SPIRITUAL LEADERS, ORGANIZATION, & PROBLEM SOLVING IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

Extremely Dangerous Associations Within the Body of Christ

It would be wonderful if all of the Father's elect children could dwell in unity, and one could associate with any of the elect of God and participate in their formal worship assembly with the confidence that one's participation is pleasing to the Father and Jesus Christ who is the head of the church. However, the reality is that there are many extremely dangerous associations within the Body of Christ. This study examines these associations in the light of one's salvation.

Deception and Division

In the New Testament, there are many warnings to the elect to be alert to the dangers to our salvation from interacting with unconverted individuals who go about promoting unrighteous precepts, principles, and concepts which are opposed to the truth set forth in the biblical record. Additionally, the elect are cautioned to be aware that divisions and deceptions will come from both converted and unconverted individuals within their congregations.

Extreme Danger from the Spirit Realm

The biblical narrative is replete with descriptions of spirit-beings who inhabit the earth and spirit-beings who come to earth from beyond this physical realm. Additionally, the Bible contains hundreds of direct and indirect references to angels, demons, Satan, and a variety of other spirit-beings who inhabit the spirit realm.

Although much is said in the Bible about spirit-beings loyal to God the Father and Christ and those that are not, few people truly understand that evil spirits are extremely powerful and dangerous and should be dealt with accordingly.

Spiritual Leadership of God's People: Past, Present and Future

It is clear that Jesus Christ established both a civil and spiritual system through which his people were to be governed in order for there to be harmony among them and for them to carry out the work that he gave them to do. This study reviews the structure of the early church, and it discusses the reason for the chaotic condition of the church today and the three distinct ages of the church and their purpose.

Spiritual Leaders of the Early Church

This is a study into the following subjects concerning the spiritual leadership and organizational structure of the Church of God that give insight into the attitudes and responsibilities that each of the elect should have during this age of the church:

• • Qualifications of an elder

  • Attitude toward service

  • Elder' right to govern the elect

  • Stewards of God's mysteries

  • Elders accountability

  • Authority to heal the sick

  • Respect for spiritual leaders

  • Know those who lead the church

  • The Melchizedec priesthood

  • Peter and the keys of heaven.

Who Has the Authority to Lead the Elect of God?

It can easily be shown from the Bible and secular history that no unbroken succession of spiritual leadership of the early church exists today; therefore, how does one know if Jesus Christ has sanctioned the spiritual leaders of the group of people with whom one associates? Moreover, how can one recognize a person whom Jesus Christ has sanctioned as a spiritual leader? This study gives logical answers to these important questions.

Women's Role in the Church

This study examines a woman's roll as a spiritual leader under the new covenant during the gospel age of salvation.

Problem Resolution Among the Elect of God

There is probably not a more painful experience than having to confront a brother or sister in the body of Christ with issues concerning interpersonal problems or sinful attitudes or behavior. It would be good if interpersonal problems and sinful attitudes and behaviors did not occur among the elect, but the reality is that these types of problems will occur and must be dealt with in the manner prescribed by the law of God as taught by Jesus Christ and his apostles. This study reveals the biblical solution to interpersonal problems involving sinful attitudes or behaviors and problems involving no sin, accusation against an elder, and separation from fellowship.

Heresy and the Heretic

God instructs us to be continually alert to the danger of heretical people and their beliefs and teachings. Moreover, he instructs us not to encourage or tolerate people, beliefs, or teachings that are inconsistent with the his pure word. This study clearly explains some important concepts concerning attitudes and behaviors that must be dealt with in a severe manner within the congregations of God, what constitutes heresy, and who is to be considered a heretic.

The Controversy Over Speaking in Tongues

There are many differing beliefs about the gift of languages that was given when God began the New Covenant Church, and there are many differing beliefs about what the apostle Paul was trying to say to the Corinthian church about their use of this gift. Some people believe that a person must speak in an unknown language in order to receive the holy spirit. Some believe that people who practice speaking in unknown languages are either possessed by demons or manifest an unstable emotional state. Others believe that the gift of languages is only given to a very few, for use in special circumstances. This study provides an in-depth analysis of this important subject.

Does It Matter Where You Worship?

This study answers the question concerning the physical location where the congregations of God should assemble to worship God the Father, and whether or not where a person worships has a positive or a negative impact on one's spiritual relationship with God or his Son?