Simply church

goal Remove the varnish of human tradition to uncover the original New Testament church.

ekklesia ek = “out” kaleo = “to call” But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

The vine and the branches The body of Christ Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 12:12; Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:24 The temple of God 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:19; 1 Pet 2:5 The bride of Christ 2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:22; Rev 19:7; 22:17 The flock of God Jn 10; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2 The vine and the branches Jn 15:1

Authority in religion Descriptions of the church New Testament assemblies Local church organization Role of women Mission/work of the church

New Testament Assemblies Simply church New Testament Assemblies

When they met Small groups met throughout the week. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes… Acts 2:46 …he went to the house of Mary… where many were gathered together and were praying. Acts 12:12 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. Acts 19:9 …teaching you in public and from house to house Acts 2:20

When they met They all came together on the 1st day of the week. On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread… Acts 20:7 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of the week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 1 Cor 16:1-2 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. Mt 28:1

Why they met Teaching (Acts 2:42) Fellowship (Acts 2:42) Breaking of bread (Acts 2:42) Prayers (Acts 2:42) Scriptures read (1 Tim 4:13; 1 Cor 14:26) Collection (Acts 2:45; 4:35; 1 Cor 16:1-2) Singing (1 Cor 14:26; 11:28) Miraculous gifts (1 Cor 14:26; 11:28) Discipline (Mt 18:17; 1 Cor 5:4) Report of work (Acts 14:24-28)

The resurrection of Christ. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, your proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Cor 11:26 The headship of Christ. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Cor 11:3 (NKJV) The centrality of Christ. When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? 1 Cor 11:20- 22 Teaching (Acts 2:42) Fellowship (Acts 2:42) Breaking of bread (Acts 2:42) Prayers (Acts 2:42) Scriptures read (1 Tim 4:13) Collection (1 Cor 16:1-2) Singing (1 Cor 14:26; 11:28) Miraculous gifts (1 Cor 14:26) Discipline (Mt 18:17; 1 Cor 5:4) Report of work (Acts 14:24-28)

The priesthood of every believer. The body of Christ. Because there is one bread, we who are many are one bread, for we all partake of the one bread. 1 Cor 10:17 The priesthood of every believer. When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 1 Cor 14:26 Teaching (Acts 2:42) Fellowship (Acts 2:42) Breaking of bread (Acts 2:42) Prayers (Acts 2:42) Scriptures read (1 Tim 4:13) Collection (1 Cor 16:1-2) Singing (1 Cor 14:26; 11:28) Miraculous gifts (1 Cor 14:26) Discipline (Mt 18:17; 1 Cor 5:4) Report of work (Acts 14:24-28)

Determine whether the disagreement is a matter of faith or opinion. As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. Rom 14:1 Sacrifice preferences for love’s sake. We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Rom 15:1 Don’t divide when personal practice has no effect on corporate worship. …that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 15:5-6 Use of instrumental music Divided classes Head covering Dress in worship Wine for the Lord’s supper One cup “Second” supper Lord’s Supper as a full meal Informal/spontaneous worship Expanded roles for women