THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Matthew 21:23-27 NKJV[23] Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" [24] But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: [25] The baptism of John-where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' [26] But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." [27] So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Matthew 15:7-9 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: [8] 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. [9] And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' "

New Testament Church 2019 (16)

What is autonomy? Autonomous – self-governing. Freedom from external control or influence. A “free standing” organization. Independent – not dependent on another. Churches do not depend upon other congregations to exist, function or do its work We do depend on God and His Word and that’s all we need to exist as a congregation. A “mother” or a “central church or head office” will not help us to accomplish what we can do though God and His Word.

What is autonomy? Christ gave His church a congregational form of government. He is head of the body (local or universal) Each congregation is Independent – we are organized as if we are the only one on earth! Revelation 1:11- 13 Each congregation is equal – size, location, resources not determining factors of greatness. We are judged by our faithfulness! That is all we need to exist as a faithful NT congregation.

Autonomy of the Local Church Oversight of elders – the basic governing structure. Each congregation is to have elders – Acts 14:23;Phil 1:1 Elders are limited to their local work – Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:2-3 Elders have no legislative authority. They make judgments based upon God’s word. The church is suppose to be subject, follow and to obey the guidance from the local church elders. This is the only visible group among the church members that God recognized in His body.

Autonomy of the Local Church NO example of functional arrangements larger or smaller than the local church – each congregation did its own work Each congregation received instructions directly from the word of the Lord (via apostles, prophets, etc. – Ephesians 4:11-12) Instructions both orally and written. From where then the idea that we need a “middle organization” to do what belong to the church? From where the idea that we need a mother church in order for the church to “function” properly? Is it then from men or from God?

Autonomy of the Local Church Denominational structures are different from the Bible pattern The Local church in scripture 1 Cor 12:12, 27 Eph 1:22-23; Rev 1:11-13 Is this the Bible way? Many are not happy with this pattern and explanation and they “wants” to substitute what God has given us. Christ Members

Autonomy of the Local Church Denominational structures different from the Bible pattern Catholicism – a 3 tiered structure Is this Biblical? Is this approve by God? Can we follow this?

Autonomy of the Local Church Denominational structures different from the Bible pattern Episcopal church – congregations, Diocese and a General convention. Presbyterian Church – Congregation (overseen by a session), Presbytery, General Assembly Also consider organization of AME church and Baptist churches (autonomous – but different internal organizations – Pastor & deacon’s board, also most join a “convention” or “association”

Autonomy of the Local Church Every work God has given us can be accomplished with autonomy and independence We do not need permission from any outsiders in order to accomplish our task. Worship (Acts 20:7), Evangelism (Acts 11:22, 13:2-3, 1 Thess. 1:8, etc.), Benevolence (Acts 6:3, 11:27-30, Edification (Ephesians 4:16) That’s it? You people are boring some are saying, if that’s all you do!

Autonomy of the Local Church Every work God has given us can be accomplished with autonomy and independence Each congregation has responsibility according to its ability – 2 Corinthians 8:10- 14 NT congregations respected these boundaries. Are we suppose to do the same here?

Let us strive to be the church that truly belongs to Christ! New Testament Church 2019 (16)