Scripture Verse
How to worship from Gods Word!
About Us
Intro
Is there a Biblical Pattern we follow?
Who has the final say in what we do?
How do we worship?
Why do we gather together?
How should the Lord's supper be handled?
Who should run the worship meeting?
What about baptism?
Who are the "leaders" of the assembly?
What are the roles of men and women in the assembly?
Why do women wear a head covering?
How is membership handled?
Let us take a moment to explain who we are, what we do, and most importantly why we do it.
One of the greatest blessings on earth is to gather with others who take God and His Word seriously, We are a group of Christians saved by grace through faith in Christ and His finished work.
Eph 2:8 For by grace
are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift
of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
We meet simply around the Lord Jesus and seek to follow the pattern given in the New Testament. We believe that the church is God's idea, and that meeting with a fellowship of believers was ordained from the beginning.
Act 2:41 Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
[unto them] about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The "church" is NOT this or any building, This building we're in is where the church meets. According to the Bible, a church is a group of Christians called to and gathered to His name.
Our Lord Himself first spoke of the church when He declared that He was its builder and would establish it on a sure foundation.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock[Himself] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
He also spoke first concerning the local gatherings of believers.
Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
There may be some things about a local church like this that would be different to you. We would appreciate a few moments to explain why and how we meet. There is no division between "clergy" and "laity" in our meetings, because there is no such division in the New Testament. We want to gather simply as Christ's ones in His name, recognizing no names that would divide God's people. To be gathered in His name is to meet by His authority, submitting to His Lordship, and following His Word. Back to top
If you suggested changing any other doctrine - salvation by faith in Christ, the deity of the Lord Jesus, or the inspiration of Scripture - it would invite strong reaction from Bible-believing churches. We also use the Bible as the sole foundation for how we conduct our meetings, adding nothing to it and taking nothing away.
From the beginning, there was only one gathering, the local church. The apostle Paul stated;
1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
The local church, pictured as the house of God, is most precious to God and therefore, we are moved to follow God's pattern and no other pattern in the practices of the church. Back to top
The Bible is the final authority.
We believe firmly in the historic doctrines of the apostles as found in the New Testament. We find the Word of God to be the only infallible statement of Christian faith and practice.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The Scriptures should be appealed to directly to settle all disputes, give directives to the assembly, and provide the basis for all public and private ministry. Back to top
God desires those who worship Him in spirit and in truth.
By this, the Bible refers to people who, believing the Gospel, have experienced the miracle of new birth, and know themselves to be "children of God by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ".
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
A person who has had this change could tell of a time when they realized that they were a sinner who could do nothing to save him or herself, and then realized for the first time that Jesus did the work for them on the cross. Back to top
Christ Is the gathering center.
A local church is a gathering of like-minded believers, whose desire is to have fellowship with Christ. "Truly our fellowship," said John, "is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1,3).
1Jo 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Matthew 18:20 states:
Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
God the Son, Jesus Christ, is the focus of attention each and every Lord's day. In our prayers, songs, and words of exhortation, His name is always to be found. We want to recognize His headship in our assembly practically.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
We believe He deserves this, for it is His church.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;Back to top
The Lord's Supper occupies a central place.
As the early Christians did, we come together on the first day of each week to "break bread" (Acts 2:42;20:7).
Act 2:42 And they continued
stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of
bread, and in prayers.
Act 20:7 And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came
together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the
morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
Being a divine appointment, we never relegate it to a secondary place, or treat it as a matter of occasional obedience. It is to be a time of calling our Lord to mind and declaring His death for us. It is observed not as a sacrament administered by a clergyman, but celebrated as described in 1 Corinthians 11.
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers
of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
1Co 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things,
and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.
1Co 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ;
and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.
1Co 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered,
dishonoureth his head.
1Co 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered
dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1Co 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if
it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
1Co 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover [his] head, forasmuch as
he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
1Co 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
1Co 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for
the man.
1Co 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because
of the angels.
1Co 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the
woman without the man, in the Lord.
1Co 11:12 For as the woman [is] of the man, even so [is] the man also
by the woman; but all things of God.
1Co 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God
uncovered?
1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long
hair, it is a shame unto him?
1Co 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her]
hair is given her for a covering.
1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom,
neither the churches of God.
1Co 11:17 Now in this that I declare [unto you] I praise [you] not, that
ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
1Co 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear
that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
1Co 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are
approved may be made manifest among you.
1Co 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, [this] is not
to eat the Lord's supper.
1Co 11:21 For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper:
and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
1Co 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise
ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to
you? shall I praise you in this? I praise [you] not.
1Co 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered
unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed
took bread:
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take,
eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance
of me.
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped,
saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft
as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do
shew the Lord's death till he come.
1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup
of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the
Lord.
1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that]
bread, and drink of [that] cup.
1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
1Co 11:30 For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many
sleep.
1Co 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we
should not be condemned with the world.
1Co 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry
one for another.
1Co 11:34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not
together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
The prime purpose of this time is not to minister to the saints, as in other meetings of the church, but to minister to the heart of God through appropriate reading of Scriptures, worshipful hymns, and prayers expressing to God the worthiness of our Savior. Back to top
The word "baptism" is the English form of the Greek word "baptizo," which means to submerse or immerse. All Christians in New Testament times were baptized after they converted to Christ and before taking their place in a local church.
Act 2:41 Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
[unto them] about three thousand souls.
Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning
the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,
both men and women.
Christ had commanded that this should be done.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
The same pattern is observed by scriptural assemblies today. Converts should be taught that baptism is the symbol of their being buried with Christ, and rising (as He rose) to walk "in newness of life." Back to top
The Holy Spirit Is the "conductor."
We seek not only to be a Bible-believing church but also a Bible-obeying church. It is of the utmost importance that the Holy Spirit be given His place in the local assembly. His power is the only power for worship, ministry, or evangelism. It is easy to displace Him by substituting human arrangements. We do not have one man presiding as minister or pastor, with activities under his control. Each and every man in the fellowship is permitted to bring something to the meeting as He feels moved to do so, for it is the Spirit who is to direct the saints in their meetings, and He does so by choosing whom He will. (1 Corinthians 12& 14). Back to top
1Co 12:1 Now concerning
spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1Co 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols,
even as ye were led.
1Co 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the
Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus
is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God
which worketh all in all.
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to
profit withal.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another
the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of
healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to
another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to
another the interpretation of tongues:
1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing
to every man severally as he will.
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members
of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether
[we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been
all made to drink into one Spirit.
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of
the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not
of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If
the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling?
1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body,
as it hath pleased him.
1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where [were] the body?
1Co 12:20 But now [are they] many members, yet but one body.
1Co 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee:
nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1Co 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more
feeble, are necessary:
1Co 12:23 And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable,
upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have
more abundant comeliness.
1Co 12:24 For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the
body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which
lacked:
1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members
should have the same care one for another.
1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it;
or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings,
helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1Co 12:29 [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers?
[are] all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do
all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you
a more excellent way.
1Co 14:1 Follow after
charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.
1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto
men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit
he speaketh mysteries.
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and
exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but
he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1Co 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied:
for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues,
except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1Co 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what
shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation,
or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1Co 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp,
except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what
is piped or harped?
1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare
himself to the battle?
1Co 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be
understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into
the air.
1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world,
and none of them [is] without signification.
1Co 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be
unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a
barbarian unto me.
1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts],
seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray
that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but
my understanding is unfruitful.
1Co 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray
with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing
with the understanding also.
1Co 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks,
seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
1Co 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
1Co 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
1Co 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,
that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words
in an [unknown] tongue.
1Co 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice
be ye children, but in understanding be men.
1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other
lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not
hear me, saith the Lord.
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe,
but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that
believe not, but for them which believe.
1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place,
and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned,
or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not,
or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1Co 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so
falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is
in you of a truth.
1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of
you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath
an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two,
or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the
church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1Co 14:30 If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the
first hold his peace.
1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, 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.
1Co 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted
unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as
also saith the law.
1Co 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands
at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
1Co 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you
only?
1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let
him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments
of the Lord.
1Co 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak
with tongues.
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Elders are given the responsibility of guiding the assembly.
From Acts 20:17-38.
Act 20:17 And from Miletus
he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Act 20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know,
from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been
with you at all seasons,
Act 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears,
and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
Act 20:20 [And] how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you],
but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to
house,
Act 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance
toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Act 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not
knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Act 20:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that
bonds and afflictions abide me.
Act 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear
unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry,
which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the
grace of God.
Act 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone
preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Act 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from
the blood of all [men].
Act 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of
God.
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over
the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of
God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves
enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things,
to draw away disciples after them.
Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years
I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Act 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of
his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified.
Act 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
Act 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto
my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Act 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought
to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how
he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Act 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with
them all.
Act 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed
him,
Act 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they
should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
The terms "elders" (v. 17) and"overseers" (v. 28) are used of the same individuals and are applied to those who "take heed to the flock (v. 28). In other words, elders, overseers (or bishops), and pastors (or shepherds) are all describing the same workers in the church. Elder emphasizes their maturity; overseer emphasizes their responsibility; shepherd emphasizes their ministry - to heed, lead, and feed the local flock. These men (always used in the plural) are to fulfill the qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Back to top
1Ti 3:1 This [is] a
true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good
work.
1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but
patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection
with all gravity;
1Ti 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he
take care of the church of God?)
1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the
condemnation of the devil.
1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without;
lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1Ti 3:8 Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not
given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1Ti 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1Ti 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office
of a deacon, being [found] blameless.
1Ti 3:11 Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers, sober,
faithful in all things.
1Ti 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children
and their own houses well.
1Ti 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase
to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is
in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest
to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God
was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached
unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant
of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's
elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised
before the world began;
Tit 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which
is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
Tit 1:4 To Titus, [mine] own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy,
[and] peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Tit 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in
order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as
I had appointed thee:
Tit 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful
children not accused of riot or unruly.
Tit 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Tit 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just,
holy, temperate;
Tit 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he
may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Tit 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially
they of the circumcision:
Tit 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching
things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
Tit 1:12 One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians
[are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
Tit 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they
may be sound in the faith;
Tit 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that
turn from the truth.
Tit 1:15 Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled
and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience
is defiled.
Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him],
being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Men and women? Same value; distinct
roles.
The work of Christ removes all human distinctions of privilege. All believers, male or female, are priests to God. As holy and royal priests
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as
lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to
offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him
who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
we can worship and witness
all we desire.
But as in the home, men and women are given distinct roles in the church.
Church order, like chronological or alphabetical order, has nothing to
do with importance.
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Men are to come to church meetings prepared to function publicly as they feel moved, carefully representing God to the assembly in the ministry of the Word or representing the assembly to God in prayer and praise. No one is pressured to do this against his will, but all are encouraged to do so. The women are free to speak to the Lord all they wish; however, they must do it silently. God hears them just as He does the men who are praying silently. Thus women have free access to pray and worship as the men do, but are not to usurp authority from the men or act in the church as a representative. Back to top
1Co 14:34 Let your women
keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak;
but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over
the man, but to be in silence.
Why do the women wear a head covering?
An order of headship (not value or quality) was established when God made the original couple. That was destroyed when mankind sinned and the woman began to desire to control or be over her husband. But God's order hasn't changed and it is divinely reestablished in the church. Man is the visible representative of God and therefore, he is not to wear a covering on his head. The woman, however, is the glory of the man (1 Corinthians 11:7) and therefore must be covered.
1Co 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover [his] head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
It is God's glory alone that should be seen when the assembly gathers together for a service. Some would like to say that the woman's long hair - her glory - is the covering. The original language makes it clear there are two coverings in 1 Corinthians 11.
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers
of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
1Co 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things,
and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.
1Co 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ;
and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.
1Co 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered,
dishonoureth his head.
1Co 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered
dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1Co 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn:
but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
1Co 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover [his] head, forasmuch as
he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
1Co 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
1Co 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for
the man.
1Co 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because
of the angels.
1Co 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the
woman without the man, in the Lord.
1Co 11:12 For as the woman [is] of the man, even so [is] the man also
by the woman; but all things of God.
1Co 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God
uncovered?
1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long
hair, it is a shame unto him?
1Co 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her]
hair is given her for a covering.
1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom,
neither the churches of God.
1Co 11:17 Now in this that I declare [unto you] I praise [you] not, that
ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
1Co 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear
that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
1Co 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are
approved may be made manifest among you.
1Co 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, [this] is not
to eat the Lord's supper.
1Co 11:21 For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper:
and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
1Co 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise
ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to
you? shall I praise you in this? I praise [you] not.
1Co 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered
unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed
took bread:
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take,
eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance
of me.
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped,
saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft
as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do
shew the Lord's death till he come.
1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup
of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the
Lord.
1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that]
bread, and drink of [that] cup.
1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
1Co 11:30 For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many
sleep.
1Co 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we
should not be condemned with the world.
1Co 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry
one for another.
1Co 11:34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not
together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
SideNote: (According to Vincents word studies, Robertsons word pictures, ) The testimonies of Tertullian and Chrysostom show that these injunctions of Paul prevailed in the churches. In the sculptures of the catacombs the women have a close-fitting head-dress, while the men have the hair short.
In this way, God's order is displayed in the church. It is most interesting as well to notice that the angels are instructed as they look on the gatherings of the church and see God's order in place as He originally intended it to be. Back to top
1Co 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
Strictly speaking, the only church membership spoken about in the New Testament refers to the act of placing a new believer into the Body of Christ. This happens the moment one is saved
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
and every believer everywhere is part of that body.
The local gathering of believers is also viewed as a "body" but there are features unique to the local church. The whole local assembly receives to its fellowship those that have been saved or born again, baptized, and who desire to live a life for God's glory. Being received into this fellowship means you are ready to embrace the privileges of the local church and willing to accept your responsibilities with us. These include regular attendance at the meetings of the church, the exercise of your gift for the up-building of others, submitting to one another, especially in obedience to the elders,
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
and sharing as the Lord enables you in the financial needs of the assembly as an act of worship. We will not ask for any money of those who are visiting us, we strongly desire their presence alone among us!
You may have other questions and we want you to feel free to ask those questions of any of the members of the assembly! Back to top