Trinity Reformed Baptist Church Constitution
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THE CONSTITUTION OF TRINITY
REFORMED
Click here for the Spanish version (Espanol)
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:
1 - Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight
of God, justly deserving His wrath and displeasure, and that
you are without hope apart from His sovereign mercy?
2 - Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of
God, and the only Savior of sinners; and do you receive and
rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the
Gospel?
3 - Do you resolve and promise in humble reliance upon the
grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live a
life worthy of a follower of Christ?
4 - Do you promise to faithfully support this church in its
worship and work? 5 - Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of this church and do you promise to seek its purity and peace?
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:
1 - A credible profession of faith in Christ as Lord and
Savior.
2 - Baptism as a believer in obedience to Christ's command.
3 - An upright life that adorns the gospel of God.
4 - Identification (membership) with a visible body of
Christ (a local church).
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) |
