Quote:
Originally Posted by Sept5SavedTeen
I completely agree, but shouldn't there be a doctrine for the structure of the Church? I'm not saying my pastor wouldn't allow a UPC preacher to speak in to the assembly, but shouldn't we try to help our brethren in orgs that are NOT authorized by Scripture, and admonish them to get back into the apostolic structure of the Church as outlined by the NT?
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Concerning a structure for the church, the bible does state that apostles were first, then prophets, then teachers which implies that evangelists, pastors, and teachers all falls under the ministry category of "teachers".
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
When I read the NT, I see Paul being "over" all of the Gentile churches. Therefore I see an apostle as being over certain churches. That means that the Pastors of those churches have somebody over them. Concerning a structure of Apostles, I am not sure about that. We do know that when an issue came up that Paul and Barnabas, who were both apostles, did not know how to handle, they went to Jerusalem to have a conference with all of the apostles and elders to discuss and make a decision. Some have said that it seemed that at that conference, James was the leader and had the final word because what he suggested became the final rule. Perhaps tradition/history on James can shed some light on that.
Concerning "brethren" in org's not authorized by scripture - I take that as meaning "believers" who are not in truth. I think it would be good to look at what Jesus and the rest of the scriptures has to say about dealing with other religious bodies who are not in truth. They all deserve to hear the truth and be given a chance to accept it or deny it. I know I've witnessed to people in other religious organizations.