1 Corinthians 12:4-7; 1 Peter 4:10 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Each believer has been given one or more spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. In the churches of God these can be used effectively together. The purpose of using these gifts is not self- gratification, but building up the church.

1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:8-13 “The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere… Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.”

In a church of God men & women are given distinct roles to evidence the headship of God & Christ. The men are to speak on behalf of the congregation in meetings of the church. They are to exercize the leadership and to be the teachers.

1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 “Put away from yourselves the evil person." “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 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. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.”

Godly behaviour is essential for saints in a church of God. Where sin occurs, disciplinary action may be required, to correct it. This may include admonition (warning) or even excommunication. Where God grants repentance (2 Timothy 2:25), restoration is then possible.

2 Corinthians 11:28 Worship Prayer Making disciples Teaching the Word of God Mutual care & support Good works Fellowship “…what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.”

1. Gathering together in churches is important for disciples. 2. God has prescribed what His church is, and He calls disciples into it through His Word. 3. Local churches in the New Testament were called “churches of God”. To be a church of God, a church must: (a) be built on the foundation teaching of the apostles; (b) be built together in full fellowship with other churches of God; and (c) be being built up in spiritual life and service. [continued]

4. The churches of God are not the same as the Body of Christ, which consists of all believers unconditionally. Being in a church of God requires being baptized, being added to it, and staying in it. 5. The first church of God in Jerusalem set a pattern for us today. It began with disciples being saved, then baptized, then being added, and then continuing in the apostles’ teaching, the fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers. [continued]

6. As more churches came into existence, they were formed on the same basis, and they maintained a unity of teaching and practice. They continued to be one community. 7. Leadership in the churches was initially exercized by the apostles, then it passed to elders collectively, supported by deacons. The elders had the responsibility for the pastoral care of the saints. Unity among the entire elderhood was necessary in order to maintain the common teaching and practice of the community. 8. Spiritual gifts have been given to all believers. In the local churches they are to be used in harmony to build up the saints in them, as well as to make other disciples. [continued]

9. Within the churches there are distinct roles for men and women, and there are restrictions on the activities of women to respect God’s order. 10. Godly living and faithful service is expected of saints in churches of God. Sin by someone in a church taints the church and must be dealt with, even to the extent of putting the person away, where necessary. Restoration is possible when there is full repentance. [continued]

If these then are the conditions of God’s church today, each of us as a disciple of the Lord Jesus should ask ourselves… “Am I in a church of God”?