Text: Ephesians 3:8-11 The church was not established as an afterthought. It was not a “backup plan” because Jesus “failed” to set up His kingdom. The revelation of the mystery of God was to be “made known through the church.” Paul described the church as the body and bride of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23-24). That […]
October 3, 2016
Cities of Refuge
Text: Numbers 35:9-15 Since the Levites were not given a territory like the other tribes, they were given forty-eight cities (Numbers 35:7). Six of them would be cities of refuge (Numbers 35:6). If someone killed someone else unintentionally, he could flee to one of these cities. In this lesson, we will consider five points about these cities […]
July 11, 2016
Examining the Relationship Between Elders and the Church
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 The last two lessons were about a broad look at what the New Testament says about elders and an examination of the qualifications for elders. In this lesson, we will focus on the relationship between elders and the local church. Elders are to be appreciated and esteemed because of their work and the […]
July 11, 2016
Examining the Qualifications for Elders
Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 Elders play a vital role in God’s plan for the church. But we cannot appoint just anyone – they must be qualified. This lesson will examine the qualifications for elders. “An Overseer, Then, Must Be…” (1 Timothy 3:2; cf. Titus 1:7) These are not optional – an unqualified man […]
July 4, 2016
Examining the New Testament Passages About Elders
Text: Acts 14:23 When considering elders, we need to examine what the New Testament says about them. This lesson will focus on passages that speak about elders. The next lessons will look more closely at the qualifications for elders and the relationship between elders and the church. Acts 11:29-30 Elders are responsible to oversee the work […]
