What Is the Church?

Love, the Great Indespensable

Romans 12:9 If a man receives a new set of woodworking tools as a gift, but does not know how to use them properly he will make lopsided birdhouses and other poorly constructed projects. But an expert carpenter will know how to use his new tools to make many beautiful and useful items. God has given every believer at least one spiritual gift. But merely knowing what your gifts are and exercising them is not enough. We must always remember that the only right way to serve the Lord and others is to do so in genuine Christian love. Find out more from Dr. Donald Barnhouse.

Administration and Compassionate Care

Romans 12:8 Some congregations that might be more charasmatic might look down upon other churches and denominations for what they perceive as a lack of interest in spiritual gifts. They may not realize that a church is faithfully exercising its spiritual gifts through acts of mercy and compassion, and wise and effective management and administration of its affairs. Mercy, compassion, and church administration are not often mentoned in discussions of spiritual gifts, but they are vital to the growth and well being of the church of Jesus Christ. Dr. Barnhouse shares about these gifts on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Exhortation and Liberality

Romans 12:8 What do you think of when someone mentions spiritual gifts? Many Christians immediately think of extraordinary phenomena such as speaking in tongues, healings, and miricles. Spiritual gifts include generous, joyful giving as well as the ability to speak the right words in the right situations. Exhortation and generous giving are often overlooked in the discussion of spiritual gifts. but they play a vital role in the building up of the body of Christ. Dr. Barnhouse explains more on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Church Leadership and Teaching

Romans 12:6-8 Alexander the Great was so named because of his extraordinary military and political leadership as he conquered and domiated much of the known world. Even today we tend to associate greatness with power, wealth, influence, and worldly success. But Jesus points us to a much different path to greatness in the spiritual life and in church leadership. Effective church leaders must lay aside personal ambition, self-serving agendas, and the desire to rule over others and serve others in love, humiility, and complete reliance upon the grace of God. Find out more on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Prophets, Deacons, Teachers

Romans 12:6-8 Members of a football team have different responsibilities according to the positions they play. The quarterback calls plays, passes the ball, and hands it off as the offensive line blocks the defenders. The tailback runs the ball whie the recievers run patterns and catch passes. Likewise, Dr. Barnhouse explains, the members of Christ's church have different roles and spiritual responsibilities which must be fulfilled if the church is to succeed in its global mission.