Manna

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Today, “Christianity” may mean many things to many people. This is a transparent presentation of what those committed to be among this local fellowship accept and attempt to practice. This hopefully helps to:

1. Quickly guide others to understanding who we are 

2. Provide clarity to sustain the health and fruitfulness of our fellowship

3. Address agents of confusion, disruption, disturbance, and division 

A Bit About Us:

❧   Jesus’ command before ascending to heaven will be used as an outline to start   ☙

Matthew 28:18-20 (World English Bible)

18 “Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go and make disciples of all 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 commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”

1. “All authority has been given to [Jesus] in heaven and on earth...”

   • We exalt and proclaim Jesus as the Lord, Messiah, Savior and King (to name a few of his glorious attributes).

   • We emphasize and proclaim the GOOD NEWS of God's kingdom (Matt. 4:23,9:35,24:14; Mark 1:14; Luke 4:43,8:1,16:16; Acts 8:12) and Jesus enthroned with all authority in heaven and on earth.

***NOTE: There are over 180 New Testament verses about the kingdom:

2. “Go”

   • Going out to evangelise adds disciples from among the lost.

   • We are to go out, ideally two by two, into the world to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. (See Matthew 10, Luke 10)

   • We seek persons of peace to share the good news with.

   • Reproduction of disciples and growth of local fellowships is a goal.

3. “Make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

   • A person can be baptized if:

     1. They desire to be born again and to live their new life as a disciple of Jesus observing all things that He commanded.

     2. They repent.

     3. They learn and accept teachings found in scripture.

Helpful resources for learning some teachings found in scripture:

3. • 3. 1. • Booklet 1: The Good News of the Kingdom of God

           • Booklet 2: Repent and Be Baptized

           • Booklet 3: ...and Teach to obey all that Christ COMMANDED!

           • Booklet 4: What does the BIBLE Say about CHURCH?

   • Baptism is ideally a full-body trine immersion in cold living water done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

4. “Teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you”

   • Disciples of Jesus must observe all that Jesus commanded.

     1. Discipleship is the lifelong journey of learning to love and follow Jesus Christ, becoming more like Him in one's attitudes and actions, and actively sharing his teachings.

   • Weekly gatherings (church) are one way we teach and are taught all things that Jesus commanded us so we can “observe all things”.

     1. Gatherings are to build up the saints (see 1 Corinthians 14:3-5,12, 17, 26).

        • But, non-believers may attend (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

     2. Gatherings might include: communion, confession, prayer, foot washing, praise, worship, testimonies, teaching, and/or a fellowship meal.

     3. Gatherings are interactive and participatory where different saints use gifts “one by one” “decently and in order” to permit God to build up the body (1 Cor. 14).

     4. Teaching at the gathering is reserved for men. Women are free to use their spiritual gifts and participate in the gathering besides this one restriction.

     5. Spiritual gifts are encouraged but in a healthy and orderly use for the benefit of others and God’s glory.

        • Prophecy is welcomed, but subject to the scrutiny of the saints and shared wisely.

        • Scripture is the test for supernatural insight; it will not supersede or contradict Scripture.

     6. Communion and the fellowship meal are shared regularly, ideally at the Sunday gathering.

        • Communion is only for those who are:

          1. baptized* disciples of Jesus

*We do not accept infant baptism as valid

4. • 6. • 2. that profess to be living in obedience to the commands of Jesus

          3. and are not under church discipline or known to hold heretical beliefs

        • If a person deceives us about 1, 2, or 3, then we believe “...he who eats and drinks in an unworthy way eats and drinks judgment to himself...” (1 Corinthians 11:29) and God will judge that person

     7. Flexible order of a typical Sunday gathering:

        • Confession, communion, prayer and worship, praise, scripture reading with teaching, and/or a topical teaching.

5. “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

   • We emphasize and affirm that God is with disciples of Jesus.  For example, here are 4 passages where this is clearly taught:

Philippians 2:13 (World English Bible)

13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (World English Bible)

4 Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. 6 There are various kinds of workings, but the same God who works all things in all. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.

Ephesians 3:16-21 (World English Bible)

16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, 19 and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (World English Bible)

20 Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, 21 make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

❧   Additional information about our fellowship beyond Matthew 28:18-20   ☙

6. Scripture is the final authority for our belief and practice

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (World English Bible)

16 “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 17 that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

• Scriptures are viewed through the lens of Jesus’ life and teachings (Christocentric).

• New Testament commands are binding.

• New Testament practices are worthy of emulating, but not binding.

• Human traditions are permitted but can’t usurp scripture.

• The writings of ante-Nicene saints (early church) are not considered inspired like 2 Timothy 3:16-17 describes, but their combined voice is recognized as a valid source of insight for clarifying and resolving conflicts over interpretations of scripture and practices within the faith.

  • • 1. The following verses help solidify that the faith was once delivered and fully known to the saints in the first century and not developed over time, making the text of the ante-Nicene saints of great value:

         • “...When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth...” (John 16:12-13), “...But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9), “...Stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News...” (Philippians 1:27), “...hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you...” (1 Corinthians 11:2), “...stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter...” (2 Thessalonians 2:15), “...withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion and not after the tradition which they received from us...” (2 Thessalonians 3:6), “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12), “Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13), “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7), “...to Titus, my true child according to a common faith...” (Titus 1:4), “Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the present truth.” (2 Peter 1:12), “...I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints...” *LINK to verses

7. Commitment to Be a Part of a Local Fellowship  (Yet Not Called Membership)

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (World English Bible)

12 “For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. …

14 For the body is not one member, but many. … 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”

• Membership in the kingdom of God and family of God is recognized if one has been baptized upon repentance and born again.

  1. 1. 1. 1. All true disciples of Jesus throughout the many gatherings of this earth have universal membership in the kingdom of God.

           2. Thus, we do not apply the term “membership” to local bodies.

• A local fellowship is like a body with many parts or members.

• Every saint, as “a part” in the body, is equipped and encouraged to engage in ministry, not just recognized leadership.

• Disciples of Jesus should commit to being “a part” among one fellowship, even if they visit other gatherings. And, once committed to be “a part” of a local fellowship, “not forsaking [their] own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”. (Hebrews 10:25)

  1. 1. 1. 1. Visitors are generally welcome.

           2. Disciples of Jesus who are visiting are encouraged to also have somewhere they are committed to if not this fellowship.

• Those counted as among a local fellowship must come under the authority of the leadership of that local gathering.

  1. 1. 1. 1. This may include accepting or negotiating a Local Nonexclusionary Fellowship Agreement.

              • A local nonexclusionary fellowship agreement is an agreed-upon set of specific applications of scripture to help prevent stumbling, offence, or weakness in the fellowship

              • The word “nonexclusionary” emphasizes nobody can ever be excluded based on man-made fellowship agreements.

• Unity of the body is a priority, and great care is to be employed to maintain it, yet without compromising truth. (See John 17 and Ephesians 4.) Settling differences and conflicts must be lovingly handled “with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.

• This fellowship encourages healthy families and communities.

8. We Attempt to Have Scriptural Leadership

Mark 10:42-45 (World English Bible)

42 “Jesus summoned them and said to them, ‘You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you shall be bondservant of all. 45 For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

Some scriptural leadership roles:

#. Role

1. • Description

   • Key Verses

2. Apostles

   • Eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, foundational leaders.

   • Acts 1:21–22, Eph. 4:11, 1 Cor. 12:28

3. Prophets

   • Spoke revelation from God during the church’s early years.

   • Eph. 4:11, Acts 13:1–2, 1 Cor. 12:28

4. Evangelists

   • Preach the good news and help plant new churches.

   • 2 Tim. 4:5, Eph. 4:11

5. Elders/Overseers/Shepherds

   • Plural local church leaders responsible for leading, decision making, praying and spiritual care.

   • Acts 20:17–28, Titus 1:5–7, 1 Tim. 3:1–7, 1 Peter 5:1–2

6. Servants (Deacons)

   • Assisted with practical needs under elders' leadership.

   • Acts 6:1–6, 1 Tim. 3:8–13

• Qualifications for local elders and servants are detailed in Scripture (Titus 1:5-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-7). Evangelists and teachers should at a minimum have similar character attributes as those of elders, but without the age or family requirements.

• The aim is to appoint local leaders in every gathering (Titus 1:5, Acts 14:23, Acts 6:2-6). With prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23) leaders select qualified men (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9) by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) and commission them with the laying on of hands (1 Timothy 5:22).

• Church leadership has authority in matters of church discipline (Matthew 18), orderlyness of the gathering (1 Corinthians 11-14), resolving disputes (Acts 15), and in changing “standards”.

• Elders are to pray for the sick.

9. We Attempt to Have Scriptural Church Discipline

Matthew 18:15-20 (World English Bible)

15 “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. 18 Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven. 19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”

• Restoration is the objective (consider all of Matthew 18).

• Only biblically definable offenses are enforceable for correction.

  1. An offense should be of sufficient significance to warrant condemnation to be brought before the church for judgment.

  2. Lesser offenses should prompt additional teachings and discipleship only.

• The process:

  1. 1st, discipline is initiated by the witness/offended. “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.” (Matthew 18:15, Luke 17:3-4)

  2. 2nd, the sin must be validated by 2 or more eyewitnesses. “But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” (Matthew 18:16)

  3. 3rd, “tell it to the assembly”. (Matthew 18:17)

     1. 1. • In the third step, leadership agrees whether to bind or release the person. (Matthew 18:18)

10. Giving

    • Offerings and funds are administered and maintained by the local gathering, and not the conglomerate of gatherings.

    • Offerings are collected anonymously and discretely.

    • In the absence of recognized deacons, the local gathering will select multiple members to oversee the offering together. 

    • A recognized deacon, or two of the three selected “interim deacons” will count the money together and record the amount in a record.

    • Funds will be primarily used for meeting urgent or vital needs of the members, agreed upon outside assistance, or agreed upon ministry.

    • Issuing support for in-house ministers must be by a special offering for that purpose.

    • All those committed to the local fellowship may see the offering record upon request.

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