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Articles in PDF Format, relating to the Reformation of the Church
Church Foundations Series
Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, I.E. "A Christ Centered Church"
Introduction to the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
In this introduction we explain the rationale for the Reformation of Jesus' Church, as well as establishing the paramount need for a Church that is centered In Christ.
Part One in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study of comparisons between the gathering being viewed as simply a bible study fellowship group compared to the bible's description of a Church. Often there is an initial failure of definition in this area and thus the foundations for gathering are confused and the Church fails to be firmly established on clear biblical definitions, resulting in the life potential for a Church being diminished.
Part Two in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study in the biblical approach to gathering, considering the basic ingredients for a biblical Church. Later articles will further define each of these ingredients.
Part Three in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study in the biblical truths regarding God's divine blueprint given to His "Architecton" Paul the apostle. Paul laid foundations and established traditions, that represent far more than just "descriptive" elements of the Church, but extend clearly into the "prescriptive" domain.
Part Four in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study in the biblical approach to gathering, considering structure and regularity of gathering compared to simply gathering whenever and wherever the Spirit leads. The New Testament reveals clear patterns, as seen in the book of Acts and the epistles of Paul.
Part Five in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study in the biblical truths regarding the nature of a biblical gathering. In this article we will explore the two approaches to gathering as we consider "participation" versus "spectation." As the Church returns to a fully participatory and open form of gathering the Headship of Christ takes on a reality that far exceeds any other form of gathering.
Part Six in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study in the biblical truths relating to our call to Shared Life Community with those we identify as "our Church." In this context we learn to relate to each other far beyond a 2 hour meeting, once or twice a week. We come to understand that we have been called to "live with one another," in such close proximity and regularity of relationship, that it gives the appearance of actually inhabiting the same homes, though this was not the apostles direction of meaning.
Part Seven in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study in the biblical truths regarding the provisioning of those called to plant, establish, and equip the body of Christ. As brethren step out of the unbiblical traditional church model of church, and work towards re-establishing a biblical approach to gathering the saints most leave behind a fixed professional salary, but does their commitment to biblical church necessitate they receive no compensation for their labors? Paul indicates otherwise, and in this article we give consideration to his prescription for this area of ministry.
Part Eight in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study in tier two of apostolic ministry and support for that ministry. Not all apostles are called to plant Churches, but their role is to work among the established Churches equipping both the general saints and the developing leaders. These brethren, according to Paul are worthy of support. How does that look? How do we think about them and support what God has called them to?
Part Nine in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A study in the biblical truths regarding the format of a New Testament church gathering. In this article we think through the traditional approach of a man centered agenda (3-5 songs, announcements, the offering, a canned sermon, another song, and an altar call) for gathering the believers, and show the better way of allowing the Spirit to guide the time together.
Part Ten in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A comparative analysis showing the difference between the Institutional form of Church and that which the early Church established. The purpose of such a comparison is not just to point out the flaws of systems oriented churches, but rather to highlight the true approach by looking at the errors of other approaches.
Part Eleven in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A comparative analysis chart showing the difference between the Hierarchical Model of Church leadership and the biblical/theocratic model of Christ's headship over His body.
Part Twelve in the series: "Towards a Christocentric Ecclesiology, or A Christ Centered Church"
A comparative analysis chart showing the difference between the Modern Church and the Church we see on the pages of the New Testament.
Church Related Articles
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