The phrase, “heavenly places” is mentioned five times in this epistle. Those who are described as being “in Christ” belong to this realm and enjoy every spiritual blessing. Therefore, there are two separate realms of existence that form a tension for the child of God; namely, the temporary physical existence on earth and a spiritual…
The longest single sentence in our English translations is Ephesians 1:3-15. It is significant to recognize the focus on the personal pronouns in this section. We see “us” through verse 11 that describes the Jewish Christian, i.e., those who “first trusted in Christ” (Eph. 1:12). When the text reads, “He predestinated ‘us’, he’s not referring…
This first clause states the general aim of Christ’s gift of teachers to His “called out”. Then follow subordinate aims needful for its attainment. The ultimate aim of these gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) was for the “equipping of the saints.” The Greek implies correcting all that is deficient and completing in…
Paul writes, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure…
A third view of the local church leadership acknowledges the need for a decision-making body like the two previous views. Instead of a distinct ruling body of men over the churches, there should be congregational rule where a consensus is the desired aim. Dale Smelser, who advocated consensus in matters of judgment, created a spark…
The absence of such church leaders as “decision-makers” in the Bible should cause us to rethink our view of the body of Christ and the nature of leadership in it. Could it be that the present model of church leadership is built on the premise that the people of God must be more than an…
One safeguard among those who propose an eldership rule over local churches is the law of local autonomy and rules for establishing authority. These provides the added protection needed for any abuse of leadership and authorized work for the organization. It is believed that the Bible’s mention of only a plurality of elders is the…
When working a problem in geometry, the student always begins with a given set of facts from which he or she starts working the problem. The givens are never expected to be proven. They are assumed as true and accurate. Similarly, the Bible student begins with a certain set of given truths that are accepted…
Another view is taken by those from the Restoration Movement who, like Luther, also emerged with an emphasis on the individual’s relationship to God through the preaching of the Word. It is taught that Jesus purchased with his blood a priesthood of believers who have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light (cf….
Lest someone conclude that my view of “church” or the local organizations eliminates local fellowship, let me quickly propose that the fellowship of individual units are much more involved in the daily affairs of life than any membership in an organization. The early saints were much more involved in each other’s lives and their homes…