Understanding the New Testament model
It is said of the Lord Jesus that, “Zeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up” (Jn. 2:17). In the Old Testament, the house of God was the temple; in the New Testament it is “the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Could we deduce then that it’s impossible to be Christ-like if we are indifferent to the house of God? “Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for it” (Eph. 5:25). Surely we ought to love what He loves! The saints need to be reminded of the importance of the church and urged passionately to be involved in its work and service.
When should we teach it?
We need to be reminded of these truths regularly. One assembly I am acquainted with had an annual series of gospel meetings and an annual series on church truth, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. They did not want to forget the need to evangelize, but neither did they want to forget the reason why we meet the way we do. Otherwise, these principles, which are already under attack in today’s church, will quickly be abandoned.
Why we need to teach it
Why should we do this on a regular basis? First, over time, the assembly changes. Hopefully, new believers are added and they need to be exposed to these teachings. Ideally these truths should be addressed before someone new is received into fellowship.
Also, existing believers are prone to forget. It may even be that some have never really comprehended or embraced these truths, even if they have heard them before. Lastly, we all benefit from repetition in teaching (2 Pet. 1:12-13).
Why is it neglected?
In these politically correct days, warm bodies are deemed so valuable that there is sometimes a fear of scaring them off by teaching on New Testament principles. Or sometimes elders do not have these convictions themselves, so they are unwilling to deal with them.
New Testament principles without New Testament power can be cold and lifeless, so any such teaching must be balanced with an emphasis on dependence upon the living God as we seek to live out these vital principles. We also need to have our obedience to these truths wrapped in garments of love for Christ and for one another.
What then should we teach?
Key passages include 1 Corinthians 11-14; 1 Timothy 2-3; Titus; 1 Peter 2, 4-5; Acts 2, 20. There are also many Old Testament portions which deal with the house of God, and, although it is a different dispensation, many of the same principles apply. However, it has been humorously stated that some brethren can find church truth in the dedication to King James at the front of the Bible, so we must be careful not to go too far!
Topics include the headship and preeminence of Christ; Christ’s love for the church and, therefore, its great importance; the priesthood of all believers; baptism and the Lord’s Supper; membership in the universal church; fellowship and reception to the local assembly; spiritual gifts; church government and practical shepherd care; principles of giving to the work of the Lord; commendation; gospel testimony of the local assembly; church discipline and restoration; unity; being gathered to His name alone; headship and its symbolic practice, including the veiling of sisters; distinct roles of men and women in God’s assembly; the clear distinction between Israel and the church; and finally, although this is intended to be suggestive rather than exhaustive, the heavenly calling and rapture of the church.
Helpful resources
• Church Doctrine and Practice, published by Precious Seed Publications
• Christ Loved the Church by William MacDonald, published by Walterick Publications
• The Christian Assembly by J.R. Littleproud, published by Gospel Folio Press
What results should we be looking for?
Our preaching on this topic should be designed to strengthen convictions by giving the reasons why we do what we do. Our aim is to deepen involvement in the local church; to work, these principles demand committed people. We ask ourselves, “If everyone in the assembly was like me, what kind of an assembly would there be?”
Above all, we seek to honor Christ, who is not only the head of the church, but its gathering center. These principles of gathering all speak of Him. He is the only real attraction. There is nothing here to appeal to the flesh, but to the spiritually-minded saint, the subject is delightful!