.
2. Ecclesia (ekklesia) the Greek word for church, originally meant an assembly called out by the magistrate, or by legitimate authority. It was in this last sense that the word was adapted and applied by the writers of the New Testament to the Christian congregation. In the one Gospel of St. Matthew the church is spoken of no less than thirty-six times as "the kingdom." Other descriptions or titles are hardly found in the evangelists. It is Christ's household,
the salt and light of the world,
Christ's flock,
Mt 26:31; Joh 10:15
its members are the branches growing on Christ the Vine, John 15; but the general description of it, not metaphorical but direct, is that it is a kingdom,
From the Gospel then we learn that Christ was about to establish his heavenly kingdom on earth, which was to be the substitute for the Jewish Church and kingdom, now doomed to destruction
The day of Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church. Before they had been individual followers Jesus; now they became his mystical body, animated by his spirit. On the evening of the day of Pentecost, the 3140 members of which the Church consisted were -- (1) Apostles; (2) previous Disciples; (3) Converts. In
we have indirectly exhibited the essential conditions of church communion. They are (1) Baptism, baptism implying on the part of the recipient repentance and faith; (2) Apostolic Doctrine; (3) Fellowship with the Apostles; (4) The Lord's Supper; (5) Public Worship. The real Church consists of all who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ as his disciples, and are one in love, in character, in hope, in Christ as the head of all, though as the body of Christ it consists of many parts.
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Ye are the salt of the earth: and if the salt be rendered insipid, with what shall it be salted? it is yet strong for nothing, except to be cast without, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Neither do they burn a light, and set it under a basket, but upon a chandelier: and it shines to all in the house.
Sufficient to the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzeboul, how much more those pertaining to his household?
And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens: and whatever thou shalt bind upon earth shall be bound in the heavens: and whatever thou shalt loose upon earth shall be loosed in the heavens.
For this I say to you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to a nation doing its fruits.
Then says Jesus to them, All ye shall be scandalized in me this night; for it has been written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered up and down.
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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Also I, far be it to me sinning against Jehovah ceasing to pray for you: and I taught you in the good and straight way.
They shall satiate from the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt give them to drink the torrent of thy delights.
Those being planted in the house of Jehovah, shall flourish in the enclosures of our God.
For Jehovah chose in Zion; for he desired it for a dwelling to himself.
And I will put upon her priests salvation, and her godly ones shall rejoice a rejoicing.
And they came and shouted in the height of Zion, and they flowed together to the goodness of Jehovah, for the grain and for the new wine, and for the oil, and for the sons of the flock and the herd: and their soul was as a watered garden, and they shall not add to pine away any more.
And they were persevering in the teaching of the sent, and in mutual participation, and breaking of bread, and prayers.
Then truly the churches through the Whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria, had peace, being built up; and going in the fear of the Lord, and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied.
Others truly cried some other things: for the church was confused; and the most knew not for what they had come together.
But if ye inquire anything concerning, other things, it shall be explained in a lawful assembly.
And having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.
Then let us no more judge one another: but rather judge ye this, not to put a stumble or offence to thy brother.
Therefore cleanse out the old leaven, that ye may be a new mixture, as ye are unleavened. For also our pascha was sacrificed for us, Christ:
And now I wrote to you not to mix together, if any called a brother is a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or intoxicated, or rapacious; not to eat with such.
All things are lawful to me, but all are not profitable: all things are lawful to me, but all build not the house. Let none seek his own, but each another's. read more. Every thing being sold in the market, eat, ye, interrogating nothing through consciousness: For of the Lord the earth, and its fulness. And if any one of the unbelieving call you, and ye wish to go; every thing set before you, eat, interrogating nothing through consciousness. And if any one say to you, This is sacrificed to an idol, eat not, for him making it known, and consciousness: for of the Lord the earth, and its fulness: And consciousness, I say, not thine, but another's: for that why is my freedom judged by another's consciousness And if I partake by grace, why am I defamed for what I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, whether ye drink, or what ye do, do ye all things to the glory of God. And be ye not molesters to the Jews, and the Greeks, and to the church of God: As I also please in all things to all, not seeking my advantage, but that of many, that they might be saved.
So that if any in Christ, a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all have become new.
Therefore come out from the midst of them, and be separated, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you.
And with me all the brethren, to the churches of Galatia:
And was unknown by face to the churches of Judea there in Christ.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision has any power, nor uncircumcision; but faith being energetic through love.
Brethren, if a man be taken in any fault, ye the spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; observing thyself narrowly, lest thou also be tempted.
Brethren, if a man be taken in any fault, ye the spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; observing thyself narrowly, lest thou also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fill up the law of Christ:
And truly he gave the sent; and the prophets; and the bearers of good tidings; and the shepherds, and the teachers;
By all prayer and supplication praying in all time in Spirit, and for this same watching vigilantly in all perseverance and supplication for the holy:
Greet the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house.
And we proclaim to you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, for you to shrink from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the doctrine which he received of us.
And we should observe one another for the incitement of love and good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the custom to some; but beseeching: and by so much the more, inasmuch as ye see the day drawing near. read more. For we sinning voluntarily after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is left no more a sacrifice for sins, But a certain terrible expectation of judgment and jealousy of fire, being about to devour the adversaries.
Remember them guiding you, who spake to you the word of God: of whom, observing narrowly the issue of the mode of life, imitate the faith:
And what profit, my brethren, if any say he has faith, and should not have works? can faith save him?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Begotten again, not of corrupted seed, but uncorrupted, by the word of God, living and remaining forever.