What should God's church look like?

[AnandaHya]

I was just wondering what you think God's church should look like according to the Bible and perhaps gather some testimony of GOOD churches you have attended where not only the PASTOR but the congregation were filled with the Holy Spirit and seeking God and His will.

Acts 9:31
[ The Church Prospers ] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Acts 14:23
So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Acts 20:28
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.

1 Timothy 3

Qualifications of Overseers

1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop,[a] 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.

Qualifications of Deacons


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.

 

[Abiding]

I think it should look like a big giant starbucks....but im weird and dont think thats the answer you wanted.

 

[Scotth1960]

I was just wondering what you think God's church should look like according to the Bible and perhaps gather some testimony of GOOD churches you have attended where not only the PASTOR but the congregation were filled with the Holy Spirit and seeking God and His will.

Acts 9:31
[ The Church Prospers ] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Acts 14:23
So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Acts 20:28
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.

1 Timothy 3

Qualifications of Overseers

1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop,[a] 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.

Qualifications of Deacons


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.

Anandahya:
Saint Paul writes: "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which the the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." I St. Timothy 3:15 KJV.

Russian Orthodox Church photo Gallery:
Russian Orthodox Church Photo Gallery by bcplaces at pbase.com

God bless you. God show you the meaning of John 16:13 when you enter a Russian Orthodox Church. Amen.
In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington

 

[Deadtosin]

a group of people with one heart and one mind toward God. Loving each other and providing each other with all things as each person needed, nobody lacking anything. Nobody out for themselves but each seeking the others welfare.

 

[jonathanbchristian]

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

 

[loveschild]

I was just wondering what you think God's church should look like according to the Bible and perhaps gather some testimony of GOOD churches you have attended where not only the PASTOR but the congregation were filled with the Holy Spirit and seeking God and His will.

Acts 9:31
[ The Church Prospers ] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Acts 14:23
So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Acts 20:28
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.

1 Timothy 3

Qualifications of Overseers

1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop,[a] 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.

Qualifications of Deacons


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.

I wish to God I knew where one was. I asked God and he said that's why he made the net. We can fellowship with some. I have never seen a perfect church. Long as people are in it it's screwed up Sister.

 

[AnandaHya]

I wish to God I knew where one was. I asked God and he said that's why he made the net. We can fellowship with some. I have never seen a perfect church. Long as people are in it it's screwed up Sister.

if you look only at the flesh maybe but I've seen some with the Holy Spirit moving and healing and teaching people. they may have members who are not perfect but they come together in Spirit and work for His glory putting aside their personal faults and hangups to do God's work and help one another and the community they live in. not because it is expected but because it is what God places in their heart to do.

i've seen churches like this. they may not be perfect and the people have their faults but if you pray and look at them, they are spiritually tall pillars reaching and striving to do God's will though sometimes they fall short. you see God helping them stand and continue to walk. I learn a lot by just watching how they help one another and support another when that person is weak.

it is amazing to see the love of God at work.

yes repentance of sin is important but I find that is done in private between the person and God. healing and bandaging and love is done among friends.

if you ever are hurt and have to rely on others for your care, you remember how it is like to be a child and just trusting.

like babes we trust that spiritually God will care for us and place in our lives those who will feed us His word and give us living water to drink and teach us how to do these things ourselves.

but like toddlers sometimes we try and do things without help and fall flat on our face. personally I praise God for those who HE sends to lift me up and place me back on my feet to try again. and pray one day when I'm grown that I can help others learn to walk with the Lord, dance in His Love and jump for Joy at His grace.

I look towards my elders as role models and see them walk, dance, jump and even at times learn how they fall but are picked up again by God and His mercy and love. you can learn a lot from your siblings.

Yes God teaches but He also sends teachers.

I'm glad you have found some fellowship online and pray you find some closer to your physical home too.

 

[jonathanbchristian]

I believe the Church is to help people. We all have different talents and gifts. We all can remember different Scriptures. We all know different things going on in the World. We can accomplish things at Church that can not be done by a single person. I'm glad to hear you have a good church, Amanda.

 

[AnandaHya]

I don't understand. If you don't attend church how can you do these things listed?

James 5

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses[e] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul[f] from death and cover a multitude of sins.

 

[Muskokaman]

About 1500 stadia cubed with three doors on each side one for each of the 12 houses of Israel and there has to be a river running through it of Living water (for baptisms and such) and the tree of life is on the right as you meander along the river and the tree of knowledge is on the left with seating room for all with room to spare. At the headwaters of the Living river is the throne of The Almighty Himself perched upon a high Mount from which the living water flows on his right is Jesus his Glorious son communing with the Lord God on the Throne meanwhile down at the river of Living water the saints (the choir)are singing continually eternal praise in song to God it being the most beautiful song you have ever heard (very excellent sound system I'm sure) with Angels and Cherubims.................zzzzzzzzz...................zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Oh wow must of dosed off there anyway have great day

 

[Cobus]

Ananda, here is God's view on a church. First of all they are a gathering of SAINTS. Now here we have to get what tehe word SAINT in the Bible means. A Saint is a spiritually pure person. A moraly blameless person. A most holy one! Ananda, I believe in a church that GOD appointed the pastor, most members will come to that shursh as SAINTS. Holy People, as holy as God is holy! And the pastor, I believe the pastor is appointed by God to perfect those saints that attends his church. That pastor will be a perfect person, becasue God perfected him before He appointed him.

You see Ananda there is just way to many verses we contradict when we allow a pastor to be a sinner! WAY TOO MANY! And if we do allow the pastor to be a sinner, then we can allow sin in the church! If the head is wrotten what would the body look like. BUT... If the head is perfect, becasue Christ Jesus in the pastor is the head, then the Body will be perfect!

When we read the Bible and we learn ...... IF some of you sinned let the OTHERS pray for him... Or if your brother sineed against you do this... It is not like ALL sin all the time... Like it is in ALL the churches I attended. Then I have my doubts wheter God and His Spirit is there at all? Does the word not also teach us of great gatherings of whores and adulterers and murderers and liers and Sodomites and and and and... Yes Ananda and they crucified the Christ Himself. And they hate the Truth today still... AND THEY THINK THEY DO GOD A FAVOUR when they hurt or even kill a Truth preacher.

Ananda, the chruch where Jesus is head, is this church.... That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
You know the not having spot is ALL SIN IS GONE! and that holy is as holy as GOD!

Now here is the thing...God said we should seek Him with ALL our heart, soul and body, do you think the day you start repentance you will walk into a church like this.... Nope! You will be detined to a church like this, but not be part of it until you SEEKED God as He said.. THEN you will find HIM and this church!

Ananda my prayer for you and all who read this is.... " Lord please let us be part of this chuch, the only one that Jesus Christ Himself is the Head! Amen!"

 

[AnandaHya]

why would anyone confess and ask for prayer on anything if all they get is condemnation and judgment and no love, mercy or words of godly wisdom from those who listen?

I pray people learn to look beyond the carnal and see the world as God does with love, compassion and just judgment not condemnation but seeing who the person is meant to be not just who they are or what they had done but who God means for them to become in Christ and how everyone can help and not hinder others growth in the Lord.

saying things like "you're not perfect and don't deserve to be pastor" does not build up but tear down. God can make His servants stand or fall. It is in GOD's Hands. why are so many eyes darkened?

no they should NOT be living in sin, but neither should their past forgiven mistakes be constantly thrown in their face. they key is that the sin is in the past not present.

we should not look at others as the world sees them but with the love and hope God views all His children.

we should not just give them half the truth but the WHOLE truth: though we did not deserve it Jesus DIED for our sins and we are washed clean. therefore let us do the good works He made and saved us for and walk after the Spirit and not the world.

[youtube]uhOJW4Uwy3c[/youtube]

[youtube]WyoVJfADlwo&feature=related[/youtube]

I can not speak to the hearts and motives of others. I would rather sit and pray, cry and laugh with my brethren then condemn them for their past sins and allow God to guide, convict and lead them towards Him. Sometimes all we can do is lift them up to God in prayer.

[youtube]EN3D0Carn3U&feature=related[/youtube]

 

[Cobus]

Ananda, what if the man stands there on the pulpit and contradict the Bible? What if that man actually teach what so many pastors teach because they are appointed by people and not God.... I think you miss the point of Eph 4:11.... God does not appoint pastors that sin! That is like satan sending holy angels to make people perfect! Nope, a man standing in the front should be as the Word says he should be.... APPOINTED BY GOD for the PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS.

If we compromise on that we might as well compromise everything and put Satan in the chair!

That is why I do not go to a church. You may say I am wrong, but so are they, should God now also come to the WRONG party? We know whart is right, if we settle for wrong it is our choice... Ananda it is not my job to see the paster perfect... It is his job to make me perfect! And he will never succeed in that if he does not even believe that a man on this world can be made perfect!

I have my hope on God, and I know He cannot dissappoint even a stupid man like me! God will answer and God will provide and God might add me to His GLORIOUS Church. I will NEVER again settlle for less that God promises. NEVER!

 

[AnandaHya]

you like strawmen Cobus. no one ever told you to go to a church where the pastor contradicts scripture.

get back to me when you have moved past seeing only yourself and start looking at others and how God wants you to help them instead of sit there and demanding all come and serve you. That the world revolve around and make YOU perfect instead of looking to see what GOD wants YOU to do and the good works HE has commanded you to be engaged in.

Get back to me when you actually believe God's words about the IMPUTATION and JUSTIFICATION work Jesus did on the Cross and truly understand what it means to be saved BY Grace Through Faith.

 

[AnandaHya]

Ephesians 4
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.

It is the HOLY SPIRIT's job to mature the saints, it is the pastors job to help the members learn to get along and equip them for ministry. there is a big difference.

the focus should not be on what the pastor should be doing for us but what we should be doing for Christ and His Body, His church for their comfort, exhortation and edification. the pastor is not the HEAD, he is just another member entrusted with a ministry just as God entrusts us with our good works and ministry that we must learn and be good stewards of whatever God entrusts us with.

 

[Cobus]

And just as I thought we are starting to understand eachother. What is this strawman stuff? I do not know what that means. Ananda I see myself, true, but I also have a command to put the spirits to the test. Now all spirits, including mine, I test, mine I am well known of, but then the Holy Spirit I also are well known of, and if the spirit wanting to preach to me is not the same... Nope, then he is not qualified, so ok Ananda I will give you a break from me.

I look towards my savour, and I look at the ones HE appointed, and I ask Him... Lord appoint one over me! Amen!

And becasue I want to see God;s Truth in my preacher, now I am the baddy! Well Paul said this.. I preach to you Truth, why do you consider me the enimy? I ask you the same Ananda, why am I the one that does not understand when I seek for a HOLY MAN to preach to me? Is it bad or good to want a holy MAN as a preacher?

 

[AnandaHya]

I want I want I want.

give ME give ME Give ME.

eventually God will change that to "Lord, what can WE do for YOU" eventually the focus will be upon GOD and not self or others.
but in unity of faith in truth and in Spirit God's people will cry out in praise and thanksgiving and continue doing the works of God.

No one called you a baddy.

You are now taking shots at your strawman.

my position is not and never was that you should submit to a man who does not have the Holy Spirit who GOD has not raised up to be a pastor or teacher, but that you should do as the Holy Spirit leads and become equipped for the ministry by partaking and growing with a local body of Christ who is lead by the Holy Spirit. Everyone has a ministry that helps to edify, comfort or exhort God's Church. Maturity and godly wisdom is key.

 

[Red33]

AnandaHya,

This is a very good thread and I hope many respond to it, especially those that do not have a local church and have this conviction in their heart to be a part of one. You have many good and balanced things to say about the church and continue with that edification.

 

[Cobus]

I am to simple to be a strawman, even the description of the strawman argument makes my head spin. All I know is that GOD appoints the real pastors and they are not sinners, teaching sinners about sin! And this is exactly what I tried to tell you... How can a pastor not be perfect, sinless and a Holy man if God appointed him for the PERECTING of the Saints!

And Ananda not all should be teachers. Now all is preachers... LOOK God said.. SOME as SOME as and SOME as. This is part of the churches problems, some people stand up in church and talks the biggest load of rubbish, and they think the Holy Spirit gave it to them to say. I once was so irritated by a woman explaining a psalm the people just sang, I almost shouted with frustration.

I hate it when people make a mockery of the Gospel, and this is what these "pastors" not appointed by God does CONSTANTLY in their "churches". If you want me really upset, start making "funny" or "comical" remarks when we are supposed to learn from the Holy Spirit! So many pastors want to "entertain" and so many make "funny" remarks so that the people laught at the remark. That is when my blood starts to boil. If I want stand-up comidy, i do not want my pastor to be the comic. He should be my spiritual leader. my SHEPHARD, not my jokes.

You asked what a church SHOULD look like... Well God's Church looks as it has always looked... Perfect pastors perfecting Saints for the work of the ministry... Becasue NOT A SINGLE person in ministry is not PERFECT in God's church!

Soon I will be in that church, and then if God permits, I will be able to minister in His will. Whether it is serving a table, or singing a psalm, or prophecy, or tongues, or revelations, WHATEVER He equips me with, I will do, because that is WHAT HE do! HE WORKS IN ALL WHOM HE HAS SANCTIFIED AND GLORIFIED!

I see neither of us is in the best of moods so I will only respond later again. Yes ANANDA I WANT I WANT... I HUNGER FOR HIS WILL IN MY LIFE WITH ALL I GOT...
Like a little hart panteth after water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, o God! MAybe God sees my WANT MY WANT, and He will grow tired of my nagging and give me what I WANT! A Holy church to worship the Holy GOD! AMEN!

 

[loveschild]

if you look only at the flesh maybe but I've seen some with the Holy Spirit moving and healing and teaching people. they may have members who are not perfect but they come together in Spirit and work for His glory putting aside their personal faults and hangups to do God's work and help one another and the community they live in. not because it is expected but because it is what God places in their heart to do.

i've seen churches like this. they may not be perfect and the people have their faults but if you pray and look at them, they are spiritually tall pillars reaching and striving to do God's will though sometimes they fall short. you see God helping them stand and continue to walk. I learn a lot by just watching how they help one another and support another when that person is weak.

it is amazing to see the love of God at work.

yes repentance of sin is important but I find that is done in private between the person and God. healing and bandaging and love is done among friends.

if you ever are hurt and have to rely on others for your care, you remember how it is like to be a child and just trusting.

like babes we trust that spiritually God will care for us and place in our lives those who will feed us His word and give us living water to drink and teach us how to do these things ourselves.

but like toddlers sometimes we try and do things without help and fall flat on our face. personally I praise God for those who HE sends to lift me up and place me back on my feet to try again. and pray one day when I'm grown that I can help others learn to walk with the Lord, dance in His Love and jump for Joy at His grace.

I look towards my elders as role models and see them walk, dance, jump and even at times learn how they fall but are picked up again by God and His mercy and love. you can learn a lot from your siblings.

Yes God teaches but He also sends teachers.

I'm glad you have found some fellowship online and pray you find some closer to your physical home too.

Thank you! I am happy to hear the good news you see some churches. I do see the Holy Spirit moving in some. But mainly I see the Holy Spirit being told to move over I have a performance of worship music I want to sing.

I see Gods hands being tied. I see God being told to move out of the way. Told to shut up not now. The performance of church needs to go on. I have to perform church don't you see. The Holy Spirit coming and saying come to the altar, get on your knees and bow down to me and pray and cry out to me for mercy on you and all others. NO! I can't do that! Everyone would see me and think I'm weak. I will not get on my knees and bow down to you no never.

I see people not being healed because of this. I see people not turning over there pride to God. I see people who want to sit in church and think they are so close to God no one can tell them they need to get to know God better they know it all already and they will not surrender to God.

I see churches full of sick people who can barley walk they are so sick. Just like the Pharisees who were never healed. They knew the words of the Lord and never knew the living God.

I see people sitting in church who have eyes that don't see, ears that don't hear. They don't even listen for God to speak to them.

I see people following man and not God. They worship the pastors and worship the ground the pastor walks on and not my God who created the heavens.

I have seen the Holy Spirit come so many times and say come I want to heal you and he is pushed to the side. I see people saying the glory of God is coming he's coming when he has come and has never stopped coming. He will come, when he is right there and they don't see him or feel him or hear him. They are waiting for him to come when he has been right there and in there ignorance they are still waiting. They will not move over for the Holy Spirit because they are too busy doing what they think they ought to. Doing church.

The Holy Spirit will not stay where he is not wanted. He will not heal people who push him to the side.

I too have seen God do glorious wonders, healings an all. Nothing compared to what he's been wanting to do. I've seen him open heaven. I've seen his rain. I've seen his golden oil he pours on ours heads.

He wants to do so much more but lack of faith and lack of surrender he is not allowed. Lots of churches he's not even allowed in and the people have no clue. They are happy, they are comfortable.

These same people will be saying Lord Lord and not get into heaven but while on earth they always knew they would enter the gates. Not!