The Church Its Beginning, Doctrine & Order

CONTENTS

Introduction............................................5

The Beginning of the Assembly...........................7

The Promise of the Assembly.............................7

The Christian's Gathering-Center........................9

The Assembly Begins....................................10

How We Join God's Assembly.............................13

Failing to Gather Together.............................14

The Place that God Chooses.............................15

The Doctrine and Practice of the Assembly..............17

The Oneness of Local Assemblies........................19

Personal Responsibility in Breaking Bread..............21

Letters of Commendation................................22

Beginning of Denominationalism.........................24

Judging................................................26

The Assembly as the Body of Christ.....................28

Working Together in the Body of Christ.................30

Distinction of Gift in the Body........................31

The Assembly as the Temple and the House of God........33

More on the House of God...............................35

The Assembly as the Bride of Christ....................36

The Assembly as the Pearl and the Flock................38

The Assembly as the Holy City..........................40

The Walls and Gates....................................41

The Dimensions of the City.............................43

God's Glory Shines in That City........................44

The River of Life......................................46

The Throne and Its Service.............................47

The Assembly in the Eternal State......................49

The Rapture of the Church..............................51

Order Maintained in the Local Assembly. Elders:........55

A Number of Mature Men.................................55

Called of God as Overseers.............................57

A Problem Solved.......................................59

Elders Can Fail........................................60

Warnings from the Failure of the Shepherds of Israel...62

Willing Models for the Flock...........................64

Obedient and Submissive Brethren.......................65

The Apostles Chose Elders..............................67

Elders Established and Their Qualifications Given......69

More Qualifications for Elders.........................71

Some Things that Disqualify............................73

Worthy of Double Honor.................................74

Needed Care in Correcting Elders.......................76

Discipline in the Assembly.............................79

Conclusion.............................................80

Chart..................................................81

Bibliography...........................................84

Introduction

I am often asked for an easy-to-understand small book that explains the basic truths of God's Church or Assembly. Therefore, to help provide some basic teaching on this important subject, I have written this little book to attempt to provide a smooth-flowing outline of the truth and practice of the Assembly. The format I have used is to give a verse or two in bold print, and then explain them. Study questions are added at the end of each section to stimulate thought. All Scripture quotes are from the very accurate translation by J. N. Darby, but with some of the old word endings brought up to their modern equivalents. It is my prayer that the Lord may use this work to help many of His dear people.

Roger P. Daniel, 1984