The Church and the Churches

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.

Diversity of Gifts

Romans 12:6 Children love to wake up on Christmas morning to see a diverse assortment of gifts under the tree ready to open and enjoy. It has pleased our heavenly Father to give us, His children, a diversity of spiritual gifts in order to build up and strengthen the body of Christ. What are these spiritual gifts and how can we learn to identify and exercise them for our mutual benefit and edification? Dr. Barnhouse explores this on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Members

Romans 12:4-5 Your stomach cannot pump blood throughout your body if your heart stops working. And if your eyes go blind, you cannot see with your toes. You cannot function properly unless every part of your body fulfills its unique and essential purpose. Believers are members of the Body of Christ and when we exercise our particular spiritual gifts, serve one another, and work together with unity of purpose, the church can function as a strong, healthy spiritual body. Dr. Barnhouse asks, "Are you helping the Body of Christ function properly by fulfilling your unique and vital role in His church?," on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Fellowship of Gospel

Romans 12:5 Believers often gather and sing the hymn, "They will know we are Christians by our love". But sadly, Christians are sometimes known for our fighting, quarreling and bitterness. Disunity and division in the church severely damages our witness for Jesus Christ before a watching world. How can we advance the Kingdom of God through authentic Christian love and fellowship in the gospel? Dr. Barnhouse explains on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

The Church and the Churches

Romans 12:5 Imagine a new believer looking for a church in the yellow pages. He will see names like Presbyterian, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Episcopal, and perhaps a few others. He might wonder which is the right church? Much confusion has arisen because people fail to distinguish between the organized, institutional churches and the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ, made up of His genuine followers. Dr. Barnhouse explains the difference between the churches and the Church on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.