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THE CONSTITUTION OF TRINITY REFORMED ARTICLE The name of this
nonprofit organization and church shall be Trinity Reformed ARTICLE II. PURPOSE The purpose of
this church shall be: A. To glorify God
by providing a place for the corporate worship of God in praise, prayer, and
in proclaiming the sixty-six (66) books of the Holy Bible as God's complete
revelation to man. B. To glorify God
by proclaiming the holy triune God of the Bible as the eternal, immutable,
infinite, all-powerful, all-present, all-knowing Creator and sovereign LORD;
and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the only virgin born Savior of sinners; and the
Holy Spirit as the divine Person of the Godhead who convicts and convinces
men of sin, righteousness and judgment. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are
not three separate Gods, but three persons of the Godhead. There is only one
true and living God. C. To glorify God
by building up, strengthening, confirming and equipping in the faith those
who are saved. D. To glorify God
by earnestly endeavoring to win others to Christ through biblical New
Testament evangelism, missions and church planting, bidding sinners, as did
our forefathers, to "Come and welcome to Jesus Christ." E. To glorify God
by calling for holiness of life by turning from sin and worldliness; to warn
against "another gospel"; to expose and condemn the errors of
anything which is contrary to sound doctrine and practice. F. To glorify God
by being exemplary citizens and obeying the laws of this land and its civil
authorities insofar as they are not contrary to the Word of God, the Holy
Bible. While we will "render unto Caesar the things that are
Caesar's"; we will "render unto God the things that are God's"
(Matthew
22:21) by remaining separate from the dictates and domination of the
government and state. This church shall also remain independent of any
denominational control. G. To glorify
God, (if led by His providence), by establishing an institution in which to
educate our children and the children of others in a Christian environment
that would be biblically sound and academically solid. ARTICLE III. CONFESSION OF FAITH The Holy Bible is
the final and only authority in all matters of faith and practice. We accept
and adopt the As an addendum to
the Confession, we believe that in this age the work of the Holy Spirit is to
glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, to convict men of sin, righteousness and
judgment; to regenerate sinners; and to indwell, seal, lead, instruct and
empower every believer for godly living and service. We also believe that
while the Holy Spirit gives each Christian spiritual abilities or gifts for
service, there were temporary foundational and confirmatory sign gifts of the
early church which have passed away and are not being given by Him today.
These temporary foundational and confirmatory sign gifts are: the gifts of
apostles, prophets (prophecy), healing, miracles, faith (which is different
from saving faith), a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom, discerning of
spirits, tongues and interpretation of tongues. The ceasing and passing away
of the sign gifts was brought about by the completion and canonization of the
New Testament which with the Old Testament constitutes the perfect and
all-sufficient Word of God (John 16:7-13,
14:17; Ephesians
1:13; I Corinthians
12:1-3, 13:8-10;
Ephesians
4:1-16 ). ARTICLE IV. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP A. Any person who
professes repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, who
has been immersed (baptized) upon profession of his faith, and who has read
and expresses agreement with the Confession of Faith and the Constitution of
this church shall be eligible for membership. Although not every person will
adhere strictly to every minor point in the Confession, we believe that the
Confession most correctly expresses the essentials and specifics of our faith
and is to be received by all who come into membership. B. Requests for
membership shall be made to the Elders. Any person who meets the above
mentioned requirements shall complete an application form for membership and
submit it to the Elders. Upon receiving the application form for membership,
the Elders shall announce to the congregation the applicant's desire to join
this church. It shall then be the responsibility of the membership to become
well acquainted with the applicant. Once this is done, the applicant shall
meet with the Elders in order that they may ascertain his or her Christian
experience, doctrinal beliefs, and serious intent to wholeheartedly support
the total ministry of this church. C. All members eighteen years or older in good standing shall be eligible to vote. D. When the
Elders are satisfied that the applicant has met the above requirements for
membership, the applicant shall be brought before the congregation at a
regular Sunday meeting and shall be asked publicly, in the presence of God
and the congregation, the following questions:
If each answer is
affirmative, the congregation shall then receive the applicant into
membership by a majority vote of the members present and voting. With these
questions the applicant covenants to be subject to the government and
discipline of this church, under the Lord Jesus Christ and His infallible
Word. E. Any person who
is a member in good standing in a church of like faith and practice can
become an associate member. Eligible candidates include students and business
people who are temporarily transferred into our area. Other candidates may be
determined by the Elders. Candidates must provide a letter of recommendation
and approval from their home Church. They shall be subject to the government
and discipline of this church. As associate members they shall possess all
the rights and privileges of membership like the regular members of this
church, except that they will not be able to vote in church affairs. Once
their business is completed and they leave this area, their associate
membership is dissolved. No formal resignation will be required. F. Members are not to absent
themselves from the Lord’s Day prayer and worship services, unless when
providentially hindered, or for other exceptional reasons that fall within
the Biblical guidelines expressed in our confession (viz., LBCF of 1689,
Chapter 22, Paragraph 8). (Hebrews
10:25) G. The following
shall be expected of all members: to seek to engage in the daily reading of
the Bible, and in private and family prayers; to endeavor to tithe and give
systematically toward the financial support of this church as the Lord has
prospered them; and to engage in some form of Christian service in connection
with this church (Romans
12:1-8; I Peter
4:7-11 ). H. A member
desiring to transfer membership to another biblical church shall request a
letter of dismissal from the Elders. Such letter shall be granted provided
the member is in good standing and is not subject to or under discipline at
the time of the request. When such letter is granted, membership in this
church shall be considered terminated. Anyone leaving the membership of this
church shall provide a written explanation concerning his or her reason for
leaving or by verbally notifying the Elders, who in turn shall make this
known to the congregation. I. Any member
finding that he or she is unable to subscribe to the Confession and
Constitution of this church must inform the Elders. The Elders will confer
with the member to see what the problem may be and will then take proper
scriptural action. ARTICLE V. CHURCH DISCIPLINE A. Following the
biblical injunctions, this church will seek to faithfully practice church
discipline. Church discipline is one of the marks of a New Testament church.
The Word of God is full of injunctions concerning the right and duty of the
church to implement discipline. The lack of discipline hinders the blessing
of God, causes the church to become odious to the unbelieving, cools the
affections of the saints toward their brethren and dulls the effect of the
gospel in the world. Church discipline always aims for the glory of God, the
welfare and purity of the church, and the restoration and spiritual growth of
the offender. B. In cases of
actual or presumed private offense between members, including church
officers, it is required that the rule prescribed by Christ in Matthew
18:15-17 be faithfully observed. In cases of persons holding false
doctrine, or who openly persist in violating biblical separation (I John
2:15-17; Romans
12:1,2; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1 ), or who live in violation of the law or
public morals; or who walk disorderly; or who persist in disturbing the unity
and peace of this church, it is the duty of the church to exercise discipline
according to the Scriptures (II
Thessalonians 3:6,11,14,15; Titus
3:10,11; I
Corinthians 5:1; Romans 16:17
). C. Formative
church discipline is the church edifying and disciplining itself in love. It
is the sanctifying mutual ministry and influence of each member to one
another, both private and public (Romans
12:3-8; I
Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians
4:7-16; I
Thessalonians 5:11-14; I Peter
4:10,11 ). This is done by the use of and submission to the gifts of
those both old and young, office bearer and member, which Christ graciously
gives to it. If formative church discipline is well understood and practiced,
and every member is satisfied with his God appointed place, all shall live to
the glory of God and grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Regretfully, the failure of formative discipline leads to the necessity of
corrective church discipline. D. Corrective
church discipline has several facets. One facet is removal. Any member not
attending the stated meetings for a six (6) week period, unless
providentially hindered, may be removed from the membership of this church
and shall lose the privileges thereof. There will be pastoral interaction
before this takes place. In order to re-enter the membership of this body of
Christ, the individual must go through the steps defined in sections
"B" and "C" of this Article (IV). E. Public
censure, which is a public admonition, reproof or rebuke of a sinning member,
is to let the congregation know that the erring member is contrary to the
Scripture, in word and/or deed. Censure is determined by the severity and
openness of the sin and shall be administered by the Elders (Galatians
2:14; Ephesians
5:11; I
Timothy 5:20; II Timothy
4:2; Titus
1:9,13 & 2:15 ). This results in the loss of the privilege of the
Lord's Supper, and involvement in church business meetings. F. If public
censure, and the above mentioned aspects of corrective discipline fail, the
congregation shall have a right to cut off or excommunicate from membership
such persons by an affirmative majority vote of the members present and
voting (Matthew
18:17; I
Corinthians 5:1-13 ). Persons who have been cut off or excommunicated
from membership may be restored to membership after satisfactory evidence has
been given of genuine repentance (II
Corinthians 2:6-8, 7:10,11
). The aim of discipline having been accomplished, the congregation shall
have a right to restore the penitent person to full membership by an
affirmative majority vote of the members present and voting. ARTICLE VI. CHURCH GOVERNMENT A. The Lord Jesus
Christ alone is The Supreme Head of this church. Following His direction and
guidance, this church under- takes to manage its own affairs under the
government and rule of the inerrant Word of God alone. It is particularly
guided by the practices of the churches of the New Testament and under the
oversight of God appointed Elders (Acts 14:23
). B. Jesus Christ
has ordained, according to the Holy Bible, that His local churches should be
blessed with the spiritual rule and ministry of Elders and the supportive
ministry of Deacons. The congregation shall seek to identify these gifted men
and make nominations to the Eldership. Upon the unanimous approval and
recommendation of the Elders, they shall be formally recognized as such by a
majority vote of the members present and voting. C. A short time
after the congregational vote, a special portion of a regular Lord's Day
worship service shall be allotted in which the officer bearers shall be
ordained and set apart by laying on of hands and prayer. Also according to
Scripture, the ordination of Elders shall be preceded by a period of fasting,
after which the church shall submit to the Elders' rule and ministry (Acts 14:23;
Hebrews
13:17; I
Thessalonians 5:12,13 ). D. The Elders
shall have general oversight of all the church, its ministry and functions.
They are responsible for the spiritual ministration and rule of the church,
for the implementation of church discipline, and for watching over the souls
of the members. All Elders must discharge their duties as set forth in Acts
20:28-30, I Peter
5:1-4, and Hebrews
13:7,17 . Anyone desiring the office of an Elder must evidence the
personal, domestic and ministerial qualifications as set forth in the
Scriptures (I Timothy
3:1-7, Titus
1:5-9 ). While every Elder bears spiritual rule and must be "apt to
teach", some will be more exclusively engaged in the details of ruling,
rather than teaching (I Timothy
5:17 ). If at any time any Elder is not able to conscientiously affirm
his complete agreement with the Confession and Constitution of this church he
must make this known to the church. E. All Elders are
Pastors and are equal in power, authority and rule. As such, all Elders can be
and should be called Pastors. Within the parity of the eldership there is
diversity. Thus, some Elders are specifically set apart for prayer and
ministry of the Word and shall, as far as possible, be adequately maintained
in material necessities by the church so as to be disentangled from the cares
of a secular calling. Such a Pastor, being by scriptural teaching, a teaching
ruling Elder, must likewise evidence the personal, domestic, and ministerial
qualifications as set forth in I Timothy
3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9
. Anyone called to this office must be able to conscientiously affirm his
complete agreement with the Confession and Constitution of this church. If at
any time he cannot do so, he must make this known to his fellow Elders, and
if he is the only Elder, then he must make this known to the church. F. The Deacons
are responsible for the business and other practical affairs of the church,
which affairs are to be administered with spiritual grace and in subjection
to the Eldership. Deacons must evidence the qualifications of the office as
set forth in I Timothy
3:8-13 . The Diaconate shall have the authority to dispense discretionary
funds as specified by the Elders. Any unscheduled funds distributed by the
Deacons must be reported to the Elders within 48 hours. Anyone called to this
office must be able to conscientiously affirm his complete agreement with the
Confession and Constitution of this church. If at any time he cannot do so,
he must make this known to the Elders, and if no Elders exist, then he must
make this known to the church. G. Having the
approval of the Elders, all office bearers shall be elected to said offices
at a congregational meeting. It should be the desire of the congregation to
come to one mind regarding those office bearers to whom they must submit in
the Lord. All officers shall be elected indefinitely. Office bearers can be
removed from office because of holding and teaching false doctrine or for
conduct which is contrary to the Scriptures. Before voting on removing an
officer, evidence of efforts to counsel and evidence of either doctrinal,
moral or performance deficiencies must be made available to the congregation.
A majority vote of the members present and voting shall be required for the
removal of an office bearer. ARTICLE VII. CHURCH ADMINISTRATION A. All
congregational meetings shall be called and conducted by the Elders. There
will be one scheduled business meeting at the beginning of each year. The
purpose of this meeting will be to give an accounting for and a review of the
previous year. The annual business meeting will also fulfill our state's
nonprofit corporation requirements, will address our current financial
situation, set goals for the coming year and will allow for a time of
questioning from the congregation. Other congregational meetings necessary
for church business will be announced at least one week prior to the meeting.
However, in the case of unusual circumstances, a church meeting may be called
by the Elders without the one week notice. In such cases, the Elders will make
every reasonable attempt to notify all members of such a meeting. All members
should regard their presence at a duly called business meeting with the same
seriousness with which they would regard their attendance at a stated meeting
for worship. B. A congregational
meeting may also be called when 10 members or 1/3 of the members (whichever
is less) make a written request for such a meeting. This request along with
subject matter must be set forth in writing with the signatures of 10 members
in good standing and must be presented to the Elders, who shall in turn make
the proper announcement of the meeting. C. Sixty-six
percent (66%) of the members qualified to vote shall constitute a quorum.
This quorum is required in all voting matters. D. It shall be
our goal to prayerfully discern the mind of God so that in all matters of
church business it may be said of us as it was said of that church business
meeting recorded in Acts 6, "the saying pleased the whole
multitude." However, in such a situation where this unanimity is not
realized, a majority vote of the members present and voting will make a
resolution valid, except where a different proportionate vote is stipulated
in the Constitution. E. Baptism is an
ordinance of Jesus Christ instituted for His churches to be observed by them
until the end of the age (Matthew
28:18-20 ). It is an outward testimony of the inward work of grace in the
heart of believers and is a sign of the believers' partaking in Christ's
death, burial, and resurrection; and of being in union with Him (Romans 6:3-5 ).
Only those who profess repentance towards God and faith in and obedience to
the Lord Jesus Christ are to be baptized (Mark 16:16
). True Christian baptism is to be performed in water and in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Elders only, or those
appointed by them, as those commissioned by Christ, are to administer
baptism. Immersion, or dipping in water, is the only true mode of
administering this ordinance (Matthew 3:16;
John 3:23
). F. The Lord's
Supper is also an ordinance of Jesus Christ, instituted by Him for His churches
so that a remembrance of His sufferings and death may be kept by all His true
and loving disciples, until He shall come again (I
Corinthians 11:17-34 ). It is a means of grace to strengthen the believer
and to show communion between the church and the triune God and the members
with one another. The Lord's Supper will be observed the first Sunday of
every month or as the Elders deem beneficial. G. According to the
Scriptures, there are four biblical qualifications or requirements prescribed
by God in order for an individual to partake of the Lord's Supper (see Matthew
26:17-30; Mark
14:16-26; Luke
22:13-23; John
13:21-31; Acts
2:41,42,47, 20:7; I
Corinthians 10:14-22; 11:17-34;
also bearing on this subject is I
Corinthians 5:9-13 ). The four
requirements are:
In cases of weak
or uninstructed believers, certain exceptions may be made for numbers 2 and
4. These exceptions are made on a short term basis, only as deemed reasonable
by the Elders. H. Suggestions
for changes to the Constitution can be made to the Elders by any member.
However, only the Elders can submit amendments to the Constitution to the
congregation for their examination and approval. If, after three weeks
examination and discussion, no scriptural reasons are given that would veto
the proposed amendments, they will be considered adopted and the Constitution
appropriately changed. ARTICLE VIII. ASSOCIATIONS OF CHURCHES A. One special
type of fellowship and cooperation with other churches is formal membership
in an association of churches. When it is thought desirable and upon the
recommendation of the Elders, this church may join itself to an
association(s) of churches. Such affiliations may be entered with the
expressed consent and approval of the congregation (Acts 15:22;
II
Corinthians 8:19 ). Withdrawal from such associations may be effected by
the same (see ARTICLE VII, D.). B. The purposes in
joining an association of churches are: mutual edification, cooperative
efforts in spreading the gospel, accountability, providing an avenue whereby
grievances may be addressed, and reciprocal counsel. No association shall
have any authority or power over this church. C. Delegates to
such associations shall be chosen by the Eldership of the church, with the
Elders taking the general oversight of all delegates and business matters. D. Any positions
to be held by the delegates shall reflect the views of the church as led by
the Eldership and be constantly maintained in any prospective voting. ARTICLE IX. DIRECTORY OF WORSHIP AND CONDUCT Because there are
many issues, problems and subjects which churches face that are peculiar to
their own generation and times, Trinity Reformed ARTICLE X. INCORPORATION IN THE
STATE OF In order to
"render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's," it is necessary
that this church be incorporated under the laws of the State of ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTION No donor, member,
officer of the church, or private individual shall be entitled to share in
the distribution of any assets of the church upon dissolution. Any assets
shall be given only to another church of like faith and practice, which must
subscribe to the Scripture References for TRBC Constitution (Sorted alphanumerically) 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee
from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. 16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of
Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of
Christ? 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all
partake of that one bread. 18 Observe 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 17 Now in giving these
instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better
but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I
hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For
there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be
recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is
not to eat the Lord's Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper
ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not
have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the 1 Corinthians
11:17-34 17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you
come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when
you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and
in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that
those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you
come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper. 21 For in
eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and
another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do
you despise the 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 12 For as the body is one and has
many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body,
so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body --
whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free -- and have all been made to
drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15
If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the
body," is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say,
"Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not
of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If
the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set
the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they
were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are
many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I
have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no
need of you." 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem
to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think
to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our
presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given
greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism
in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one
member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body
of Christ, and members individually. (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts,
brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were
Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore
I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus
accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
(NKJV) 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 8 Love never fails. But whether
there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will
cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part
and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then
that which is in part will be done away. (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 5:1 1 It is actually reported that
there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not
even named among the Gentiles -- that a man has his father's wife! (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 1 It is actually reported that
there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not
even named among the Gentiles -- that a man has his father's wife! 2 And you
are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed
might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but
present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has
so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are
gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus
Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that
his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not
good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore
purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are
unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of
malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral
people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of
this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners,
or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I
have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is
sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard,
or an extortioner -- not even to eat with such a
person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do
you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges.
Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person." (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 9 I wrote to you in my epistle
not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not
mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or
extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would
need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep
company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or
an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner
-- not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging
those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But
those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves
the evil person." (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 14 And God both raised up the
Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 15 Do you not know that your
bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and
make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he
who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He
says, "shall become one flesh." 17 But he who is joined to the Lord
is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does
is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his
own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy
Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in
your spirit, which are God's. 17: Now concerning the things of which you
wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (NKJV) 1 John 2:15-17 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that
is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride
of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is
passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides
forever. (NKJV) 1 Peter 4:10-11 10 As each one has received a
gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of
God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone
ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all
things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory
and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (NKJV) 1 Peter 4:7-11 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be
serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent
love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a
gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of
God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone
ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all
things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory
and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (NKJV) 1 Peter 5:1-4 1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a
fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker
of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is
among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for
dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you,
but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you
will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (NKJV) 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 11 Therefore comfort each other
and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you,
brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the
Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their
work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren,
warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be
patient with all. (NKJV) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 2 And we urge you, brethren, to
recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and
admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's
sake. Be at peace among yourselves. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 This is a faithful saying: If a
man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then
must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good
behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not
greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules
his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5
(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care
of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he
fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good
testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the
snare of the devil. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 3:8-13 8 Likewise deacons must be
reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9
holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these
also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.
11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful
in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their
children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as
deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith
which is in Christ Jesus. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 5:17 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of
double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 5:20 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all,
that the rest also may fear. (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 6 This punishment which was
inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the
contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a
one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your
love to him. (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 10 For godly sorrow produces
repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the
world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a
godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves,
what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what
vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
(NKJV) 2 Corinthians 8:19 19 and not only that, but who was
also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is
administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready
mind, (NKJV) 2 Thessalonians 3:6,11,14,15 6 But we command you, brethren,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother
who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received
from us. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a
disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 14 And if anyone does
not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company
with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but
admonish him as a brother. (NKJV) 2 Timothy 4:2 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.
Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (NKJV) Acts 14:23 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and
prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had
believed. (NKJV) Acts 14:23 23 So
when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they
commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (NKJV) Acts 15:22 22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the
whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul
and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas,
and Silas, leading men among the brethren. (NKJV) Acts 2:41-42,47 41 Then those who gladly received
his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to
them.42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and
fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. . . 47 praising God and
having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily
those who were being saved. (NKJV) Acts 20:28-30 28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the
flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the
church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 "For I know
this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not
sparing the flock. 30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up,
speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. (NKJV)
Acts 20:7 7 Now
on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,
Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message
until midnight. (NKJV) Ephesians 1:13 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of
truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were
sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (NKJV) Ephesians 4:1-16 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of
the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were
called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with
one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in
one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and
Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But to
each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8
Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men." 9 (Now this, "He ascended" -- what
does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the
earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the
heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be
apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature
of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to
and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of
men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the
truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ
-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint
supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its
share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (NKJV) Ephesians 4:7-16 7 But to each one of us grace was
given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says:
"When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to
men." 9 (Now this, "He ascended" -- what does it mean but that
He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who
descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He
might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the
equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature
of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to
and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of
men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the
truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ
-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint
supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its
share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (NKJV) Ephesians 5:11 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather expose them. (NKJV) Galatians 2:14 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward
about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you,
being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you
compel Gentiles to live as Jews? (NKJV) Hebrews 10:25 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as
is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you
see the Day approaching. (NKJV) Hebrews 13:17 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for
they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so
with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (NKJV) Hebrews 13:7,17 7 Remember those who rule over
you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering
the outcome of their conduct. . . 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be
submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give
account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be
unprofitable for you. (NKJV) John 13:21-31 21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in
spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of
you will betray Me." 22 Then the disciples looked at one another,
perplexed about whom He spoke. 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one
of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him
to ask who it was of whom He spoke. 25 Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast,
he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is
he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And
having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27
Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him,
"What you do, do quickly." 28 But no one at the table knew for what
reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money
box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the
feast," or that he should give something to the poor. 30 Having received
the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night. 31 So,
when he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and
God is glorified in Him. (NKJV) John 14:17 17 "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot
receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He
dwells with you and will be in you. (NKJV) John 16:7-13 7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your
advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come
to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 "And when He has
come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of
judgment: 9 "of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 "of
righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 "of
judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 "I still have
many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 "However,
when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for
He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak;
and He will tell you things to come. (NKJV) John 3:23 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon
near Salim, because there was much water there. And
they came and were baptized. (NKJV) Luke 22:13-23 13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them,
and they prepared the Passover. 14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and
the twelve apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, "With fervent
desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16
"for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in
the Mark 14:16-26 16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and
found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. 17 In
the evening He came with the twelve. 18 Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said,
"Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray
Me." 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one,
"Is it I?" And another said, "Is it I?" 20 He answered
and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the
dish. 21 "The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but
woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good
for that man if he had never been born." 22 And as they were eating,
Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said,
"Take, eat; this is My body." 23 Then He took the cup, and when He
had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He
said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for
many. 25 "Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit
of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mark 16:16 16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved;
but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV) Matthew 18:15-17 15 "Moreover if your brother
sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he
hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 "But if he will not hear,
take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses
every word may be established.' 17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell
it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to
you like a heathen and a tax collector. (NKJV) Matthew 18:17 17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.
But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen
and a tax collector. (NKJV) Matthew 22:21 21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to
them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to
God the things that are God's." (NKJV) Matthew 26:17-30 17 Now on the first day of the
Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him,
"Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?" 18
And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The
Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your
house with My disciples." ' " 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had
directed them; and they prepared the Passover. 20 When evening had come, He
sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said,
"Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." 22 And they
were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord,
is it I?" 23 He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me
in the dish will betray Me. 24 "The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is
written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It
would have been good for that man if he had not been born." 25 Then
Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?"
He said to him, "You have said it." 26 And as they were eating,
Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and
said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27 Then He took the cup, and
gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28
"For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for
the remission of sins. 29 "But I say to you, I will not drink of this
fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in
My Father's kingdom." 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to
the Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to
them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on
earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20
"teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo,
I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (NKJV) Matthew 3:16 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately
from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. (NKJV) Romans 12:1-2 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to
God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove
what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV) Romans 12:1-8 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to
God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove
what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say,
through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of
himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has
dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one
body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many,
are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having
then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use
them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry,
let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts,
in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (NKJV) Romans 12:3-8 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone
who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think,
but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For
as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same
function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually
members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace
that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in
proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he
who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives,
with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with
cheerfulness. (NKJV) Romans 16:17 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause
divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid
them. (NKJV) Romans 6:3-5 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized
into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried
with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of
life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death,
certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, (NKJV) Titus 1:5-9 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as
I commanded you -- 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having
faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a
bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not
quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but
hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy,
self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that
he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who
contradict. (NKJV) Titus 1:9,13,2:15 9 holding fast the faithful word
as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort
and convict those who contradict. . . 13 This testimony is true. Therefore
rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, . . . 15 Speak
these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
(NKJV) Titus 3:10-11 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. (NKJV) |