HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

CHURCH: There is a pillar and ground of truth. (1 Tim. 3:15). But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth (John 16:13; 14:26) "I am the way and the truth and the life" (14:6). And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world (Matt. 28:20).

ONE: One body and one spirit... one L-d, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4). Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We also (John 17:11) I beseech you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may all speak the same thing, that there be no division among you, but that you may be united, that you may be in one spirit and in one mind (1 Corinthians 1:10).

INVINCIBLE: A wise man built his house on a rock. And the rain fell, and the rivers overflowed, and the winds blew, and rushed upon that house, but it did not fall, because it was founded on a rock. (Matt. 7:2425). On this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (16:18). How can anyone enter the house of a strong man and plunder his belongings, unless he first binds the strong? And then he will plunder his house. (12:29). The Church is the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15), and Christ is as the Son in His house; but we are His house (B. 3:6).

CONTINUOUS: And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). Glory to God in the Church in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, from everlasting to everlasting (Ephesians 3:21).

UNDISGUISED: A city that stands on the top of a mountain cannot be hid (Matt. 5:14). Is a candle brought in order to put it under a vessel or under a bed? Is it not to put it on a candlestick? (Mark 4:21).

WE REMEMBER OUR OWN: In eternal remembrance there shall be a righteous man (Psalm 111:6). The memory of the righteous shall be blessed (Proverbs 10:7). Remember your leaders who preached the word of God to you, and considering the end of their lives, imitate their faith (Heb. 13:7).

PRIESTHOOD

SUCCESSION: Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which is given to you... with the laying on of hands of the priesthood (of the New Testament!) (1 Tnm. 4:14). For this reason I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through my ordination (2 Tim. 1:6). And having ordained to them presbyters for each church (Diary 14:23; 6:6). Simon, seeing that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles, brought them money (8:18). The Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the Church (26:28). The successors of the apostles also ordained: "For this reason I left thee in Crete, that thou mayest complete what was unfinished, and appoint presbyters in all the cities" (Tnt. 1:5). Do not lay your hands on anyone hastily (1 Tnm. 5:22).

UNWORTHY PASTORS: Therefore, whatever they command anyone to observe, observe and do, but do not do according to their works (Matt. 23:3). If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8; James 3:2).

Jacob blessed his sons with his hand (Gen. 48:14). And Aaron lifted up his hands, turning to the people, and blessed them (Lev. 9:22). The same is true of Moses (Deut. 34:9). Christ, having lifted up His hands, blessed them (the Apostles) (Luke 24:50). And having embraced them, He laid His hands on them, and blessed them (the children) (Mark 10:16).

HONOR: It is worthy of the superior elders to be given special honor, especially to those who labor in word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17). We beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you, and your leaders in the Lord, and those who admonish you, and to honor them primarily with love for their work (Thess. 5:12-13). Obey your leaders and be obedient, for they are vigilant over your souls (Heb. 13:17).

TO EAT FROM THE ALTAR: The authority of the apostles is equal to that of the high priest, but to Aaron the Lord said: "All the firstfruits of their land that they bring to the Lord, let them be yours" (Num. 18:13). If we have sown spiritual things in you, is it great if we reap from you bodily things? If others have power with you, are we not more so?... Do you not know that the priests are nourished from the sanctuary? That those who serve the altar take a portion of the altar? Thus the Lord commanded those who preach the Gospel to live by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:11; 13-14). Or... We don't have the power not to work? What warrior ever serves on his pay? Who, having planted a vineyard, does not eat of its fruit? Who, tending the flock, does not eat the milk of the flock? (6-7). Stay in that house, eat and drink what they have, for the laborer is worthy of the reward of his labors... and if you come to any city and receive you, eat what is offered to you (Luke 10:7-8). He who is instructed by the word, share all good things with him who instructs (Gal. 6:6). The wives served Christ with their possessions (Luke 8:3). To the other churches I have caused expenses, receiving from them an allowance for the service of you... my deficiency was made up by the brethren who came from Macedonia (2 Corinthians 11:8-9). Other places: 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 9:4,12; Phil. 4:10,14-18; Matthew 10:10