The Church

In the Gospels, Jesus Christ has used the word ‘Church’ only on two occasions: Mathew 16:18 and 18:17. In the first occasion He was referring to the Universal Church and in the second to the Local Church (By which I mean the gathering of the church at a particular locality)

The Universal Church

Mathew 16:18 'And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'This was a definite reference to the Universal Church and not the Local Church. Even the Local Churches that the Apostles established have not remained. The Universal Church is the mystical body of all who are in Christ past, present and future.

When will the Universal Church become a reality?

Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Hebrews 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in Heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect

Hebrews 11:40 for God had provided some better thing for us, that they should not be made perfect without us.

The Universal Church will become a reality when we are all gathered together as detailed in the above verses.

When did the church begin?

Abraham is the father of believers. The Universal Church is the one new body consisting of all saints from at least Abel, if not Adam.

We cannot expect to find the Greek word ‘Ekklesia’ in the Hebrew Old Testament. The Hebrew word is 'Qahal' meaning congregation or assembly. 350 times we find the word congregation used in the Old Testament. Just one example is given below:

Psalms 35:18 I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

The following verses explain to us how Jesus Christ broke down the wall the separated the Jews and the Gentiles and by His blood made us both one new body – which is the Church.

Ephesians 2:11to 16: Therefore remember that you, the nations, in time past were in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

2:12 and that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who were once afar off are made near by the blood of Christ.

2:14 For He is our peace, He making us both one, and He has broken down the middle wall of partition between us,

2:15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity (the Law of commandments contained in ordinances) so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, making peace between them;

2:16 and so that He might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity in Himself.

The Local Church

Jesus Christ only reference to the Local Church was in the context of the discipline of a believer. Believers who cultivate a nomadic lifestyle without being submissive to a Local Church are intentionally keeping themselves from the light yoke of Christ that includes being subject and accountable to a Local Church for their own spiritual well being.

Mathew 18:15 But if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

Mathew 18:16 But if he will not hear you, take one or two more with you, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Mathew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he neglects to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen and a tax-collector.

Seven Local Churches of Revelations

Revelations 1:13 And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. And in the midst of the seven lampstands I saw One like the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet...

Revelations 1:20 the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

The seven churches had different emphasis, different doctrinal positions, different strengths and weaknesses, but the Lord was in the midst of them. This teaches us clearly that in the divine design for local churches, uniformity was not the basis of unity.

The Greek word for Church, ‘Ekklesia’ means ‘called out’

1Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for possession, so that you might speak of the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Acts 2:47: And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Who are members of the church? Those who are saved

Who adds them to the church? The Lord

Leadership of the Church

Traditionally the church is divided into the Clergy and the Laity

1Peter 2:9 and Revelations 1:6 tells us that all believers are a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. All believers are priests unto God

Biblical Leadership of the local church consists of Elders and Deacons

Elders:

Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders (Presbyters) of the church.

Act 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (Bishops), to feed (Pastor) the church of God which He has purchased with His own blood.

They were plural. Their designation was Elders. Their office was that of a Bishop and their work was to Pastor the church, just as we say the Prime Minister (Designation) is the Head of State (Office) and he governs (Work) the nation.

Deacons:

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.

Acts 6:2 And the Twelve called near the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not pleasing to us, leaving the Word of God, to serve tables.

Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, look out among you seven men being witnessed to, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this duty.

Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.

Romans 16:1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea

Women Deaconesses were there. But we do not read in the New Testament of Women Elders.

Church Government

In the New Testament we find full independence of the Local Churches and voluntary fellowship and consultation among Churches with no clear hierarchy.

Acts 15:1 And certain ones who came down from Judea taught the brothers, saying, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.

Acts 15:2 Therefore dissension and not a little disputation occurring by Paul and Barnabas, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things

Activities of the Church

Acts 2:42 And they were continuing steadfastly in the (1) apostles' doctrine, and in (2) fellowship and in the (3) breaking of the loaves, and in (4) prayers.

From the New Testament we also see that (5) evangelism and (6) missions were also an inseparable and ongoing activity of the church. There was also (7) care for the poor and the widows

Functioning of the Church

Ephesians 4:11 to 16: And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

4:13 And this until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

4:14 so that we no longer may be infants, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, in the dishonesty of men, in cunning craftiness, to the wiles of deceit.

4:15 But that you, speaking the truth in love, may in all things grow up to Him who is the Head, even Christ;

4:16 from whom the whole body, fitted together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of each part, producing the growth of the body to the edifying of itself in love.

Conclusion

In the divine design for believers and as part of the light yoke (Mathew 11: 28-30) that Jesus Christ has invited us to, it is mandatory for all believers to be faithfully and regularly part of a local church. There we must be subject to its leadership and remain accountable for our own spiritual well being. Finding a good church is not easy. The local church consists of born again believers who are far from perfect and so we will surely never find a perfect local church. Just because we can’t find a perfect local church should not make us settle for nothing. We should diligently search and find a substantially good one. A good local church should primarily consist of genuinely Born Again and committed believers who adhere to the Apostles Doctrine, the ordinances of baptism and the Lords Table. It should be a community of believers where the spiritual, emotional, social and as needed physical needs of the members are taken care of. The Church should be a place where there is opportunity to exercise ones gifts, to grow in maturity and to find honest answers to honest questions. Evangelism and missions should be the heartbeat of the church. The poor and the marginalized should be cared for.

Tongues: A study of 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14

My thoughts are given in bold italics after the relevant verses:

1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I would not have you ignorant.

Ignorance on these issues is not recommended.

1Co 12:2 You know that being led away, you nations were led to dumb idols.
1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says Jesus a curse, and that no one can say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.

1Co 12:4 But there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5 And there are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are differences of workings, but it is the same God working all things in all.

Recognise differences in gifts, ministry and workings.

1Co 12:7 But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit.

The end result is our profit.

1Co 12:8 For through the Spirit is given to one a (1) word of wisdom; and to another a (2) word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
1Co 12:9 and to another (3) faith by the same Spirit; and to another the gifts of (4) healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:10 and to another (5) workings of powers, to another (6) prophecy; and to another (7) discerning of spirits; and to another kinds of (8) tongues; and to another the (9) interpretation of tongues.
1Co 12:11 But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He desires.

It is the Holy Spirit who decides who should get what gift.

1Co 12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For also by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free, even all were made to drink into one Spirit.

Whatever be the gift we have received, we are all baptised. Tongues is not singled out as the one and only visible evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

1Co 12:27 And you are the body of Christ, and members in part.
1Co 12:28 And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of power?
1Co 12:30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak languages? Do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But zealously strive after the better gifts. And yet I show to you a more excellent way.

We have been exhorted to zealously strive after the better gifts. How shall be recognise the better gifts from the context?

Rank 1, 2 and 3 are given to Apostles, Prophets, Teachers
Tongues comes last in the rank list.

1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.

Some argue from this verse that there are two kinds of tongues, but that doesn’t seem to be the purpose of Paul’s statement.

1Co 13:8 Charity never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be abolished; if tongues, they shall cease; if knowledge, it will be abolished.
1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10 But when the perfect thing comes, then that which is in part will be caused to cease.

Some usually teach that the PERFECT refers to is the Word of God – the completion of the Canon (The Bible). They claim that the word ‘perfect’ in the original language is feminine and therefore cannot refer to Christ. But Charles Ryrie who is generally held in high esteem among those who teach that tongues have ceased, says the ‘perfect’ is a reference to the event of Christ’s second coming.

1Co 13:11 When I was an infant, I spoke as an infant, I thought as an infant, I reasoned as an infant. But when I became a man, I did away with the things of an infant.

Speaking in tongues is equated with infancy and not with maturity. Today, however, in the tongues speaking communities, those who have the gift of tongues are considered higher than those who don’t.

1Co 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.

This happens when Jesus Christ comes back: 1John 3:2 ‘Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He shall be revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.’

Now I know in part, but then I shall fully know even as I also am fully known.

This too is something that happens at the 2nd coming and not when the completed Scripture was available to the Church.

1Co 13:13 And now faith, hope, charity, these three remain; but the greatest of these is charity.

Those who claim that tongues have already ceased will say: When Christ is come we do not need faith or hope any longer. But the English Bible says, faith and hope is for the NOW. It is not a reference to what happens THEN.

1Co 14:1 Follow after charity and desire spiritual things, but rather that you may prophesy.
1Co 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. For no one hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries.

The one who speaks in tongues speaks to God and not to man.

1Co 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for building up, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4 The one speaking in a tongue builds himself up, but he prophesying builds up a church.

Tongues results in personal edification

1Co 14:5 I wish all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you may prophesy; for greater is he prophesying than he speaking in tongues, unless he interpret so that the church may receive building up.

The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless the tongues in interpreted

1Co 14:6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you, except I speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?
1Co 14:7 Yet lifeless things giving a sound, whether flute or harp, if they do not give a distinction in the sound, how will it be known what is being piped or harped?
1Co 14:8 For also if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle?
1Co 14:9 So also you, if you do not give a clear word through the language, how will it be known what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air.

The whole value of speaking in tongues in public is being questioned and not elevated.

1Co 14:10 So it may be many kinds of sounds are in the world, and not one is without a distinct sound.
1Co 14:11 Therefore if I do not know the power of the sound, I will be a foreigner to him speaking, and he speaking will be a foreigner to me.
1Co 14:12 Even so you, since you are zealots of spiritual things, seek to build up the church, in order that you may abound
1Co 14:13 So then he speaking in a language, let him pray that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
1Co 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the mind; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the mind.

I may speak to God in tongues but to men with a language that man would understand.

1Co 14:16 Else, if you bless in the spirit, he occupying the place of the unlearned, how will he say the amen at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you say?

We cannot say ‘Amen’ to a prayer made publicly in tongues.

1Co 14:17 For you truly give thanks well, but the other is not built up.
1Co 14:18 I thank my God that I speak more languages than all of you;
1Co 14:19 yet in a church I desire to speak five words with my mind, so that I might also teach others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Paul spoke in tongues more than anyone else, but he says, IN THE CHURCH, he would rather speak just 5 words with his mind than 10,000 words in tongues.

1Co 14:20 Brothers, do not be children in your minds, but in malice be like infants, and in your minds be mature.

Paul exhorts us to come out of our infancy and to be mature in our minds.

1Co 14:21 In the Law it is written, "By other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people, and even so they will not hear Me, says the Lord."
1Co 14:22 So that tongues are not a sign to those who believe, but to those who do not believe. But prophesying is not to those who do not believe, but to those who believe.

The whole purpose of tongues was evangelism. This is exactly what happened on the Day of Pentecost. Many heard the gospel in their own language spoken by those who did not know that language. So I find it difficult to agree that the tongues spoken in Acts of the Apostles is different from the tongues in Corinth.

1Co 14:23 Therefore if the whole church has come together, and all speak in languages, and if uninstructed ones or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you rave?

When all speak in tongues it is nothing but madness for the uninformed (believers who cannot understand that these tongues speaking is unto the LORD) or unbelievers.

1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and some unbeliever or one not instructed comes, he is convicted by all, he is judged by all.
1Co 14:25 And so the secrets of his heart become revealed. And so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Prophesy that reveals hearts is a powerful proof to the unbeliever.

1Co 14:26 Then how is it, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be for building up.

Rules for the Public Use of Tongues:

1Co 14:27 If one speaks in a language, let it be by two, or at the most three, and in succession. And let one interpret.

(1) Two or at the most three may speak
(2) Each in turn – not all together
(3) There should be interpretation

1Co 14:28 But if there is no interpreter, let him be silent in a church; and let him speak to himself and to God.

(4) If there is no interpretation, let the one who speaks in tongues remain audibly silent in the church and let the tongues speaking be between him and God

In all my over 30 years of having been a believer, I have never personally witnessed tongues being spoken in public following these rules and I fail to understand how one who is filled with the Holy Spirit will act against the clearly defined parameters inspired by the same Holy Spirit.

There are rules for Prophecy also:

1Co 14:29 And if there are two or three prophets, let them speak, and let the others judge.
1Co 14:30 If a revelation is revealed to another sitting by, let the first be silent.
1Co 14:31 For you may all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be comforted.
1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

There is no ground for confusion to prevail.

1Co 14:34 Let your women be silent in the churches; for it is not permitted to them to speak, but to be in subjection, as the Law also says.

Whatever be the interpretation of the silence here, my observation has been that in charismatic or Pentecostal gatherings, it is the women who speak in tongues more than men.

1Co 14:35 And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for a woman to speak in a church.
1Co 14:36 Or did the Word of God go out from you? Or did it reach only to you?

1Co 14:37 If anyone thinks to be a prophet, or a spiritual one, let him recognize the things I write to you, that they are a commandment of the Lord.

Paul asks us to consider these recommendations as the commandment of the Lord. Doing so, according to him, is a mark of spirituality.

1Co 14:38 But if any is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

In spite of all this teaching, some will still persist to be ignorant. You can’t help it.

1Co 14:39 So then, brothers, seek to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in languages.
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

I will not forbid the speaking of tongues in public provided it abides by the rules set by the Holy Spirit for the public use of tongues.
These rules do not apply for the non-public use of tongues for personal edification.